Homecoming Pt 2

Little Talks

The subtle, morning light snaking its way into the bedroom reflected the new day and gently roused the young man from his slumber. Eyes still closed, he took several deep breaths, his mind beginning to wake from the haze of sleep. He smiled gently in recognition of the arm draped protectively over his body while turning his head, eyelids fluttering open to gaze upon the vision of his girlfriend as she watched his eyes focus on her.

As he centered his full attention on her, she graced him with a soft, loving smile she reserved only for him. How he treasured that smile, for it echoed the absoluteness of their hope, of how far the two of them have come in their lives, and how much they had overcome to be where they were right now. In their quiet moments together, he reflected on the perfectness of their love, a love that shone in all its beauty on Annabeth's face, in the way her eyes sparkled and lips turned in just a way that made his heart stampede within his chest.

"If I live a thousand years, I will never grow tired of watching you wake," Annabeth stated in a soft tone that held all the meaning that connected these two young demigods. She moved her hand that was presently resting on his chest, up his body to cradle his face. "Did you sleep alright?"

Percy responded as he took his own hand and glided the backs of his fingers to dance across her cheek before he would finally uncurl his hand, cupping her face in his palm, his thumb gliding over the feather soft skin of her cheek. "Yeah," Percy answered as he rolled to his side to fully face her. "No nightmares." After a moment spent silently lost in each others presence, Percy leaned forward and kissed Annabeth, an expression of gratitude and appreciation that the two of them were together, that despite whatever fears and memories ripped away at their sense of safety and security, that they would get through it as long as they had one another. "What about you, you sleep okay?"

"I woke up and you were still here, so yeah, it was a good night," she had stated, and though it did not answer Percy's question, he did not push the issue. For this was a paranoia she could not ignore, terrified that the gods, in their dismissal of human concerns, would again have a mission for Percy and take him away regardless of how it might impact the people in his life. For Percy, he knew her sleep was broken periodically throughout the night, waking up and checking to make sure he had not again been taken from her. This had become a habit that had started while on board the Argo II, Annabeth would make nightly checks on him, making sure some god had not again stolen him away. Percy knew, but never spoke to Annabeth about it, because even if he were to attempt to assure her he would be there when she woke up, she would not be satisfied until she could confirm it for herself.

He had hated how much the gods ignored the impact their actions had on their children, and more directly, how this had affected Annabeth. But the concerns of mere mortals were beneath the notice of the gods, and not for the first time Percy began to understand how Luke had become so embittered.

Still, he pushed those feelings aside and he focused solely on Annabeth. He had her, and she had a way of reminding him that all the pain of their past was worth it, because they had each other. It did not make their current struggles, of their memories of their time in Tartarus any less daunting to overcome, but it gave him hope that they would overcome them. Because if Tartarus had proven anything to him, it was that they could beat any obstacle as long as they were together.

"Hey," Annabeth spoke quietly as if reading Percy's thoughts. "Stay with me Percy." He was grateful beyond words at her realizing he was beginning to let his mind drift to their time in the pit. It was dangerous to do so, letting their thoughts wander until they would drown in their memories. Her attentive nature and attention to keeping him in the present were one among the countless reasons he loved her so deeply it hurt. He let a small smile tug at the corner of his lips to let her know he was okay and accentuated that sentiment my placing a lingering kiss upon her lips.

When that tenderness broke, Annabeth regrettably rolled over and got out of bed. "We need to get going. Your mom checked on us about 15 minutes ago, let us know breakfast is ready," she smiled at Percy who remained lying in bed and making pleading facial expressions to have her rejoin him. Despite her own desperate need to return to the bed, to share in his comfort and warmth she simply shook her head. "Come on Percy, we need to be ready to watch Estelle when your mom and Paul are ready to leave."

The statement sombered the two young demigods. Three months had passed since the offering to have Annabeth stay with them, and in that time, while Percy and Annabeth's emotional state had remained significantly fragile, they had made significant strives to better their mental stability. This however, had an adverse effect on Sally, who tirelessly attempted to do all she could to alleviate the burdens they suffered. That, coupled with being responsible for caring for Estelle had left her physically and emotionally drained. The breaking point for all of this had been last Tuesday.

While the night terrors had subsided to a rarer event in the lives of Percy and Annabeth, there was still much work to be done to stabilize their brittle emotional state. Occasionally, they would be beset by panic attacks that would flare up unexpectedly. Last Tuesday had been one such event, when, while standing in the kitchen and talking to Sally, the older woman had inadvertently knocked a pan off the counter top. As it fell to the floor, something in Annabeth's mind triggered the memories she desperately attempted to repress.

Immediately, her hands went to either side of her head as she backed up until she had met the corner of the wall. Her entire body began to shake with uncontainable fear while her eyes flared open, darting around the room and seeing the images only visible within her haunted vision. Almost immediately her breathing shifted, coming in short, rapid, shallow gasps that nearly led to her hyperventilating as her legs gave out and she sank to the floor, as if attempting to make herself as small as possible in an effort to hide from the images she could not escape.

It was only fortunate that Percy had been in the kitchen when it happened. His back was to her as he was placing a glass in the sink when he saw the shift in his mother's posture from his peripheral vision. Turning towards his mother, alarm screamed in his mind as he followed her gaze to Annabeth who had balled herself into the corner and fighting back the relentless onslaught of horrors that would not cease.

Instinctively, Percy was at her side, wrapping her in his arms and holding her, begging her to stay with him, to calm her breathing and assure her repeatedly that they were together and they would get through this. Some semblance of comprehension seemed to break through the terrors as Annabeth moved her arms to wrap around Percy, squeezing so tightly she threatened to push the air from his lungs while she buried her face in his shoulder and wept as if there were no end to the sorrows that tore at her soul.

Percy simply continued to hold her, speaking his words of love and commitment, assuring her they were okay, they were safe and most of all, together. For several minutes, Sally had watched the event unfold, her mind coming to understand this was not the first panic attack Annabeth had had. Percy reacted too quickly, as if knowing exactly what was happening and what to do. The scene tore at the very membrane of her heart as an understanding fell upon her, fitting into her mind like a missing puzzle piece. Percy and Annabeth had done their best to hide these emotional breakdowns from her, to keep her from seeing them at their most raw and vulnerable state. The other point to consider was that if Annabeth was beset by such horrors, then it was safe to assume Percy was as well.

Unable to keep her own emotions as to the mental state of these two young demigods under control any further, Sally left the room, entered her bedroom and wept for the broken state of her son and would be daughter-in-law.

For several days following this event, Sally had unintentionally kept her distance, afraid of doing or saying the wrong thing and triggering another episode. She had flitted through her life, a ghost within her own home and it brought no end of frustration to Paul. He was not angry over the situation, but simply deeply troubled over how to help overcome the trauma Annabeth and Percy could not seem to get out from under, while wanting to take the burden his wife had shouldered in her effort to save the minds of these two children who had twice saved the world and had suffered most grievously for their heroics.

That was what led to the present, the reason Paul had suggested a 'date day' as he put it. Taking Sally out and treating her to a special day would be a way for her to distance herself, to decompress, if only briefly, from the emotional storm of Percy and Annabeth. Additionally, leaving Estelle for the two of them to watch would give them something to focus on, some joy of life beyond all the emotional torment they endured.

Knowing the reason behind the planned day to give Sally a break, Percy and Annabeth felt a sense of guilt that centered within their minds. Sally had agreed to allow Annabeth to stay with them and in doing so, rather than trying to heal one emotionally fractured demigod, she had two. Regardless, the two teens would do their utmost to hide their own guilt from Sally and Paul, though, given their track record of repressing the less productive emotions, they didn't like their chances of keeping it that way.

"I'll go ahead and take the first shower, unless you want to?" Annabeth said as she waited for her boyfriend to respond. When he simply smiled and shook his head, indicating she could go first, she moved to the dresser and retrieved her clothes for the day from her drawer before returning and giving Percy a gentle kiss and heading out of the room.

Percy sat on his bed, a solemn look crossing his features. He was at a loss of what to do. Emotionally, he and Annabeth were getting better. It was marginal at best, but it was progress. Still, he had not stopped to consider the emotional toll this was having on his mother, and he cursed everything about his life except for the people within this house, and despite his best efforts, he could not help but feel stuck, in over his head as if he was again suffocating in the muskeg again. Percy had made a habit of accomplishing the impossible. He had traveled to Canada, the land beyond the gods when he was told it couldn't be done, he had ventured to the ancient lands, an act so taboo that he and the heroes of the Prophesy were declared mad to even try. He had even fallen into Tartarus and made his way out, something never before considered. And yet, he could not find the way to navigate the labyrinth of his own life. Some hero…

He had stayed that way for several minutes before heaving himself from the mattress and shuffling his way along the hallway. When he had entered the kitchen, he fixed a smile to his face, a faux expression he hoped would ease his mother's underlining concerns about her son's state of mind.

"Morning sleepy head," Paul said as way of greeting while Percy kissed his mother on the cheek before making his way to the plate laid out for him.

"'Morning," Percy grumbled in his normal way, flopping in the chair at the dining room table and watching his mother busying herself with feeding Estelle. "So, what's on the agenda today?" The question was directed at his mom, however when she merely offered a modest smile, Paul took the initiative.

"What isn't?" he chuckled, offering his wife a hopeful smile. "We're going to spend a couple of hours doing some Christmas shopping, then have a nice lunch at this little Italian bistro I found a couple weeks ago. After that, its up in the air whether your mother wants to go watch a movie or do some ice skating. Maybe a little of both."

Paul's excitement was so contagious that even Percy found himself smiling a little at all the ways his stepfather had planned to pamper his mom. Sally however was less than sold on the idea as she offered a haunting glance at Percy, as if afraid to leave him and Annabeth alone with Estelle. Percy wasn't sure if his mother was terrified one of them would have another panic attack or whether she was afraid to entrust Estelle with them, but either outcome stung Percy to the center of his being. "I'm not so sure, maybe it'd be better if we..."

"Mom," Percy said, his words soft and pleading as he fixed his emerald eyes on his mother. She returned the stare and it was as though the two of them were engaged in a conversation only they were privy to, Percy letting her know that he wanted her to trust him, and that she deserved this time alone with Paul. The result was a small smile that sparked to life upon Sally's features as she nodded her head in acceptance.

Her smile widened a little as she stood up and moved around the table, kissing the top of Percy's head and depositing Estelle in his arms. "Alright, I'll just go get my purse." She said simply, staring at her son with an expression of love and affection before turning her eyes to Paul. Her steps coming a little lighter, she left the room to collect her articles she would need, stopping and touching Annabeth's arm as she passed her in the hallway.

As Annabeth entered the room and took a moment to fawn over Estelle, Percy turned his eyes to his stepfather. A small smile of gratitude adorned his lips and a noticeable look of appreciation glimmered from his eyes. Paul had remained steadfastly quiet, choosing to allow Sally to have the final say on their planned outing and he was certain if Percy had not silently insisted upon their trip into the city, she would have vetoed the entire plan.

"Well," Paul said, slapping his hands against his knees as he rocked himself forward and rose from his chair, "we better be heading off. Lots to do." He smiled broadly, the first, true genuine smile Percy had seen on his face since this entire ordeal had begun. In some ways, the expression brought a lightness to Percy's chest, as if happy to see his mom and stepfather excitedly preparing for the day. In other ways, the realization left him feeling equally guilty, as if a cloud had settled over the house since his return.

Doing his best to squash the less beneficial emotions for the sake of his parents, Percy stood up and followed Paul to where his mother stood by the front door. Annabeth joined him, resting her hand on the small of his back. Whether intentional or by mere chance, her hand had settled on the remnants of his Achilles spot. While he had no longer held the blessing...or curse, depending on your understanding of the effects, of Achilles, it was still significantly sensitive, as if a scar left by an old wound. From time to time, Annabeth would unconsciously seek it out, as though a reminder of their link to one another.

"Well, the list of emergency numbers is on the fridge, baby formula is in the cabinet over the sink, diaper bag is..."

"We got it covered mom, you and Paul...just have a good time, okay?" Percy smiled at his mother, allowing her to pause momentarily as she leaned forward and kissed Percy and Annabeth each on the cheek and Estelle on the forehead. "We'll be back..." she paused as she looked to Paul.

"Later," he replied simply, marshaling Sally from the home. "Call of if you need us," he said, mainly as a way to placate his wife before the door closed leaving the three to spend the day together.

"So, what to do?" Percy responded, snuggling his sister a little closer as he looked at Annabeth, her eyes twinkling slightly as she smiled from Percy to the baby nuzzled in his arms. "What?"

"Nothing," she smirked, though the hopeful expression glimmered ever mischievously within her stormy eyes.

"What?" Percy repeated again only to have Annabeth lean forward and kiss him on the cheek.

"I'll tell you later," was her only reply as she moved to collect the baby blanket and spread it on the floor. They sat opposite each other, legs spread with Estelle sitting against Percy while the two teens rolled a rubber ball back and forth between them, Percy moving Estelle's tiny arms to push the ball towards Annabeth. Estelle did not seem to understand or appreciate the game, but did seem to enjoy the attention as she would respond with burbles and other noises babies made in lieu of talking. This activity went on for about half an hour until Estelle had apparently grown tired of it and began to fuss.

Percy had chosen that time to pick up her favorite toy, a plastic key ring with large, plastic keys that she enjoyed waving around to periodically make noise. While he was entertaining her with the keys, Annabeth had collected the baby carrier and set it on the floor, giving Percy the opportunity to place his baby sister in a seat that might be more comfortable than the floor.

With Estelle fastened in the carrier, Annabeth and Percy sat on the couch, watching the baby as she continued to waggle her hand from time to time, eliciting the rattle of the plastic keys. The two of them sat there, watching the actions of Estelle, Annabeth leaning close and placing her head on Percy's shoulder while he leaned in, his cheek resting against the cushion of her hair. As they sat in relative silence, Annabeth reached her hand to take Percy's, twining their fingers together in a grip of possession.

For some time, Annabeth watched Estelle gurgle and coo, spitting bubbles from time to time as if attempting to conduct a serious conversation with the two demigods. As Annabeth sat there, drinking in Percy's warmth, she moved her attention to her hand resting in his and turn the her grip so that Percy's hand rested atop hers. With her free hand, she began drawing random designs on his hand, her eyes fixated on her task.

Percy had turned his attention to her, his eyes questioning if she was alright, searching for some reason for the deeply thoughtful expression she wore. In turn, she moved to face him, her eyes burrowing into this emerald irises. A small smile tried to breathe to life upon her lips, yet did not have to will to push further than a small tugging at the corner of her mouth.

"I love you," she said simply, the words little more than a breathless whisper. Spoken without fear of death, the terror of falling into Tartarus, or facing an army of giants...this was but the raw emission of everything she felt for him.

In the past, the words might have elicited some sarcastic response, or joking reply to restate her own words, but Percy felt no desire to lighten the seriousness of the their situation as he brought his right hand up to cradle Annabeth's face, placing a kiss against her forehead before resting his forehead against hers. "We're going to get through this," he said simply, his words echoing his conviction to what he believed more than anything in this world. They had faced every challenge this world had thrown and them and beat it, because they had each other.

Annabeth nodded her head, her eyes still locked on Percy as a half sob, half laugh escaped her lips. "Gods we're a mess," she said simply, her eyes become moistened from the tears she fought so hard to hold back. "I'm so sorry I scared your mom, she hasn't been able to look at us since and..."

"Shh," Percy said, silencing Annabeth with a kiss so desperately tender that it stripped away all doubt, fear and regrets these two held. "My mom's worried about us, not scared."

"I'm worried too Percy," she said, lowering her head to settle against his chest.

"I'm not," he said simply, bringing his arms up to wrap about her, holding her to him and smiling as she wrapped her arms around in him in response. Taking a moment to look at Estelle who was watching the two intently while chewing on the plastic ring of her toy, Percy continued. "We have never lost to anything, because we have been through it all together. No matter how long it takes, I will always be right here. I know we'll get through this to, because we have a future Annabeth, and that sure as hell is worth fighting for."

"A future huh?" Annabeth said, snuggling closer to Percy. He could feel the smile against his shirt and felt grateful she had found some joy in the chaos of their lives. She had slowly moved her right hand to settle against his Achilles spot, putting a little more pressure against his back to confirm their permanent connection. "If I didn't know better Percy, I'd say that sounded like a proposal."

"It's not," Percy said softly, pulling away from his best friend and moving his hands to frame her face. As he gazed at this most perfect creature, his eyes welled with tears at all the overwhelming emotions that boiled within him. The hurt and pain of what they had experienced, the hope that their days of fighting was over, the anger at being manipulated and used by the gods, but most of all was the absolute love he felt for this woman. "You are the greatest part of my soul," he spoke in a voice raw and broken with emotion. "I will ask you to marry me Annabeth, believe me I will. But when I do, I want it to be perfect, because you deserve nothing less."

"You better," she said softly. "But Percy, I don't need perfect, I have all the perfect I ever want right here," she responded, placing her hand against his chest. "And, not to spoil anything, but when you do decide the time is right to ask me, I'm going to say yes. Whether that's today, or tomorrow, or when we graduate college, or ten years or fifty, my answer will never change." Annabeth sealed her promise with a kiss.

The two smiled as they held one another, the promise of their future acting as something of a springboard for them to look forward to. Perhaps they could not change their past, but if the fates allowed it, maybe the future could make up for all they endured.

As they settled back into their position on the couch, Annabeth's head returning to Percy's shoulder, the two watched Estelle as she had giving up on trying to eat the plastic key ring and was now interested in whether she could get her foot in her mouth.

"So what was so funny earlier?" Percy asked, his hand seeking Annabeth's.

Watching Estelle as he waved her little fists, the blond demigod smiled. "I think you know."

"Yeah," he said, squeezing her hand in response.

–

OC: I actually had another scene planned for this chapter, but this seemed to be the perfect ending spot. Anyway, from time to time I like to reread my old stories, get ideas, see what I did right and wrong. I honestly really enjoyed the first chapter of this miniseries, but I hated the second...so, I rewrote it and resubmitted. Anyway, thank you for reading, and hope you enjoyed.