Mrs. O'Leary could not come to New Rome. Percy made sure that Chiron had her taken care of in his absence. She was now the camp pet, and she loved to romp around with the resident campers. Sometimes Nico would visit her on weekends and give updates.

There was only one reason Percy dreaded visiting camp:

He had just stepped across the border when he was hit by a truck. A black, furry, four-legged truck.

"Oof!" He hit the ground hard as a burlap tongue scraped his face off. "Hey, Mrs. O'Leary! Ow. Nice to see you again. Ow."

Annabeth just stood and laughed at the sight.

The massive hound finally released him and stood over them, trembling with joy. Then she heard a conch horn blow and ran towards the sound.

Annabeth helped him to his feet. "That went well. She didn't dislocate your shoulder this time."

Camp was exactly how he'd remembered it. Pegasii swooped overhead, and campers ran around to various activities. The Golden Fleece still shimmered in the camp's pine tree, and the dragon dozed with his tail curled around it.

The two of them made their way up the hill and onto the porch of the Big House. Percy stepped forward and knocked on the door.
It opened slowly, and out came a wizened, beared man with the lower half of a white stallion. He had to duck his head down to fit under the doorway.

"Why, Percy and Annabeth!" Chiron's eyes twinkled as he gathered his former pupils into a warm hug. "My children, come inside!" He ducked back into the house.

"Thank you, Chiron," Annabeth picked up her suitcase and walked inside in front of Percy.
As always, there was a brightly burning fire in the fireplace. Seymour snored loudly on the wall. The coffee table was covered in papers. Percy didn't question the whereabouts of Dionysus. He knew he'd be going to the meeting on Mount Olympus for the Winter solstice.

"Just sit down anywhere," Chiron backed into his magic wheelchair to make room. "Sorry for the mess in here, I was looking through credentials on new arrivals."

"What new campers have you gotten lately?" Percy sat down and crossed his legs.

"We've gotten this girl from Ohio, ten years of age," Chiron stroked his beard thoughtfully. "And a young man of about nineteen. The girl lost her father before arriving here, poor lamb. How have you two been fairing? It's been such a long time."

"Uh, I'm holding down my job pretty well," Percy rubbed his hands together. "Paid off a lot of the mortgage."

"How nice," He smiled and poured everyone some tea. "Anything else?"

"One other thing."

"And what would that be?"

"Well, it's really awesome. Annabeth is pregnant."

"Oh, I knew, already, my boy. Congratulations."

Percy's grin fell away. "How did you know?"

"Nothing like that stays a secret at this camp," he smiled and leaned back. "Remember when everyone at camp found out you two were betrothed? Who here did you tell, anyway?"

"Uh, Nico. And Clarisse."

"Ah, I see. Now the entirety of camp knows about it."

"So which one do I need to strangle?"

"Oh, don't worry about it. We're all so pleased with this revelation. We hardly hear from you two," Chiron beamed at Annabeth. "How do you feel, my dear?"

"I'm fine," she held her tea, but didn't drink any. "I guess I'm just tired of being asked."

"I understand, forgive me," he held out his hands. "May I?"

"Oh, of course," she set her tea on the table and rested her hands at her sides so Chiron could touch her belly. He ran his hands over her midriff with gentleness and curiosity, like that of a doctor. "You seem very healthy. Who is your physician?"

"Will is," Annabeth cleaned her glasses. "He's great."

"Yes, indeed," he folded his hands in his lap. "I trust he is taking good care of you."

"He is," she said sofly. "I'm gonna kill him one day."

The three of them burst into laughter.

"I'm not joking," Annabeth insisted.

"Oh, he's only looking after you, my child."

"I get enough of that from Percy."

"No you don't," Percy smirked. "You will never get enough from me."

Chiron smiled and averted his eyes as if he felt he was intruding.

"So, Chiron," He drained his cup set it down. "Is it safe for us to step out into the camp?"

"Oh, it should be," he spread his hands. "At least for Annabeth," he smiled and shook his head. "I jest. Don't worry, made sure they'll go easy on you."

"Thank you for everything," he stood up and helped Annabeth up. She gave Chiron another hug.

"Are you staying in New York? We can free up some space for you!"

"Oh, no thank you, we're safe staying in town. But thank you. We'll visit every day while we're here."

"Well, I'm glad! Welcome back."

Percy wasn't staying in his old cabin, but he just wanted to visit it. It was still uninhabited; exactly how he left it. The little fountain gurgled peacefully, and aquatic flowers still thrived in their window box. Memories flooded back. Some joyous, some frightening. He remembered entering Cabin Three for the first time, as a terrified and confused twelve year-old, alone in the world. He remembered leaving it as a camper for the last time, as an adult. He lied down in his old bunk and closed his eyes.

He heard a knock on the door frame and opened his eyes. Annabeth was standing in the threshold.

"Hi," she stepped forward. "Can I come in?"

"That's against the rules, y'know," Percy chided jokingly.

"We're adults. Not campers. Plus, do you really think I care, Percy?"

Percy gave a lopsided smile. "Well, alright, ya little ruffian, come on in."

She came inside and laid herself down next to him in the bunk. They were so close, he could feel her breath. He imagined his son sleeping here some day. He couldn't wait to take his children to this camp.

Annabeth lifted her head. "I know what you're thinking, and you better stop, because there is no way it's going to happen."

Percy frowned. "What?"

"Lukas is gonna be in my cabin."

He stared at her for a second and started to laugh.

"What's so funny?" She tilted her head.

He gasped for air. "Joke's on you. He's already in my cabin."

She opened her mouth, then closed it, then opened it again. "I hate you," she got up to leave.

"Oh, no, you don't," he grabbed her arms and pulled her back down. "Admit your defeat!"

"No!" She squeaked, but she was grinning and she was bright red.

"Well you say 'no,' but your face says-"

"Shut up!" She giggled and kissed him aggressively. Her hair fell over her shoulders and brushed against his face.

Something felt wrong. He pulled away. "Annabeth, no," he mumbled.

"Hm?"

"Not here. We're not gonna make out in my cabin. I won't allow it."

She swung her legs onto the floor. "Then let's leave the cabin."

"Holy Hebe!" He laughed. "I just wanna lie here and recall my childhood for a bit."

"Okay," she lied back down. "We can do that."

Wind whistled just outside the walls.

Percy could hear Annabeth breathing. The beads on her necklace rested against her throat. Her hair was so soft, and smelled of nutmeg and lavender. Her stormy eyes mirrored the water from the fountain in the dim light. Her lips were parted slightly, like rose petals.

He took her face in his hands and turned her towards him. "You know what? Nevermind."