Percy put his new clothes on hangers and stored them in the closet. "Now that you can see, you can finish reading your book."

"I don't feel like reading," Annabeth took her boots off and sprawled out on the couch.

Percy wasn't sure he'd heard that right. "Um, what?"

"You heard me."

"But you couldn't wait to pick up your book again!"

"Percy, come sit down," she beckoned him over.

He came up and sat down next to her. Maybe he'd found an opening. "Is something wrong?"

She rubbed her belly. "I know so many things can go wrong-"

"They won't," Percy insisted.

"But I'm happy," she continued as if he'd never said anything. "You have no idea how happy I am," she frowned. "Well, maybe you do. But everything is changing. We're both going to change, and it's a huge burden and I'm scared I'm not ready, I..."

Percy felt urgent fear. "Are you talking about opting out?" His heart climbed into his throat. He couldn't breathe. "No, you CAN'T-"

"I didn't say that!" She snapped.

Percy winced. He'd offended her. "I'm sorry," he mumbled.

"Don't you remember when we first talked about this? How excited I was? How happy we were that we could have children and not live in fear?"

"Yeah, of course," he held her hands up to his lips.

"I want this baby, Percy," she promised. "But I'm scared. I admit it."

Percy wanted to tell her not to be, but he was scared, too. He was scared for both of them. He was terrified, but he couldn't let on. He had to be the support system. He tried his best.

"We've been in far worse situations, and made it out just fine," he said with authority. "And this isn't bad at all! This is good, this is life!" He pulled her close.

Annabeth nuzzled the crook of his neck. "I know," she muttered.

Percy perked up. "I know what you need," he lifted her chin so that she was eye level, and about three inches away.

She raised an eyebrow and smiled wickedly.

"We need to visit my mom," he concluded.

"Oh," she looked a little disappointed.

He frowned. "What?"

"Nothing."

"Ah, I know what you wanted," he smirked and put his hands on her neck.

"What do I need to see Sally for?" She asked.

"Who better to make you feel secure and motherly?" He asked.

"Hmm," Annabeth put on her thinking face.

"Also, why should we not visit my mom?"

She giggled. "Fair enough."

"I can save up some money by winter vacation, and we can travel to New York in December. Maybe go to Camp! I haven't told Chiron, yet."

"And we can tell my mother," Annabeth offered.

Percy broke into a cold sweat. "On second thought, it'd probably be best that we spend Christmas here."

Annabeth laughed. "You can't seriously still be scared of Athena!"

"Uhhh, she was already kinda ticked about me even dating you. How do you think she'll react when she finds out I got you pregnant?"

"That was years ago, we're married," she closed her eyes. "I'm sure she's come to terms with it by now. Besides, she wants me to be happy."

"Well, we're definitely going to New York next month, but until then," Percy brought her closer and ran his lips down her face. "We'll stay right here."

"Hm," Annabeth kissed behind his ear and mussed his hair.

Annabeth was so close, Percy could feel her heartbeat. She smelled like honey. She slumped backwards into the cushions. He hugged her tightly and kissed her, and she took his face in her hands.

There was a knock at the door. Annabeth jumped and headbutted Percy.

He cursed and rubbed his forehead.

"Sorry," she hissed.

"That's fine," he opened his eyes and waited.

Another knock, this time with more vigor. Percy got up from the couch and peeked through the curtains. A lithe woman in a long dress, with dark frizzy hair was standing on the front porch.

"Who is it?" Annabeth asked, still draped over the couch cushions.

"It's a lady I've never seen before," he walked over and unbolted the door.

"Hello?" He answered.

"Hi, my name is Catherine Bates," the woman boldly offered her hand.

He obliged. "Percy Jackson."

"Nice to meet you, Percy," she put her other hand over his, which made him feel weird. "How are you today?" Her voice was low and velvety.

"I'm well, how are you?" He tried to free his hand without insulting her.

"Great!" She released his hand and beamed at him almost creepily. When she smiled, her eyes didn't crinkle like they should've.

"So, uh, can I help you?"

"As a matter of fact, you can! See, I'm a veteran on the mortal side, and I've been with the Legion for quite some time! And I have an offer for you!"

He heard Annabeth coughing in the living room. Ms. Bates tried to look into the house, and Percy instinctively moved to block her view.

"Being what?" He asked warily.

"How would you like to be a coordinator on the outside?" She raised up her hands as if this was a golden opportunity.

He blinked. "A what, now?"

"A coordinator! We find demigods in the mortal world and either bring them to camp, or help them out on quests! I've been asking around town, and I have just the job for you! I heard about how much you love to help people!"

"What kind of job?"

"Why, you can board planes and-"

"Planes!" He gulped. "Uh, I'd rather not. I can't do flying ma'am, I'm sorry."

The little lady stared at him for the longest time, making him incredibly uncomfortable. Her eye twitched. He wondered if he should say something.

"Okay!" She conceded in an alarming falsetto. "Thanks anyway! I'll keep asking, please lemme know if you change your mind!" Catherine Bates winked seductively and strolled back down the street. Once about twenty feet, away, she stopped and looked back at the house for a few seconds, then turned left and walked out of sight.

Percy closed the door and locked it twice. He locked the front window. He had a horrible twisting sensation in the pit of his stomach, as if he'd just been sized up by something malevolent.

"What did she want?" Annabeth asked lazily.

"I think," he decided. "She was trying to trap me."

"What?"

He recounted their conversation in detail, and explained why he thought she was creepy. Though he couldn't quite remember what she looked like.

Annabeth frowned. "Is she coming back?"

"I hope not," Percy walked into the kitchen and pulled out his phone. "But I don't like her going door to door like that. I'm gonna make a report just to be on the safe side."

He was still dialing when he heard a thump and Annabeth cried out.

Percy climbed right over the couch and came to her side. She had fallen against the side table, onto the floor, and was holding her midsection, in either pain or protection. Her face was white as she pointed out the window. Percy parted the curtains just in time to see a dark figure dart away from sight. Adrenaline flushed his system. He brought Annabeth into the kitchen and stood over her as he placed the call.