Percy and Annabeth-Their future

Boys

"Oh my gods, it's so nice to be home," Lena smiled as she walked through the front door. Her apartment search in New York had not been going as planned after graduation, so I agreed to let her come home for a few weeks while she sorted things out. I honestly prayed every night that it would only be a couple of weeks— I'd gotten used to the whole 'empty-nester' lifestyle. And I've got to say; I was enjoying it way too much. 

"I'm going to start on some dinner, okay?" I smiled as she scurried up the stairs as though no time had passed. 

"Thanks Mom!" Lena called from upstairs. With Percy and Rion off in D.C. setting up Rion's apartment for his big job there, it was one of the only times I'd been completely alone with Lena. 

She came back down with dripping wet hair and a huge grin as her eyes fell upon a bowl of her favorite dish since she was four: spaghetti and meatballs. My stomach growled with hunger as the fragrant aroma drifted throughout the house. 

"This looks amazing," Lena smiled as she twirled the pasta around her fork.

"I try," I chuckled back, glancing at my daughter all grown up. I realized I hadn't really gotten to talk to her about anything I should have talked to her about- all of her Danny drama, how college actually was, everything going on in her life. "So...what's new?"

"Oh, you know, the usual. Just trying to manage a very unstable love life." She laughed, her cheeks turning flushed as though she couldn't believe what she'd just told me.

"Oh yeah? I guess that day at Taylor's concert was interesting in that sense..." I said, hoping I wasn't pushing my luck. I wanted to cover everything I hadn't earlier when I should have. I just hoped it wasn't too late. 

"Danny always finds ways to mess things up," Lena sighed, sipping a glass of wine as though we were old friends.

"Did you and Nathan break up?" 

"He took a job Italy after graduation, and since long distance is literally impossible— but I did really like him..."

I took that as a yes. "Aw sweetie, I'm sorry," I said, protectively putting my arm around her shoulders. 

"I'm okay, Mom," Lena promised, smiling. "But seriously, back in high school Danny was... well, he's exactly the same now. So dramatic. Yet somehow he's incredibly sincere. I guess I was stupid for thinking he'd actually call me back after we talked at the show. But I just want to move past him, you know?"

"Uh huh," I sipped my wine waiting for Lena to continue. Like a conductor, Lena did not put her hands down until she was completely finished with her piece, and her hand motions were basically on pause. 

"It's just- well, moving past Danny means actually letting him go. That's the part I can't do for whatever reason. It's stupid, right?"

But it wasn't. 

~

Later that night as I was going to bed, I heard Lena on the phone. At first, it sounded muffled, but as she walked downstairs, the sounds trickled through my bedroom door. 

"Danny?" She said in a tone both irritated and relieved. "It's 2:30 am! Seriously, this is when you decide to call?"

Her pacing grew louder as she came back up the stairs again. "It's a little late for apologizing, don't you think? No, if you really want to talk to me, come see me in person. There is no way I'm doing this over the phone." 

And with that, she hung up.

"Annabeth,"  an all too familiar voice cooed. "Don't you want to help your daughter in her strife?"

"Aphrodite, there is no way I'm letting you into Lena's love life-" The goddess shot me a glance, reminding me that she was, in fact, a goddess that I had to respect, no matter how difficult that was. "Unless she wants you involved..." I finished quietly, praying that it gained me favor with Aphrodite and she could just leave me alone. 

But Aphrodite was never one to leave things alone. Piper had told me many times, and Silena before her. Rose petals and glitter started jumping around in the air before me as the shimmering human form of Aphrodite emerged. 

"Annabeth! You look lovely, although if you changed your hair regime slightly, you could avoid this-" She gestured at my ratted curls.

"I'm fine, thank you," I insisted, attempting to untangle my hair on my own. Aphrodite flicked her finger at me and it immediately disappeared, replaced my silky curls. With that, she turned out of my room and into Lena's. 

"Selena, looking as lovely as your namesake," Aphrodite smiled genuinely. I guess I'd never considered the fact that Lena was Aphrodite's only connection to her daughter before she reincarnated years ago. 

"Aphrodite?" She said, surprised. Lena jumped up, bowing her head as Aphrodite laughed. 

"There's no need to be so formal with me, sweetie! I just thought I'd drop by, see how you're doing."

I contemplated going into Lena's room and joining in with the conversation, but I opted out, knowing sometimes Lena needed someone outside of her family to vent to. Maybe Aphrodite could give that to her. 

"You know, Lena, men have always been difficult. I'm not really supposed to tell you who's in love with you, but Nathan and Danny both are."

"Then why hasn't he called me back?"

"That, I don't know," Aphrodite sighed. "It's been driving me crazy! I almost visited him but Zeus banned me from doing that anymore. Some people don't appreciate me as much as they should." 

At that point, I could feel the goddess of love staring daggers at me. I had no idea what role she'd had in my relationship with Percy, but I was convinced it was less than she'd like. 

"I just don't get him," Lena complained. Her eyes were tired as though she couldn't take it anymore. 

"Maybe it's time for you to try something new..." Aphrodite smirked. "Meet me at Salon A on June... 3rd. We'll take it from there," 

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Hey guys! I'm already planning the sequel to this chapter and I'm so excited for it! I can't believe this is already the 98(?)th chapter! That's insane. But don't worry, the sequel will be coming! 

A lot of you have been asking for a lot of Rion and Luke coverage- you will definitely see that in the sequel! But guys.... the final chapter is so close. I think I'm in denial. 

Anyway, to all my American readers, I hope you had a happy 4th! I know I did :) I love the feature that shows where all my readers are from, it's amazing! I think we've covered all four continents now! 

As promised, my other story has begun posting and I'd love some feedback from you guys! It's called Lucy Parker and the Pandora Curse. I really hope you all enjoy it! I've worked really hard on it, so I'd love to hear some feedback :)

I've missed writing for you guys!

QUESTION OF THE CHAPTER:

Who would you like to see Lena with: Nathan, Danny, one of the other couple's kids, or a completely new character?

XOXOXO

~PercyAnnabeth20owl