Annabeth would normally have gotten irritated with Percy's constant overbearing nature but she knew how badly he had wanted this, and couldn't complain about the adoring look in his eyes. She was frustrated that her clothes wouldn't fit and when Percy commented she had a cute waddle, he did get a hairbrush thrown at him.

But she allowed him to spoil her and take care of them both. She still went to work, though she limited herself to a few days a week and only desk work. Percy was right; this baby was a miracle and she wouldn't do anything to put him or her at risk.

The baby's gender was a constant debate. Piper and Hazel both said she was carrying a boy, but Percy, Stella, Sally, and Will said it was a girl. Nico, as usual, was the logical one.

"It can be a baby horse, for hades sake, and you'll still love it!"

That night, Percy was talking to the baby while Annabeth read a book and he glanced up, chewing his lip.

"Um, honey?"

"Mmhm?"

"Do you think it's a horse?" She snorted and glanced under her book.

"No Percy. I'm sure it's a human."

"Our family tree is really messed up. Like REALLY messed up. It could be… well, anything."

"I suppose there's always a possibility-"

"Oh gods," he covered his face. "That's my luck. After everything, the gods send us a little black pegasus!"

"First off, I'm not giving birth to a horse," she quirked her brow. "Or a pegasus. Or any kind of animal. Our baby will be a powerful demigod. Secondly, does it really matter if it's a boy or girl?"

"No. I'm fine with either. I just, you know, always dreamed of a little girl that looks just like you." She smiled and ran her fingers through his hair.

"Let's just-oh!" He shot up, his eyes wide.

"Oh? What oh? What's wrong?"

"It's fine, Percy, it was just the baby kicking."

"I want to feel the baby kick," he pouted, lowering his cheek to her belly.

"Well unless you're a kidney, you won't really feel it, cause she's kicking on the inside." He rubbed his palm over her stomach and sighed.

"How much longer?"

"You're so impatient! Two more months."

"That's so long," he whined, sounding like a petulant child. She grinned and shook her head.

"Come on Seaweed Brain, you said you would read some of these pregnancy books with me."

"I'm ADHD, Annabeth, I don't read."

"All demigods are ADHD. That's no excuse."

"Why don't you read some to me?"

Annabeth had barely read two pages before Percy had clapped his hands over his ears and jumped from the bed.

"Nope! No more! Don't read any more!"

"You're such an idiot," she shook her head. "What about those movies the doctor sent home with us? Would you rather watch those with me?"

"As long as they are better than that horrible book, let's go!"

Percy watched the movie peeking through his eyes. When the woman on the screen began screaming, he blanched and covered his ears.

"Turn it off!"

"I don't know why you're freaking out so much," she turned the volume down. "It's MY body, not yours."

"And you think I want to see you in that much pain? C'mon, Annabeth, I'm a god. I can try to, you know, make it somewhat easier on you…"

"I don't think the gods can do anything about childbirth pain," she said gently, squeezing his hand. "But I appreciate the thought."

"Gahhhh, I can't watch this anymore. Isn't there a way to teach me about birth that doesn't involve so much blood and screaming and cursing?"

"You were a demigod for twenty years of your life. You should be used to blood and screaming and cursing."

"This is different," he protested. "I think I'll need the drugs more than you will."

"We still have some time. I'll try to ease your fears a bit. And just remember how badly we both wanted this. When it's all said and done, we will be holding our little miracle in our arms. That makes it all worth it." Percy bit his lip and looked considering.

"You're right. Now let's get out of here. I've had enough of books and movies."

"Where are we going?"

"Somewhere I can learn about kids!"

"This is NOT what I had in mind," Annabeth yelled over the roomful of excited children. Will grinned and passed her a slice of pizza.

"You having weird cravings yet? I got some really weird ones before we had Zelene."

"You didn't give birth, you weirdo," Nico shook his head.

"Yeah but I was like, having sympathy pregnancy symptoms or whatever they were!"

"You're making that up."

"I am not! Don't you remember when I was only wanting ice cream and chicken sandwiches?"

"Yeah, because you're a weirdo!"

"I haven't had any extra strange cravings," Annabeth broke in before the boys could continue arguing. "And whenever I do want something, Percy goes out and gets it. Last week I did wake him up at 3 in the morning to make me cannolis. But that's not so strange, I guess."

"It's strange to think about Percy making cannolis," Nico snorted.

"Have you thought of names," Will asked excitedly. "You know the gender now, right?"

"Not exactly." Annabeth rubbed her stomach. "The baby has been really shy at all of our appointments. We haven't been able to see anything."

"Oh I bet Percy is disappointed about that."

"Well, he says he doesn't care if it's a girl or a boy but I know he wants a little girl. Look at him with Zelene. He's just around little girls the most." Nico raised his brow and glanced over at his daughter, who was riding on her Uncle Percy's back.

"All the rides in this place and that's what she chooses?"

"Don't sound so jealous, Nico," Will grumbled. Nico's face reddened.

"I am NOT- shut up, Will!" Will and Annabeth chuckled as Nico mumbled something into his cup.

"Anyway, I think we might find out at the next appointment. It's next month but on the flip side of that, I wonder if we should just wait and find out when I give birth."

"Have the doctor take pictures of Percy's face if it's a fuzzy little goat baby!"

"That's another thing, you have to stop talking about me giving birth to animals! You've got Percy terrified out of his mind." Nico snorted.

"Sorry Annabeth but you have to admit, it would be funny to see his face!"

"It would not be funny because it wouldn't be pleasant to deliver," she said through gritted teeth.

"Ok ok, no animals. Just a little demigod with green eyes and a charming smile."

"Nico, we really need to talk about your infatuation with my husband."

"You know what, to the Underworld with both of you! I'm going to see if Zelene wants to play a game." Annabeth and Will roared with laughter as a very red Nico left the table and approached Percy and Zelene. It was clear that Zelene adored her fathers. She threw her arms around Nico and Percy grinned as he leaned back, massaging his shoulders. Nico bounced Zelene with his good arm and her laughter carried over to her father and Annabeth. Percy and Nico said something else to the little girl, then they were running toward the game room.

"My husband is more of a child than my daughter is," Will gave a dramatic sigh.

"Welcome to my world. My husband never grew up. And that's not...because he technically died when he was 20, he just never grew up."

"You didn't have to explain that, Annabeth," Will laughed. "I'm really happy for you both. He seems really excited."

"Oh gods, he is. He's always making me drink a special tea and making sure I take my vitamins and keeps track of my hormones on a chart. It's so annoying but it's hard to be irritated with him when I'm just as excited."

"Well, not long now," Will nudged her foot. "And I'm glad to hear you're taking your vitamins. I brought you more that I made special. More herbs too, in case you're

still getting sick."

"I love having a son of Apollo in the family," she laughed. They watched their husbands play, Annabeth's smile bigger than anything she'd displayed in a long time.

Several weeks later, Percy surprised Annabeth at work just as she was finishing up with some blueprints. He nodded to her assistant and gave one knock before pushing the door ajar.

"Knock knock."

"Well hello," she slowly rose from her seat and went to kiss him. "This is a nice surprise. What are you doing here?"

"Just wanted to surprise my beautiful wife," he withdrew a brown bag from behind his back and she gasped as she realized what it contained: lemon bars from her favorite bakery in Nob Hill.

"You're the best husband in the world," she exclaimed as she stuffed one into her mouth. His eyes sparkled as he leaned on her desk.

"I have another surprise for you?"

"Anuvver," came her reply through a mouthful of lemon. He grinned.

"Are you almost ready to come home?"

"Yeah," she swallowed the treat. "I was going to pack up and come on home."

"Good. Let's go." He grasped her hand and they said goodbye to her assistant and her friends in the office as they hurried towards her car.

He drove them home, his fingers tapping on the wheel impatiently, which told Annabeth he really did have something planned.

When they got home, Percy pulled her inside and she stopped when she saw packed bags just inside the door.

"Um...Percy?"

"Surprise," he spread his arms out, grinning. "I'm taking you on a babymoon!"

"A...what?"

"A babymoon," he explained. "According to your book, it's all the rage now. It's like, the last trip a couple can really spend time together before the baby comes and there are places all over the world who have special treatments and rooms and stuff for the mom-to-be! So I booked us a room for the weekend and we're leaving… right now," he glanced at his wrist, but Annabeth saw he wasn't wearing a watch.

"And you already packed for me?"

"I know what I like," he shrugged.

"I see. And I don't get any say in this?"

"Don't try to find something to be upset about, my love, this is going to be great. Just let me spoil you the entire weekend. Please." She glanced down at the bag then back at his beaming face.

"Alright," she shrugged. "But I hope you packed accordingly."

"I think we've been on enough quests and vacations together that I know how to pack," he winked. "And we don't even need to pay for transportation." He took her hand and she smiled as he held her close, holding their bags and closing his eyes.

Annabeth never understood how Percy could know where exactly they would appear, and how he kept from appearing in the middle of a crowded room. But she supposed after so many years, he had gotten used to it and they straightened up in an empty alley. Annabeth looked around and gasped when she saw mountains in the distance.

"Are those the Swiss Alps?"

"Sure are. Welcome to Lausanne, my love!" She had always wanted to visit Switzerland and although Percy had taken her to some truly fantastic places, she had never seen the Swiss Alps in person. He draped his arm around her and guided her inside the hotel the alley was near.

Annabeth looked around while Percy checked them in and the smiling woman escorted them to their room. Percy thanked the woman in perfect French and turned back to Annabeth, whose eyes were glazed.

"What?"

"Have I told you how much it turns me on to hear you speak different languages?"

There was no more talking after that, except for Percy whispering filthy things in Italian, French, and German as he lavished her flesh. She had no idea what he was saying but his grunts and growls were music to her ears.

Percy showed her the list of services and treatments the hotel offered, and handed her the order form he had completed last week.

"This is what I booked for you so far," he kissed her temple as she wrapped herself in a fluffy robe. "But you're welcome to pick whatever else you want. You are

going to be spoiled rotten this weekend." She turned to face him and his eyes widened.

"What?"

"I just love you." His face softened and he smiled.

"I love you too."

Annabeth had never really been into massages, unless it was Percy giving her one. The idea of people touching her bothered her and she didn't know how someone could relax with that obnoxious "meditation music" they always played in the rooms. But the prenatal massage Percy had booked for her was as close to paradise as she had ever been. She even giggled as the therapist assisted her in getting comfortable, with her baby bump positioned in the hole in the table. After the massage, she let her therapist talk her into getting a facial and a manicure/pedicure combo as well. She'd had very few opportunities in her life to really pamper herself. And really, she'd never really wanted to. Annabeth just wasn't that kind of girl. Still, she had to admit that she felt amazingly relaxed and perhaps she should

take some time to book an appointment every now and again.

Percy commented on how much she glowed when she returned to the room.

"I always thought that was just an expression but you are glowing, honey."

"It's the facial," she laughed. "I may have had more treatments than I planned." He grinned as he kissed her temple.

"I'm glad. Go wild. I hope you're hungry cause we have dinner reservations in about an hour."

Percy actually rented a car and drove them to Geneva, which surprisingly didn't take too long to get to. The restaurant he had chosen had the most beautiful view of the mountains and he smiled as he handed her the menu.

"It's a lot of seafood but my research says that as long as it's not high in mercury, you can have it. So I called the restaurant and made sure they had things other than fish." Annabeth stared at her husband. She honestly didn't know how she had lucked out like this. Percy had his faults, it was true, but he was the most perfect husband she had ever heard of. He mistook her silence and his smile faded.

"Of course we can go somewhere else if you want! I just chose this for the-" she pulled him toward her, their lips slamming together. When he pulled back, his eyes were questioning.

"You talk too much, Seaweed Brain." He smiled and leaned back in his chair.

The night grew chilly so Percy shrugged his jacket off and wrapped it around her shoulders. They took a walk, their hands clasped together, before they drove back to their hotel. Percy found a little bakery that was still open right around the hotel, and they took a bag of treats back to their room.

Annabeth was exhausted so Percy decided to take a quick shower while she got ready for bed. She lounged against the headboard and read her book, rolling her eyes and laughing at his off-tune singing in the bathroom.

The bathroom door opened, releasing steam and Percy was wrapping a towel around his waist as he stepped out. His dark hair was dripping, his skin pink from the water, and the scent of his body wash wrapped around her. It normally made her sick but right now, it was doing something else to her senses. Her hands drifted to her breasts and she tweaked her nipples through her thin nightshirt. He didn't look her way as he crossed the room to his bag and started digging through it to find some underwear and sleep pants. She bit her lip as she pulled her shirt up to her chin, kicking the covers down so she could trail one hand over her panties. She was already wet, she noticed with surprise. How did he do that so easily?

Percy dropped the towel and started to step into the boxers.

"Percy."

"Yeah?" He glanced over his shoulder and nearly fell over. She was spread out before him, one of her hands squeezing her bare breast while the other made soft circular patterns over her panties. His eyes widened as her hand slid past the material.

"Oh," she tilted her chin and closed her eyes, her teeth digging into her lip. Percy was torn between wanting to join her on the bed or watch her carry out his fantasy. Her legs fell open and her fingers moved faster under her panties. Percy left his underwear on the floor and crawled onto the bed, hovering over her quivering form. He pulled her hand from her panties and lifted her glistening fingers to his lips. Annabeth moaned as Percy's erection grew against her thigh.

"Turn over," he said in a husky voice that made her shiver. She did as she was told and carefully moved to her hands and knees. Her large belly rested against a pillow and Percy spread her wide. His lips started at the base of her spine and made their way down to her dripping slit, his tongue trying to find every drop of her arousal he could. She whimpered into her arm as he thrust his tongue inside her, his thumb moving up to stroke her clit. He sucked her clit into his mouth and she released a scream as she fell forward.

"Holy shit," Percy breathed behind her. "That was fast."

"I think this pregnancy is doing something to my hormones. My orgasms come on so fast now with hardly any stimulation at all."

"It just means I can make you cum over and over," he grinned as he coated his head in her wet folds. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head as he pushed inside her, his fingers digging into her hips.

"Holy fuck, Annabeth, you feel perfect. I need you to cum again. I need to feel you cumming on my cock." He knew his words could get her there, as Annabeth had

always been an intellectual individual and words held a certain power for her. His fingertips glided over her clit as he slammed into her from behind.

"Oh Styx, Percy, I'm cumming again!"

"Oh fuck you are," he gasped, feeling her walls clench around him tightly. He gritted his teeth and managed to hold on a little longer, wondering if he could get one more out of her but she reached through her legs to fondle his sac and that was his undoing. She felt him explode inside her and they both fell to the bed, exhausted. He pulled her to him, pushing her hair back and leaving tender kisses on her face. She was so tired, she could barely keep her eyes open but she felt him cleaning her up with a warm rag and his warm lips on her belly. She vaguely registered his deep voice, though quiet as if he were talking to himself. With a smile, she realized he was talking to their baby. His voice lulled her to sleep and thankfully, she had no nightmares.

Percy hadn't been kidding when he said he was going to spoil her this weekend. She received the best prenatal treatments the spas had to offer, she ate the most delicious foods, ones that were filled with nutrients and all good things for the baby, and he made sure she was well satisfied before they fell asleep and again when they woke up in the morning. Annabeth almost didn't want to go home. She could get used to this lifestyle. Was this how it was for the gods? She'd never wanted a life of instant gratification but right now, with swollen feet and aching muscles and a mind that raced, she thought she would be ok with it.

When it came time to check out of the hotel, Percy asked her if she'd like to continue their babymoon. Agreeing that she was enjoying the relaxation, she told Percy she would love to extend their trip a few more days. Percy, however, whisked them away from Switzerland and excitedly introduced her to the tranquil beaches of Punta Placer.

"From Switzerland to Mexico," she shook her head as Percy hefted their bags to the hotel lobby. "Even after all of these years, you still surprise me, Percy."

"It was 2nd on the list of best babymoon places and this place has an amazing prenatal spa as well. Plus their bartender can make the most awesome tropical drinks with no alcohol! You'll love it."

She did. It was tranquil and beautiful, definitely more Percy's domain with the waves lulling them to sleep and relaxing in the shade on the beach.

Annabeth's favorite thing about the place was there were hardly any people around. Percy took her for a walk in the moonlight on their first night and had finally convinced her to strip her clothes off and swim in the ocean with him.

"What about… you know? Sharks?" His brow quirked as he cast the ocean a glance.

"If that's your only argument, you need to think harder."

"Ok, what if someone sees us?"

"Oh the hundreds of people we have seen today? Just get in here, Annabeth." She grumbled as she pulled her dress over her head and shimmied out of her panties. Percy took her hand and guided her into the water. It was pleasantly warm and he stood with his chest to her back as they gazed up at the bright moon. Percy bent low to kiss her neck, finding the taste of the saltwater plus her unique taste to almost be too much. He brought his arms around her front, squeezing her breasts in his hands. Her head dropped back onto his chest as his hand moved down her front, his fingers curling between her thighs.

Percy had seen gods and goddesses with his own eyes but he was certain Annabeth had to be the most breathtaking goddess he had ever seen, as she floated on her back, her blonde hair drifting around her, her arms stretched out lazily. Percy wasted no time in latching his mouth to her center and helping her stay afloat as her moans echoed on the cliffs.

Annabeth woke up with sharp pains but she didn't want Percy to worry. She was still a long way from her due date so she figured it was probably that braxton hicks thing she had read so much about. False labor pains often happened with many pregnancies and she told herself not to worry.

When Percy brought in a tray of the most succulent fruit, she put on a smile and kissed him. With a devilish grin, he made her lie back and he trailed the sticky fruit around her sensitive nipple and right over her clit. He hurriedly cleaned up the juices, pausing to flick his tongue over her clit. She gripped his hair tightly, refusing to let go until he made her cum. When he finished, he popped the fruit into his mouth and grinned as he offered her another piece.

"Ok, so I figure since tonight is our last night, we can...Annabeth? You ok?" She was sitting on the edge of the bed, her eyes tightly shut. There was another wave of pain and she gripped the sheets with white knuckles.

"Ow. Yeah. Fine. I think it's just… you know, false alarm."

"How long have you been in pain?"

"I woke up with these sharp pains and I thought they were-OW!" She fell forward, gripping her stomach. Percy's eyes widened.

"Those don't sound like a false alarm to me. We're going home."

"But-"

"Annabeth, you're only a month away from your due date. That's not unheard of. Give me a moment to pack our bags and we'll go." Percy raced around the room, throwing their things into their bags and then he snapped his fingers.

"We're checked out of the hotel and the bill is settled. Let's go." She tried to stand but the pain was intense. Percy flung his bag over his shoulder and scooped her in his arms.

"Hang on, sweetheart." She wrapped her arms around his neck, grimacing, as he concentrated on home and transported them back to their house on the beach.

Percy was only gone for a minute before he returned with Will, who looked queasy.

"You can handle shadow travel but you can't handle my way?"

"Your way literally liquified me," the son of Apollo protested. "Where is she?"

"In here." Percy paced back and forth while Will checked her over and listened to her vitals.

"It's not a false alarm, Annabeth," he said slowly, wrapping his stethoscope around his neck. "The baby will be here by morning."

"WHAT?" Annabeth tried to sit up but she winced at the pain. "I'm still a month and a half away from my due date! Something must be wrong. What if-"

"Annabeth," Will lay a hand on her arm. "You need to relax. Panic will only make this process scarier and longer. Do you want me to call your doctor for you?"

"We were sort of hoping… you would help us with this, Will," Percy said softly. Will's eyes widened and he gave Annabeth a small smile before he pushed a strand of hair out of her eyes.

"It would be my greatest honor. Percy, call Nico and let him know, won't you? Annabeth, let's get you more comfortable. We need to prepare to welcome the new legacy!"