This story may not be amazing for a while, but I'm trying to do something that will be revealed to those who don't know much about Alvie. I do have a good idea for future chapters and it will be good, so just bear with me on this. Thanks :D
Alvie was up again. He seemed to have difficulty settling at night, but if Annabeth or Percy went to comfort him, he would shy away or remain or, in some cases, rigid, not wanting to be held.
Percy left to mix up a bottle while Annabeth attempted to pick the infant up.
"You're supposed to be sleeping." Annabeth gave a tired smile. Alvie seemed content staring at the swaying zoo animal mobile hanging above his cot. Annabeth watched him carefully, snapping her fingers next to his ear. He didn't look round, let alone blink. He was transfixed by the mobile. She shifted him in her arms and snapped her fingers against his other ear. Still no response, but with the mobile out of sight, he was staring at her hair.
Percy returned, instantly noticing her worried expression.
"What's the matter?"
"He… I think…" Annabeth trailed off. Percy put an arm around her. "He doesn't respond." Annabeth snapped her fingers near Alvie's ears again. Alvie was still watching her hair.
Percy frowned. "Do you think he's deaf?" Annabeth asked quietly, chewing her lip.
Percy dropped the baby bottle. It landed with a dull, loud thud, making Alvie jump. He whimpered.
"No, he's not deaf." Annabeth soothed Alvie as best she could, but he was almost robotic in his arms.
"It's OK, Alvie. Just Daddy being stupid." Her soft tone seemed to have no effect. Percy picked the bottle up and removed the lid, letting a few drops of warm milk fall onto Alvie's tongue. Percy handed the bottle over and Annabeth quietened Alvie by feeding him. "I think we should get his hearing checked."
"Can they check them so young?" Annabeth hesitated. Could they?