Aftermath-Percabeth

Chapter Thirty-Five

Percy sighed as he tightened his grip on Marina, who was squirming in his arms. "I know, I know."

New York was experiencing an early spring, which was rare. Although the temperature had dropped old snow still clung to curbs.

"We're almost home," Percy told Marina, who was just glaring up at him, her eyes almost identical to his. "See? Here's our building."

After getting the mail and making the treacherous climb up the stairs, they arrived at their empty apartment.

Percy set a yawning Marina down for her nap and started skimming over the mail, one particular letter catching his attention.

The letter had the seal of New Rome on it and was addressed to him and Annabeth. He hastily tore it open, only to be interrupted by Annabeth, who had opened the door. Percy dropped the letter in surprise.

"Hey, Percy," she said, closing the door behind her and walking through the threshold to meet him. She gave him a brief kiss on the cheek. "How was your day? How's Marina?"

Percy shrugged. "Same old, same old. Marina is exhausted. Fell asleep the second I put her down."

"What's this?" Annabeth asked as she stepped on the letter. She picked up the letter and opened it, her gray eyes widening as she saw the seal of New Rome. "Is this really-?"

She ripped it open further and started reading, her eyes moving with the words. "They want us to visit for a check in. They even want us to bring Marina and introduce her to everyone at camp."

"That's....great!" Percy decided. "We haven't been there in ages. And Marina hasn't even been out of state yet!"

Annabeth pursed her lips. "Well, maybe it's too soon...."

Percy shook his head and sat down next to her, taking her hands in his. "It'll be fine, Annabeth. I'm sure. As long as we don't fly."

"Okay, fine," replied Annabeth, who was still eyeing the letter. "I'll call work to get off."

"I'll do the same," Percy replied, a grin growing on his face. "It'll be good for us. I promise."

~

The next weekend the small family of three was overpacked and stuck in Sally's minivan, which she was allowing them to borrow for the week.

"I think we may have overpacked," Annabeth said as she shoved another of the countless suitcases into the car.

Percy shrugged and bounced Marina up and down. "I dunno, I think we under-packed."

"How in the world do you think that?" asked Annabeth as she forcefully shoved the trunk down.

"What if, like, there's a baby fashion show on the way and Marina shows up way under dressed and becomes embarrassed?" Percy asked, following Annabeth to the car.

Annabeth rolled her eyes. "The only way she is being embarrassed is if someone knows you're her dad."

"Unfair, wise girl," retorted Percy, joining her in the car. "I'll drive first, okay?"

Annabeth nodded as Percy turned on the radio, a cheesy 80's song on, which Percy immediately started singing to at full volume.

"You are the worst singer," Annabeth decided, glaring at Percy. Marina just giggled along while Percy took the solo. "Oh, come on, now you're just yelling!"

Percy shrugged. "You just wish you were this good. Now, listen-"

He hit the high note and got lost in song, even strumming along to the guitar solo.

Then, Annabeth paused, a gasp escaping her lips.

"I'm not that bad, wise girl!" Percy decided, a pout on his face.

Annabeth shook her head and grabbed her stomach. "No, not that..."

Percy dropped his frown and turned down the music. "What's wrong, Annabeth?"

"Oh my gods," she said, turning to face Percy, who was now seriously worried. "The baby—I think it just kicked!"

His eyes widened. "R-really?! That's...amazing."

The next ten minutes were spent awkwardly waiting for another kick. Several more happened, each with both of the demigods squealing. Even Marina giggled along with them. 

~

The ride was long and exhausting. It took them roughly two and a half days since they kept getting lost and Percy claimed every hitchhiker was a monster, so he insisted they always drove away from them.

They arrived in New Rome in shambles, barely able to complete full sentences.

"Percy! Annabeth!" Hazel yelled excitedly, rushing over to them, arms open wide. She pulled them into a group hug. Then, after noticing everyone's weird stares, stepped back. "I mean, nice to see you Chase and Jackson."

Her voice dropped and grew military liked, which caused them all to laugh, including Hazel.

"There's Marina, my favorite little niece," Hazel said, cooing at Marina, who was being held by Annabeth.

Annabeth grinned and shoved Marina into Hazel's arms. "Maybe you could show Marina around and introduce her? Percy and I would, uh, love to see our hotel room and set up."

Hazel nodded and bounced Marina, who was giggling and playing with her hair. "Of course. We have you staying in New Rome's best, Hotel Somnium."

"Thanks, Hazel, you're the best!" Percy said, anxiously rushing to aforementioned hotel.

"Wait, your luggage!" Hazel shouted after them, but Percy and Annabeth just ran and didn't look back.

Hazel was right. Hotel Somnium was New Rome's best hotel to offer. It's lobby was painted bright white with gold accents. It's rooms were extremely plush and gorgeous.

But Percy and Annabeth didn't look at the room. They just crashed down on the bed, both immediately falling asleep.

Well, not before Annabeth could notice the drool rolling down Percy's face.