I'm SO sorry this took so long to post- I went back and edited it a little bit, and I just got back from a 2 week work trip/vacation and then moved into a new place. It's been INSANE. But I hope you enjoy! It's very emotional but I really enjoyed writing it and it's one of my favorites, for sure!

XOXO

Percy thought he knew agony. But nothing compared to watching his wife prepare to have his child. As her body readied itself, she became restless and insisted she needed to get out of bed, walk around, do SOMETHING. Percy was attentive as he could be, without actually driving her insane. He fetched her water and ice cubes to chew when the pain became stronger. He rubbed her back soothingly, he wiped at her forehead with a cold cloth. He stood behind her and helped guide her in positions that she thought might help.

Anxious to see his new "niece or nephew", Nico waited in the living room while his daughter dozed in his arms. Will kept a close eye on Annabeth but her contractions didn't start until after the sun came up. Annabeth was already grumpy. Percy had learned to steer clear of his wife when she wore that expression but this time, he wouldn't be chased away.

Will peered between her legs and nodded.

"You're almost ready, Annabeth. Are you ready?"

"I was ready thirteen hours ago," she grumbled.

"Percy, sit behind her and hold her hand. Let her lean her weight against you. Annabeth, prepare to bear down if you need." They both obeyed their friend, grateful to have him there with them. Percy was certain that Will was one of Apollo's most talented sons, if not the most talented.

It was a long and difficult process. Percy decided he hadn't understood how much he loved Annabeth until that very moment. Years of calling her his, and he realized that everything they had been through, from the moment they had met, had lead up to this moment. When he heard the shrill cry echo through the room, his eyes became glassy and he found it difficult to breathe.

"She's beautiful, Percy," he heard Will saying but he couldn't register the words. He took the bundle from his friend and gazed down at the tiny being.

"I have a daughter?" But Will was returning to his place between Annabeth's legs.

"Ok Annabeth, it looks like we have a stowaway." Annabeth lifted her head, looking exhausted.

"What?"

"There's another baby. Are you ready to push again?"

"WHAT?" Annabeth shot Percy a panicked look and he struggled to hold onto his daughter.

"Another one?"

"Come on Annabeth, you can do this. Are you ready?"

"No. No, I'm- what?" Percy leaned down and kissed her sweaty temple.

"Annabeth, you are the strongest woman I know. You can do this."

"I… there has to be some mistake!"

"I can see the head, Annabeth. You need to push!"

When Annabeth had expelled the second being from her body, she collapsed from exhaustion. Will wrapped the little one in blankets and tried to hand it to Percy, who looked panic-stricken.

"I can't… I don't know what to do!"

"Cradle both of them," Will said gently. "I need to tend to your wife."

"But-"

"Here Percy, let us help," a soft voice said behind him. He whirled around and his eyes widened and then softened when he saw Piper and Hazel standing beside the bed. Hazel took the bundle of blankets from Will, as Piper fell into line beside Will, ready to assist. Percy clung to his daughter, who still hadn't made a peep since she had left her mother's womb, and Hazel came over to stand next to him.

"He looks like his daddy." Percy's eyes widened.

"He?" Hazel nodded, smiling broadly. She lowered her arms so Percy could see the sleeping newborn. He had a tuft of jetblack hair, as dark as his own.

"Oh my gods," he said quietly, completely lost for words. He glanced at his wife, who was now sleeping, and back at the sleeping angel in his arms. Will had finished cleaning up and was handing Piper the dirty towels to dispose of. Piper put her finger to her lips and gestured for them to follow her out of the room. Percy didn't want to leave his wife but he knew she needed rest.

Nico jumped to his feet when he saw them enter the room, his daughter contentedly watching TV next to Piper's daughter. His dark eyes widened as he glanced from Percy to Hazel and back to Percy.

"You pick up an extra?"

"Hush you," Will gave him a quick kiss to shut him up.

"How's Annabeth?"

"She's resting," Percy breathed, still cradling his daughter as if she were made of glass. Nico smiled.

"Alright Jackson, it's not like you're going to drop her. Put your hand under her head like this." He repositioned Percy's hands so that he wasn't holding her so awkwardly. Piper grinned and leaned over to look at the baby in Hazel's arms.

"I cannot believe you have twins, Percy!"

"You and me both," he said in awe, not being able to tear his eyes away from his baby girl.

"It was a surprise to all of us," Will laughed, kissing his daughter's hair. She turned and climbed into her father's lap.

"Can I, um… can I just have a moment with the two of them?" Hazel smiled and slipped the baby into Percy's arms. They watched him carefully, sure that he would freak out about having two babies in his arms but he made it look like the most natural thing in the world. Percy Jackson, holding not one but two children. He and Annabeth had longed for a baby for so long, that fate had taken a funny turn. Percy nodded gratefully and carried both children into the next room, his eyes moving from one to the other. Both of them slept peacefully so he had no idea what color their eyes were, but he could already see Annabeth's smile on the little girl and his strong jaw on the little boy. His son had lots of hair while his daughter had none. They both had tiny dimples that he swore came from his wife. His daughter yawned and brought her hand up to her face. Percy couldn't believe just how small that hand was. He brought his finger and tenderly stroked the wrinkled skin. He was shocked at how soft she was and he was about to speak when she opened her hand and wrapped her fingers around his. He gaped at the movement, positive that he was already so in love with her that he would move the earth for her.

"I'm not sure which one of you I was talking to all those months, while you were inside Mommy, but um, I'm your daddy. I guess I was talking to both of you. You, little guy, you sure did surprise us. But I love you both more than I ever thought possible. I know we just met but I feel like I've known you my whole life. And I can't wait for you to meet Mommy. She's the most incredible being ever created." He went on, telling them about their mommy and their aunts and uncles. He told them about their grandparents, and the people who couldn't be here to see them be born. He talked for what seemed like days but could only be minutes. He stopped when he heard a soft knock at the door. He swallowed and held the babies to his chest. Piper peered in and smiled.

"Hey, Annabeth is awake and is asking for you."

"We're coming," he nodded, following Piper out of the room.

Annabeth was propped up against the headboard, the blanket pulled up to her chest. She looked tired but her eyes lit up when he entered the room.

"Hey."

"Hey beautiful. How are you feeling?"

"Honestly? Like I could move a mountain."

"I think you already did that," he smiled, sitting on the edge of the bed. "I can't believe what you did."

"What we did," she corrected him, leaning against his side and moving the blankets aside so she could see her babies. "Oh my gods."

"Yeah. They're beautiful, aren't they?"

"You're a daddy, Percy." He blinked back tears as he nodded.

"And you're a Mommy, my love."

"Can I-?"

"Of course." He gently slid one right after the other into her arms. Their daughter woke for a moment, opening her eyes as soon as she entered her mother's arms. Percy sucked in a breath at the sea of blue gazing back at him.

"Blue. Stella's were blue when she was born."

"Has he opened his eyes?" Percy shook his head.

"Not yet. But I have a feeling he will have yours."

"Why do you say that?"

"Just a hunch."

"Do you know who else she reminds me of?" He didn't have to ask who she meant. He could see his two best friends in those electric orbs.

"She's so gorgeous," he bent to nuzzle her head. The baby's eyes were wide, locked on her father.

"All those names we discussed just feel wrong now," Annabeth shook her head. "I don't like any of them for these two."

"We'll figure it out," he promised, kissing her temple.

It took longer than either of them expected. Neither of them wanted to repeat names from history, nor did they want anything related to the gods. Percy wanted to choose something pertaining to wisdom, for his Wise Girl, while Annabeth insisted one of them needed something related to the sea for her Seaweed Brain. Both of them wanted to honor people from their past but broke down in tears when they whispered their names.

Their daughter was named first. Jaycee Nathalia Jackson. Their son took longer, almost two days later than his sister. In the end, they decided on Zale Ty Jackson. Zale meant strength of the sea, and Annabeth reminded Percy that his strength didn't necessarily come from the sea, but that he had a fierce strength that rivaled that of the ocean's waves.

Percy wanted to give his wife and babies some time before he presented them to their family and friends. He knew his father was particularly anxious to meet his grandchildren but he, like the rest of their family, understood the new parents' wishes. They decided to have two separate ceremonies. One on Earth for their friends and close family, and one on Mount Olympus, where the two babies could meet the gods. Annabeth was hesitant to take her children near the gods but Percy surprised her by revealing that it was none other than Zeus who had asked for them to present the new legacies. In the end, Annabeth agreed, though begrudgingly. She would never forgive Zeus for abandoning them during the war but he was still technically family, after all.

Piper, Hazel, Will, and Nico had been the only ones thus far to have met the newest additions to the Jackson family. Sally bounced on the balls of her feet as she waited for Annabeth to finish feeding them. Percy grinned as he looked around the room of anxious people. Even Leo grinned excitedly, squeezing Calypso's hand while they waited. With a pang in his heart, he realized how many people were also missing from the room. He swallowed the sadness and focused on the joyous occasion. The door opened and Annabeth softly called for Percy's help. He rushed forward to scoop his son into his arms, and they proudly held the legacies up for the room to see. Both babies looked bemused, blinking up at their parents without a clue as to what was going on. Sally and Stella squealed and rushed forward to see them closer. Athena patted Percy's shoulder and muttered a quiet 'congratulations'. Calypso and Hazel were infatuated with Zale, making funny faces to get him to smile. Annabeth hugged Piper and thanked her and Hazel for their help.

"Don't mention it, AB. They're both beautiful."

"Here Aunt Piper. We wanted you to be one of the first to meet Jaycee." Piper blinked back tears.

"Thank you guys. He would have loved this." Piper's daughter stood up on her tiptoes to see the baby.

"Here Gracie, this is your new cousin, Jaycee."

"Her name is like mine," the little girl said excitedly, her eyes lighting up. Percy smiled and knelt down so Grace could hug him.

"Unc PJ, you look happy."

"I am, baby. I'm very happy." He kissed her temple before accepting his daughter back from Piper. Poseidon hesitantly approached not long after that, his dark beard neatly trimmed and his green eyes glowing.

"Congratulations, son. They're both… well, they're perfect."

"I happen to agree," he smiled over at Annabeth, who held Zale. Percy cradled Jaycee to his chest. "Do you want to hold her?" His father gazed at the baby with such longing that he felt a tug in his heart. He could almost remember Poseidon taking him from his mother's arms and cradling him to his strong chest. He watched as Jaycee snuggled into her grandfather's shirt, sighing and closing her eyes. The old sea god's eyes were glassy.

"You made it, son. You made it past insurmountable odds and to this moment, where everything just falls into place."

"It all seems to make sense," Percy nodded. "All of it. The death and the sadness and the fighting and the tears and struggles and all of the pain… it all just seems to… I don't know, fit into place now. Like I wouldn't be here holding them, if I hadn't experienced all of that."

"And so you learn a hero's journey, his true journey. It doesn't have to end in heartache. You will suffer from heartache along the way but you find incredible happiness that makes the ache fade."

"It still hurts," the young god protested. "They should be with us today. It's not fair but I learned a long time ago, a demigod's life is anything but fair."

"I told you long ago that I'm sorry you were born, Percy," Poseidon said seriously. "I still stand by that. Your life has been nothing but suffering, even after your thread of life has been cut. I wish I had not brought such trouble into the world."

"Well no offense Dad, but I don't wish that anymore," Percy gestured to the baby in his father's arms. "I used to but as I said, it all pales in comparison now." Poseidon smiled and passed Jaycee back to her father.

"You will make the most amazing father."

"Thanks Dad."

Annabeth's father refused to give up his grandson so Percy continued to take Jaycee around the room to meet everyone. She made Grover yelp when she took hold of his beard and tugged hard. Percy stifled his laughter as he hurriedly took her back from the grumbling satyr. He saw Nico, Will, and Zelene all sitting on the couch together and he grinned as he nudged Nico.

"Here Uncle Nico." Nico took the baby and grimaced, as if waiting for her to start crying. Her bright blue eyes blinked and she cocked her head, studying him.

"She isn't afraid of me."

"And why should she be," Percy nudged Nico's shoulder. Nico grinned as he patted the little girl's back.

"I have, uh, a little surprise for you and Annabeth. Later. After everyone leaves."

"Ok," Percy nodded, a little bemused. Nico and Will had brought over so many baby gifts already, what else could they give them?

The party lasted even after the babies had been fed and had fallen asleep. Annabeth shot Percy a pleading look and he loudly indicated how late it was getting and how grateful he and Annabeth were that everyone came out. Demigods and mortals dispersed, hugging both of them tightly and wishing them luck or congratulating them once more. Nico lingered in the corner, saying goodnight to his husband and his daughter. Will collected his sleepy child, kissed Annabeth's cheek, and headed out to his car. Nico would meet them home later, he promised. After everyone was gone, Percy shoved his hands in his pockets and turned to Nico.

"Ok Solangelo, what do you have up your sleeve?"

"Well I have a few more friends who want to meet the babies."

"Oh, they're sleeping Nico," Annabeth said, biting her lip. "Can we do this tomorrow?"

"Afraid not, Annabeth. Tonight's the only night I could, uh, get them to come. The babies don't really need to be awake, though. Can you go and get them?" Percy nodded and lead the way into the nursery. When he returned, he very nearly dropped his daughter.

Smoky figures were starting to emerge from the floor. Percy held his daughter to his chest protectively, his narrowed eyes on the nearest figure.

"Nico…." he heard Annabeth whisper behind him. His throat felt dry when the figure straightened up and focused his electric blue eyes on the god and the baby.

"But…how…"

"My father sort of helped me. We thought you both deserved this." Percy forgot how to breathe as the spirit approached him with a broad smile, becoming less mist

and more solid as he walked.

"I heard you named this little one after me." Before Percy could respond, they heard a loud scoff.

"Cocky much? Her middle name is practically MY name!"

"Thalia," Annabeth whispered, clutching her son so tightly he started to squirm. Thalia turned and gave her a ghostly smile.

"Motherhood suits you, Annabeth."

"Jason," Percy said weakly, his voice not working correctly all of a sudden. "I'm… I'm so… your daughter… you-"

"Don't Percy," Jason's spirit said gently. "I'm at peace. Nico happened to interrupt a very lively party to bring me here."

"As if you weren't begging for us to send you," Nico rolled his eyes. Jason shrugged, his smile bright.

"You look so… alive," Annabeth said, stepping forward. "Like you're really here."

"Curteousy of the Lord of the Dead and the Ghost King," Thalia nodded with a smile. "Nico and his dad pulled lots of strings. We're real. For the time being."

"Can I hold her, Perce?"

"Of course you can." He was almost afraid to hand his daughter to a spirit but Jason looked as solid as he did. Other figures were solidifying around the room and he blinked back tears. Annabeth stifled a sob behind him as a tall man approached her.

"Luke," her voice was choked with tears. Luke gave her a broad smile and kissed her forehead.

"I'm so happy for you, Annabeth. Thalia is right. Motherhood does suit you."

"Brother is a daddy," Tyson said excitedly, holding his finger to his mouth when he saw the baby stir.

"Ok Thalia, stop hogging the baby," Silena Beauregard scolded. "This boy needs some Aphrodite magic."

"No Aphrodite magic needed, Silena," Percy said quickly and Silena laughed. Percy's heart hurt at the sound of it, remembering how it sounded echoing around the cabins. Charles Beckendorf chuckled deeply, draping an arm around Silena.

"I don't think the son of a god needs any extra magic, baby."

"Oh alright. The girl then, for sure!"

"Time's up, Jason, I want to hold her," Reyna nudged him. Jason rolled his eyes but passed the baby to the former praetor of New Rome.

"She looks like a warrior," Reyna nodded in approval. "She will be a tough little one."

"Don't listen to her, Jaycee," Jason crooned. "Your mama and daddy are tough enough. You won't have to be a warrior if you don't want to be."

"Thanks to all of you," Percy said thickly. Jason's eyes flickered to Percy, then back to the baby.

"We knew what we were fighting for, Percy. I thought Grover explained that to you."

"How did you-?"

"You'd be surprised at what we can hear in the Underworld," Jason winked. Annabeth leaned into Percy while they both watched their friends pass their children around, muttering blessings, kissing their foreheads, cradling them to their chests as they would have to their own babies, had fate been more fair. Luke smiled as he gently rocked Zale in his arms.

"I can't decide who he looks like more. That's Percy's hair and smile but those eyes are pretty stormy."

"He's going to be all Percy," Annabeth shook her head, a little taken aback at how at ease her son was in Luke's arms.

"I can see that," Luke nodded, shooting Percy a smile. Frank took Jaycee from Reyna and made faces until she emitted a series of adorable little giggles.

"Dude, she's never laughed like that."

"Frank's funny looking," Jason shrugged.

"Oh ha ha," Frank rolled his eyes before going right back to making faces at the baby. He laughed deeply as the little girl's giggles got louder. In the corner of the

room, Nico crossed his arms over his chest and chuckled.

"Neeks, get over here and give me a hug," Jason demanded. "I wasn't solid enough to hug you when you burst into my house."

"Oh knock it off, Grace," Nico rolled his eyes as the son of Jupiter pulled him in for a hug. "Would you get off me!"

"Hey, I hear you're quite a father yourself," Jason said quietly. Nico looked up at him and his face softened.

"Yeah. Well, she's my world."

"Has the Ghost King actually become a softie?"

"Only when it comes to my daughter and sometimes my husband. I'll still kick your ass, Grace." Jason grinned and shoved Nico away.

"You did a good thing, Nico," he said quietly, gesturing toward the new parents.

"They've done a lot for me over the years. And I think they've been through more than most of us. I mean… damn, I didn't mean-"

"It's ok," Jason said, nudging his friend. "I happen to agree with you. It wasn't fair, what happened to them. At least I had some incredible mortal years with Piper."

"But you never met your daughter," Nico said quietly. "She's beautiful, by the way."

"With a mama like Pipes, how could she not be?"

"We've all said she's all you, Jason," Percy said with a sad smile, as he and Annabeth approached them. Annabeth reached out for Nico's hand and pulled him closer.

"We will never be able to thank you enough for this, Nico. You and your father."

"It seemed like such a small thing, after everything but I'm glad it made you happy. Both of you."

"And thank you," Annabeth turned to Jason with tears in her eyes. "For leaving your Elysium party to welcome our children."

"I'm glad we got this chance, Annabeth. Just… do me a favor and don't mention it to Piper, k? I'm not sure she… I mean, she might be…"

"We won't say anything," Percy promised.

"About that, guys. The only catch to this is that you have to keep it to yourselves," Nico said softly. "You can't tell anyone about this. Dad is risking a lot, actually, and I promised him we would keep it a secret."

"It's just between us, Nico. Um, all of us," Percy gestured around the room.

"I think you emptied half of Elysium tonight," Annabeth said, looking around.

"To be honest, it's more spirits than I'd planned. When I mentioned who it was for, though, more and more came forward and requested to join. I couldn't really deny them. Tyson, get Ella away from the snacks! What did I say about eating the food up here?" He rushed toward the cyclops and the harpy, throwing his hands up in exasperation.

Annabeth yawned and rested her head on Percy's shoulder.

"I could sleep for a week."

"With two newborns? Good luck with that," Thalia snorted.

"They've actually surprised us and have been sleeping through the night," Percy said with his finger to his lips, as if he didn't want to jinx it. "Zale cries more than Jaycee. She just stares at us with those big blue eyes."

"Remember what I said, Percy," Jason said, his tone serious. "The world is different now. Demigods don't have to train all their lives to prepare for some huge battle. Don't feel like you have to train them to be heroes, just because of who you are. Give them a chance at a normal life. At least a normal childhood."

"We will, Jason," Annabeth nodded. "We'll teach them about the heroes who made the world a different place for them but they don't have to grow up like we did."

"You'll tell them stories about us?" Thalia asked, her smile a little sad. "About how we were kids together, Annabeth? And how we kicked the titans' asses, and sent monsters back to Tartarus, and-"

"We'll tell them all of it, Thalia," Percy squeezed her hand. She shook her dark hair out of her eyes, her Hunters of Artemis tiara still across her forehead as it was when she died.

"Uh oh," Jason lifted his hand, which was starting to fade quickly. "Uh, Nico?" Nico looked over and his eyes widened.

"Damn. That was faster than I thought. Whoever has the babies, pass them forward. Say your goodbyes, quickly!" Percy and Annabeth felt themselves being pulled in all different directions, smothered by embraces and kisses. Jason ruffled Percy's hair and smiled, already partially transparent.

"Perce. Take Gracie to New Rome for me. At least once. I know Piper doesn't want to return there but will you take her for me? I just want her to know who her daddy was, or who he started out to be."

"Of course, Jason." He tried to shake hands with his friend but Jason's hand went through his. It made Percy's eyes water and he blinked around at the room full of spirits.

"Thank you all," he said, his voice breaking. Their friends raised their hands, whispering their final farewells. Luke gave Annabeth a tender kiss on the cheek as he disappeared. Annabeth choked back a sob as her friends vanished all over again.

"Take care, brother! I love you," Tyson called as he wrapped his arm around Ella and they disappeared together. Nico turned and gave them an apologetic smile.

"I have to make sure they all get back safely. Um, I'll see you guys later."

"Thank you, Nico." Nico nodded and disappeared into the shadows. Thalia was the last to fade, her smile and eyes glowing.

"Be good to each other," she said, her voice echoing. "I know you'll make better parents than any of ours did. Besides Sally, of course. Still can't believe she gave birth to an idiot like you."

"Love you too, Thalia," Percy said, not even having a witty comeback to throw at her. Thalia smiled until she too, disappeared from the room, leaving Percy and Annabeth holding their yawning babies. Jaycee's eyes had already closed and would be asleep in seconds, they knew.

"Come on," he said quietly. "Let's get these two ready for bed."

"You have no idea how lucky you are, my little ones," Annabeth whispered, nuzzling her son's cheek.

"They're going to be spoiled by all these blessings! And we still have the presentation ceremony on Mount Olympus tomorrow."

"Those blessings were better than anything we could ever get up there," she said softly. Percy kissed her temple.

"I know." He leaned down and kissed his daughter's forehead, then moved over to his son.

"My beautiful legacies," he whispered, rubbing Zale's head. "You have so many people who love you."