But Those Were My Fries

When I next woke up, I found a camera staring me in the face. FLASH. Ow! Okay, I'm awake!

Paul and my mom stood in front of me, taking in the sight of Calypso passed out on top of my chest. I jerked from the flash, abruptly waking the titaness from her sleep.

"Huh? Wha?" Calypso looked around aimlessly before her gaze landed on my parents. Her eyes went wide and she immediately began covering herself.

"Ahh! Wait! Don't look!"

I rested my hand on her back and chuckled. "It's alright. No need to freak out. You've still got your clothes on"

She finally realized that she did have clothes on and dropped her arms, her face beet red.

"Well," Paul said, "now that you guys are up, let's go ahead and get ready to meet Annabeth."

I turned to the clock and read the time. Ten thirty?! Crap, that's really late! Well, all things considered, I used to wake up at noon. But still, not a smart idea to keep your girlfriend waiting.

As if on cue, a cloud of mist appeared in front of us. A ripple in the light gave way to my Wise Girl, staring at us with a huge smirk on her face.

"Morning, sleepyhead. Hey... Calypso."

"Annabeth," Calypso greeted.

"So, are you guys actually planning on meeting or not? Hephaestus is already scheduling for me to have late night classes because of this."

"Crap," I said. "Sorry about that. Yeah, we'll be up and ready in a little bit. Anywhere you want to go in particular?"

"Hmm. Le Parker Meridien? I'll buy. My treat to you guys."

I laughed. "I take in you're in a burger mood?"

"Just a bit."

"Annabeth," my mom interjected, "you don't need to treat us. Just knowing you guys are safe is enough."

"I almost agree with you on that," she replied. "But if I know Seaweed Brain, money is probably pretty light after that shopping trip."

I smiled sheepishly. "You know me too well."

She shrugged. "Eh. That and Hazel was clearing out her room. Decided to pass some gems out to everyone. Do you realize the trade in value of a black diamond in the Hermes catalog? I mean, seriously. It's like—"

"Annabeth, you're doing it again."

"Huh?" she asked intelligently. "Oh. Right. Rambling again. Anyways, I've got more than enough to buy us a year's supply of meals from that place, so don't worry about it."

My mom looked pained, but finally relented. "Just don't let Percy get carried away."

"Wouldn't bet on it, Sally. See you guys in about an hour and a half."

It didn't take me very long to get ready. Though my mom wouldn't let me leave without a very thorough inspection.

"Did you brush your teeth?"

"Yes."

"And did you floss the back of your mouth?"

"Yes."

"What about deodorant? You know how you start to smell when—"

"Mom!"

Before too long, I was waiting in the living room with Paul as the other two applied some finishing touches.

"You know," Paul said, "I probably should have told you to turn on the radio last night as well."

"Wait… you guys heard us?"

"Oh yeah. Quite the audio performance."

He held out his fist and I awkwardly bumped it with a red face. "How did mom take it?"

"Initially? She was in tears. Funnily enough though, after the first half hour, she started cheering you on."

I wasn't quite sure what to make of that. It's not every day that you learn your mom is actively supporting your sex life. Speaking of which, she and Calypso came out of the hallway. Both of them looked ready for a day in the park.

"Well," my mom said, "let's go."

I must have received the blessing from the god of traffic or something. We made great time in Paul's beat up prius.

"You sure you don't want me to replace that hood?"

"What, are you kidding? It makes for a great conversation piece."

We pulled up to the hotel and made our way into the restaurant. Still a little too nice for my style, but definitely more preferred than a hot dog cart. By the way, do not get a hot dog from any vendors on 6th Avenue. At least Burger Joint was hidden away from all of that. It was much more my speed.

Annabeth was waiting for us at one of the tables. She rested back in a green v-neck and worn jeans. Oddly enough, she was wearing dark brown hiking boots. Those must be some serious classes.

"You guys are earlier than expected. It isn't even noon yet."

My mom wasted no time trapping Annabeth in one of her signature bear hugs. Paul came and shook her hand as we all got situated. Annabeth once again sat on my lap, warranting a raised eyebrow from Calypso. I just shrugged and took her hand in mine as we had our orders taken.

Annabeth was subjected to the same, albeit less emotional, questioning from my mom. Most of the same about the quest was repeated, spare a few details. Seriously, why did she have to rub in my face that I never met Hercules? At least everyone got a good laugh from it.

After enduring the grueling torment of Annabeth being completely honest about the quest, and nearly giving my mother a heart attack, I finally smelled the bliss of a greasy cheeseburger. To anyone that doesn't eat bacon on your burger, I have one question. Why?

There was a moment of absolute bliss as I sank my teeth into the juicy burger. Sure I loved the food Katie and the nymphs made, but they could never understand just how much I enjoyed unhealthy meals

It seems like I wasn't the only one. Calypso ate with a gusto unlike any other, though she still prefered the pretzels. Crazy, I know. Annabeth scarfed hers down even faster than me.

"Did you even taste it?" I asked incredulously.

"Yep. And since you're taking your time…"

She reached over and pulled some fries from my plate. Her eyes twinkled as she slowly savored my seasoned fries.

"Hey!"

Calypso followed suit and snacked on my fries.

"You too?!"

I just couldn't win. I protectively threw my arms around my plate and tried to eat without lifting my head. Annabeth took advantage and slurped down some of my drink. Only when I gave her a pleading look did she relent, laughing as she did.

Paul cautiously slid his plate away from my mom to prevent her from joining the fun, but she was laughing too hard to notice.

"Well," he said, "It seems like your friends are definitely going to keep you busy."

Friends…

My eyes looked up with my face still buried my plate.

"You have no idea…"

"Speaking of which," Annabeth disrupted, "you should definitely try talking to Piper when you get back."

My shoulders tensed.

"What happened?"

"No clue. She apparently locked herself in her room some time in the afternoon yesterday. Hasn't left since. Some of the others were talking about something happening with Khione."

I turned to Calypso, who gave me an alarmed, but knowing look.

"I'll definitely talk to her. I think I already know what's going on."

I had all but forgotten that Piper was also there during the Khione incident. If she reacted anything like I did…

"Who's Piper?" my mom asked. "And key on… whatever you said?"

"Piper pretty much became Annabeth's best friend during the quest. As for Khione… she and Piper have a… rough relationship."

"Having someone threaten your life and freeze your friends will do that," Annabeth muttered.

"Not helping."

"So this Khione," my mom said, "She's an enemy?"

"Yeah," I said.

"But she's in a… harem? For you?"

"It's a long story."

"I see."

Seriously, how many times will I have to explain this kind of stuff? Olympians, why must you complicate my life?

"Anyways," I said, "I'll talk to Piper when we get back."

The meal slowly turned in a more positive direction. By that, I mean I actually got to protect my fries. As for my drink… Let's just say that I now really regret introducing Calypso to soda.

Annabeth began talking about her classes at some point. If you ask me, she should be the one teaching the classes, not learning from them. That girl knows enough.

"They're planning a field trip of sorts for me soon. Some of the most significant landmarks around the world. With a little negotiating, I convinced them to take me to Hoover Dam."

"Awww, Annabeth! I was saving that trip for our anniversary!"

She looked at me wide eyed. "Oh… oops. Sorry. Well, even then, we can still do that. Besides, I don't think that anything will outdo the trip Hermes sent us on."

"Paris," I said. "Yeah. I don't think I can beat that."

Paul seemed to be taking notes on a napkin. I could only pray that he didn't bankrupt himself with whatever he was planning.

"Either way. It'll be a couple of days until then. So you should have time to finish settling in."

"Subtle," I remarked.

She elbowed my gut, nearly causing me to lose my burger the hard way. "I was trying to be. You on the other hand haven't learned when to keep your mouth shut."

I opened my mouth to retort, but realized that I would only be proving her point. Instead, I crossed my arms and sat back with a solid pout on my face. Paul gave a sympathetic chuckle.

My mom raised her eyebrow. "You two sure you aren't married yet? Could've fooled me."

I have to hand it to my mom, she knew how to shut down an argument quickly. Both Annabeth and I looked away with our faces a deep red. Calypso offered a comforting smile, though the twinkle in her eyes made me curious about whether she was trying to keep score against Annabeth.

Call me crazy, but I think the prospect of marriage actually excited Annabeth. Her legs shifted on my lap, and a hand that rested on my knee curled in an almost… aroused manner. Maybe it was more me that was embarrassed by the prospect of marrying. At least in the bizarre situation I found myself stuck with.

Marriage aside, I thought about the three girls I planned to take as mistresses. All but one of them, I built some rapport with while on the island. Still, I needed to get somewhere with Reyna. She of all people deserved to have her freedom. I just couldn't think of a way that I could get some alone time with her.

Of course, the elephant in the room couldn't go unaddressed. Annabeth… This situation was getting out of hand. Here she was, chatting away with my mother like nothing happened. It's almost like she had no memory of what she did. Or like she rationalized it to some degree. I couldn't call her out on it then and there. Not with my mom present.

The conversations continued rattling on. It was kind of weird to think about. My parents were now talking to two of my future wives as if they were just regular people. Sure, I appreciated that. It definitely beat talking to them like they were property, or slaves, but still. I was half expecting my parents to be very awkward around this kind of meeting, not that I would have blamed them. It's not every day that your child comes home after nearly a year and announces that he's sleeping with several women.

To be completely honest, I'm pretty sure that they were measuring up Calypso to Annabeth. Their demeanor towards her was a bit more reserved and closed off, as though they were forcing her hand to engage them. It's an unfair practice, given how much of an advantage Annabeth had over Calypso in almost every regard, but I can see why they would do that. They want to be sure that their little boy has the best treatment possible. Oh, if they only knew…

Calypso didn't go down easily though.

"Say, Annabeth," she said. "Do your renovations for Olympus include areas for gardens?"

That was a masterful stroke by Calypso. She simultaneously played to both Annabeth's pride and my mom's love for gardening to put Annabeth on the spot.

Annabeth looked like a deer in headlights. "Um, not quite yet. The plans are still relatively new. I did only start the classes yesterday."

"Of course. But should you wish to try your hand at developing some, I would be more than happy to help you."

Annabeth looked incredulous. "I appreciate that. I'll be sure to take you up on that offer when the time comes."

Props to Calypso, she was a master tactician. To not only catch Annabeth off guard, but to play her into your hands simply to put her on the spot; well done. Best case scenario, they end up becoming best friends and build each other up. Worst case scenario, I wind up with two girls that will compete to no ends to outdo the other, even if it involves me. Just like Calypso said last night.

Annabeth sighed. "Well, on that note, I should probably get going. I'm already several hours overdue on Olympus."

"Okay, sweetie," my mom said. "Be safe, and don't be a stranger."

"Of course not."

With that, she gave me a quick kiss and stood up.

"I'm most likely going to be back pretty late tonight. So don't stay up too late waiting for me." She finished that off with a wink.

I laughed. "That all depends on everyone else. Sleep hasn't been too nice to me lately."

I was referring to my nightmares from the previous night, but Annabeth didn't know about those yet. I couldn't risk talking about them in front of my mom.

"Really? Cuz last I recall, you were between me and—"

"Okay, okay!" I said with my hands on my ears. "No need to blurt out the details for everyone to hear."

She gave a sly smirk. "I know. I just love keeping you on your toes."

She gave my cheek a quick kiss and looked to Calypso.

"Keep an eye on him for me, will you?"

"Of course," Calypso said. A mischievous twinkle danced in her eyes. "He's in good hands."

Oh boy. Talk about fueling a fire. The passive aggressive behavior from Calypso was jarring to say the least, but I can't pretend like it came from nowhere. After all, she did curse Annabeth. That wasn't a very pleasant experience.

Annabeth bade everyone a last farewell before paying the tab and leaving. My last sight of her was as she vanished behind the curtains at the entrance, heading to the Empire State Building, and then to Olympus.

"I hope you guys come back around," my mom said. "Sooner rather than later, but I'll take what I can get."

"Hey, I told you. I'm not just abandoning you guys. I promise that I'll be back and visit often."

"I know you will. Just don't overdo it. You still have a life to live."

I decided not to argue with that. After all, it's kind of hard to argue with your mom as she tells you to enjoy life; especially if that life consists of sleeping with several women on a regular basis.

"That being said," Calypso said as she finished the last of her brownie. "We probably should be getting back. Even several days in, there is still plenty to take care of."

She looked at me earnestly and I knew there was no use in arguing. Her face reminded me of Annabeth's whenever she stubbornly refused to listen to me.

I sighed, "Alright, fine. Just let me finish my fries."