Judgmental (a Percy Jackson AU)

It's a Family Affair

     Luke was allowed to visit his daughter only a few times a year per the divorce and today was one of the days he was visiting. He had just gotten out of the hospital, but Atlanta knew nothing of what happened and she acted more excited than when Annabeth had promised to make her cookies the day before.

     "I'm going to see Dadda!" Atlanta said, jumping around.

     Atlanta had met her father for the first time when she was two and he had gotten out of prison. He had offered her a lollipop and a hug, but she only accepted the former and from then on, she ended every visit with her lips stained red from cherry-flavored candy. It was only at the latest visit that Atlanta hugged her father. That moment had been like eating sour cherries for Annabeth; it was bitter and sweet — sour and sugary — all at once.

"Dadda is here!" Atlanta said, jumping up and down.

A few seconds later, the doorbell rang and Annabeth opened the door to let in her ex-husband. Luke looked fairly good for a guy who had just gotten out of the hospital. He was paler then usual, but it suited him; it made him look less mortal and more like some timeless deity. His blonde hair was nearly combed and his eyes were as blue as ever. When he smiled, the brooding look in his eyes evaporated and his face precipitated joy.

"How is my favorite daughter?" Luke asked.

"I'm your only daughter!" Atlanta said, prancing up to him.

"I suppose you're right," Luke said with a chuckle.

"You haven't gathered another out of wedlock?" Annabeth asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Momma, what's wedlock?" Atlanta asked.

"No, I haven't," Luke answered. "We may not be married anymore, but I'm still trying to be a responsible father."

Annabeth snorted. Luke might pay his child support on time and visit his daughter, but he was far from responsible. Sure, he had a job now, but he had been involved with a gang. His irresponsibility was what ruined their marriage; Annabeth didn't appreciate him now acting saintly. He should have acted that way five years earlier when she was pregnant.

"I made a bunch of mistakes," Luke said, jolting Annabeth out of her thoughts, "and I want to make up for them."

"We're never getting back together," Annabeth said.

"I know, but we still share a bond," Luke said.

"Momma, Dadda," Atlanta said. "Why won't you guys tell me what a wedding lock is?"

"It's wedlock, sweetie," Annabeth corrected.

Atlanta rolled her eyes.

"Well, what is it?" she asked.

Annabeth and Luke exchanged glances. They might not be married anymore, but for now, they were on the same page. Luke picked up his daughter and gave her a spin. Atlanta giggled and wriggled her feet, showing off her pink and grey sneakers.

"Do you want to go to the park?" Luke asked after he set Atlanta down.

"Yes!" Atlanta said, jumping up and down on the grey carpet. "Let's go!"

"Goodbye!" Annabeth said. "Have a fun time and don't forget to apply Medea's SPF 100 sunscreen."

Atlanta groaned when Luke said he would. Then, the two left the apartment. Annabeth frowned. So much had changed — even Luke seemed different and yet, Annabeth felt like she was frozen in time. If the world around her was changing, would she be able to adapt or would she keep doing the same things to avoid ever admitting she was wrong?