I am so sorry for taking forever on this chapter. If you thought I gave up on this story, don't worry. I plan to keep this going long after it's welcome is up, just please don't give up on me. I also know it's not Christmas time, but who doesn't love the holiday season? Okay I'm done having my mini rant. Thank you all! -Twinkies

Emmy walked up to Percy's apartment a stack of wrapped presents barely balanced in her arms. Holding the stack between her arm and her hip she carefully leaned to ring the door bell. Not a minute later the door opened. Percy stood in front of her a lopsided smile lazily hanging on his face. Her eyes widened seeing what he was wearing, he was still in his pajamas. Green plaid flannel pants and a baggy white t-shirt. "You're over dressed, but extra points for the sweater." He said, a twinkle in his green eyes as he looked her over her jeans and tacky Christmas sweater. It was red fleece with a green tree sewn on. Scattered on the tree were little balls of fluff, symbolizing ornaments. Rolling her eyes she held out her stack of presents, "Here, put them under the tree." Percy took the stack from her, making it look smaller in his arms. "Ah, all for me?" They exchanged smiles and she followed him into the apartment. They stopped for a moment for Percy to drop off the presents, he carefully placed them among the other wrapped boxes.

Not ten minutes later they were all sitting on the floor circling the six-foot Christmas tree. In front of each of them was a small stack of wrapped objects. Starting with Paul, they took turns unwrapping. A smile fell on his face as he opened up a box revealing the jersey. "Thanks Emmy, I've wanted one for a while now." She nodded, giving him a smile. "Percy said you would like it." Next in the circle was Sally. She picked up the biggest box giving it a light shake. Not a sound was made, strange. Not waiting another moment she ripped off the snowflake paper and opened the box. Inside was layer upon layer of bubble wrap. A smile lit up her face looking up at her son, "Did you do this?" He shrugged giving one of his signature crooked grins. "Maybe." Sally's smile remained as she shook her head at Percy. Digging through the bubbled plastic she pulled out a bundle of it that had been taped together. "I think I'm going to need scissors with this." Once this was said she stood up walking to the kitchen. Returning a few minutes later she sat down in her spot and started hacking at the tightly wrapped plastic.

Surrounded by bubble wrap Sally finally held up her prize. It was the latest James Patterson book she had wanted to get. "Thanks Sweetie." She said giving Percy a tight hug. "No problem Mom." He smiled widely and reached towards his own pile picking the package that was from Emmy. A knowing smile lit up her face, she knew he was going to like his gift. Percy got to work carefully tearing off the penguin decorated thin paper. With an expert slice of the scissors the box was open. Looking inside he instantly started laughing. "How did you know?" He asked looking up at Emmy. "I have my ways." Her scarred eyebrow raised and her smile grew. "Well, what is it?" Paul asked craning his neck trying to get a good look. Percy pulled the context of the box out holding it up for everyone to see. In his hands he was holding a panda Pillow Pet. Just like the one he had gotten when he lost his memory. Just like the one that had been sacrificed. Percy had missed it, but had no idea how Emmy knew about it. "Do you like it?" Her soft voice broke into his head. He nodded, a bewildered smile on his face.

Emmy stuff an arm full of wrapping paper into a garbage bag. All the presents were unwrapped, and the living room was full of boxes and paper. "Did everyone like their presents?" Sally spoke up tieing the top of a full bag. Everyone nodded, though Emmy actually spoke. "I think flavored reeds are the best thing ever." Percy laughed softly. "I thought you would like those." He tied off the last bag. "Alright, you two get to drag these down to the trash. I'm going to start on dinner." Percy looked up at his mom as she spoke. "I thought we were going out to Chinese like we usually do." Sally shook her head. "I figured we could give turkey dinner a try. It's not just the two of us this year." He nodded, turkey sounded alright to him. "Alright, while that's cooking do you mind if me and Emmy go see a movie? So we can get our of your way." It looked like Sally was about to disagree before Paul spoke up. "That sounds like a great idea. Just don't forget about that trash." He gently grabbed Sally's arms, pulling her towards the kitchen. "Here I'll help you in the kitchen." Emmy stayed silent this whole time, the movie was a surprise to her, Percy came up with that all on his own. Obediently she picked up two bags waiting for Percy. Together they walked out of the apartment. "What movie are we seeing?" Emmy asked climbing into the car. "No idea, what ever's playing I guess." The girl laughed and he shot her a smile as they drove off.

"Wait, we need to stop at my apartment first." Percy shot Emmy a questioning glance, his green eyes shining. "Why?" Emmy flashed a smile, "It's a surprise, don't ask questions just drive." Percy laughed shaking his head slightly, "As you wish." Not a few minutes later they pulled up in front of her building, Emmy shot out before Percy could even pull the keys out of the ignition. "Wait here." She called running into the house. Percy got out of the car and circled to the passenger side, leaning against the door. He stuck his hands in his pockets, hunching his shoulders against the cold. Emmy popped out of the building, holding something behind his back. She stopped in front of him, keeping her hands behind her. "Okay, no matter what you're about to see, you aren't allowed to laugh." Percy's eyebrows lifted slightly and he looked down at her. "Okay?"
"You have to swear."
"I swear, what is it?"
After a moment of hesitation Emmy brought her hands forward holding a lump out to Percy. Looking at it closely he saw that it slightly resembled a hippo, but with wings. "Its a Pegasus." Percy took the clay sculpture from her, not sure what to say. "You hate it." Emmy buried her face into her hands. "It's horrible I know, but I had to make something for art class. I thought you would like it, but it didn't turn out as planned." Percy looked at her a smile on his face. "No, I love it. It's perfect." One of her eyes picked out between her fingers. Percy placed the Pegasus behind him on the hood of the car and pulled Emmy into a hug. "Thank-you." He kissed her on top of the head, taking in the scent of her hair. Vanilla with a twist of orange. "It's the best gift ever." Emmy put her hands down looking up at him, her eyes wide and mouth open slightly to reply. She never got the chance to, Percy place his lips on hers. Her arms found their way around his neck, pulling him closer. Percy's hands slid down from her shoulders resting on the small of her back, pulling her against him. They stayed like this until they needed to pull away for breath. Percy leaned down resting his forehead against her's, "I'm going to name him Henry." Emmy laughed, enjoying the warmth Percy gave off. "So are we going to that movie or what?" They pulled away from each other, Percy returning to the driver's side, but not before grabbing Henry off of the roof. They pulled away from the building, not noticing Annabeth looking at them from the window.

Over two hours later they returned to his families apartment exiting the car together, Percy holding Henry. Emmy looked around, frowning slightly. "Do you smell burning?" Percy nodded, "I think it's coming from my apartment." He took off almost running, climbing up the stairs. Once the door was unlocked he rushed in looking around, his body tense as he set Henry down on the table next to the door way. Sally's head poked out of the kitchen, "Hey honey, we're going to have to go out for Chinese after all."
"What happened?"
"I kinda burned the turkey. To a crisp." Percy gave a soft chuckle, Emmy just stood behind him wide-eyed. How could they be so calm about this? If this had happened at her house melt downs would be involved. But Sally was just smiling, like this happened all the time. Maybe it did. "The usual place?" Sally nodded, "Yep, I already called ahead. They have our order cooking. Paul and I will drive in a separate car, meet you guys there." With that she slid past them, Paul not to far behind. Percy sighed shaking his head slightly, "I think she's glad she doesn't have to cook the rest of that, cooking never was her favorite thing to do." He looked next to him expecting Emmy to be standing there, instead she had walked over to the window and was struggling to open it. "What are you doing?" Percy asked walking up behind her, placing his hands on the window his arms surrounding her. "I thought you might want to get this smoke out of here, so I'm trying to open this window." As she spoke her breath brushed warmly against his arms, both were very aware of how close they were to each other. "Then let me help you with that." His voice was soft, Emmy's dark hair moved as he spoke. He opened the window then took a step away from Emmy. "We should probably head to the restaurant. Don't want to keep them waiting." Emmy nodded. "Lead the way."

Stomachs full they exited the restaurant as a group. All of them were wearing heavy coats, huddling against the cold. "Thank you once again for an excellent Christmas." Emmy said smiling at Sally and Paul. Their arms were linked together, both looking extremely happy. "No problem. It was a pleasure having you with us. Though I'm sorry I burned the turkey." Sally turned to Percy. "Drive Emmy home, but don't take to long." He nodded taking Emmy's hand leading her away. Out of habit he opened the car door for her before going to his own, climbing in. "Hurry up and turn on the heat." Emmy said through shivering teeth as she pulled on her seat belt. Percy did so and carefully pulled out of their parking spot, as he looked back he draped his arm over the back of Emmy's seat and never moved it the whole ride. By the time they had reached her building a light snow was falling all around them. They both climbed out of the car. Emmy's nose began to sting from the sudden cold, she took in a deep breath that hurt her lungs. "Gods it's cold." Percy nodded in agreement. "Did you enjoy yourself today?" Her head bobbed up and down, a smile lighting up her face. "Yep, this is the best Christmas I've had in a while." Percy returned her smile, "Glad to hear it." His eyes flicked towards her building, "Is everything alright here? I mean is anyone giving you a hard time?" Emmy was slightly shocked by the random question. "You mean Annabeth? No, she's been nice enough. Though she glares at me when she thinks I'm not looking." Percy nodded chewing the side of his cheek. "Alright, just if anything happens don't be afraid to tell me." Emmy smiled seeing him concerned like that. "Don't worry Fish Breath. I can stand my own." Percy chuckled. "Fish Breath, that's a new one."
"Now I should probably go in before one of my toes falls off, and it sounded like your mom wanted you home. Also since my flight was canceled I will be leaving tomorrow for home. Can I bum another ride from you?"
"Sure, and you still owe me that dinner."
"We can do that the night I get back." Percy nodded. "Alright." She gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Thanks once again. See you in tomorrow at 9 in the morning." They exchanged waves and both left. Above their heads Annabeth stood in her room looking down at them, her rage building.