Thanks for all the votes and reviews. Most people said that Nico should be a family man, so that's what he will be. Honestly, I could see him in either but Thalia wouldn't be very happy about the military. Here's to the many reviewers!
Bellesong
I'mDifferent-GetOverIt- I try!
ANGIE- I didn't even think about that! Good point though, it would annoy me.
Adommmyadisonmurdockrulz- I do to, we should sneak in.
Fowlmaniac- Sorry! It is real though, I want to be as real as possible. And the make-out? Well you read Of Death and Roses, I love writing descriptive make-out sessions. I thought this story deserved one too.
Ffsah1- Agreed my friend, agreed. Thanks!
Sportschic5646- Thanks, I worked hard trying to find a name. I sat and pondered for quite a while : ). And I'm glad your enjoying this
MaXiMuM rIdE 22
Thalico DUUUUUH- I know, as soon as I wrote the one where Rowan was born I remembered and I was like 'Crap!' but not that nice of a word. I've decided to pretend her birthday is in spring or summer. Thanks for mentioning though.
HuntressofArtemis101- Okay, traveling to South Korea sounds freaking awesome! I like the thought of Nico being in the military too but no one else does. That's cool though, family guys are cool.
Higherthanlove22
Thalicolover4ever- Glad you love it!
Jcvh
Gizzy232
Demigodheart aka gepo
Skylar. Daughter of Hades
Numbah 006- Thanks, I love cookies!
Bable631- not everyone dies in the military. I wouldn't let him die anyway.
Wow that's a lot of reviewers. You're going to make me cry! Thanks again and on to the story.
Thalias pov
I walked in the bathroom and groaned when I saw the sundress hanging from the top of the shower. It was black, yes, but it was a DRESS. I shrugged off my comfy clothes anyway and slid on the garment.
Behind all my complaints, and I would never admit this to anyone, I kinda liked the dress. As much as I loved my jeans and T-shirts, I liked looking like a girl occasionally, and this did just that. It hugged my hourglass figure which, as weird as this is, wasn't affected by having Rowan, then blossomed out slightly when it hit my waist. It went to just above my knees so I could show off my legs that Nico loves. And it was one of the most comfortable dresses I've ever wore.
I straightened my hair a little more, making sure there were no stray pieces, then smeared eyeliner on the crest of my eye. It made me look a tad hard core without looking like the bass drummer for a dirty rock band in a sundress. When I looked okay, I walked out to get the boys ready. They were always needing that extra push.
Rowan was no longer asleep but now in the arms of Nico, who was on the couch. It looked like he just had a diaper change since one of my green disposal bags was on the floor nearby. When his eye landed on me, his eyes got a little wider and a smile played on his lips.
"Dang, you have a very hot mama, Rowan," he laughed.
Rolling my eyes, I muttered, "Thanks," and went to retrieve their clothes from the backpack. I found a neatly folded, plain black button down shirt and the black jeans he wore yesterday. I smirked when I remembered the surprise I packed him before we left on Friday. In one of the side pockets, I pulled out a silver tie with neatly printed black squares. He would love this.
"Nico!" I yelled, signaling him to come get dressed. He walked in shortly after, looking down at Rowan. "Here, baby," I cooed and took our son out of his arms.
"Thanks baby," he cooed back, and I, once again, rolled my eyes.
I motioned him to get dressed and got a sudden interest in Rowans feet.
"Thalia…what's this tie doing on top of my clothes?" he asked, coming closer with the thing in his hands. Crud.
"Ummmm you're gonna wear it tonight, duh," I scoffed like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
I guess he had learned not to argue with Thalia Grace, because he just sighed and started taking off his clothes. I watched as he threw off his 'Avenge Sevenfold' shirt and replaced it with the black shirt. He then slid off his pants and put on the jeans he doesn't really like. In my opinion, he looked perfectly hot in them.
I decided that was enough sexual activity for the day and turned my attention to Rowan. He was looking around, his brilliant blue eyes searching this world that was still new to him. When he noticed my eyes on him he stopped roaming and centered them on me.
I was always entranced by those innocent eyes that looked just like mine. The only difference was what those eyes have seen. I've seen so much destruction, so many people I love fall and die, so much pain. I wish I could be like him again. Clean, pure, perfect; but I can't. I'm going to keep my son like that for as long as I can.
I realized, staring at Rowan, he wasn't ready for his baptism. I laid him on the bed nearby and started unclothing him.
When we were all ready at 6:30, me and Nico decided to go on and get a sneak peek. First, though, we picked up Percy and Annabeth who, thanks to Annabeths OCD, were also ready.
Annabeth looked so pretty in a gray cotton dress that went right above her knees. It had a heart shaped cut at the top and was sleeveless, so it showed her small tan from who knows where. When I told her she looked amazing, she returned the compliment. Percy was in a green and white striped button down, minus the tie, that made his eyes pop with such intensity. He, like always, was a girls dream but Nico was more of my cup of tea.
"How's Rowan?" Annabeth cooed, bending down to look in the stroller. I caught Percy trying to look under her skirt but I kicked him in the shins, again, so that ended.
"Pretty good. He got a good nap in so he should be good for the night," I replied, beginning to push this contraption down the hall towards the temple. My dad wanted only the best for a grandson of his so he bought the nicest stroller on the market. It had three swivel wheels and decorated in black and blue. I wasn't even a jogger, so it wasn't necessary to buy a jogging stroller, but whatever. It was nice, just inconveniently large.
Percy exclaimed, "I'm ready to party tonight, they better have good music!"
I laughed, "Percy, this party is for a week old baby, I don't think it's going to be like prom or anything. Probably just some food, strangers talking to us, the works."
His face fell and he mumbled, "I knew that."
We small talked the rest of the way there, no matter how much time we spent with each other we could always find something to talk about. When the temple came in view, I was shocked. Since it was secluded in the very back all by itself, I had never seen it but it was beautiful. It was, of course, built in to the building, but the front was architected just like the Parthenon. The five Doric style columns started at the high ceilings and continued all the way through to the tiled floor. The light from inside wafted outside and sent a glow over the whole structure.
"Oh my god! Look at this architrave and…wow, look at the frieze. So beautifully constructed," Annabeth freaked, mystified by this Greek architecture.
Excluding Annabeth, who was still checking out various parts of the temple, we walked up the steps to be greeted by Hades and Persephone themselves. It was pretty weird since, a few yards away, there was a statue of each of them.
"Glad to see you made it early," Persephone smiled warmly at us. I think, over the centuries, she's become okay with the underworld. I can honestly see why after my whole two days here. I liked the sunlight and plants and human contact, but this was pretty cool. Her mom still isn't to happy, but she can deal like she has been for the past 8000 years.
Anyway, Persephone reached for Rowan in his stroller and he happily obliged. Maybe it's her being a nurturing goddess or something, I don't know. She took him inside and everyone followed, including Hades and Annabeth, who had caught up with us.
I won't give you the details of the ceremony because it would bore you out of your mind. Yeah, it was interesting and a very important day in my sons life, but it just went by soooo slow and you probably don't care. So, instead, I'll give you the short version.
About fifteen minutes after we arrived, everyone began piling in. Bianca, my dead sister-in-law, sat beside us and Rowan was, once again, taken to the stage. They undressed him then wrapped him in a white towel in front of everyone, which was a little odd. Hades was pretty good playing priest, blessing everything he could think of; the water, Rowan, his parents and godparents. Finally he got to the dipping in the water which consisted of three dips where the water went to about Rowans chest while chanting 'Rowan Mario Di Angelo'. Creeeeepy. Olive oil, apparently blessed by Zeus, was brought over out of nowhere and he was, you guessed it, blessed again. At last, baby Rowan was dressed once more and given a chain with a lightning bolt on it. That whole process took an hour and a half.
Not to hate on the whole Greek gods way of living, but what was the point in that? It was sweet but what does that do to our, if you want to call it this, religion? I liked it and all but I don't think I ever got one of those and I think I'm a fine person. Oh well, it's something me and the other three 'parents' of Rowan will remember forever.
Before I knew it, everyone was crowding out of the door, heading to the ballroom where the after party would take place. I didn't know what to expect of this party, maybe dancing skeletons singing Madonna, but I had a thought it would be alright. Food and friends always ends up being a good time.
Since the ballroom was about a mile from the temple, we all walked like a congregation line. Me, Nico, Bianca, Percy, Annabeth and, of course, Rowan were in the back while the people we hardly knew were front lineman. Nico decided to be helpful and push around the stroller while our son was inside sucking on his pacie.
"So that was a," Percy searched for the right word, "interesting thing."
"Did any of you have any kind of ceremony like that?" Annabeth asked the question I was just pondering.
Nico hesitantly raised his hand and everyone but Bianca seemed surprised. He explained, "Yeah, my dad told me when he wanted one for Rowan. Of course, even if I wasn't so young I wouldn't remember it. My whole life before seven is just a black void."
"Oh, don't be so bitter, Nico," Bianca chuckled. You know, for a spirit she is pretty peppy.
My fiancé mumbled something and pushed the stroller into Percy's heal, possibly by accident. They got into a glaring contest that was only broken up by walking in to the ballroom.
Being last in the line, everyone was already taking there seats. Tonight, it was decorated nicely with circular tables that fitted six, perfect for the five of us and a baby. The white table cloth hanging off reminded me of the night Nico asked me to marry him and I smiled at the thought. Gods, that seemed so long ago. The ring on my left hand is the only thing that reminds me it wasn't a dream.
Anyway, we took the table in the front that had our names on it. We're just THAT special. We sat in nearly the same order as in the temple; Bianca, Nico, Rowan, me, Annabeth, then Percy. As soon as I had made sure Rowans carrier (which, if you were wondering, Nico shadow traveled and got) was safely in the chair, the ghostly cooks came over with trays of food. They looked at Bianca a little strangely but began setting them down nonetheless. Talk about fast service.
They were all mostly finger foods you wouldn't imagine in the underworld. Such as corndogs, chicken tenders, potato skins, onion rings, and an assortment of sauces. It was like the chefs closed there eyes, dug in the freezer, pulled something out, then stuck it in the oven. I loved it.
I was really hungry, this was a late meal for me, so I tried a little bit of everything. It was all so good, the only thing I could expect from the underworld chefs. The whole time me and my friends just hung out and had random conversations. I could tell Nico was overjoyed by Bianca really being here, being able to talk with us. If it was weird to have Bianca and Percy, his ex enemy because of Bianca's death, sitting at the same table, talking about foosball, he didn't show it. In fact, he seemed at peace.
Everyone got the same treatment as us, giving us time before everyone came to talk. I knew it would happen, but I still grimaced when the first person came to congratulate us and see Rowan up close. I wanted this to last forever. Music began playing in the background as she, I think a very minor goddess of some sorts, came to talk. She had flowing brown hair and a rosy pink gown on. She was pretty in a way only goddesses could be. but I couldn't put a name to her.
"Hello Nico, Thalia, congratulations on the birth of Rowan. He's extremely handsome. I'm Eris," she greeted, cooing at Rowan. I wasn't sure who Eris was, but okay, I'll take it.
As the night wore on, we got visits from Thanato's, Hecate, one of the judges from the hall of judgment, some guy who says he watches over Cyprus, and Luke. Yeah, I said Luke.
It was a surprise. We were just sitting there, laughing about the last guy who came over, and we thought we were done. The ballroom was mostly empty besides a few stragglers but I was pretty sure they had already been over here. That's when Luke came walking from the shadows. Me and Annabeth knew exactly who it was as soon as we saw the figure. We exchanged quick glances then stared again, wanting to make sure. I could just tell in the way he walked, the way his hair sat on his head in the shadow. It was Luke Castlen.
He came fully out of the shadow and I was shocked. He looked so normal and happy, like the days when we were on the run. I smiled as memories rushed back. But then I remembered what caused his death, what he did and the smile vanished. His did too when he saw my expression.
"Thalia, Annie," he began, looking at us and the other two stunned faces. I grabbed Nicos hand to make sure he was okay, he was pissed at Luke too. I had to make sure he didn't do something rash. Percy was the same and I couldn't blame him, Annabeth was even worse off than I was. "Percy, it's been a long time. Thanks for taking care of Annabeth when I wasn't there for her. And Nico…I don't know you all that well. You're a son of Hades, obviously, and your engaged to Thalia. So I guess I owe you a thank you as well. I just want to say I'm sorry for all the…Kronos stuff. I shouldn't have left my two best friends even though I see your fine without me. Both engaged to great guys as far as I can tell, one of you starting your family, it's wonderful."
It was silent. No one made a move to say anything so I took the bullet, "Thanks Luke."
The sad thing was, there was so many questions I wanted to ask. One minute I was looking the guy I thought I loved in the eye, saving him and Annabeths lives from monsters. The next, I jump out of a tree to find out he's turned evil. I just wanted to know what happened. Instead, I said thanks. Now the whole room was engulfed in an awkward silence.
"Would you like to see our son?" I asked just to end this.
He nodded and I brought Rowan out of his carrier. He, shocking as this is, wasn't asleep, just around. Every time I saw him he reminded me of Nico and I couldn't help but love both of them more. I held him to my chest as Luke looked on, observing Rowans everything.
He smiled, "He's beautiful. He'll be a great hero someday."
Did I sense jealously in his voice? Was he thinking what if I hadn't become Kronos, would that be our baby? Honestly, the answer might've been yes but I'm glad it wasn't. Luke, he's cool but Nico…. he's everything. If Luke hadn't done what he did, I don't think I would've ever met Nico and I couldn't imagine life without him. How cheesy is that?
"That's all I came to do. Apologize, see your son, give thanks. I must go now. Goodbye," Luke breathed, giving us both one more look. He vanished and all was quiet.
Bianca interrupted the stillness, "Speaking of going, I must leave too. Nico, I'm proud of you and I love you. I'll think about you and Rowan and Thalia all the time, I promise. Thalia, take care of him and Rowan. Keep them both in line. Annabeth, Percy, good luck with the wedding, I wish I could attend. Bye guys."
"Love you too Bianca."
"Will do."
"Thanks, we wish too."
We all mumbled as she disappeared. Nico looked sad but I knew this trip would help him.
"And we have to go too!" Annabeth exclaimed, seemingly un-phased by Luke's strange appearance. Me being her best friend, I knew she was holding her emotions in, but I pretended not to notice.
"Your leaving too?" I whined playfully.
Percy intercepted, "We have classes starting at eight tomorrow morning. It'll already be early enough, we don't need to be fresh from the underworld."
We hugged them goodbye and said our thanks, then Nico took the liberty of shadow traveling them to there apartment in D.C. I was left alone with Rowan and instructed to wait here, he would be right back.
As soon as I saw him reappear I started walking, already having put Rowan into his stroller. I was ready to be in bed in my jammies, I've had enough adventure for one day.
Tomorrow morning we would be leaving and, as much as the underworld thrilled me, I was happy. Tomorrow, we would feel like a family. Eating in the kitchen, putting Rowan to bed in his crib, getting used to living with a baby. I was ready.