#writingsofademigod

Annabeth is right. She's always right. It really shouldn't be a surprise to him anymore. He has to talk to Rachel. It's not like he hasn't talked to her about it before, but this time he's not going to back down. He's not going to let her walk all over him. Things need to be said, and something needs to be done about the way she treats him.

He's nervous. He's not a huge fan of confrontation. He has a thirty minute drive from Starbucks to Rache's house... Percy rolled his eyes. It should say something since he doesn't even call it home. He's been living there for almost a year and it doesn't even feel like home.

He's figured out that it never will feel like home.

The whole ride to Rachel's was spent planning out what he was going to say to her. He had even tried to plan out what her reactions and what she will say may be, but Rachel is unpredictable. One second she'll be fine and the next she's not. She's just... Crazy. He loves her, but she's crazy.

He parked in his usual spot at the Dare house and made his way inside. As usual, the house was silent. No one was in the living room or kitchen, and he decided it was perfect.

Rachel's parents aren't home, so if a fight happens they'll never know.. or they will later. They just won't have to hear it. That makes him feel a little better. Percy hates it when her parents can overhear and give him this look like he's done something horribly wrong.

He climbed the stairs to Rachel's room(he can't even call it their room), running over what he's going to say one more time. Why did Rachel end up like this? Sure, she's always been a little... Off, but you'd think being a mom would chill someone out.

“Rach?”

“In here!”

Percy turned at the sound of her voice. Her art studio? She hasn't been in there since before Courtney was born. A part of him hopes that the old Rachel was coming back. That would just be too good to be true, wouldn't it?

“Can I come in?”

He heard a sigh and then the door was pulled open. There stood Rachel in one of his t-shirts and some shorts. Her red hair was tied up into a tight bun. She raised an eyebrow at him, “What?”

He frowned at her when she snapped. She's already in a bad mood. Great. “Are you painting in my shirt?”

“I wasn't painting.”

“Then what were you doing?”

Rachel crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at him. “I just wanted to be alone for a few minutes.”

Percy stepped backwards before turning and rushing towards Courtney's room. He can't remember the last time he had felt this.. Angry? It almost felt irrational to feel mad at her over it, but who in their right mind leaves their nine month old alone?

“Have you lost your mind, Rachel?” He stepped into his daughters room, frowning at the sight of Courtney sitting in the floor with some of her toys. Percy took a deep breath, turning back towards the redhead. “You're absolutely insane! You can't just leave her unsupervised in the floor!”

Rachel gestured over to Courtney on the floor with a roll of her eyes, “She's fine. You're overreacting, Percy.”

Percy shook his head, “We need to talk.”

“About what?”

“Us. Courtney.”

Rachel bit her lip nervously. She shifted her weight between her feet, staring past Percy and at Courtney “Okay...”

“I think... I think we should take a break.”

“What?”

“Please. Don't pretend that you actually think everything is okay between us.”

“Everything is okay!”

Percy raised an eyebrow at her. He had to think again that Annabeth and his mom are right. She's crazy. By the look on her face, she honestly thinks that nothing is wrong between them. That everything is fine. He wishes he was living in whatever fantasy world she was in. “Rachel, we aren't okay. The way you act and things you say aren't okay.”

Rachel looked on the verge of tears and he almost felt bad. Almost. Annabeth is going to be proud. “Do you really think we should take a break? Breaks do nothing. We have a daughter.”

“A daughter that you won't let me do anything with.”

Rachel scowled, “And you call me crazy? I let you -”

“No. No, you don't. You let your friends watch her. Your parents. I'm not even allowed to take her anywhere!”

Rachel rolled her eyes, “I do let you take her. And, I'm sorry, but I don't trust your friends.”

Percy was frowning. He felt like he was going to snap any second. “You don't trust Jason, but you trust all of your friends?” Rachel nodded and shrugged, “What about Annabeth? You don't trust her? Or my mom?”

Rachel dragged a hand down her face and started messing with a strand of hair that had fallen out of the bun, “They're... Fine. That's not the point here, Perce.”

“That's completely the point, Rachel.” Percy felt like he was going crazy. He wanted to rip his hair out. “Name one time that I was able to take Courtney anywhere.”

“When we -”

“Without you.”

Rachel crossed her arms over her chest and look at him through her eyelashes. The look she was giving him would usually make him breakdown and apologize and comfort her. It was something about her looking so... vulnerable that made him break.

Not this time.

“You can't name a time because there hasn't been one. A break... A break could do us some good.”

Rachel brought a hand up to wipe a tear away. She looked at Courtney again when she spoke, “You're breaking up with me because I won't let you take Courtney anywhere?”

Percy ran a frustrated hand through his hair. Has she not listened to anything in the past arguments they've had? Rachel stepped towards him and he took a step back. He looked away from her when she gave him a look full of rejection. “I... I need a break. Not from Courtney, but from...” he waved his hand between them before letting it drop at his side.

“From me? Because of something so stupid?”

Percy wouldn't be able to explain why it made him so angry. Rachel always seemed to think that all his opinions and feelings are stupid. He's done with it. He's sick of being treated like he's not good enough.

“It's not stupid to me, Rachel. I want my parents to be able to watch her. I want Annabeth to babysit so I can take you on an actual date. I want her to meet Grover. I want to be able to take my daughter places without you there all the time.”

Rachel looked more mad than upset now. She stepped closer, bringing up a finger and poking him in the chest. “So this is all about what you want? You don't care about what I want?”

Percy gently pushed her hand away. “It's always about what you want. I have some shitty job that I hate to support you. I moved out of my parents place to live with you because you wanted it that way. I gave up going to school to stay here with you and Courtney. But it's all about what I want, right?”

“Percy...”

Percy let his hands drop from his face. “I just can't do this anymore, Rach.”

Rachel reached out for him before deciding against it. She sighed before shaking her head and standing taller. “What about Courtney? You're just going to abandon your kid like your...”

Percy stiffened. He knew exactly what she was going to say. “You're just going to abandon your kid like your dad did.”. Rachel knew his dad was a sensitive subject, and she knew it would get to him. When she got mad, she would say things she didn't mean. But what she was going to say was  low, even for her.

Percy turned on his heel, picking up Courtney before facing Rachel again. “I'm nothing like him. I'm not going to abandon her because she's coming with me.”

Rachel's eyes widened in panic, “What? You can't do that!”

“She's my daughter, too, and I'm going to take her wherever I please.”

Rachel crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at him. “You don't know a single thing about being a parent.”

Percy raised an eyebrow, “And you do?”

Rachel looked like she was about to explode, and Percy took that as his cue to leave. He didn't bother with getting her diaper bag, he can always buy her another. He just had to get out of there and get Courtney as far away from Rachel as he could. He was grateful that he still has that extra car seat in his car.

“Will you ever tell me how you keepdoing this?”

Annabeth gave her boyfriend a smilebefore smiling and sitting next to him at the table. “Call itcouples intuition.”

Leo snapped, “Coupletuition.”

“That’s not even a real word,Valdez.” Reyna said from her spot across from Percy.

Percy ignored his friends and narrowedhis eyes at his girlfriend. Since the second week of the school year,Annabeth has been able to match what he was wearing perfectly.She never asks him what he’s going to be wearing in the morning, andshe’s always ready by the time he gets to her house to pick her up.He’s convinced she’s spying on him. She’s never matched him over theweekend, only theweekdays. It’s starting to drive him crazy.

“If you don’tstop matching me, I’m going to dress up as something superembarrassing.”

Annabeth onlyshrugged, taking a bite of her breakfast. “If you say so.”

“Which youwouldn’t actually do since you have a reputation to uphold.”

Percy sighed. Jasonwas right, as usual. He wouldn’t do that. He doesn’t mind thatAnnabeth likes to match him. What bothers him is that he can’t figureout how she does it every single day without asking him what he’swearing.

“Can you read mymind?”

Annabeth smiled,raising an eyebrow. “Maybe. Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“Yes!”

“Matchingagain?” Piper askedas she sat down, “I really shouldn’t be surprised anymore.”

“You reallyshouldn’t be.” Annabeth said with a laugh. She looked back atPercy, “I’m still coming over today, right?”

Percy nodded as heslid Annabeth’s almost empty tray towards him to finish off her food,“Yeah, if you want to.”

“Of course I do.”

XXXXX

Every Thursdayafter school is Percy and Annabeth’s designated day to spend timetogether. With Percy playing almost every sport out there, he rarelyhas any free time. Their Thursdays usually consists of Annabethhelping him study, them just doing homework, or just watching TVtogether. They aren’t too picky about how their time is spent.

On this Thursday,Annabeth has an essay due the next day and Percy is just waiting forher to finish. He’s sitting on his floor, playing a video game withhis back against the bed while Annabeth is laid across it and typingup a storm. He knows how she gets when she’s writing an essay and itwould be almost impossible to get any sort of conversation out ofher. Not that he minds. Just spending time together is enough forhim, words don’t even have to be said.

Annabeth’s phonegoing off got both their attention. Percy looked behind him and ather while she checked it. She made a face, hit decline, and set herphone back down. Percy raised an eyebrow at her and she laughed,“It’s just Piper. I’ll call her back after I finish.”

Right as they wereabout to go back to what they were doing before, Annabeth’s phonestarted going off again. This time, it was a spam of text messages.Annabeth pushed her phone off the bed with a frown. “Look and seewhat she wants please. I have to get this finished.”

Percy unlocked herphone and started reading through Piper’s messages. He hummed,leaning his head back against the bed. “Her and Jason got in afight and she needs you and she wants you to call her ASAP.”

Annabeth made anoise to let him know that she heard him. He left Piper’s message andwas getting ready to lock her phone when a message from his momcaught his attention. He raised an eyebrow. Annabeth and his momtext? “You and my mother text? How often?”

Annabeth shrugged,glancing at him out of the corner of her eye, “Only every morning.”

“Why?”

“Because I liketo talk to Sally. Is that so wrong?”

Percy snorted ather defensive tone and clicked on the message thread. He had beenexpecting some kind of conversation that happens between a girlfriendand a parent. Advice or something, he doesn’t know. What he wasn’texpecting was his mom and Annabeth to be planning on how she couldmatch him every day. He turned around so fast, taking Annabeth bysurprise.

“You and my momhave been ganging up on me!”

Annabeth grabbedher phone from him with a roll of her eyes, “It’s not ganging upon you, Percy! It’s me wanting to match with my boyfriend and Sallythought it was cute.”

Percy frowned, “Whydidn’t you just ask me?”

“It was more funthis way. I had you pretty convinced that I could read your mind.”Annabeth gave him a smile. “Plus, it was Sally’s idea to keep itfrom you.”

“You know for a fact that I can't give you that information, Pipes.”

Piper glared at her friend, Annabeth. Her friend works at their towns local library, and when Annabeth told Piper that they got the second book in the worlds best series – The Hunger Games – she had to have it. Unfortunately for her, when she went to pick it up, Annabeth told her someone had beaten her to their one and only copy.

Fast forward three weeks and that jerk still hasn't returned the book. Trying to get Annabeth Chase, the one person Piper knows who would never break her jobs rules, is proving to be difficult.

“It's for a good cause, Annabeth.”

Annabeth raised an eyebrow at her, “If you want it so bad, why don't you just go buy it like a normal person?”

Piper gasped, “And spend money on a book that could possibly turn out to be awful? No thanks.” she glanced around before her eyes landed back on her friend, “What kind of library only has one copy on a popular series?”

“This one.”

“Well, you should order more.”

Annabeth rolled her eyes, picking up a pile of returned books and walking to the computer behind the counter. Piper sighed but followed, leaning against the counter and watching. “What will I have to bribe you with?”

“Nothing. I don't want you to hurt the poor guy -”

“Guy?”

“And, I could get in trouble.”

Piper stared at her friend, thinking. What is the one thing Annabeth goes on and on about?  The one thing she would want more than anything? The one thing she could use to get Annabeth to do anything for her..

“If you give me this guys name, I will let you and Percy have the apartment for a week.”

Annabeth froze, looking to her friend with narrowed eyes. “An entire week? Alone? Where would you go?”

Piper smirked, resting her chin in her hand, “Probably Reyna's.”

Annabeth stared at Piper for a few seconds before sighing in defeat. “Fine. But tell no one.”

Piper nodded, “I would never betray your trust like that.”

Annabeth mumbled something under her breath about Piper being a 'manipulating little witch', making Piper laugh. “Promise me you won't hurt the guy. He's nice.”

“He's late.”

Annabeth only happened, “Things happen.”

“Well?”

“His name is Jason Grace. That's all you're getting though.”

Piper leaned back, crossing her arms over her chest and smiling at her friend. “That's all I need.”

XXXXX

Piper did her research on this Jason Grace before making any sort of move. As promised, she was staying at Reyna's for a week so Percy and Annabeth could have their alone time.

Turns out, Jason and Percy go to school together. Jason is... Cuter than she thought. That doesn't excuse the fact that he's late in returning a book that she's been waiting on for forever.

According to his facebook, he has class in just a few hours and she's determined to hunt him down.

Is she creepy? Probably. Determined? Definitely.

It was a few hours later, the time that Jason's class should be over (thank the Gods for Percy telling her that he has that class with him), and she's starting to second guess herself. Is this too much? Is it a bad idea? This is crazy, even for her. She should just send a note with Percy instead of stalking the poor guy.

Of course, she thinks of this as she's standing outside of his building.

“Nope. Not doing this. I'll just buy it or something like a sane person.”

Piper was too busy staring at the ground and talking to herself that she didn't notice the people coming out of the building and she didn't notice the tall blond walking right towards her until they bumped into each other.

“Oh Gods, I'm so sorry! I wasn't watching where I was going.”

Piper looked up and to her luck, it's Jason. She couldn't help but notice how much cuter he is in person. She shook her head, clearing her thoughts of all but one thing, “Are you finished with that book yet?”

She really didn't mean to snap at him.

His eyes widened in shock, “Excuse me?”

Piper's hands flew up to her mouth, “I am so sorry! I didn't mean to snap like that! It's just that... You got to Catching Fire before I could.” Jason raised an eyebrow, “My friend works at the library and she told me your name, and... Did you know you're late in returning it?”

Jason stared at her, shock and confusion written all over his face. “So... You stalked me?”

Piper dropped her hands, biting her lip and staring at the ground. “Not so much stalking when Percy told me you have the same class.”

“I'm really not sure if I should be scared or flattered.” Piper shrugged and Jason sighed, “But if you know Percy and he trusts you, you can't be a bad person.”

Piper let out a sigh of relief, “Oh, I swear I'm not! Just... Desperate.”

Jason nodded in understand. He glanced at Piper and then the book in his hand. “Sorry it's late. I got busy with school. But.. If you let me take you out for some coffee, we can talk Hunger Games and get to know each other?”

Piper was surprised. She took a step back, tilting her head, “You.. You're asking me out?”

“If that's okay?”

Having a daughter brought out the worst in Rachel Dare. Percy learned the hard way that having a kid doesn't always make the relationship stronger. Now he's a single dad. With the help of Annabeth, he's hoping he can give Courtney the best life he can.

Trigger Warning for talk of abortion.

------------------------

Percy nearly dropped the glass he was holding. “You're.. what?” He couldn't have heard her right. There's no way she could be... pregnant. They're careful. They have always been so careful. His mom made sure to drill the safe sex talk into his head the second she found out they started having sex. She's going to be so disappointed in them. “I found that box of pregnancy tests from when we had that scare. I took it just because, you know? I didn't even think I could be pregnant. Percy, what are we going to do?” “We can't.. we're young, 'Beth.” “I know that.” Percy stared at the glass that he set on the counter. He had so much going through his head and had so much he wanted to say, but he didn't know where to begin. He's sure Annabeth does, too. Parents. They're both seventeen. That's too young, right? They still have to finish high school! He can't imagine how his parents are going to react, let alone her mom. “You haven't told your mom yet, right?”

The day started out normal. Annabeth woke up, texted her boyfriend a few times to make sure he was awake, eventually talked herself into getting out of bed, and finally, actually getting ready for school. The only difference on this day? She feels sick to her stomach. Annabeth could already tell it was going to be a long day. She’s hot, she’s tired, she’s annoyed. She would much rather stay in bed and not go to school and be stuck there for eight-plus hours. Annabeth is already miserable, she doesn’t want to make herself more miserable. But, she’s never missed a day and she’s not about to start just because she has a small stomach ache. Percy called her to let her know he was waiting outside, and that was that. She pushed being sick to the back of her mind. It was halfway through the car ride that she remembered how sick she had felt. Percy mentioned stopping at their usual breakfast place and grabbing something to eat, and that’s when the nausea hit her. She shook her head, brushing it off as not getting enough sleep the night before. Maybe she’s just not hungry. She glanced at Percy, who was talking about how his mom had made him some pancakes that morning but he could really go for a doughnut. That boy could eat anything in sight. “I’m not really all that hungry this morning.”

Percy nodded, “Are you sure you don’t want your iced latte? Will you be able to get through the day without it?” Annabeth rolled her eyes. “I’m positive.” Percy pulled into the Dunkin’ Donuts that the couple would go to every morning before school. They came so often all the employees know both their orders by heart. “Good morning you two!” the girl behind the counter called to them, “The usuals?” Percy nodded, “For me, yes. Annabeth isn’t feeling it today.” Percy’s words were more accurate than he had realized. Her stomach was turning. All the smells were making her nausea worse than it already is. She closed her eyes, leaning more against Percy than she intended to and took a deep breath. If she doesn’t think about it, it’ll go away... right? “Hey, you okay?” Annabeth opened her eyes, staring at the concerned face of her boyfriend. She went to nod, to let him know that, yes, she is perfectly fine. She instead shook her head, “I’ll be right back.” “Annabeth?” She didn’t stay to listen to what he had to say. Her stomach wouldn’t stop turning and her head was spinning. Annabeth hasn’t felt this sick since she had the flu her freshman year. What if she caught it again? She groaned as she pushed open the bathroom door, rushing to the nearest stall. She kneeled on the ground, mentally crossing her fingers that it wasn’t any kind of bug as she emptied the contents of her stomach into the toilet. This definitely isn’t how she saw her day going. Annabeth left the stall, walking to the sink and washing her hands. Why didn’t she carry around mouthwash? She could really use it right now. Cupping her hands under the stream of water, she caught some, bringing it up to her lips. Maybe she has gum in her purse? She would have to check when she got back to Percy’s car. Annabeth glanced at herself in the mirror, frowning. She’s hot, but she didn’t realize she was sweating. When had that happened? She quickly tied her hair up into a decent ponytail before taking a deep breath and leaving the restroom. Percy was standing outside the door, a frown on his face. “Are you okay?” “I’m fine.” He raised an eyebrow at her. “‘Beth, you were green. Should I take you home?” “No. I promise. I’m fine.” And technically, she isn’t lying. Her stomach is still turning, but not as bad. Her head had stopped spinning, too. She can’t miss school just because she felt sick for a whole five seconds. “Whatever you say, babe.” He walked to the counter, picking up his order and passing a cup to Annabeth. She raised an eyebrow at him, “I didn’t want anything.” “It’s just some water. You looked like you could use it.” Percy Jackson is a saint. She sent him a grateful smile. “You didn’t have to do that.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead, “I know. You just looked like you could use it. Now, are you sure you don’t want me to take you home?” Annabeth frowned, staring at the cup of water in her hand. She could. What’s missing one day of school? She could go home, rest, and then go back to school the next day when she feels fine. But... would it be worth it? That one day she could miss something important! That would be her luck. She shook her head, “I should be fine. Let’s just get to school, okay?” “If you’re sure...” The drive to school was spent with Percy eating and Annabeth trying to keep her nausea under control. She was starting to second-guess her decision to go to school instead of going home. Being an honor student is harder than you’d think. Piper met Annabeth at her locker with a frown, “You look like shit.” “Thanks. I tried.” Annabeth deadpanned. “No. Seriously, are you okay?” Annabeth sighed. “Yes. I feel fine. You and Percy worry way too much.” Piper eyed her friend up and down. She reached forward, tugging at Annabeth’s ponytail. “You never wear your hair up.” “I got hot this morning.” Piper raised an eyebrow. “It’s freezing outside.” Annabeth only shrugged. “You aren’t sick, are you?” “I’m not. I swear, I’m fine. I just feel... weird.” “Weird?” Annabeth hummed. She didn’t really want to talk about it anymore. The more she talks about it, the more she thinks about it. And she doesn’t want to think about it. She’s trying to put how she feels in the back of her mind to make it through the day. She should be able to make it through an eight hour school day with her friends and work keeping her busy. “Yes, weird. Let’s get to class.” Annabeth’s plan to not think about it was going well until she stepped foot in the cafeteria. She swears, if one more person tells her how sick she looks she’s going to scream. She made it to the table she sits at with Percy before immediately turning around to leave. “Annabeth!” She heard her friends calling her name as she took off towards the bathroom. Why me? she thought as she kneeled to the ground in front of a toilet for the second time that day. She didn’t feel sick up until she walked into the lunch room. All the smells must have gotten to her. “Annabeth?” Annabeth grunted, using toilet paper to wipe her mouth. She knew Piper was standing right outside the stall she’s in. “‘Beth, let us in.” And Hazel. Annabeth reached behind her, unlocking the stall door and letting her friends in. She leaned back over the toilet when the movement made her stomach lurch. She groaned, resting her elbows against the seat and resting her face in her hands. Hazel and Piper exchanged a worried look before Piper kneeled next to her friend. “So... Not sick, huh?” Annabeth wanted to hit her, but she didn’t have the energy. “You should be at home resting.” Annabeth eyed her other friend, “I’ve been fine all day. Just... the smells.” “The smells?” Piper and Hazel said in unison. “Mhm. Too many smells.” Piper laid a hand on her friends back, rubbing it gently. “Come on. We’re going to take you home.” Annabeth only hummed in response. The day has been awful. Annabeth wished she had just let Percy take her back home that morning. She wishes she could be in bed right now, napping. Sleeping off whatever sickness it is that she caught. Piper and Hazel helped her stand up. Truly, her worst day at school. Percy rushed over the second he saw them leave the restroom. He was frowning as he cupped Annabeth’s face, “Are you okay?” Annabeth only shook her head, letting Percy wrap his arm around her. She wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her head in his chest as he talked to their friends. She wasn’t listening. Annabeth was too busy enjoying the warmth that Percy gave off. The next thing she knew, Percy was pulling her towards the exit. “You didn’t have to leave, you know.” she mumbled as they walked towards his car. “Of course I did. What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn’t take you home?” Annabeth had been fine with Piper or Hazel taking her home. Percy struggles enough in school, and Annabeth hates it when he misses classes. Leaving early will make it that much harder for him to catch up. She feels bad. “I’m sorry you’re going to be missing classes. Sally is going to hate me.” Percy rolled his eyes at her as he opened the car door for her. “She could never hate you.” He was right about that. The number of times Sally had caught them in the middle of a screaming match over something stupid, or the number of times they almost broke up over irrational anger or jealousy, or even when she’d accidentally catch them in the making up process of their fights, she never treated Annabeth any different. Sally Jackson still treats Annabeth like one of her own, and Annabeth appreciates that more than Sally knows. Percy missing class to take his sick girlfriend home would only make Sally proud. She raised a good son. An amazing son, really. “You’re right. She loves me more than you.” Percy snorted as he started the car, “You aren’t wrong.” Annabeth let a small smile come to her lips as she leaned her head back and closed her eyes. Percy drove more careful than usual, knowing Annabeth’s stomach was bothering her. She reached over, grabbing his hand that was resting on the armrest between them. “Are you going to stay with me?” Percy gave her hand a squeeze. “If you want me to. Unless your mom is there, of course.” Minerva Chase, Annabeth’s mom, has never been Percy’s biggest fan. She would tell Annabeth after every date that she could do so much better than that Jackson boy. Annabeth would defend him every single time, of course. Percy had never done anything to Annabeth to warrant that sort of treatment from her mother. The couple decided long ago that if he could, Percy would avoid Minerva at all costs. “I understand then. Will you be going back to school after?” “Nah.” “Percy...” “What? I’ll do all my homework. Annabeth rolled her eyes. “Sure you will. I don’t want you to miss any more school.” Percy waved her off, pulling into her driveway. Annabeth frowned, they’re juniors in high school. That means they should be taking school more seriously. Annabeth does, but Percy and Piper? They both slack. If they have a chance to skip out on school they take it. She’s worried for them and would do anything in her power to help them. “I promise you. This will be the one and only day of school I miss, okay?” “You better not miss anymore.” He leaned over, ready to press a kiss to her lips. She shook her head, backing away. “No! No kissing until I get better.” Percy pouted but opted for pressing a kiss to her forehead instead. “I don’t care if I get sick.” “No, but I do.” The couple glanced at the driveway and Annabeth frowned. Her mom is home, which is a surprise to them both. Minerva is almost always at her office and works late. Annabeth quickly pecked his cheek, giving him a smile. “Text me when you get to wherever you’re going?” He nodded, watching her climb out of his car. “Text me if you start to feel better or worse, okay? And get some rest.” “I will. I love you. Drive safe.” “I love you, too.” Annabeth had a smile on her face as she shut the front door behind her. Five years. Five, and it still gives her butterflies when he says he loves her. A lot of things Percy does will still give her butterflies. It’s almost like they’re just starting to date all over again. Percy waited until she was inside with the door shut to drive off. Annabeth sighed. How did she get so lucky? “Annabeth? Is that you?” “Yeah.” The last thing Annabeth wanted on top of not feeling good is to be dealing with her mom. She walked towards the direction where she heard the voice from, Minerva’s office. “Hey, mom.” she leaned against the wall near the door. Minerva didn’t look up from her computer and Annabeth frowned. That’s how it works here. Annabeth speaks, her mom ignores. She's almost used to it. “Why aren’t you in school?” “Got sick twice. I tried to stick it out, but I eventually asked Percy-“ Minerva made a disapproving sound at the mention of Percy. “You let that boy talk you into leaving school?” Annabeth crossed her arms, “Of course not, mom. I asked him to bring me home. I couldn’t stomach lunch or breakfast. Resting and getting better is more important than school.” Minerva only hummed and Annabeth took that as her cue to leave. The thought of sleeping caused her to yawn, and she was glad her friends sent her home. She walked over to her closet, reaching up to the shelf where she keeps her favorite blanket to use when she doesn’t feel good.  While pulling it down, she accidentally knocked over a box she keeps next to it. “Damn it.” She tossed the blanket to her bed before bending down to pick up the box and the contents of it. It was mostly stuff she kept for memories sake. Ticket stubs from concerts with friends, or movie dates with Percy. A ton of pictures of their friend group throughout the years, notes from class, a few important papers, and. a box that was supposed to hold two pregnancy tests, but only has one. Annabeth picked the box up, staring at it. She had almost forgotten that she and Percy had a scare once. Annabeth tapped her fingers against the box. It wouldn’t hurt to take it, right? She doesn’t believe she’s pregnant. There’s no way. Her an Percy have been extremely careful since their scare. She’s just... curious. While she was waiting for the result, she checked her phone. She had a text from Percy, letting her know he was at home and his mom wishes her a fast recovery. Annabeth couldn’t help but smile, forgetting about the test for a moment. When she finally glanced at it, her smile fell. Her heart dropped and she felt like the world around her was collapsing. There, on the test that she had taken for no reason other than curiosity, was a pink plus sign.

 XXXXX                    

“What do you think she’s sick with?” Percy shrugged, resting his head against his mom's shoulder. “No clue. She refused to admit that she was sick this morning. I think by lunch it had gotten worse. I tried to get her to go home when we were getting breakfast, but... you know how she is.” “Stubborn girl. At least she’s at home and resting now.” Sally ran a hand through her son's hair. “Let’s watch a movie.” Percy nodded, smiling, “Finding Nemo?” Sally got up to put the movie in and Percy checked his phone. He had two missed calls and four texts from Annabeth. His smile fell almost immediately. Annabeth isn’t one to double text. The only reason she would ever text him more than once is if something is wrong. <<Percy, we have a problem.>> <<Call me as soon as you can.>> <<We need to talk ASAP.>> <<There’s no way you have fallen asleep that fast.>> Percy got more worried after he read the messages. He looked at his mom, “Do you want anything to drink?” Sally smiled at him. “Sure, sweetie.” Percy rushed to the kitchen, hitting the green phone button as he went. He went to the cabinet to grab two glasses while he waited for his girlfriend to answer. It rang twice and then she was answering, “Thank God, where were you?” “Sorry. Mom wants to watch a movie. What’s up, babe?” Annabeth sounded like she was on the verge of a breakdown. She had been fine when he dropped her off. Had she gotten in a fight with her mom? What else could have happened in thirty minutes? She talked so fast he could hardly understand what she had said. “Hey, take a deep breath. What’s wrong?” “We fucked up. We fucked up so bad.” “What? How?” The line was silent as he waited for Annabeth to answer. “I’m pregnant.”

Percy stared at the bag in Annabeth's hand and then back at her, raising an eyebrow, “You willingly want to make a video?”

Annabeth was nodding as he started reaching towards her bag. She rolled her eyes, smacking his hand away, “Yes. And no looking! You aren't allowed to know until the video. It's a surprise!”

“Surprise... It's food. I can smell it.”

Annabeth rolled her eyes again, shoving his shoulder. “Shut up. It's for our anniversary!”

Percy hummed, “Right. I guess I can wait. When do you want to film it?”

She started walking towards the kitchen, bag in hand. “Midnight. It has to be filmed on our anniversary or it won't be as good.” she paused, “Actually, it would be. But I want to tell you then.”

“Tell me what?”

“Nothing. You'll see. Piper is coming over to help me with a few things, okay?”

“Yeah, that's fine.”

“You're the best.”she pressed a kiss to his cheek before disappearing into the bedroom.

XXXXX

Percy was siting at the table, narrowing his eyes at Annabeth. She looked so excited, and he couldn't deny her anything. She's wearing one of his favorite jackets, and holding a little container of cupcakes. His face brightened, “Are those my moms cupcakes?”

Annabeth nodded, “Yes!” she sat down next to him, moving the container of cupcakes away from his reaching hands. “So, today is mine and Percy's anniversary! Also his birthday, but... This little surprise I have is for the anniversary part of the day. I figured since he would be telling all of you this anyway, why not just film the whole thing for you guys?”

“Side-note, this was all Annabeth's idea. I really have no clue what's going on. But there's cupcakes, so it's gotta be good.”

Annabeth rolled her eyes, “The cupcakes are only one part of it. So, here we go!”

She slid the cupcakes over to him and he smiled, “Finally!”

Percy frowned, looking down at them. They all had the blue icing on them, but each had a letter on them (ADYDD, to be exact.). Annabeth poked his shoulder, “It's a word. If you hurry and arrange it, you can eat it.”

“Okay...”

Percy hummed, moving the cupcakes around a couple times until he finally caught on. He tilted his head to the side, “Daddy? That's kinky, 'Beth.”

“Oh my Gods, shut up.” Annabeth shoved his shoulder before fanning herself, “It's so hot in here.”

“I wonder why. You're only wearing that jacket when it's a million degrees out.”

Annabeth shushed him, reaching down and pulling a shoe box out of the bag. She pulled her arms out of the jacket and sighed, “Much better.”

Percy looked over at her shirt. He smiled, reaching over to give it a little tug and reading it, “Percy and Annabeth equals...”

Annabeth bit her lip as Percy let out a breathy laugh. He looked to her face but she only motioned to the box. She could see the tears in his eyes, and that alone made her feel a little better about the whole thing.

Percy took a deep breath, opening the box and bringing his hands to cover his eyes, “Are you lying to me?”

Annabeth's smile was so big her cheeks were starting to hurt, “I would never.” she gave him a nudge with her elbow, “Go on, show them what it is.”

Percy lifted a pair of little baby shoes. He set them to the side and pulled out a little blue onsie with a fish saying “Daddy's little Guppy”.

“I guess... I guess Annabeth's surprise is that.. We're gonna be parents? Annabeth's pregnant!”

Annabeth was nodding as Percy rubbed at his eyes. She leaned over, pressing a kiss to his cheek, “I've known for a few weeks. I figured today would be perfect to tell him.” Percy was opening his mouth to reply, but Annabeth cut him off, “Oh! Happy birthday, Seaweed Brain!”

“Oh.. Oh yeah. I forgot it was my birthday. Thanks, Wise Girl. Honestly, this is the best present. I've always wanted kids, especially with Annabeth. We've talked about it, but I never thought it would happen so soon! This is perfect.”

Percabeth – 40: “Have I entered an alternate universe or did you really just crack a smile for me?”

Getting Annabeth Chase to smile is Percy's goal in life.

He has known her for five years, and has never once seen her smile. Not at him, anyways. And that's why he's made it his number one goal. It's their senior year, and Percy definitely can not graduate knowing Annabeth never gave him a smile.

He walked into his chemistry class, looking around for his small group of friends. Annabeth was already in her seat, her textbook open in front of her and she was scribbling down notes. Typical. She was such a nerd, but that's okay with him.

Percy has a list of jokes he tells in hopes that she'll smile. None have worked so far.. He's feeling a little disappointed about that. But last night, his little sister told him a joke that he knows will make Annabeth Chase crack a smile.

“Good morning, Annabeth!”

She looked up at him, setting her pencil down and raising an eyebrow at him, “Morning, Percy. What do you have for me today?”

Percy would be lying if he said he wasn't happy that she was expecting jokes from him everyday. He set his bag down on the floor by their shared lab table before sliding into his seat. He turned, giving her his best smile, “It's a good one today, Chase. I don't think you'll be able to keep from laughing.”

Her mouth didn't even twitch. That would make anyone else smile. But Annabeth Chase isn't everyone else. She's better. She's a challenge, and Percy Jackson likes a challenge. She folded her hands on the desk in front of her, “Try me.”

“Okay.” Percy smiled, “What kind of fish is made of only two sodium atoms?” Percy waited, knowing she probably knows the answer but is letting him try to make her laugh. It's nice of her, “Ready?” she nodded, “2Na.”

Annabeth thought it over before it happened. The corner of her mouth twitched, before slowly lifting into a smile. Percy's face brightened, he did it! He felt accomplished. Just as quickly as it happened, she forced it down, giving him an unamused look.

“Nice try.”

Percy shook his head, pointing at her, “Have I entered an alternate universe or did you really just crack a smile for me?”

Annabeth frowned, “No.” she then sighed, looking over at him, “Yes. It was clever. Tell more jokes like that and I may just laugh.”

“Science jokes. Noted.”

From that moment on, it was Percy Jackson's goal to make Annabeth laugh. And when he did, it was music to his ears.