Chapter 5

"This is all your fault," Annabeth grumbled over the phone.

Percy stood far away from camp, leaning against a tree. He was using Grover's phone to call Annabeth so there would not be suspicion if anyone saw recent calls on Percy's cell. He'd called Annabeth every day the two weeks leading up to her due date and now the five days after.

"My fault? How is this my fault?" Percy asked.

Annabeth groaned. "She's your child."

"And?"

"And she's obviously inherited your need to be late," Annabeth sighed. "Gods, I just want her out. I can't sleep anymore because she's constantly moving, not that will change much when she's here. And," Annabeth paused. Her voice quieted. "I want you here."

Percy shut his eyes. That was what he wanted too. He debated on coming to help Annabeth. To rub her feet. To kiss her. To do whatever she needed. But it was too risky. They had no idea how long the labor would take, and the longer Percy was there, the more dangerous it was.

"I want to be there too," Percy ran his hand over his face. He looked up and Grover was walking towards him. Percy's signal to go. "Love, I have to go." He sighed. "Hang in there. I love you."

Annabeth sighed. "I love you, too."

She hung up and Percy handed Grover his phone back.

"She still pregnant?" Grover asked.

Percy massaged his neck. "Yep. She blamed me."

"Your tardiness?" Grover smiled.

Percy rolled his eyes. "Yes. Gods, I wish I were there." He frowned. "She shouldn't have to be waiting by herself."

"You both are waiting," Grover reminded him. "You two are apart, but you aren't in it alone."

"Sometimes that's hard to remember," I sighed.

Just then, Juniper began to walk over. She was glowing with a small baby bump forming. Grover's face lit up when he saw his wife. I nodded to her as Grover slid his arm around Juniper.

"Juniper," I said.

"Percy," she said not quite looking at me. Another person not taking my side. Another person that was unlikely to forgive me.

Percy held back his frustration. "I'll leave you two," Grover began to object, but he was already on my way to the arena.

It was early June and young campers were beginning to come. Summer only campers were greeting each other again. As Percy passed, he heard all the hush voices around. Rumors were spiraling around camp.

The bounty had finally gotten to him. Percy had gone crazy. It wasn't just one person Percy had cheated on Annabeth with. The list went on and on. And he didn't do much to squash the rumors.

Chiron stayed out of camp drama, but Percy could sense the disapproving glare he gave him every time they spoke. Yet, he was smart. He knew there was more to the story than Percy was letting on. He didn't press or pry, but he was always there.

Percy passed the Big House and nodded to Chiron as he passed. He'd been approaching Percy asking to teach the young campers skills. Mostly sword skills, but anything he'd learned as well. Percy's morals made have seemed wary, but his skills were still there. Percy hadn't given him an answer yet, more worried about Annabeth and the baby.

As Percy entered the large arena, he was the only one there at first. Everyone else off saying their welcomes. Half-heartedly, he swung at some dummies. He mostly wanted to get out my built-up rage, but he hadn't been able to do that properly lately. No one spoke to Percy much less sparred him. Thalia had the two times she'd come to camp, but her heart wasn't in it knowing how Percy was hurting.

"Want to pick on someone your own size?" Frank waltzed into the arena.

Percy hadn't seen Frank in almost a year. Frank wasn't getting attacked much even though he was a descendant of Neptune but felt a strong duty to kill the monsters who were targeting descendants of Neptune. He'd left his and Hazel's life in New Rome to hunt monsters.

Having not seen him in a while, Percy had no idea how Frank was handling Annabeth and Percy's supposed break up. Percy and Frank were friends first, but Frank had grown to liking Annabeth quickly.

Percy took Riptide out of his pocket and uncapped his pen. He gripped the hilt as it grew into a full sword. Nervous energy spiraled out of him.

Frank took his sword out of its hilt and attacked Percy first. Frank swung in a large arc that Percy attacked. The swords crashed into each other and Percy's arms shook. It had been a while since he'd faced proper resistance. He didn't realize how much he missed it.

Percy shoved Frank back and Frank stumbled. Still, they both held their swords steady. Frank attacked again, this time with more force. This time, their swords locked. Percy saw Frank's eyes. They were full of anger. Percy stepped back.

"Ask me," Percy asserted.

Frank frowned. "I'm not here to talk. I'm here to fight."

He swung again, but Percy easily parred his attack. Now that Percy knew Frank was coming from a place of anger, he could easily deflect. Frank was clumsy, emotional.

"Ask me," Percy gritted, swinging back causing Frank to step back.

"What did you do to her?" Frank accused. "No one has seen her for months, Percy. She doesn't feel like she can see us because you're here."

And if you saw her, you would see her huge pregnant stomach, Percy thought.

"Well, I can't very well leave," Percy dodged Frank's next swing. "If I'm on my own, I won't be able to sleep. I'd have to watch my back 24/7."

"You deserve it," Frank countered.

Percy's sword arm fell. "You want me to die?"

Frank dropped his arm as well. "Gods, Percy, no." Frank threw his sword down, heaving and sweating. "Just, how could you be so stupid?"

Percy averted his gaze. His eyes shut tight. "I don't know."

"No, seriously. That might be good enough for the others, but it's not good enough for me." Frank got in Percy's face. "Why? Literally, when I met you, Annabeth was the only thing on your mind. How could you mess up so bad?"

Percy's face fell. He could hold the façade from afar, but close? Frank was coming from the outside. He hadn't seen the rouse they'd set up. He literally couldn't fathom what had happened. It was unbelievable. Percy squeezed his eyes shut.

"I don't know," Percy repeated.

"Do you still love her?" Frank asked. When Percy didn't reply, Frank grabbed his face to force him to look at him. "Do you love her?"

Percy held his breath. Of course. He loved Annabeth more than anything. More than he loved himself. She was everything. Her and their unborn baby girl.

Percy's lack of response told Frank everything thing he needed to know. He dropped Percy's chin.

"Shit. Percy, then why did you let her go?" Frank asked. "Get her back."
Percy shook his head. He'd been waiting to say this for when the baby was born. To explain his absence from camp. That couldn't be that far away, so he used the excuse now.

"Our divorce was just finalized. We're done." Percy said.

"Percy," Frank shook his head. "You let the two of you fall apart. All because of this stupid bounty."

Percy gazed at the outskirts of the arena. "Yeah," he couldn't fight anymore. "The monsters that consistently attack me."

Frank paused. "Yeah, or anyone around you."

Frank wasn't dumb. The wheels started to turn in his head. Percy had said too much.

"Percy, you didn't," Frank shook his head. "You pushed her away to protect her?"
Percy hissed. "No."

Frank's eyes widened. "You did, didn't you? C'mon. You have to know Annabeth doesn't want that. She—" then Grover ran into the arena.

Grover had his phone gripped in his hand and he was out of breath.

"Percy, it's, umm," Grover glanced at Frank. "That thing you've been waiting on? It's happening now. Like right now."

Percy's sword clattered to the ground. Riptide would appear in his pocket later, but he didn't even think about that. He just ran as fast as he could. His baby was coming.

Grover followed Percy to the stables where he had already grabbed Percy's bag of essentials. Some clothes and toiletries for a couple of days. A blanket he had found for his baby girl. Annabeth had her hospital bag packed on her end. Now, all Percy needed to do was get there.

Percy was about to go into the stables when a bright light flashed. Percy paused and Grover bowed slightly.

"Lady Athena," Grover said.

Athena rose her eyebrow at Percy. "Athena," he said.

"I hear my granddaughter is coming," she said.

Percy nodded. "I'm on my way there now. I'm hoping I'll get there to help Annabeth as much during the labor as I can."

Athena wrinkled her nose. "You're taking the Pegasus?"

Percy stiffened. "It's the fastest way to get there. I need to get out of camp undetected and—" he was cut off by another flash of white light.

Percy stood with Athena in a new location. Percy glanced around. He was in a house. A house he had been in once before.

Footsteps echoed down the staircase. His wife paused at the bottom of the steps. She had a large tote slung over her shoulder. Her hair was pulled up in a ponytail. She had an oversized camp T-shirt on, probably Percy's, that hugged her stomach. Her grey eyes were on the verge of tears.

"Percy," she cried out. The tote fell off her arm as Percy rushed over. A contraction was coming, and Percy rushed to help.

"I'm here baby. I'm right here," Percy grabbed her hand as another contraction came quickly. Annabeth rested her head on Percy's shoulder as it passed.

"These hurt," Annabeth mused.

Percy let out a low laugh and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "You're going to do great. Our baby girl is almost here."

As if suddenly sensing the other presence in the room, Annabeth lifted her head.

"Mom," she addressed Athena.

"Annabeth," Athena shifted. "I'll let Perseus here handle this part. I'm so glad I don't have to give birth ever. I'll come to meet the baby once she's born."

"You, you will?" Annabeth asked, curious.

"Of course," Athena said. "I want to be my granddaughter. Is that a problem?"
Annabeth opened her mouth then shut it again. "No."
"I'll see you later after this mess is done." Athena referred to the labor and girl. Athena addressed Percy. "Take care of my daughter."

Percy nodded. "Always." And in another flash, Athena was gone.

Percy turned his attention back to Annabeth. He rubbed her back. "Do you have everything? What can I do?"

"You're here," Annabeth mused.
Percy kissed her again. "Of course, I'm here."

Annabeth shut her eyes, blinking tears away. "I was worried you wouldn't make it."

Percy's heart fell. That had also been something he had been worried about. He never would have guessed that Athena would transport him there to be there for Annabeth. With the original time it would have taken him to get to Minnesota, he might not have made it.

"I'm here now. Let's focus on that. And that little baby girl," Percy forced out a smile.

Annabeth nodded. Without being asked, Percy grabbed Annabeth's tote and his backpack. Then, he used his free arm to help Annabeth to the car. She glared at him but accepted his help.

In the car, Percy saw that Annabeth had already set the car seat up. The only thing missing was their baby.

Percy began to drive to the hospital. He glanced over and saw Annabeth's eyes shut as another contraction came over her. He waited for it to pass before talking.

"Did your water break?" she gave a bleak nod. "How are you feeling?"

"Your child is trying to get out of me. How do you think I feel?" Annabeth groaned.

Percy winced. "I'm sorry you're in pain but I love you so much, Wise Girl."

Annabeth rolled her head to look at her husband. "I love you too." Another contraction started. "Hades."

"Does it hurt more or less than getting stabbed in the shoulder?" Percy asked, trying to distract her.

"More," Annabeth clenched her jaw.

"More or less than drinking the river of fire?" Percy questioned.

"More," she answered as the contraction passed.

"More or less than—"

"Percy, the only thing that's ever hurt more than this is when you were missing. When you're gone," she sighed.

Percy gripped the wheel. "Love—"

She held up her hand. "I'm sorry, it's just," she huffed and shook her head. "Can we just not think about you leaving? Not right now. I, I need you."

Percy pulled into a parking spot. He took her hand in his. "You got this."

"We got this," Annabeth correct. "I can't do this alone."

"I'm not the one pushing a human out of me," Percy said.

"Gods, it would be so much easier if I could just think of a kid and they pop out of my mind like with my mom," Annabeth said.

Percy's eyes widened. "That's a terrifying thought."

Annabeth laughed. "Yeah, well," she shrugged. "Ready to go have a baby, Seaweed Brain?"

Percy grinned the widest she had ever seen him. "Ready."

Annabeth had to correct herself. Five hours later, Percy holding their baby girl, that was the widest smile she'd ever seen him have.

The labor hadn't been easy. Annabeth had cursed too many times to count, but Percy was through it every step of the way. He'd been amazing and now he was already an amazing dad.

Annabeth leaned her sweat-soaked head against the pillow looking at the scene before her. Wrapped in a little pink blanket decorated with owls Percy had brought, was their daughter. Their daughter.

Percy held their bundle of joy against his chest. She had quieted from her first cries settled in her dad's arms. Percy cooed at the baby as he rocked slightly in the chair.

"She needs a name," Annabeth finally broke the silence.

"We already know her middle name," Percy commented.

Annabeth nodded. "Thalia is going to get a big head, but yes. I know we've tossed around a few." Annabeth was really partial to one, but she knew it should be a group decision.

Percy didn't look up from the baby. "I know you've been holding one name back. What is it?"

Annabeth opened her mouth. "How did you know that?"

This time, Percy did look at his wife. "Because I know you."

Annabeth breathed out. "Amaya."

"Amaya," Percy repeated. He tickled the little girl's chin. "Amaya, how do you like that?"

Suddenly, the baby's eyes opened. Annabeth's breath hitched. They were a bright sea green just like her father's. With the wisps of blonde hair forming and her sea-green eyes, Amaya was a perfect mix of her parents.

Percy grinned. "I think she likes it. What does it mean?"

Annabeth blushed. "Night rain."

Percy laughed. "Seriously, 'beth, we can't name her that!"

The baby's eyes shut again. "I think she already likes it. Don't you Amaya," Annabeth reached over and let the baby grab her hand.

"Do you want to hold her?" Percy lifted the baby.

Annabeth shook her head. "You bond with her right now. She's been in me for 9 months."

The real reason was Annabeth had no idea when Percy would have to leave. She wanted him to have as much time with the baby as possible.

"Back to the name," Percy's eyes dropped. "We can't name her that."

"Percy, no one is going to know," Annabeth rolled her eyes.

"But I will!"

"Percy, isn't it so perfect though? Amaya Grace Jackson," Annabeth said their baby's name out loud for the first time.

Percy looked at his girl. "I mean it is pretty perfect." He frowned. "She can just never know she was named after how she was conceived."

They hadn't been able to pinpoint the exact time Amaya was conceived, but that night was a likely candidate. They had allowed rain into camp one night, a few weeks after Percy and Annabeth moved into camp. Annabeth was fully recovered, and, on a whim, Percy took her to the lake to break curfew. They were wet even before the lake with the pouring rain. They skinny-dipped into the lake and shared more than just an underwater kiss.

"She'll never know," Annabeth confirmed.

"Okay," he smiled. "Our little girl, Amaya Grace Jackson."

Then, there was a knock on the door. Slowly, Athena stepped in. Percy and Annabeth both blinked looking at the goddess. Normally, she looked in her twenties, letting her goddessness glow. But now, she looked to be around 60. Wisps of gray hair and wrinkles lining her face. She looked like she could be Annabeth's mother if she aged as a mortal.

Athena was timid at first. It wasn't often that her children grew old enough to have children of their own. Especially a child that Athena favored.

Percy stood up with the babe still in his arms. "Would you like to meet her?"

Athena nodded. She sat in a chair next to Percy and he placed the baby in her arms. Amaya stirred a little but eventually settled in her grandmother's arms.

Athena shifted the baby to look upon her sleeping face. "She looks a lot like you did as a baby, Annabeth. Holding her sleeping, it's as if I'm back to when you were formed."

"You, you held me as a baby?" Annabeth asked.

"I don't have a lot of maternal instincts, but yes, I did before I gave you to your father," Athena said.

"Her name's Amaya," Annabeth added. "Amaya Grace Jackson," she repeated, not being able to get the baby girl's name out of her head.

"She's going to be a wise warrior someday," Athena said. "But I can tell she'll be mischievous like her father."

Percy smiled and Annabeth groaned. Then, Athena leaned down and began to whisper in Amaya's ear. It was too low for her parents to hear, but when Athena finished, a light glow briefly engulfed Amaya.

Annabeth sat up straighter. "What did you just do?"

Athena rolled her eyes. "Relax, child. I just recited a blessing over her."

"A blessing?" Percy asked. Athena hated Percy, yet she blessed his child.

Athena rocked the babe. "As much as my feud with Poseidon goes, I know Perseus, you are not your father." She glanced between her daughter and son-in-law. "You two are sacrificing everything to protect Amaya all because of Poseidon. Your daughter has a promising life ahead of her, but to get her there you two will have to stay separated for a while. The least I can do is bless her."

Annabeth's breath hitched. "This won't be over soon?" She hated to think of raising Amaya practically alone. And the way Percy was looking at their daughter, being away from her would kill him.

Athena shook her head. "No, not as I can see. Difficult decisions will have to be made to resolve the issue."

"What is it?" Percy asked anxiously. "I'll do it. I'll do whatever to protect her."

Athena sighed. "You're not ready not yet. And it doesn't just involve you." Athena handed Amaya back to her father. "But as promised, Zeus has masked your daughter's scent, for now. She'll be very powerful, but we will keep her innocence as long as we can." Athena got up and squeezed her daughter's hand. "Rest. Your friends will be here in the morning."

Athena turned to leave, and Percy called out to her. "Athena." She paused. "Please," Percy's eyes pleaded. "What can I do to protect my child?"

"For now? Stay away," Athena responded. "You can visit, maybe once a month. Maybe less often."

"Once a month?" Percy asked.

"To protect her, yes," Athena said. "The path ahead is still variable depending on who finds out. The more people who know, the greater a target Amaya is. I will do all I can to protect her, but I can only meddle with mortal lives so much."

Percy looked like he was going to argue, but then Amaya let out a small cry. He held her closer to his chest.

"Thank you," he finally said. "Thank you for protecting her." Percy hesitated but asked the next part. "Does my father know? Does he know he has a granddaughter? I know he didn't care about me. Not with Adrian. But maybe," Percy glanced at his life in his arms. "Maybe her."

Athena shook her head. "I'm the last Olympian to ask about your father's doings. But from what I've heard, he's aware but it hasn't changed his mind."

Percy stared at Amaya and nodded. With that, Athena left the room.

"Percy," Annabeth reached out her hand, but he didn't reach back.

Eventually, Percy stood up and pressed a kiss to Annabeth's forehead while bouncing Amaya.

"Rest, my love. You just gave birth to the most beautiful baby in the world. You should sleep, while you can," Percy muttered against her hair.

Annabeth tried to fight the fatigue, but her eyelids fluttered shut. She didn't know how, but Percy stayed up all night with Amaya. He woke Annabeth twice to feed the baby, but otherwise, she was rested in her father's arms.

Morning came and Annabeth awoke to Percy swaddling Amaya again after a diaper change. He was perfect with her.

Annabeth smiled and held her arms out. She loved Percy with Amaya, but she did want some bonding time of her own. Percy obliged and set Amaya in her mother's arms.

Annabeth didn't even realize Percy had taken a picture until he showed her. Annabeth had been smiling down at Amaya in wonder. With the morning sun coming in from the windows, it was practically angelic.

"Just for me," Percy said. "My two loves."

Percy sat down as Amaya began to wake up. Her arms broke free of her loose swaddle and she stretched her arms high. Percy and Annabeth both laughed and marveled at her. Then, a knock broke them from their bliss.

Grover came in first, followed by Thalia. Grover's eyes glistened at the scene of the three Jacksons in front of him.

"Hi," he gently whispered.

"It's okay, she's awake," Annabeth responded. "Come meet her."

Grover went to sit beside Percy and Thalia stood on the other side of the bed. They both had a view of the little girl.

"What's her name?" Grover asked, leaning in and letting the girl snatch his finger.

Annabeth nodded at Percy, allowing him the honors. "Amaya, this is your Uncle Grover and Aunt Thalia. Not that many people can know about you right now, but they are going to help protect our little secret, you."

Grover smiled. "Hi, Amaya."

Annabeth glanced at her best friend to see her reaction to Amaya's full name. "Thalia, meet your niece, Amaya Grace Jackson."

Thalia's neutral mouth grinned. "You did not."

Percy looked at Thalia. "It's not just about you. We're honoring your brother too. But yes, you Graces have done a lot for us. You will be doing a lot for us and Amaya."

Thalia relaxed. "You guys didn't have to."

Annabeth rolled her eyes. "Thalia, we wanted to. We decided on it before her first name even. You're important to us. Jason was important to us. Two great demigods to be named after? Amaya's lucky."

Thalia leaned closer to the babe. "She sure is. Especially having you as a mom," Thalia glanced at Percy. "And Kelp Head too."

"Hey!" Percy argued.

"I'm kidding," Thalia said, but didn't take her eyes off Amaya.

"Do you want to hold her?" Annabeth asked.

Thalia immediately threw her hands up. "Oh, no. I'll break her. Bring her to me when we can start weapons training, then I'll help."

Percy grabbed Amaya from Annabeth's arms. "Want a little practice before your little one comes?" Percy asked his friend.

Grover nodded; his arms already ready to accept Amaya. Percy gently settled Amaya into Grover's arms. Grover held her stiff, worried at how fragile she was.

Percy laughed and put his hand on Grover's shoulder. "Relax. She's little, but she's okay. She won't break."

Slowly, Grover let the little girl relax in his arms. She stared up at her uncle with wide green eyes. Thalia laughed.

"Oh, gods. Percy, you're going to have a hard time fending off the guys or girls, she's free to love whoever, from her," Thalia said.

Percy growled. "Don't make me think about it. Not yet. But I don't think it'll be the eyes. She's going to get all her beauty from her mom."

Annabeth's heart skipped a beat when he said that. For months, she had always been preparing to be a mom. Now she was one. And Percy a dad.

"Oh no. Do you know how many times 'Beth talked to me about your eyes?" Thalia rolled hers. "Gods, I couldn't get her to shut up about it. Even before you were dating. It was always—".

"Thalia," Annabeth warned.

"You liked my eyes, Wise Girl?" Percy asked.

"Don't get a big head," Annabeth said.

"I mean, I do have a lot of amazing qualities, don't I?" Percy leaned back. Amaya cooed in response and Percy immediately grabbed her out of Grover's arms.

"Your daddy is being silly, isn't he?" Annabeth cooed back at her daughter.

The five of them stayed in that happy bliss for a few hours. Thalia never held the baby, but she did let Amaya grab her finger a few times. Percy would always get up to change Amaya's diaper when needed or bounce her around the room if she got fussy.

The nurses and doctor came later and began the process to clear Amaya and Annabeth the all good to leave the hospital. Percy handed Amaya to Annabeth.

Grover and Thalia stood, ready to leave.

"We should head out," Grover began.

"The hunters are tracking a lead. I should head back. But I'll visit you soon to check on this little huntress." Thalia took one last look at Amaya and exited the room.

Percy and Grover hugged. "Congratulations," Grover whispered in Percy's ear. They pulled apart and Grover continued. "I have to head back to camp too. Juniper is getting a little restless with the baby."

Annabeth smiled. "Tell her I say congrats." Annabeth had some communication with their friends, but not much. It would have to be even less now for the worry of a baby crying in the background.

"I will. And Percy, Blackjack is flying around here. For when you have to go back," Grover said.

The statement was not meant to be hurtful, but it stabbed Percy in the heart. He didn't want to be reminded how little time he had left.

"I'll see you back at camp," Percy patted Grover on the back as he left.

A few hours later, Amaya and Annabeth got the all-clear from her doctor. Percy rolled Annabeth out in a wheelchair (hospital policy which Annabeth hated) complete with Amaya in her onesie saying hello world.

Percy drove home and helped his girls out of the car. Amaya was sound asleep, so Percy carefully transferred her from her car seat to her crib. Annabeth looked on, a soft smile on her face. The sun was setting on the horizon.

Percy leaned down and kissed his daughter's forehead. She stayed sleeping but shifted in acknowledgment.

"Daddy loves you, Amaya Grace," Percy muttered and left his sleeping girl be.

Percy met Annabeth in the living room. They both knew what was coming. Annabeth wrapped her arms around Percy and fresh tears fell.

"Stay. Just a little longer," she mumbled against his chest.

Percy ran his hand through Annabeth's curls. "I would if I could. Gods, I wish I could. Sleeping is just too dangerous with no one on the lookout."

Annabeth pulled away, sorrow in her eyes. "Is that why you didn't sleep at all last night?"

Percy shrugged. "That and knowing it would be my only time to bond with Amaya."

"It's not your only time," Annabeth said.

"I won't be able to visit for a month, maybe more. She'll be so much bigger by then," Percy shook his head. "She's going to forget me."

"Percy, she's not going to forget you." Annabeth kissed him. "I'll call you every day. We can talk and see her get bigger."

Percy sighed. "Speaking of that." He went to his backpack and pulled out a small flash drive. He handed it to his wife. "It's recordings. Of my voice. I," Percy grabbed the neck of his neck, embarrassed. "It's stories. Some kids' ones. Others about us and camp. I read in one of those baby books that talking to babies is important. I thought you could play them for Amaya." Annabeth didn't say anything, and Percy ran his hands over his face. "Gods, it's stupid, you don't have to. I—"

"Percy," Annabeth grabbed his hands. "No, it's perfect. It's so sweet. It's probably the sweetest thing you've ever done. How long have you been planning this?"
Percy grinned sheepishly. "A little after you left camp. I recorded a story or two a day. I'll do more now too. I just want her to know me. "

Annabeth kissed her husband. "It's perfect my love. Amaya will love it."

They stood in silence again. "You'll call me. Please, call me." Percy mused.

She nodded. "I will. We will." They kissed one last time and Annabeth watched him walk to the front door.

Percy's hand paused over the doorknob. They both stayed still for moments. "Gods, how can I leave her?" Percy cried.

Annabeth rushed over and wrapped her arms around her husband as he sobbed. He crumpled against the door and Annabeth fell to the floor with him. He turned and buried his head in Annabeth's shoulder.

They cried together like that, in each other's arms. They cried until their baby let out a squeal over the baby monitor. Annabeth pulled away first.

"She's probably hungry," Annabeth stood up.

Percy sniffed up his tears which had gone dry. "I love you."

"I love you too," Annabeth replied.

Annabeth went to feed her baby. When she came back downstairs, Percy was gone.

I hope you all enjoyed it! A happy/sad chapter. I really loved writing it. Please leave a review if you liked it and I'll try to update soon.