Chapter 3
They spent the day packing up her things. Her exit had to seem rushed, but it was going to be permanent for a while. Annabeth wasn't overly sentimental, but if she was going to be away from her friends and family for a while, she wanted her stuff.
Percy left Annabeth to rest. She needed her sleep before their big "show" later that evening. Their fight was going to be dramatic. It needed to be over the top for anyone to believe that actually were breaking up.
Percy spent the day around camp. Grover walked past him at one point and couldn't meet his eyes. Had Grover told anyone else? None of his other friends had confronted him about it. Thalia would kill him if she thought he cheated on Annabeth. And he would deserve it. That evening would not go well.
Later that night, the campfire began. Percy sat near Adrian, but he could hear the murmurs about. Annabeth wasn't there. She never missed the campfires. Their friends were giving each other glances. Finally, it seemed like they elected Piper to go over to talk to him.
"Hey Percy," Piper let out a small smile. "Where's Annabeth?"
Percy gulped. She should be coming in any minute. "Not sure," he was short with his response.
Piper grabbed his hand. "Because we were all just wondering if," she was cut off by none other than Annabeth barging into the amphitheater. And a very angry looking Annabeth. Percy had to remind himself that this was just for show.
"Perseus Jackson," she gritted her teeth. Her face was bright red and Percy saw dried tear marks down her cheeks. He knew they were from the stress of the night, but he hated she had cried.
"And here she is now," he did his best to sound exasperated.
Annabeth's shoulders tightened as if noticing all eyes were on her. She really did know
how to make a scene.
"Outside, now," she muttered.
Percy gritted his teeth but followed her outside. Be mad, he reminded himself. Say mean things. Be the opposite of who you are, but that was harder than he thought.
Thankfully, they were already gathering a crowd. Piper had followed them out immediately, followed by Grover and Thalia. Hazel, Leo, and Calypso were not much further behind.
"Guys, what's go on?" Piper asked in her most soothing voice.
"Save it, McLean," Annabeth snapped. Then she pushed Percy back. Hard. He stumbled.
"What the hell, Annabeth?" Percy snapped right back. Then, she shoved him again. She went for the third time and Percy threw her arms off of him gently. Still, Annabeth made it seem like he had done it a lot harder.
"Why?" now she had tears streaming down her face. "Why would you do this? To me? To us?"
Gods. Percy hated to see her like this. He knew it was all for a show. He knew she wasn't hurting. Well, at least not in the way everyone thought she was. Still, he wanted to pull her in his arms and tell her everything would be okay.
Percy feigned surprise. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"I'm not stupid. I know you've been sneaking out to be with her," Annabeth's mouth twisted on the word her. "And I can't believe it's some skanky mortal." They hadn't wanted there even to be a notion it was someone at camp.
Percy's mouth twisted. "I don't know what you mean," he insisted.
Annabeth's hands balled into fists. "What, that you're cheating on me?" A gasp rang out. More than their friends were gathered around. "That you're screwing someone else. Percy, I literally almost died not even five months ago because of you. And what do you do? Go and sleep with someone else."
Percy ran his hands over his face. He tried not to look at the crowd. To see the looks they were giving him. If he had actually done what she was fake accusing him of, he deserved everyone's glares.
"Wow, Annabeth. Way to air this out in front of everyone," Percy said.
"Well, it seems like everyone knew before I did," she shook her head. "Gods, I thought you loved me. Did you ever love me?"
Gods, she was going to make him say it. "You're not that easy to love," Percy said. She glared at him and he kept going. "You're arrogant and selfish and think you're better than everyone else, especially me."
"Maybe because I am," she yelled back. "You are the idiot who is always getting himself into trouble."
"I'm the idiot?" Percy protested. "I should know this by now because you always tell me. You always tell me how dumb I am and how much smarter you are and—" she rolled her eyes.
"Gods, Percy! Maybe it's because you are dumb! You have such a freaking hero complex about yourself. News flash, you aren't always the hero! You are 28, deal with it!" she screamed.
He clenched his fist. "This is why I cheated on you! Gods. Your fatal flaw is hubris? I see it every damn day. I can't stand it anymore. You don't listen to me and—"
"Don't listen?"
"You are doing it right now! Gods, I wish I," she glared at him.
"Just wish what Percy?" the whole camp held its breath. "You never loved me? Didn't
marry me? What is it you wish?"
He hesitated. Just for a moment. He couldn't say it. "Maybe I don't love you. Not anymore."
She shook her head. "You are such a coward. You wish what?"
He dropped his voice low but loud enough everyone could hear it. "I wish I let you fall."
She stepped back. Tears flowed down her cheeks. Finally, someone stepped in.
"Percy, you don't mean that. You," but he cut Hazel off.
"No, I do mean it. I wish she'd fallen alone to Tartarus. Let all her demons kill her there. Alone," he stared right into her eyes. Gods, she was starting to hyperventilate. "And you're right. I wish I'd never married you. I should've slept with someone else long ago." A nearby fountain exploded.
"Screw. You," she threw her wedding ring on the ground next to him. His heart was breaking. They had promised to never take off their rings. She was already backing away from the crowd. "And you'll get your wish. We're done," and she ran away.
Everyone stood in stunned silence. No one knew what to say or do. But Percy did. He took off in the other direction. Only when he felt like he was far enough from the crowd did he take off towards their cabin carefully, so no one followed.
Percy heard his wife before he saw her. Full body sobs came from their living room. He ran over and the sight destroyed him.
Annabeth had her back against the wall. Endless tears streamed down her face. Her arms crossed her body as she held herself as she cried. It wasn't for show. Her eyes found him, but her cries didn't stop.
"Percy," she cried out.
He was on her in a millisecond. His hands brushing her tears away. Running up and down her cheeks checking to see what was wrong.
"What's wrong? Are you okay? Is the baby? Maybe we shouldn't have fought so hard, I," she let out another heart ending sob.
"You love me, right?" She asked.
His body stilled. "Annabeth."
"I know you do. But, after out there," her lips quivered. "I need to hear you say it."
He pressed his lips into hers. He tried to tell her everything with his kiss. He knew it wouldn't be enough, but it was a start.
"Annabeth, I love you more than life itself," he held her cheek. "I love you more than air. I love you more than water. I love you more than all the blue cookies in the world," she let out a small laugh at that one. "Annabeth Jackson, you are the love of my life. My reason for being. Do not ever think anything else."
Her breathing steadied. "Gods, okay, good. Gods. I know. This is your fault," she let out another small laugh. "It's these stupid hormones."
He pulled her into a hug so he could wrap his whole body around her. "My fault, huh?"
"I mean, you are the one who knocked me up," another laugh. Gods, he loved her laugh.
He pulled away and placed a hand on Annabeth's slightly swollen stomach. "Hey little baby, did you hear that? I'm the one who is making mommy's emotions crazy. Not you, little lime."
Annabeth stilled. "Mommy?"
Percy smiled. "That's what you are, right? Our little lime's mommy?"
"I just, I haven't heard that before. You call me mommy," she looked down at her stomach. "I like it." She wrapped her hand's around his neck. "And little lime?"
Percy blushed. "You're twelve weeks. That's how big the baby is."
"And how do you know that information?" she quirked a brow.
"I did read some of the baby books you got me," he said.
A tear slipped down Annabeth's cheek. "You did?"
He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Of course."
"You are going to be a great dad, Percy," she kissed him, and he pulled away to get one last look at her. At them. One last look before they left.
"Gods, Annabeth, I," but he didn't get to finish his sentence.
Suddenly, their front door was kicked in. Annabeth's eyes went wide. Then, a forearm pushed Percy back into a wall. A knife rested at his neck. Both his hands flew up as he struggled to breathe. He stared back into the electric blue eyes staring at him.
"Thalia," he tried to choke out, but when someone has a knife to your neck, there isn't much to say.
"Give me one reason why I don't electrocute your ass, Jackson," she growled.
"You can't kill him," Grover said. Percy risked a glance at his best friend before Grover threw his hands up. "Hey, I'm just here so no murders take place. I'm on her side though. We say Percy come in here and had to make sure Annabeth was okay."
"Thalia, set him down," Annabeth was doing her best to stay calm.
If anything, Thalia pressed harder. "Why in Hades would I do that? He just admitted to cheating on you, not loving you, and wanting to drop you into Tartarus. I told you men were useless."
"Please," Annabeth's eyes were begging.
Percy looked at the scene. Thalia with a knife to his throat, choking the life out of him. Grover stood back with Annabeth; his hand rested on her shoulder. Her distressed eyes met his. They didn't know what to do.
Then, Percy could only wheeze in a breath. His vision began to blur.
"I'm pregnant," Annabeth blurted out before her hands covered her mouth.
Thankfully, it had the effect she was going for. Thalia's arm dropped letting Percy fall to the floor gasping for air. The room was silent besides Percy's rapid breathes.
"I don't believe you," Thalia responded.
Annabeth just turned and lifted up her shirt to show her and Grover the bump. Annabeth ran her hand over it with a soft smile.
"Is it his?" Thalia glared at Percy on the floor.
"Gods, yes. Now, will you please," Thalia's knife was at Percy's throat again.
"Thalia!" Annabeth protested.
"Let's all take a breath," Grover insisted.
This time, Thalia only addressed Percy. "You cheated on her while she's pregnant?" her eyes held distaste. "Did you know when you were screwing some other woman? Were you screwing them at the same time?"
Percy did not know what to say. He had to guard the secret. For his wife's and their unborn child's sake. But Annabeth assessed the situation and decided Percy's life was more in danger by Thalia at this point.
Annabeth rolled her eyes. "Gods. Percy didn't cheat on me. You know him. Would he ever do that?"
"Annabeth, Percy told me yesterday. I know we don't want to believe it either," Grover said.
Annabeth rubbed her forehead. "He lied. Now, can you two sit down and stop threatening to kill my husband?"
Thalia and Grover both fell back in silence but sat on the opposite couch. Annabeth reached out her hand to her husband and he took it graciously. She kissed his Adam's apple where a bruise was beginning to form.
"Annabeth, are you going to tell them? Are you sure?" Percy wanted to tell his friends. He really did. Two less people to hate him. But he would let everyone hate him if it kept his baby safe.
"Yes," this time she pressed a kiss to his lips and he hesitantly kissed back. "Thalia would kill you otherwise and I'd very much like the love of my life and the father to my child alive. Is that okay with you?"
"What's going on?" Grover asked as Annabeth and Percy sat down.
Percy and Annabeth sat next to each other. Carefully, Percy pulled her close. He rested his hand on her knee as they smiled.
Annabeth placed her hand on her stomach again. "We're having a baby."
Grover frowned. "You said that. Annabeth, I'm happy for you. But what's up with you two then? Adrian said Percy was sneaking out of the Poseidon cabin every night."
"To come here," Percy said.
Thalia's eyes flared. "I'm not following."
Annabeth swallowed. "I'm pregnant. I'm happily having a little demigod baby with my husband. My husband who is a son of Poseidon." She paused. "My husband who has a bounty on his head for being a son of Poseidon. Who has endless sweeps of monsters coming to try to kill anyone related to Poseidon." Annabeth had a tear fall down her cheek. "Monsters who will come after our innocent little baby when they find out that they are a descendant of Poseidon." She stared at her two friends. "Grover, Thalia. No one can know."
There was a pause. Thalia's eyes darted between her two friends. "You're hiding the baby?"
Percy nodded. "Annabeth is going to go away. Just until I can figure out this bounty business. But no one can know she's my weakness. No one can know my two weaknesses," he pressed his hand over Annabeth's. Over their child. "If anyone found out," he shook his head. "Annabeth almost died. I can't risk her or my child. Athena is going to mask the baby's scent, but Annabeth can't be here." Percy looked at his two friends. "You can't tell anyone."
Thalia sighed. "So, let me get this straight. You two are not actually getting divorced." They shook their heads. "Instead, you guys are pretending to break up, so no one goes after Annabeth. And," she glanced at Annabeth's stomach. She shook her head at Percy. "Wait, so you are willing to let everyone hate you?"
He nodded. "It's too dangerous. Anything to protect them."
"And you're letting this happen?" Thalia asked her best friend.
Annabeth sighed. "I, there was no other option. Do I want to raise this baby practically alone? Gods, no. But we have to do everything we can."
"And I thought you cheated on her. Instead," Thalia shook her head. "You're ruining your life. You two should be together, celebrating. And instead," she shook her head. "Percy, you are sacrificing everything. Your friends, your family, gods."
"But you understand why we have to do this?" Percy was gripping Annabeth's hand a little too tight. It would be too soon that he would have to let go.
"Yes," Thalia responded softly.
Grover nodded and stared at his two friends. "You two are giving everything up."
Annabeth smiled. "That's what parents do."
Just then, there was a knock on the door. "Guys," it was Piper. "Is everything okay in there?"
Everyone paused. "Yeah, Annabeth is packing up," Thalia said. She glanced at her friend. "We'll be out in a minute."
"Was Percy there? No one could find him," Piper inquired. Annabeth shook her head.
"No, it's just Annabeth, Grover, and me," Thalia replied. "Just wait out there."
"It's time," Annabeth squeezed Percy's hand. He couldn't find his breath. She didn't care that her friends were watching, she pulled him in for a deep kiss. They pulled apart breathless. "Gods, I love you."
Percy ran his hands over her cheek. "And I love you, and," he hadn't done it before.
He'd only ever rested his hands on her stomach. But it would be a long time before he saw her again. He leaned down and lifted up her shirt to expose her stomach. He pressed his lips to her stomach.
"I love you too, little baby. Daddy won't see you for a while. Be good for mommy." He pressed one last kiss to her abdomen. "I love you."
"Percy," tears were streaming down Annabeth's face. Her lip was quivering. She didn't have to say it, he knew. "You'll come to see us. Before the baby is born?"
Percy's breath hitched. He had no idea how he would know it was safe to visit her. He wanted to promise her that he would. He wanted to see her big and beautiful and feel the baby kicking. Hear the baby's heartbeat. But he knew he couldn't promise that.
He kissed her forehead. "I'll try."
Annabeth knew she couldn't insist on anything else. "Okay." One last kiss and he headed to their bedroom to sneak out the window.
Percy sat on the window ledge when he heard Thalia come into the room.
"She would hate knowing I asked, but," Percy didn't even have to finish his sentence.
"Yeah, I'll watch out for her. I can make some trips away from the hunters. Reyna will cover for me," Thalia said.
Percy turned back to his friend. "Thank you. Now go back and pretend like you hate me."
She smirked. "Not that hard to do."
He rolled his eyes and jumped off the ledge. Then he ran. He knew if he didn't get away from that cabin there would be little chance of letting Annabeth leave. He needed to be away. Far away. He ran and ran and ran. He ran until he was on the border of camp by the ocean. Then he felled and cried.
Anyone who passed by would assume he was crying over his failed marriage. Over the camp finding out he "cheated" on his wife. Only three people would know the truth.
Percy was able to cry and cry and cry. A negative to being a son of Poseidon, his tears never ran out.
He cried for his future. For the loneliness that was only just starting but he knew would get worse. He cried for his wife who would be lonely as well. Far away, lonely and pregnant. He cried for their baby who wouldn't know normal until Percy ended this bounty.
"Percy," Grover's voice cut through Percy's crying.
Percy stopped and looked up at his friend. A day ago, they both had stood in this very spot where Percy lied to Grover. And Grover looked at him in disgust. Today, Grover looked at his friend with sorrow and sympathy.
"Percy," Grover sat down next to Percy and pulled him into a hug.
"Is she? Did Annabeth leave?" Percy pulled away.
Grover nodded. "Yeah, Thalia went with her. Athena sent Annabeth a set of house keys apparently. Thalia will help her get set up." Grover smiled. "Thalia wouldn't let Annabeth carry any of her bags. I think she cares more about her niece or nephew than she's letting on."
Percy smiled. "Gods, when everyone finds out, our baby is going to be so spoiled."
Grover nudged his friend. "Yeah, because you are going to be a dad. Besides everything else going on, how do you feel about it?"
Percy smiled even wider. "I'm so excited. I've loved Annabeth longer than I can remember and for us to be having a baby," his eyes gleamed. "It's everything I'd ever wanted."
Grover's smile faded. "Just not this way."
Percy shook his head. "Not this way." Percy stared out into the horizon and he balled his fists. "Grover, I," he sighed. "I'm so mad."
Grover nodded. "You've gone through so much. You shouldn't have to do this."
"No, I shouldn't," Percy gritted his teeth. "And I can't even blame the gods for this one. It's only my da-," he stopped.
Poseidon wasn't his dad. Not anymore. Percy already knew what it was like to be a dad. To sacrifice and give everything up for your child because they were the only thing that matter in the world. His dad would never do that.
"Poseidon did this." Fury built up in Percy. "If he would only apologize to Echidna. Gods, I almost died. My wife almost died twice. Adrian lost his leg. And now my child, his grandchild, is in danger." Percy scoffed. "Athena even showed she cared. The goddess who on our wedding day, tried to convince Annabeth to leave me at the altar. She's already helping to protect her grandchild while he is hurting them."
Grover sighed. "Does he know? About the baby, I mean."
Percy shrugged. "I don't know how the whole god knowledge really works. Athena
seemed to know before I even did, but I also know Annabeth prayed to her for guidance. I don't think it would make a difference. Adrian is just a kid and he lost so much coming to camp. The descendant of Neptune at Camp Jupiter died. Grover, he died, and Poseidon did nothing."
"What about Frank?" Grover asked, knowing he had Neptune blood in him.
Percy sighed. "He's been fighting the monsters, but they aren't really coming after him. His Mars blood overpowers it."
"Percy, how are you going to stop this?" Grover asked.
"I have no idea," tears brimmed at Percy's eyes again. "I can't figure it out. Annabeth and I have been brainstorming, but it's not enough. I have our kid to fight for and I still don't know. Grover, what if," Percy sobbed. "What if I can't stop it? What if our kid is never safe because of me? What if I can never raise them? What if?" Grover placed his friend's head in his hand.
"Percy, breath." Grover waited until Percy took a few deep breaths before continuing. "Annabeth is amazing. You two will make this work. And the whole worry about your kid thing? It never stops, I," Grover dropped his hands. He twisted his wedding ring. Juniper and he had been married a few years longer than Percy and Annabeth were. "Juniper was pregnant a while ago. We, she," Grover shut his eyes. "We lost the baby."
Percy stared at his friend. "Grover, I had no idea."
Grover nodded. "I know. It was around when Annabeth got hurt, the first time. I thought
maybe you would notice, but we were both torn up in our own pain." Grover looked at Percy. "Our baby is gone, and I think about them every day. I worry about them every day. You're right. Poseidon is not your dad right now. Because if I could do anything to save my child, I would have." Grover paused. "You're a dad now, Percy. The baby isn't here yet, but the responsibility is. It never goes away from here on out. And I know you know that."
"I just love them so much," Percy cried. "Annabeth and the baby. Gods, the baby isn't here yet and I love them so much."
Grover smiled. "A little you or Annabeth, what's not to love?"
Percy laughed. "Gods, I hope the baby is like Annabeth. If they are anything like me," he let out another laugh. "Gods, Annabeth will lose her mind if there are two of us."
Grover laughed. "Hey, she fell in love with you. I'd say it all worked out."
Percy played with his wedding ring. Then he shut his eyes, remembering the fight. "Gods, her ring. It's probably in the grass, I," Grover put a hand on Percy's shoulder.
"Thalia already grabbed it. She was planning on telling Annabeth to sell it for extra cash," they laughed until a comfortable silence overfell them.
"Grover, I'm sorry about your baby," Percy finally said.
"We have time. It just hasn't been the right time to try again yet." Grover nudged his friend. "But hey, maybe soon. Then our kids could be friends. A satyr-nymph friends with the child of the two of the greatest demigods of our generation."
"I'd like that," Percy said. "But now, I think you need to go back to hating me."
Grover frowned. "Percy, I couldn't hate you. I don't think I could even pretend to hate you knowing all you are giving up."
"Grover," Percy's voice was urgent. "You have to. If anyone suspects anything else, this is all for nothing."
"Percy," Grover placed his hand on Percy's arm. "Friends choose sides in a divorce."
"No one will choose my side," Percy said.
"That's why I will," Grover decided.
"Grover, you can't."
"It's already decided," Grover said.
Percy frowned. "You knew Annabeth first. Everyone will wonder, I," Grover held up his hand.
"I'll tell everyone you need someone on your side. Even one person. Everyone else can hate you, but not me. Everyone is mad, but I'll say I'm worried for you," Grover said.
They both knew it would work. After Tartarus, Annabeth and Percy both had trouble getting acclimated into 'civilian' life again. They'd had some dark days. They had only made it through with each other. Without Annabeth, Percy didn't want to know where he'd be. If he'd even be here. His friends may hate him now, but no one would want him dead.
"Okay," Percy said softly even though he was ecstatic. He'd have Grover if no one else, while his wife and baby were halfway across the country.
End of chapter three! I hope you enjoyed it! I'll try to update again soon. Let me know what you think!