A/N: Once again, THIS STORY ISN'T MINE! I can't take credit for writing this masterpiece, I just copied and pasted it from tumblr so it can reach a larger audience! The writer of this story is tumblr user storiesoftheseven . Here's the link to the master post of Falling For the Devil : HERE
"It's just a drop in the ocean, a change in the weather, I was praying that you and me might end up together. It's like wishing for rain as I stand in the desert but I'm holding you closer than most 'cause you are my heaven."
This use to be his favorite thing to do.
Just sitting, watching the sun go down on the terrace in front of the gardens. The sun dipping low perfectly in the horizon. The sky a multitude of colors, orange, pink, blue. It was always the one time of day that he allowed himself to wish that his life was different. That he was different.
He often day dreamed about how his life would have been if he hadn't taken over the business after he killed the miserable excuse he had for a father. He was on the swim team until his mother died and he used to love the water.
Before his mother had remarried his stepfather she and Percy used to go to Montauk on the weekends. Just the two of them. He could still smell the water coming off the waves, see his mother's curly black hair wind blown as she waved at him from the shore.
If he had lived a normal life, like his mother had wanted, maybe he would have been a Marine Biologist or a teacher or an Olympic Swimmer. The possibilities had been limitless.
Until his father had murdered his family.
Then he became this. Well, what he use to be… before Annabeth.
Percy watched the rental company put up tents and the workers hustle around before the sun set. Tomorrow they were having a wedding and then… he and Annabeth were disappearing. He should have done it the moment she was released from the hospital.
But with her pregnancy still in such a delicate state he made the decision to stay with more security and Reyna temporarily in charge. Kronos was gone but that didn't mean he didn't have more enemies. More people who would get wind of what happened and want to capitalize on his weakened state.
"Are you sure this is what you want?" Percy looked to his side, Reyna was standing a few feet behind him- two glasses of whiskey in her hand.
Percy took the drink from her and nodded, "It's the only way to keep us out of danger."
Reyna shook her head, "No, it's not. I can protect the both of you."
Percy smiled slightly to himself, "You mean the three of us?"
Reyna smiled wide, "I was waiting on you to tell me, not that I didn't figure it out on my own."
He laughed, "She's been so sick and still healing from her shot I haven't had a chance."
Reyna sat down on the brick steps, Percy followed, "You're doing this because of the baby." She stated.
He shook his head, "Not entirely… it's for Annabeth too. I can't have anything else happen to her."
Reyna nodded, "I understand… it's just going to be weird without you around."
Percy took a long drag of his drink, "You'll be fine."
Reyna sighed, "I know." They sat together in companionable silence as the workers carried tables and chairs around them.
"This was nice of you." She said, pointing out toward the garden.
He laughed, "I didn't exactly have a choice, Annabeth promised Thalia her wedding could be here…. besides it was the perfect time to get out of the country without being noticed."
Reyna frowned but then chuckled, "You're so whipped." Percy shrugged because it was true.
He finished off his drink and stood up, "I need to check on Annabeth, I've been out here a while."
She nodded and looked up at him, "We'll talk again before tomorrow night."
Percy nodded, "Definitely."
He took off toward the back door then. The day they left the hospital they had reporters and detectives swarming the place. Percy had to call his lawyer and pull every string he had to keep his ass out of jail. His connections with the D.A. helped a lot but the reporters were a bit trickier. For the first month after the fiasco with Kronos they ran story after story about Percy and Annabeth.
It helped that they had stayed out of the limelight with Annabeth being on strict bedrest right after the accident. However, it still took weeks before the headlines about them and the 'accident' died down.
Percy walked slowly through the corridor of his home, this was the last night he'd spend here. He knew Annabeth was sad, she'd been crying over every little thing since she had gotten out of the hospital- since before he brought up even moving away. Which had more to do with being pregnant than anything else.
The pregnancy hadn't been the easiest for Annabeth. When they came home from the hospital she was still healing from her shot and dealing with morning sickness. There was only so much medication she could take that would help. But she had taken all of it in stride and he couldn't have been more in love with her because of it. She was so much stronger than he ever thought, so much stronger than him.
Percy jogged up the long staircase that led to their bedroom. The bedroom Annabeth had been confined to for the first two months they were home. Now that she was able to move around and pack up a bit of their belongings she had been a crying mess. Percy had learned quickly to just let her be when she started crying. Only offering solace when she wasn't sobbing into her pillow.
The first time he'd tried to comfort her she threw a picture frame at him that had a picture from their wedding in it. He left her alone for a while after that. When she was finished crying she found him on the terrace and apologized furiously for her behavior. He laughed because after everything he put her through in the last year he didn't care if she threw a picture frame at him.
He was just glad she loved him.
Percy pushed open the door to his bedroom and found his wife curled up on the bed, taking a nap. Naps were also another thing she did all the time. He often found her curled up on one of the many couches around their home- the couch in his office was her most favorite napping place. Whenever Reyna needed help Annabeth would always insist on walking down to his office with him.
Percy would always compromise and carry her down, since she was suppose to be on bedrest. It never took her long to fall asleep on the couch in front of the fireplace. Percy watched her for a moment, watched the way her chest rose and fell with each breath. Breath that meant she was alive and well.
He walked over and sat on the edge of the bed and tried to coax her out of sleep, "Annabeth," He whispered, "It's almost time for dinner."
She stirred as he swept her hair out of her face. Her eyes fluttered open and she yawned loudly, "You can go back to sleep after dinner," Percy promised, running a hand down her side and around the small but defined bump.
Annabeth stretched and frowned, "I feel like all I do is sleep."
Percy chuckled and helped her up, "The doctor said it was normal."
She looked at him, "I still don't like it, I haven't done anything productive in four months." Percy laughed and helped her sit up.
He kissed her when she was sitting all the way up. He also couldn't resist telling her that he loved her. Annabeth smiled and kissed him again, pulling him so that he was positioned between her legs.
He kissed her back for a bit before he pulled himself away completely, not wanting to get completely caught up in her. They still had so much to do before they left tomorrow night and Annabeth still wanted to spend some time with Thalia this evening.
His wife sighed, "Why do you always do that? I didn't want you to pull away… if anything I wanted you to keep kissing me."
Percy chuckled and pushed her hair from her brow, "You're worse than I am."
Annabeth rolled her eyes, "I'm pregnant and I was only cleared to have sex again last month. We have yet to completely make up for lost time."
Percy kissed her again, letting his lips slide against hers effortlessly. Their mouths had always moved so perfectly together but now that they were on the same page everything felt so easy between them.
He pulled away and rested his forehead against hers, "We have the rest of our lives to be intimate… we only have twenty four hours left in this country. Aren't there some people you want to spend time with?"
Annabeth sucked in a breath, "Thanks for reminding me."
Percy frowned, he knew this would be hard for her… but it was the only way to live without constantly keeping one eye over their shoulder at all times. "We talked about this."
She ran her hands through her hair and pushed off the bed, Percy stepped back allowing his wife some space, "I know… it's just hard…. harder than I expected… this is home… this is where we fell in love… this is where," He watched her eyes fill with tears as she braced her hand on one of posts of their bed, "this is where we created our child… and I always imagined them running around the gardens or playing on the terrace while we had tea."
Percy smiled, just the lifting of one side of his cheek, "Annabeth… It's not safe right now… maybe one day we can come back here but… for now I believe it's best for us to leave."
He watched the way her resolve steeled in her face, her jaw set and her eyes turned the full force of their glare onto him, "And what if I refuse?"
Percy wanted to laugh because it was so like her display eight months ago. The day he blackmailed her into marrying him, "Well… I suppose I'd have to convince you that my plan is for the best."
Annabeth crossed her arms over her chest, making her shirt cling tight to her rounding stomach. They had been in many situations like this but it was all new this time. This time the scales were tipped heavily in her favor, and they both knew it.
"I don't want to leave, Percy."
He sighed and took another step back from her, "Annabeth, I will not constantly fear for your life or our child's life…. this is the best way to ensure the safety of you both."
Annabeth took a step closer to him, "We can't run from everything." Percy opened his mouth and snapped it shut, he looked away from her face- her stupid and beautiful face, the look in her eyes held too much victory for his liking.
"Besides, I didn't fight for our life here just to leave it because you're scared." He huffed out a laugh as he felt her fingertips run up his arm. He couldn't stop the way his head turned back to her and his arms folded around her body.
"I am scared," he sighed as he leaned his forehead against hers. "I can't lose you, Annabeth. I meant what I said in the hospital… you matter more to me than anything else." Her mouth lifted into a smile and then she was kissing him again and he absolutely could not resist her a second time.
Annabeth had been right earlier, they had not properly made up for lost time with their intimacy. Partly because she had been so sick and so tired but mostly because she was still healing from that day in the warehouse with Kronos… or maybe he had just been scared… so many things he had been terrified for and here his wife was calling him out on it- like she always had.
Annabeth grasped his shirt and started walking backwards toward the bed. In three strides he was being pulled down on top of her. He stood up and lifted her by the hips, she wrapped her legs around his waist and he climbed into the middle of the bed.
As soon as her back hit the bed she moved her hands and started pushing his shirt up over his stomach. He broke the kiss and pulled it over his head as he looked back down at her. Her eyes were bright, her smile indulgent and her lips parted- ready for another kiss.
He leaned down but instead of kissing her he placed his lips on her neck and began the almost impossible task of getting her shirt and bra off. She sighed impatiently when he passed her lips making him laugh against her neck as he ran his fingertips across the soft skin of her stomach.
His hand curved around the side of her belly and he smiled against her neck. The idea of becoming a father still scared him but he had resolved that he would be the best one possible. He would show his child everything his father hadn't and he would love them more than his mother had loved him. His mother was the best example of love he had known before Annabeth.
Annabeth reached around and dug her fingers into his lower back, he arched into her hands and continued moving her shirt up- his mouth kissing her neck and shoulder until her it was up and over her head.
Since her release from the hospital they'd gotten better at the taking the time to truly appreciate the other. It had extended into their intimacy and now was no different. Her fingers smoothed down the line of his back as he kissed her slowly, embracing the feel of her mouth moving over his- soaking up the breath of life within her. Once again he felt thankful that she was alive after that horrible day so many months ago. Fearing for her life- for his life- watching the person he loved take a bullet for him.
Percy worked her yoga pants down and over her knees before she kicked them off completely. When he leaned backed down her hand was already on his button, unsnapping it and pushing his zipper down.
When the last bits of their clothing were on the floor. Percy nuzzled into her neck, running his nose up her throat and down to her collar bone. His lips grazed the soft skin, his hands moving of their own accord across her breasts and down further. He heard her breath catch and a soft gasp escape her mouth.
He pulled back to kiss her but as soon he moved his head she pulled him down to her lips. He kissed her back just as enthusiastically and let himself get caught up in her. Everything turned frenzied as she arched against him in search of friction, her hips ground into his.
Moments later he was buried inside her and her legs were wrapped tight around his waist. She gripped his arms, her golden hair spilled across the pillow, her lips parted- breath coming in pants, her hips moving with his. She was all he could think about, she had been all he thought about since they'd been together that first time in the Maldives.
The fact that she was his, even after everything he had ever done to her, was a miracle. That she had stayed after he gave the ultimatum that day in the graveyard- that she had saved him in more ways than one.
This girl loved him and he didn't know why but he would take it, he would take her in any capacity he could have her. He loved her that much. Percy leaned down to kiss her as her hands ran up his neck and into his hair, then down his back. Her nails dug into the top of his back. She breathed his name and then requested he move harder against her. He shook his head not wanting to hurt her but she just pushed him until he was laying on his back and she was over him.
Her legs cradled his hips and then she was moving above him and he couldn't help but meet her thrusts. They were slow and deep and it made him completely forget his own name- the only thing he knew was her.
Percy watched her toss her head back and rock against him, his body at her mercy. His hands dug into her waist, holding on for dear life. Everything was so different from the first time they'd had sex. When she finally placed her hands on his chest and looked at him he knew she was close- he was too.
It was rare that they ever came together but this time they did. His fingers clenched around her hips as she grabbed onto the wood headboard in front of her. Percy's eyes were intent on her face, it was spurring him on. He knew the moment she came because it had him spilling into her as her free hand curled her nails into his shoulder.
It hurt but he didn't care as she collapsed onto his chest, he wrapped both arms around her waist and held her tight. He could feel her heart hammering in her chest and the pants she was making against his neck.
He squeezed her tighter and she kissed his neck.
"So, we're staying?" He asked moments later.
Annabeth chuckled into his neck, "We were never leaving, I just let you think that instead of fighting about it. I knew you'd see it my way sooner or later."
Percy laughed as she leaned up and kissed his lips, "I don't see it your way but I'm not making you go if you don't want to."
Annabeth beamed at him, "I love you so much, do you know that?"
He nodded, because he did know.
She kissed him again and rolled off of him making a beeline for the bathroom. He laid there for a second longer - anxiety and fear slowly creeping into his heart. He still wanted to leave- he wanted to get her as far away from New York as possible but he wouldn't take away her right to choose. Not again. Not after everything they had been through.
0-0-0-0-0
"Awe, Thals…. you look absolutely amazing." Annabeth breathed as she walked into the room that use to be hers.
Thalia grimaced in the full length mirror, "I'm a fat cow."
Annabeth laughed and joined her friend's side, "You are not and if you say that again, I'm hauling Nico up here. Screw tradition."
Thalia glared at her through the mirror, "I'm just so pregnant and swollen and I feel like at any moment I'm going to burst into hysterical tears."
Annabeth shook her head, "You probably will cry, you're getting married, it's okay to cry."
Thalia's eyes filled with tears and Annabeth's did too. Annabeth reached up to hug her best friend. She kept her body turned to the side, her small but defined bump was unnoticable in the empire waist dress she was in. They hadn't exactly spread the news of her pregnancy, Thalia didn't even know, but Annabeth had plans to rectify that as soon as possible.
They cried together for a few more moments before Annabeth pulled away and grabbed a tissue. Just as she walked over to the table that held the tissues a gust of wind blew through the open windows. Her dress flattened against her stomach and Thalia gasped softly.
Annabeth smiled softly, it was now or never.
She handed her best friend a kleenex and wiped her own eyes. Careful not to smudge her eye makeup.
Once Thalia had dried her eyes she glared at Annabeth.
Annabeth smiled, "We were waiting to tell everyone…. after the accident we were still such at risk for a miscarriage and we wanted to make sure everything was safe before we made it public."
Thalia pursed her lips and then smiled, "We're pregnant together!"
Annabeth grinned and nodded, "Our due dates are five weeks apart."
Thalia laughed and hugged her, "You're so much cuter than me."
Annabeth shook her head, "You are beautiful."
Thalia pulled back from the hug, "You're absolutely glowing, I knew something was different about you when I got here this morning."
Annabeth frowned, "Well, that was more than just being pregnant. Maybe I'll tell you the real story of how Percy and I got together one day… then you'll understand why I'm so happy today…. but not today. Today is all about you."
She watched the confusion sweep across Thalia's face but it was replaced by a wide smile, "It is all about me… and Nico…. and the fact that I'm five months pregnant and getting married in the middle of winter."
Annabeth shook her head, "All of the snow has been melted from the back terrace and gardens and the tent is heated. You won't even know it's thirty degrees outside."
Thalia sighed, "I don't even know how I would have done this without you."
Annabeth shook her head. "Katie did all the work, all I did was call her."
There was a knock at the door and Annabeth turned to see her husband peek in. Annabeth waved him in, he shut the door and walked over - kissing Annabeth quickly before facing Thalia.
Thalia grinned, "You two are sickening… but it's nice. It's great to see you happy, Annabeth."
Annabeth felt her husband stiffen a but, she wound her arm around his waist and squeezed.
Thalia turned to Percy, "Congratulations, by the way."
Annabeth blushed a little, it was the first time someone outside of them had acknowledged the baby.
Percy beamed at Thalia, "Thanks, we're very excited." Annabeth leaned into him and smiled, "But it's time to start."
"Oh man," Thalia whispered, "Where is my brother?"
Percy smiled at her, "He's waiting at the entrance to the tent, Katie sent me up to get you both."
Thalia checked herself in the mirror once and then grabbed her bouquet. Annabeth and Percy lagging a bit behind her. He wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed the side of her hair.
"You look beautiful," He whispered into her ear.
Annabeth leaned up and kissed him on the mouth, "Thanks… but are we telling people about the baby? Because it's sort of noticeable."
Percy smiled at her, "You're almost eighteen weeks pregnant I'm pretty sure we can start telling people."
Annabeth rubbed a hand over her small bump, "I'd love to start buying things and plan out a room, picking names… oh man, I need to set up an appointment to find out the gender. We have so much to do."
Percy laughed as they came to the back doors, Annabeth saw Thalia hugging Jason and him whispering in her ear. The photographer snapping a million photographs at the show of affection between brother and sister.
"Slow down, Annabeth. We have plenty of time," He kissed her one more time, "Let's just focus on Thalia and Nico and if the baby comes up then we'll tell people." Percy said as he rubbed a soothing circle into her side.
Annabeth sighed, "Okay." She pulled away from Percy as he ducked into the warm tent.
"Are you ready?" Annabeth asked Thalia and Jason when they pulled away from their hug.
Thalia pulled away and wiped at her eyes, "Yeah,"
Jason leaned down and hugged Annabeth, "I'd never let anyone else walk my sister down the aisle, if you hadn't of been like a sister to me I'd feel shafted in some way."
Annabeth laughed and kissed his cheek, "Are you sure, Jase?"
He nodded, "You weren't with a pregnant Thalia when we found out you were in the hospital." Annabeth shot her friend a look, she shrugged. "And then when we found out what happened… how you were kidnapped and held for ransom. Thalia was beside herself. Anyways, Thalia already promised that if it's a boy she was going to name him after me."
"I did not." Thalia insisted.
Jason rolled his eyes, "I'll see you up front big sis."
He disappeared into the tent and a few moments later Katie handed her a small bouquet as the music started playing. Katie counted and then was pulling open the side of the tent and they were walking down the aisle, Thalia's hand was tight in Annabeth's.
Katie had positively outdone herself again. The tent had candle's lining the aisle and flowers everywhere. A simple wooden archway stood where the minister and Nico were. Only fifty family and friends had been invited to the small and intimate ceremony. Annabeth spotted her husband sitting in the back, his eyes on her. She smiled at him and he smiled back. Her heart jumped, she still couldn't believe how different their life was now.
When they made it to the altar Annabeth kissed Thalia's cheek and hugged Nico before taking her place beside the couple as the matron of honor. Jason was Nico's best man. The ceremony began and Annabeth was not ashamed to say she cried… the whole time.
Watching the couple that inspired Annabeth the most pledging their love and affection to one another was one of the most beautiful things she'd ever witnessed. They spoke their own vows, Nico mentioning the baby and how he would be the dad he always wanted his father to be. Annabeth was pretty sure there wasn't a dry eye in the place after that.
When they finally kissed for the first time as husband and wife everyone clapped. Annabeth sought out Percy and saw him smiling softly at her, she felt her heart stir at the sight of him. A warmth settled into her chest and her eyes pricked with tears, this wedding felt like a new beginning for her and Percy as well as Nico and Thalia. For the first time in her life she was so content with her life- she was happy and had exactly what she always wanted.
After the ceremony everyone was ushered to another tent for a cocktail hour while the photographer snapped a few photos. When everyone filed out of the tent Annabeth found her husband. He kissed her soundly when he had his arms around her.
She kissed him back only mildly confused by his affection. When he pulled away Annabeth saw a myriad of emotions playing across his features. "I'm so sorry, Annabeth. I'll never be able to apologize for all that I've done to you," he whispered, "This is the type of wedding you deserved… something that was beautiful and filled with love…. and I took that from you-"
Annabeth kissed him again to get him to shut up.
"I love you." She whispered against his lips.
He sighed and kissed her again, "Sorry," He muttered sheepishly, again.
Annabeth smiled at him, "Don't apologize for remorse, Percy. It's one of things that makes you different from the man I married."
Percy frowned, "I'll never be able to make it up to you."
Annabeth shook her head, "You already have, by loving me… by changing…. by being okay with my pregnancy."
One of his hands curved around the bottom of her stomach as he kissed her again. The photographer called for Annabeth then, she pulled away from him just as his phone rang. He looked at it and mouthed that it was Reyna. She nodded as he walked out of the tent and answered the call.
An hour into the reception it was starting to bother her that she hadn't seen him but she trusted him. When he finally made his reappearance he scared the mess out of her by wrapping his arms around her from behind.
He chuckled into her ear and kissed her cheek, "It's just me."
Annabeth sighed and turned in his arms, "Where were you?"
He kissed her lips, "I had to talk with Reyna… tell her we weren't leaving anymore… and there were some other things. She tried to talk me into staying on in a consulting capacity but I told her I couldn't."
Annabeth wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him. He buried his face into her neck. She couldn't help but be happy that he was leaving the business for good. She still hadn't spoke with her mother about her own position at Olympic Inc but Malcolm was doing such a great job in her place. She didn't think the board would have a problem when she did step down as CEO.
Not that she ever actually did anything as CEO. Malcolm had done more for the company as CFO and acting CEO than she had ever done. Percy and Annabeth swayed for a few moments wrapped up in each other.
Wrapped up in the miracle that was their relationship. She was so in love with Percy it was ridiculous. She couldn't believe he had fallen in love with her… or that they had fallen in love at all. It was such a crazy notion to begin with- their love story.
Annabeth reached up and kissed him, it was little too indecent but she didn't care. They were finally in a good place and she couldn't help but want to celebrate that. Percy pulled away first and she saw a flash of the man he was in the Maldives, the man who was demanding and took the things he wanted.
Then he smirked and leaned into her ear, "Later when we're alone I'll do whatever you want me to do to you." Annabeth whimpered as he pulled back, he laughed and kissed her again- letting it linger. Moments later she was being pulled away by Jason to dance and give her Matron of Honor speech. She narrowed her eyes at Percy, he smirked and waved as Jason pulled her away.
Just great, her mind was going to be in the gutter for the rest of the night.
0-0-0-0-0
Annabeth stretched on the wooden beach lounge in front of the Indian Ocean. The sky was blue, the sand- white and the water the same color as Percy's eyes. Her back popped as she arched and sat up in the chair. She had been lounging all morning with Percy beside her. She was pretty sure he was asleep in his chair.
After Thalia's wedding they had stayed for a few weeks to get resettled, to unpack their belongings and help transition everything over to Reyna. Annabeth had finally gone to see her doctor, who confirmed that her pregnancy was progressing beautifully. They also found out the gender.
Annabeth placed her feet in the sand and stood up, her hand curving around the bump that was now protruding from her belly. They had twelve weeks left before their baby would be brought into the world. This trip was their vacation and babymoon.
It was also an escape- next month would be a whole year since they'd gotten engaged. Since Percy had forced her into marrying him, since she had been kidnapped off the street and forced into an engagement with the most feared man in all of New York. She knew that the next couple weeks would have been filled with a mopey Percy if they'd stayed in the city. So, she suggested two weeks ago they take a real honeymoon.
Percy had been ecstatic about the idea and booked the trip right away. They had been on this beach almost a week and Percy showed no signs of wanting to return home. But they still had so much stuff to do for the baby's arrival. Her heart skipped a beat, she still couldn't believe they were having a baby.
Everytime she thought about it, thought about how drastic her life had changed, she got dizzy. Just eleven months ago she hated Percy Jackson and wanted to destroy him, wanted him to feel everything he had ever done to her times a hundred. Now, she couldn't bare the idea of him getting hurt.
"I can hear you thinking, you know."
Annabeth smiled as Percy pulled his sunglasses on top of his head and looked up at her, "Are you okay? You've been staring at me for a few minutes."
Annabeth rolled her eyes, "No, I have not."
He laughed and stood up, "Are you hungry? It's getting close to lunch time."
"Am I hungry? Did you just ask the overly pregnant lady if she was hungry? Of course I'm hungry."
He laughed and leaned down to grab his shirt, he slipped it on and Annabeth frowned, "It's the beach, you can keep your shirt off."
He laughed and shook his head at her. She just shrugged, Annabeth had no shame in the fact that she had treated this trip exactly like a honeymoon. Indulging in all of the intimacy she could get from her husband.
After lunch they found themselves huddled in a hammock that was just outside of their villa. Percy's arms were wrapped tightly around her while her hands rested on her bump. Annabeth couldn't help but think back to the day when they found out the baby's gender. Couldn't stop her mind from bringing back the images of watching Percy's face soften at the sound of their baby's heartbeat.
Annabeth had never been this nervous in her entire life.
Okay, well… maybe she had been this nervous after she woke up from being kidnapped but this was a different kind of nervous. Maybe nervous was the wrong word. Anticipation. There, that was right word. She had never felt anticipation like this in her entire life.
She was laying back against the medical examination bed, an ultrasound machine next to her and her husband on the other side. He was standing, refusing to sit and holding her hand in vice tight grip. Her shirt had been pushed up to her to just over her bump and a nurse was moving the ultrasound wand over her stomach.
Annabeth glanced over at Percy, who stood ramrod straight. She giggled to herself and wiggled her hand in his. He looked at her.
"Loosen up a bit, you look like you're about to face the firing squad."
He pursed his lips but then a very nervous smile crossed his lips, "Sorry, I just feel…. overwhelmed."
The nurse looked up, "Do you need some water? You should probably sit down and I can have one of the techs bring you something cool to drink."
Percy shook his head, being stubborn, "I'm fine."
Annabeth placed a hand on the nurses wrist, "Thank you for the offer, it's just been a bit hectic these last couple months, the baby was a surprise."
The nurse nodded in understanding, "Ah, I see," The nurse turned back to the monitor and started pressing a series of buttons as she moved the wand around Annabeth's ever growing stomach.
Annabeth looked at Percy one more time before looking at the screen. She had been waiting for this appointment since she made it a month ago. Percy was just going to have deal with whatever qualms he had at the moment by himself.
The nurse moved the wand across her stomach one more time before the screen cleared up and baby's profile appeared on the screen. Annabeth gasped quietly to herself. That was the little person she had been fighting for- that was the little person who fought for life after she was shot.
No doubt Percy and Annabeth had a brave -and stubborn- little one on their hands.
"Here's the head," The nurse said with a smile, "The nose, eyes, mouth-" She paused and moved the wand again, "There is a foot and five little toes."
Annabeth felt tears prick her eyes.
The nurse turned to Percy and Annabeth, "You do want to know the gender, right?"
Percy beat her to an answer, "Yes, please." Annabeth looked back at him and he smiled, leaning in to brush his lips across her temple.
"It looks like," The nurse paused again, "That you guys are going to have your hands full with a little girl." Annabeth slapped a hand over her mouth, tears springing from her eyes automatically.
"A daughter." Percy whispered from beside her.
Annabeth looked over at him, his eyes were wide and his lips turned up in a small smile. He looked back at her and smiled even wider before he leaned into kiss her lips, "You're going to be the best mom." Annabeth felt the tears fall down her face, her mascara smudging and the salty taste of tears falling over her lips.
Annabeth kissed him again as the nurse took some measurements of the baby. After a few moments of marveling at the ultrasound screen the nurse showed them the heartbeat and even allowed them to hear it. Percy sat down in the chair beside her bed after that his hand leaving Annabeth's, she glanced at him and saw the light sheen of tears in his eyes. He shook his head at her.
She frowned and looked back at the nurse who was printing some pictures for them. She glanced back at Percy and found him staring pointedly at her stomach, anguish filling the expression on his face.
Annabeth watched Percy's expression before she was pulled from her thoughts by the nurse. The ultrasound technician handed her a napkin to clean to the gel from her stomach and handed all of the ultrasound pictures to Percy. He accepted them with a thanks and then helped Annabeth off the table.
When they finally made it out of the office with another appointment to come back in a month to check on progress she turned to him.
"What's wrong?" She asked, running her thumbs over his knuckle.
He shook his head and walked her to the SUV he had bought Annabeth now that they were staying in New York. Gone were the days of drivers, she still had bodyguards but she could drive herself anywhere she wanted to go.
He helped her into the passenger seat and then he slipped into the driver seat. He handed the ultrasound pictures to Annabeth and pressed the start button. He gripped the steering wheel and pulled out of the parking lot of the hospital.
She waited until they were on fifth avenue to broach the subject again, "Percy Jackson, tell me what is wrong right now." Annabeth said turning to him, not taking no for an answer.
He pursed his lips and then sighed loudly, "I… I kept thinking about that day… in the graveyard when I told you about my father… and how I told you any child that we conceived would be aborted." He gripped the steering wheel tighter, "I can't imagine doing that now, I can't even believe I told you that."
Annabeth reached over and placed a hand on his arm, "Percy, you're not-"
He shook his head, "I know I'm not the same person but that's because of you… if you hadn't of fought for us I wouldn't be getting to experience this. I wouldn't be able to think of myself as a father. I wouldn't be able to correct the mistakes my father made."
Annabeth smiled softly as they parked on the side of the street, in front of her favorite place to eat- no less- her husband was an attentive one. "Because you realize that, because you see the mistakes you made months ago only means you're going to be an even better father than I ever imagined."
He leaned over and kissed her, "We're having a girl… holy shit."
Annabeth laughed and pulled away from him, "I know, believe me I know."
He kissed her again and opened his door. Annabeth watched him walk over to her side of the SUV. She was so proud of him, so happy she fought for him. She couldn't think of spending the rest of her life with anyone else but him.
"Have I told you how much I love you." She said when he opened the door.
He chuckled, "Not today." She smiled at him and stepped out of the black SUV and curled her jacket tighter around her.
"We still need a name."
Annabeth blinked as she was pulled from her revery, no longer was she on the cold New York street but on a tropical island. Her large baby bump not hidden behind a jacket but being flaunted proudly in a two piece bikini.
"Mmhh?" She hummed as she curled further into Percy.
She felt lips brush her hair, "Our daughter needs a name." He repeated.
Annabeth smiled, "Yeah, she does…. but I haven't thought of anything."
Percy was silent for a moment.
Annabeth turned around to face him, "Have you thought of a name?"
He shrugged and she smiled widely, "You have!"
"Tell me." She demanded, poking him in the stomach.
Percy smiled a bit sheepishly and Annabeth laughed as she leaned into kiss him. Well, she pulled him forward because she could only lean in so much.
When she pulled back he laughed, "Okay, I've thought of a name."
Annabeth looked at him expectantly, "And?"
Percy opened his mouth a couple times before he sighed, "Evie."
"Evie." Annabeth repeated letting the name slip off her tongue.
"It means life." Percy whispered.
Annabeth melted a little and leaned into him, "It's perfect."
He smiled, "Really?"
She nodded, "It's absolutely perfect for her, she's our miracle… Evie Grace."
"Evie Grace." Percy said. They looked at each other for a moment longer before Percy ducked his head and placed a hand on Annabeth's stomach.
"What do you think? Huh? Do you like Evie?" He whispered to their daughter.
The baby was silent for a moment before Annabeth placed a hand over Percy's and pressed softly against her stomach. Their daughter kicked back against where their hands were.
"I hate it when you do that," Percy muttered, "If she wants to kick, she'll kick."
Annabeth laughed, "She just needs a little motivation, like her father." Percy snorted as their daughter kicked against their hands again.
A contented sigh worked it's way from her mouth, their hands stayed on her belly as she leaned back into Percy letting herself enjoy this time with him because in just twelve short weeks things were going to change dramatically once again.
0-0-0-0-0
"You know, going to the hospital doesn't sound horrible at this moment." Annabeth said while she clutched Percy's hand.
He pursed his lips as they stood in the hallway just outside of their room. She was refusing to lay in the bed, the pain from her contractions were much more manageable when she was walking or standing.
"The midwife is on her way now, if you want to go to the hospital we need to leave now."
Annabeth shook her head, "No, no, no. I want to give birth here… I want a homebirth. No hospital, no pain meds- just me, you and the midwife." Percy bit back a groan as she started walking again.
She'd been having contractions all week but at midnight her water broke. It was now five in the morning and they were both exhausted but alert. They had waited until her contractions were five minutes apart before they called the midwife this morning.
Two minutes later Annabeth was pressing a hand against the tightness in her belly and Percy was rubbing her back while whispering lowly in her ear. She couldn't quite make out what he was saying but his voice was comforting to her.
When the midwife finally arrived Annabeth felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. They walked back into their bedroom and Percy helped Annabeth back into the bed. The midwife checked how far she was dilated and told her she was already at eight centimeters. Annabeth couldn't help but smile, it wouldn't be that long now.
Annabeth and the midwife had already decided on a birth plan weeks ago. It made the tense set of her shoulders relax as she went through the list mentally. Sure, she had a contingency plan if something were to go wrong but she wanted a water birth, at home- with Percy. She loved the idea of a simple home birth, she also knew that if she had gone to the hospital Percy would have been ten times more on edge than he was now.
He wouldn't have been able to enjoy this time. The birth of their daughter would have been overshadowed by his need to protect both of them. Annabeth knew in the hospital after the incident with Kronos that a home birth was what they both needed.
Percy had been very hesitant at first but the more she explained why she wanted a home birth the more he understood. The only stipulation was that an ambulance was on standby outside their home. When her water broke he made the call and it was still there just to quell her husbands fears but she was sure she wouldn't need it.
Percy didn't have to worry too much longer because she reached ten centimeters rather quickly. It was barely nine in the morning when she got into her own bathtub - a horrible feeling of pressure causing her to stumble. If Percy hadn't have been right behind her she would have fallen into the water.
"Careful." He whispered to her as she settled her into the tub. He sat on the edge his feet in the water right behind her as the midwife checked her again. But Annabeth didn't need Sarah, the midwife, to tell her it was time to push - she knew when it was time.
Sarah and her assistant were right there, helping and encouraging Annabeth while she pushed. Percy was right behind her murmuring lowly, his hands on her back, her arms, rubbing her neck- doing everything he could to help.
It took longer than she thought it would but when Evie Grace Jackson was finally born Annabeth felt more alive than she ever had. The midwife scooped the baby out of the water and laid her in Annabeth's arms. The baby taking a gulping breath as Annabeth looked down at her.
The tears came in torrents then, she felt Percy over her shoulder and leaned into him. He leaned down closer to look at their daughter. The baby was crying but Annabeth thought it was music to her ears.
The midwife and her assistant took the baby and tied off the umbilical cord, weighed, measured and wiped her off before they wrapped her in a blanket and handed her to Percy. Who had gotten out of the water and was sitting on the side with Annabeth.
Once the rest of the birthing process was over Annabeth was helped out of the bathtub as the midwife's assistant started cleaning up. It took a little while but when she was finally clean, in dry clothes and laying in bed Percy brought Evie over to Annabeth.
The baby was asleep as Percy handed their daughter to Annabeth. It was such a surreal moment for her - holding this little girl. It felt like she was her reward for being so patient with Percy. This was their reward.
Percy sat on the edge of the bed as Annabeth took in every single detail of their daughter. Ten fingers, ten toes, light hair that couldn't decide if it wanted to be blonde or black, features that were close to Annabeth's but Percy was there in the set of her eyes.
It made Annabeth wonder if she had Percy's eye color, she hoped Evie did.
"We did good." She said with a smile up at Percy.
He smiled at Annabeth and kissed her hair, "You did good, more than good. You were wonderful. I didn't think it was possible to love you more but I do… so much more." Annabeth looked back down at Evie as the little girl let out a cry and opened her eyes.
Annabeth cooed at her and began undoing the strap on her tank top. Percy watched as Annabeth fed their little girl for the first time. When Evie was finished Annabeth handed her to Percy and leaned against the pillows, exhaustion overcoming her.
"Take a nap, the midwife said she needed to eat every two to three hours."
Annabeth frowned, "You're tired too."
He chuckled and looked down at Evie, "I'll be fine, I didn't do half as much as you did. Besides, I function on a lot less sleep than you do."
Annabeth smiled and heard the midwife come back into the room to speak with Percy. She tried to stay in the conversation but her eyes drooped closed and she fell asleep.
0-0-0-0-0
"Are you excited for Daddy to come home?" Annabeth cooed at the seven month old little girl.
Evie Grace squealed and clapped her hands together excitedly. Annabeth laughed at the little girl as they stood beside her car on the private airstrip the Olympic Inc private jet always took off and landed at.
Annabeth could see the jet coming up the landing strip now and her heart soared. It had been two long weeks of missing Percy while he was off on business for her mother. After sitting at home for a couple months Percy decided he wanted to work again.
What better way for him to put his specific skill set to work than for her mother's company. It had taken Percy and Athena a while to get use to working together but Malcolm proved to be a huge help. Now, Percy was the one who scouted potential jobs and landed new clients- his charisma and charm perfect for the job.
Annabeth set her daughter on her hip and waited for the jet to stall and the door to open. This was longest he'd ever gone on a trip overseas and Annabeth couldn't stand being away from him.
When the jet door finally opened Annabeth smiled widely and started walking toward it. Percy was off the jet moments later as Evie Grace said, "Da da da da da," over and over again.
Annabeth met him at the bottom of the steps already holding Evie out to him "Here she is, boss."
Percy laughed and took his daughter, wrapping his arms around her like she was the glue that held him together. He kissed her little forehead and spoke lowly to her before he turned to Annabeth and kissed her soundly.
"Remind me to never leave that long again." Annabeth laughed and planted another kiss on him.
He smiled down at her and then turned his attention to Evie, who kept tapping on his face with her hands while saying, "Da da da da."
Percy cooed at the little girl as Annabeth said, "Someone missed her Daddy."
"I missed her," her husband kissed Evie's temple," and you, it was a miserable two weeks. You two are coming with me next time, no excuses."
Annabeth laughed as they got into the car, "At least you're home before Christmas."
He smiled and buckled Evie into her carseat before he slipped into the driver seat, "Barely."
Tomorrow was Christmas eve and Annabeth couldn't be more excited for the surprise she had planned.
A surprise it would definitely be indeed.
They hadn't talked about having more children but Annabeth also hadn't resumed taking her birth control after Evie was born. They were just more careful every time they were together intimately. Well, apparently they slipped up because right after Percy left for Europe she took a pregnancy test.
It was positive.
The outlook on this pregnancy was much more positive and exciting. She couldn't wait to see Percy's face when he opened that particular box. The one with the ultrasound pictures in it.
Percy drove out of the air strip and toward the short drive to the townhome they bought in the Upper East Side. They moved out of the mansion when Percy started working at Olympic Inc. The home was still under Percy's name but for now Reyna used it as her base.
Annabeth slipped her hand into Percy's and looked at him, he was tired- she could tell that much- but he was happy, happy to be home. They talked and video chatted every day he was in Europe but having the real thing here was ten times better.
"Anything interesting happen while I was away?" He asked.
Annabeth shrugged, "Besides spending too much money on Little Bit's first Christmas, not really. I helped Thalia and Piper Christmas shop." She paused, "Oh! Jason is proposing to Piper tomorrow night at the Christmas party."
Percy smiled, "It's about time."
Annabeth huffed out a laugh, "No kidding."
They fell into a comfortable silence, the purr of the engine lulling a sleepy Evie to sleep. The snow making it's way to the ground in a slow progression, by Christmas morning they would have a significant amount of snowfall but for now it was peaceful.
Much like her life over the last year.
Everything had been peaceful, filled with blowing raspberries on Evie's stomach to make her laugh, being the best mother she could be, filled with long nights of giving herself to her husband, loving him in a way that was familiar but new with every day that passed.
Her life had ended up completely different than she had ever imagined. Sure, she could have stayed at her job, been with Luke, lived a mediocre life but fighting for Percy had made her love for him a hundred times more deep. A hundred times more committed.
This was what true love was, loving a person through their problems- choosing to be there for better or for worse. She laughed to herself causing Percy to shoot her a look.
"Just thinking about how our marriage vows have been proven true and how different we are from the day we said them."
He smiled with her, "It's better, though."
She nodded and leaned over the seat as he pulled into the parking garage of their apartment building- she kissed his cheek, "So much better."
He parked the car and turned to her, cupping her cheeks in his hands and kissing her her long and slow- meaningful, "I love you."
Annabeth sighed and kissed him again, "I love you too."
The words floating off of her tongue coming from a place of surrender. A place that he'd held since she realized how much he'd fight to not fall in love with her. A place that realized the possibility of love before it even occurred to her.
A place that chose to love him.
Choices were a funny thing, one choice could throw your entire life off balance, one choice could make your life good or bad, and one choice could complete your life.
One choice could make the difference. The choice Percy made in the beginning and the choice she made to stay made all the difference, it led her here. It led them to a place that fulfilled long lost hopes, a place that turned dreams into reality.
Percy kissed her one more time before he got out of car, she watched as he opened the back door and got Evie out of her car seat. Her eyes pricked when Evie curled into his arms sleepily. The scene made Annabeth open her door quickly and follow them to the elevator- just because she didn't want to be away from them.
Percy held the elevator doors open while he kept his eyes on her, a small smile on his face. He held his arm out for her as she got into elevator. Annabeth snuggled into his side and felt his lips against her temple, it caused a goofy smile to cross her lips as the elevator doors closed on her own personal happy ever after.