Let Them Think That

14

Artemis PoV

I was tired, sick, and had a massive headache.

After some thinking, I came to the conclusion that I was with child, a concept supported by my period not arriving.

My husband was carrying over a cup of nectar. "How are you feeling?"

"Sick," I replied. "A little nervous."

"Nervous?" He repeated. "Why?"

I bit my lip. "We haven't been using protection..."

"Oh," was Percy's response. "Are you...are you pregnant?"

"I don't know," I replied.

"Are you ready for that?" He asked gently.

I nodded. "Yes."

Percy cleared his throat. "Do, um, do you want me to go get a pregnancy test?"

Again, I nodded. "I'm coming with you." He nodded, seemingly grateful that he wouldn't have to go pick out one of the many different brands and styles.

I got dressed and put my arm through his, kissing my lover's cheek. "I love you."

"I love you too," he replied.

We made our way down to the small store and picked up a few pregnancy tests.

My husband waved the key/credit card and took my hand, squeezing it. "Should we grab some food from the buffet before we head back up?"

"No," I decided. "We can get room service."

Artemis PoV

The tests came back negative.

Honestly, I was relieved. I wanted kids, but I wasn't quite ready for them yet.

I couldn't tell how Percy felt when I told him, but he was still loving and his attitude toward me didn't change.

"I love you," he murmured in my ear. "No matter what. I'll always love you."

"Always and forever?" I asked.

"Always and forever," he repeated, kissing me.

"I'm feeling a little better," I murmured as he pulled away.

"So maybe if I just kiss you a ton, you'll feel better," Percy reasoned illogically.

Sipping from my mug of nectar, I leaned into his side.

"I have a secret to tell you," he stated childishly.

I nodded for him to continue.

"There's this girl I like," my husband explained. "She's gorgeous, intelligent, kind, strong, independent, and has high levels of overall badassery. I'm the luckiest guy in the world, too, because I got to marry her."

I kissed him. "I love you."

"The nectar doing its work?" My husband asked.

I nodded. "Feeling substantially better."

Percy kissed the top of my head. "Any idea what caused your being ill?"

I thought for a moment. "I haven't been exerting myself lately, I'm not pregnant, and there were no repercussions for losing my virginity. It might just have been something I ate."

The landline started ringing, and Percy picked up. "Hello?"

There was garbled speech from the other end and my lover nodded. "Yes, well, thank you for notifying us. Next time, just cook the food properly."