HAPPY GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!!!!! Happy day in my house. For my few Greek readers, Ελπίζω να έχετε μια καταπληκτική μέρα, να πιείτε πολύ για μένα :) Anyways, enjoy! 

Not mine.

Annabeth's POV:

Annabeth sat at the end of her bed, panicking.

This can't be happening. Not now.

Annabeth rocked herself back and forth, freaking out. She knew panicking wasn't going to get her anywhere, but she could mentally not do this today.

She ran from her room down the stairs and outside. It was a mid-April morning and the flowers all around were in full bloom. Percy had taken Silena and Luke both out of the house to get fresh air. Where he had gone, Annabeth didn't know.

I don't need him right now, I want Thalia.

She ran from the streets of New Greece down towards the cabins. Of course with her luck, she ran right into someone.

"Sorry," she mumbled, trying to keep moving. A pair of strong hands grabbed her arms, but not in a forceful way. She looked up to find none other than Jason Grace.

"Woah, slow down. What's wrong?" he asked.

Annabeth blinked and shook her head. "Nothing, where's your sister?"

"I think she's with some of her hunters, a few Apollo kids, and Frank at archery."

"Great, thanks." She sprinted off before she could get an answer.

She kept running as fast as she could. Her chest burned from the humidity, lungs on fire like the Phlegathon. She didn't tie her hair up before this, so it swung back and forth in her face. To her annoyance, the archery range was across on the other side of camp from where she currently was. Annabeth ran past the Big House and not so conveniently ran into Chiron.

He stopped her and gently rubbed her shoulders. "What is it, child?"

"Nothing, just looking for Thalia," Annabeth swallowed hard, trying hard not to cry.

Chiron gave her a look. They had a lot of those that only they understood. This one in particular, was a skeptical look. "Annabeth dear, you look like you are going to be sick, tell me what's wrong," he chided.

I might be sick, she thought.

Annabeth forced a smile. "Nothing is wrong, I'm just looking for Thalia," she repeated.

"Where is your husband? Did something happen with him?"

"He's with the twins and no- well... kind of but not really. Actually, yes but- you know what he's fine," she said.

Chiron frowned, "If you insist. If there is anything wrong you can always tell me, alright?"

Annabeth nodded, "Yes, Chiron."

"Now run along." Annabeth didn't hesitate to do so. She sprinted away and off to the archery range.

Right when she was outside, she ran into Will, who was leaving. Her knees buckled the second she hit him, and he caught her before she could fall too hard.

"Annabeth, you're hyperventilating, what's wrong?" Will asked urgently.

Annabeth hadn't realized how hard she had been panting. She was indeed, hyperventilating. "Where's Thalia?" she said quickly.

"She's behind us doing something with Frank, seriously what's wrong?"

Annabeth squeezed her eyes shut tight before opening them again. "I'm fine... I just want Thalia."

"You need to come with me first, you look sick."

"Will, please just let me go to Thalia," she pleaded.

"Nope, you're coming with me," he demanded.

Annabeth held back a sob. "William Andrew Solace, I need to see Thalia right now let me go," she choked.

Will sighed, "Fine, go." He turned her loose and Annabeth flew past him.

Thalia was next to Frank, the two of them were having some competition of sorts. Hunters of Artemis were around watching or practicing themselves, as were some Apollo kids. Annabeth almost felt bad for ruining the moment. Almost.

Annabeth ran over Thalia. She quickly set down her bow and arrows and hugged Annabeth. She couldn't take it anymore, Annabeth started sobbing. Thalia sat them down on the ground, which helped with her dizziness.

"Everyone get out," Thalia ordered.

Frank knelt down to her and rubbed her back. "Do you want me to go get Percy?" he offered.

"No, p-please d-don't-t," she choked.

"But why-"

"Frank, please just don't get him! Don't tell him where I am!" she cried.

Frank frowned, "If you insist." He stood up and walked out to join everyone else. Annabeth just curled up into Thalia, the same way she did when they were homeless and alone. After they were gone, Thalia spoke up.

"Now, what's going on?" she asked softly, stroking her hair.

"I'm pregnant again," Annabeth sobbed.

Thalia hugged her, "Oh honey..."

"I can't have another baby right now, Thals! I'm still feeding two and they are still little. I'm going to be pregnant when I graduate and during Piper and Jason's wedding. Then when Percy graduates next year we're going to have 3 children already. And he doesn't want another! They are expensive and we don't have all the money to throw around. And just when I can finally get a real job that's what I always wanted, I'm going to have to go back on maternity leave. And then-"

"Slow down," Thalia ordered. "For starters, are you sure?"

Annabeth pulled out a thin white stick from her pocket and shoved it in her face.

"Okay, so you are. Number two, when did Percy ever say he doesn't want more kids?"

"He... he hasn't. But-"

"See? So we don't even know if he said that or not, you are just panicking. Does he know yet?"

Annabeth sniffled, "No, you're the only one so far."

"Okay, okay. Jason and Piper's wedding is 2 months away, I don't even think you'll be showing by then and I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure you aren't that far along."

"I don't even know how far along I am," Annabeth lamented. "I'm going to have 3 kids all within a year of each other-"

"Shh, it's okay," Thalia soothed. She kept muttering that to Annabeth over and over until she stopped crying. "You have Percy to help you. He's not going to leave you or something because of this. Sure it might be a little bit harder than just the two, but you are a wonderful mother. You love Luke and Silena and clearly they are doing fine. Knowing Percy, he's gonna be excited for this, as you should be. It will all work itself out in the end, I promise. Whatever the gods deem best for this... stage of life you are in is going to play out just fine."

Annabeth just listened to Thalia speak. She sat curled up in her lap, her head against Thalia's shoulder. She inhaled Thalia's sweet scent. For keeping up her punk style for so long, Thalia had always smelt so sweet to Annabeth. It had stayed the same as long as they had known each other. Thalia, still very much punk, had slowly shifted a little softer. Her hair had gotten a little bit longer, and she wore more blue and gray, which was a step up from all black. To Annabeth, she would always be the same Thalia.

"I love you, Thalia," Annabeth mumbled.

"I love you too, Annabeth."

~~~~~

Thalia's POV:

After another 10 minutes, Annabeth had fallen asleep. Thalia felt horrible, but wasn't going to say that to her. The poor girl still had to nurse two babies, and was now going to have another. She wasn't going to be able to fight for another 9 months too. Annabeth's assumption of Percy was slightly dramatic. Thalia knew Percy would be the most helpful he could to her and wouldn't care how much time it took from him.

She looked down at Annabeth. She looked so peaceful. Thalia would never get over the fact this was the same little girl she saved from the streets 14 almost 15 years ago. It gave her a vivid flashback.

It was December 21, the winter solstice and more importantly, Percy and Annabeth's wedding day. Annabeth had finished getting her hair and makeup done and now wore her wedding dress. Thalia, the maid of honor, had been helping her get ready.

Annabeth gave a spin and looked at Thalia happily. "How do I look?"

"You look amazing," Thalia mumbled, looking down.

Annabeth frowned, "What's wrong?"

Thalia coughed, "Nothing."

"Thals, are you crying?"

She gave a nervous laugh, "No..." Thalia looked up to Annabeth, silent tears running down her face.

Annabeth hugged her tightly in response.

"Annabeth," she sniffled, "You made it. You made it long enough to see the day and... you're so grown up from when I first met you. I'm just really proud of you, sissy."

Annabeth sighed, "You're gonna make me cry... but thank you Thals. I'm still the same Annie though."

"You are, just a lot older. But you'll always be my baby sister."

"I love you, Thalia."

"I love you too, Annabeth. I love you so, so much."

Seeing Percy and her little sister get married made Thalia slightly jealous. She had sworn off to the hunt but if she hadn't, she would've liked to be with Luke. But he went crazy. He was the only person she would have truly loved.

Someone must have told Percy what happened anyways, because he stood at the front entrance of the archery range. He walked over and sat down next to Thalia with Luke.

"Where's Silena?" She asked.

"She's with Clarisse," he answered. "What happened? A few hunters came to me and said something had happened to Annabeth."

Thalia sighed, "Not my place to tell. You're going to have to have her explain later. And remind me to beat those hunters."

"Why?"

"They weren't supposed to get you. Annabeth didn't want you to know yet but low and behold, here we are."

Percy frowned and pushed a hair behind Annabeth's ear. "I'm going to take her back to the house."

"I'll watch Luke, you go."

He smiled at her. "Thanks Thals."

"Of course."

Percy handed her Luke and picked up Annabeth bridal style. He kissed her forehead and walked away with her.

Thalia decided she would go find Jason. For being at camp for so long, she hadn't spent that much time with him. She cradled Luke and carried him out from the archery range.

It didn't take her long to find Jason. In fact, he was walking towards her.

"Hey, Thalia," he greeted.

"Hey, I was just looking for you," she recalled.

"As was I. What's wrong with Annabeth?" Jason asked her. "I just saw Percy carrying her back to their house."

"Not my place to tell you," she sighed. "They have some things they need to work out first."

"Is she sick or dying or something?"

"No, just something came up for them."

"And why do you have Luke?"

"Because they need time alone. And he's my godson, so I can have him with me if I want to," she sassed.

Jason laughed, "Okay. Wanna go for a walk then?"

"Sure."

They walked around camp talking and laughing together. Thalia forgot what it was like to be normal, just with your family. They had so much to talk about and not enough time to.

Jason gave her a side hug. "I missed being with you Thals."

She smiled, "Same. I'm just glad that I found you again in the first place. I was so worried about you when I left home. Then you went missing and I thought you were dead."

"I wish sometimes I could've met mom... more than just a spirit in Greece."

"No you don't," Thalia corrected.

"Isn't there something in you that just wants an explanation, or some form of closer?"

"Nope. Jason, Beryl was a crazy woman. She was the definition of manic. I wasn't allowed to get close to you or touch you because she thought that I would hurt you. She would forget to feed you so at the age of seven, I'd get up at night to warm up something for you. Then whenever she caught me because you started crying, she'd lock me in my room for a day with no food or water. She didn't raise you Jason, I did. Up until the wolves took you away I was the reason you didn't starve. Sometimes it doesn't matter if they're blood related, they don't have to be your family."

"Oh... sorry," he mumbled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.

"It's fine. I'm just thankful you're still here to tell about it," she said. "Anyways, are you excited to be married?"

Jason scoffed, "That's the only thing people talk to me about."

"Well it's an important part of your life."

"Says you, who can't get married."

"Well if my baby brother is getting married and he doesn't have a mother to fawn over it for him, his big sister has to do it for him."

Jason laughed, "Not really older now. You're still technically 15 and you're a foot shorter than me."

Thalia shoved him, "I'd still beat your ass."

Lightning danced across his fingertips. "Wanna go?"

Thalia smirked. "You're on."

~~~~~

Percy's POV:

Percy carried Annabeth back to their house and laid her down in their bed. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying and she had dried tears on her cheeks. He didn't understand why she was like this. That he knew of, nothing was wrong with her, she had been fine when he left that morning.

He tucked her in and decided to get some of his work done. Percy thought it would be best just to do it in bed, where he could watch her in case something happened.

He sat next to her trying to study for exams, but his dyslexia wouldn't allow. The longer he tried the worst it got. He started at his textbook for another half hour before giving up on it.

Annabeth stirred next to him. She turned on her side, now facing him, and curled up a bit. Percy stroked her cheek lightly with his thumb. She opened her eyes and stared downwards.

"Hey," Percy whispered.

"Hi," she muttered.

"You okay?"

Annabeth flipped over on her side, facing away from him.

"Wise girl, you can't just hide from me," he chuckled. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong exactly," she mumbled.

"Then what's going on? I know there's something you're not telling me," he frowned.

Annabeth groaned and shoved her face in her pillow. "You're going to hate me for it though..."

"I couldn't hate you if I tried."

Annabeth sat up in bed, fiddling with her necklace. "Promise you aren't going to be mad at me?"

He kissed her temple. "I promise, swear on the river Styx." Thunder rumbled in the distance, sealing the promise.

"I'm um... I'm pregnant... again," she whispered.

Percy froze, it certainly wasn't what he expected. He didn't know how to react. On one side, he was happy to have another baby. The more practical side of him knew that it was too soon, and horrible timing.

Percy swallowed hard. "Are... are you sure," he asked slowly.

Annabeth nodded, not looking up at him. Her bottom lip trembled and she hid her face in her hands quickly.

"Wise Girl..."

"I knew it," she choked, "You're mad at me."

He pulled her into his lap and kissed her forehead. Percy hugged her tight and put his hand on the back of her head. "No, Annabeth I'm not mad."

"I'm sorry, Percy. This is all my fault-"

"It's not your fault, just as much me as it is you. And this isn't some big mistake or problem we have to work with. Sure, it might be harder but this is a good thing."

Annabeth sniffled into his shoulder, catching her breath. They sat there for a little longer before she spoke again. "Percy?"

"Yes?"

"Can I fight a little longer this time... please?"

Percy laughed, "Nope. You're sitting out with Clarisse."

She huffed, "Fine."

"I love you, Annabeth. This is a good thing, I promise everything is going to work out."

"I love you too, Percy. And I hope so."

He kissed her again. "See? I'm not mad. Why didn't you want to tell me though?"

"Because I didn't think you'd want another..."

Percy rolled his eyes, "I mean, I didn't think we'd have 3 kids by the age of 21, but I'm not mad about it."

Annabeth nodded, "I could agree to that. It's too soon and I'm still feeding your first two children. I just don't know how we could've let this happen."

"It's going to be okay. At least they're all gonna be close in age. And reminder that you have me to help."

"Thalia said that."

Percy scoffed, "What is up with you telling Thalia everything before you tell me? She can't even have kids."

Annabeth shrugged, "I don't know, she's just Thalia."

Percy chuckled, "she's Thalia alright. But you know you can always tell me anything, right?"

Annabeth nodded, "yeah, I know. I was just worried because 3 kids is a lot to have for 21 year olds."

"It is, but we've had to do worse." He wrapped his arms around her waist, hand running over her abdomen. He kissed her again and she leaned into him.

"Annabeth?" he mumbled into her hair.

"What?"

"If it's a girl we are naming her Bianca. If it's a boy, we are naming him Ethan, Michael, or Alexander."

Annabeth laughed, "Okay. Why Alexander?"

"Alexander the Great of course."

"You know technically Paris of Troy's real name was Alexander."

"Even more of a reason, I love you."

"Love you too."

"Guess what?"

"What?"

"We're having another baby!"