PJO/HOO One Shots

Someone New

Annabeth was nervous. The sun was setting, and Percy was due back at anytime now. He'd been gone for three months on an insane work trip in California, but just like he promised, come November he was done (temporarily, of course). Annabeth would've accompanied him had she not been so preoccupied with her architecture firm back here in New York. After she and Percy had gotten married, they moved out of New Rome in California and based themselves in New York.

Annabeth twisted her wedding band around nervously. It was gold (according to Percy it shone almost as bright as her hair) with a simple diamond in the middle, with "You're not getting away from me...never again," engraved on the other side. Percy proposed shortly after her accident, when she was in a coma for nine months. Her white turtleneck seemed as though it were trying to suffocate her, which really wasn't helping. She felt like she was sixteen again, playing with the ends of her turquoise open-front poncho. Her blonde hair was unkempt in its messy fishtail braid as it bounced to the click, clack of her black riding boots while she paced back and forth near the lit fireplace.

Annabeth held the wrapped box in her hands precariously. She really hoped Percy would like it, otherwise she didn't know what she'd do. She restraightened their wedding photo for the nth time that afternoon. Pretty soon she heard Mrs. O'Leary barking excitedly and heavy footsteps coming up the porch. Annabeth hurriedly stashed the box into a cabinet and straightened her blue blouse.

The door swung open and there he was.

Annabeth felt euphoric as she swept her eyes over Percy for the first time in three months. They had FaceTimed, but it just wasn't the same. His hair was messy as usual, and his eyes were still that sea green that she loved. He was tanner for sure, and he looked so weary. But he still made an effort.

"I missed you," was the first thing he said.

Annabeth grinned and leapt into his arms, burying her face in his shoulder.

"I missed you too." she replied, breathing in his sea salt scent that she hadn't smelled in what seemed to be a millennia.

Percy set his bag down gently and pulled back to kiss Annabeth. After they broke apart Annabeth smiled shyly.

"I made some dinner Seaweed Brain. Pasta?"

Percy smiled, the weariness showing through his eyes. "Of course Wise Girl. I'm starving."

Annabeth took his hand and led him back to the dining room, where the food was all set. The lights were dimmed and candles had been lit, giving off a fresh citrus aroma. The table was set for two with large bowls of macaroni, salad, and a turkey platter. They took their seats and ate quickly, eager to catch up with each other. Or at least Annabeth was. As soon as Percy was finished he excused himself to take a shower, not even giving Annabeth a chance to show him what she had for him.

Annabeth paced the living room, waiting for Percy to finish showering and come back down. But after thirty minutes had passed with no sign of her husband, she went to investigate herself.

When she arrived at their bedroom, Percy was sprawled out on the bed,  eyes shut peacefully and only a pair of basketball shorts on. Annabeth smiled gingerly at the sight. Setting his surprise down on the bedside table, she leaned over to put a blanket over her sleeping husband. She flicked off the light and traveled downstairs again. She'd could wait to tell Percy. And for now, she'd take the couch.
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Annabeth was woken up by light tapping. Flinching, she blinked her eyes groggily, waiting for them to go back into focus. A messy head of hair appeared in front of her in the dark living room.

Annabeth squinted as Percy's sea green eyes glowed back at her. She checked the clock mounted on the wall in front of her. 5:01, it read.

"Seaweed Brain, what are you doing? Go back to bed." Annabeth croaked, pulling her cream blanket back over her.

Percy shook his head fervently. Gulping, he pulled out the gift box.

Crap, she thought, why did I leave that there?

"Wise Girl what is this?" Percy held the box up, his voice shaking.

"I-it...did you look inside?" Annabeth replied, her heart beating fast.

Percy nodded slowly, tears in his eyes. Then he must've seen the little note as well. "Does this mean-"

"Yes," she breathed, tearing up now as well. She wasn't quite sure how she'd adjust to this new beginning. It was like the end of an era.
The sun was beginning to rise. Percy looked up at Annabeth from where he was kneeling by the couch.

"Can I...?" He motioned with his hand.

"Yeah," Annabeth replied, removing the blanket and wiping her face. Percy lifted her shirt and covered his mouth when he saw what was underneath.

Annabeth's stomach was swollen, not very much as she was only about three and a half months along. Percy shook his head in awe, placing his hands cautiously on his wife's pregnant belly.

"I swear on the River Styx to love and protect you for as long as I live." Percy vowed, lowering his forehead to his unborn child.

"We're going to be parents, Seaweed Brain." Annabeth whispered, planting a kiss atop Percy's head.

Percy chuckled and nodded slowly. "Yeah we are. You're going to be the best mom ever Wise Girl."

Annabeth felt shivers run through her. "I love you so much."

"I love you too."

The blissful couple smiled at each other, knowing they'd be just fine.