It's been several years since Damien first shadow travelled. Now his son was turning 18 and was about to leave for college. Both he and Percy were very proud of their son. Damien did well in school (despite his dyslexia) and even better in sports thanks to his heritage. As parents, they couldn't be more proud.

"But does he have to go so far?" pouted Percy from beside him as they watched Damien pack his suitcase into his car. "Nico, he's going all the way to California!"

"He's a big boy, Perce. He'll be fine." When Percy continued to pout, Nico pulled the smaller man into his arms. "His apartment is on the coast, and he can shadow travel. He has protection and a way out whenever he needs it."

"I know, I know…but…he's my baby."

"Ma," complained Damien hearing the end of their conversation as he joined them on the porch. "I'm 18, I'm not a baby anymore!"

Nico smirked. "You'll always be our little baby boy, Damien. Even if you were a terror back then. Such a momma's boy."

"Dad!" Damien shouted even though Percy was pulling his now taller than him son into his arms for one more hug. "I was not!"

"You wouldn't even let me kiss Percy without picking up a fuss."

"There's no way I did that. Ma, you gotta let go."

"Never!" pouted Percy. "I don't want you to go. Is college really necessary?"

Both Di Angelo men gave him a look before Nico pulled him off of Damien. "Anyways, Damien, call us when you reach Cali. If you need us, you know to call. Don't do anything stupid. And for Hades' sake, call your mother every day."

"Don't let any of the other kids bully you. Eat healthy!"

Damien gave both his parents one last hug before getting into his car and leaving for his first year of college. His furniture and things were already in his apartment, waiting for him. However he's always wanted the full mortal experience, and asked to road trip all the way to California from Manhattan with his friends that also got in.

It would be his first adventure without his parents. Even when he went to Camp Half-Blood during the summer, his parents were there to help train the new demi-gods then not around. He wouldn't see his parents for a while.

Biting his lip he jumped back out of the car and ran to hug his parents again.

Nico and Percy shared a confused look, but wrapped their arms around their only son.

"Damien?" questioned Percy, pushing his curly hair out of his face.

"I'll miss you," he whispered.

Nico hid his smile in Damien's hair, pulling Damien close. "We'll miss you too kiddo. When it gets too much, call us. I'll bring us over there. Or you come visit us, okay?"

"Yeah, got it." Damien pulled away, wiping his face clean from his tears. "I better get going or I'll get stuck in traffic."

Damien got back into his car and left with one last wave.

Percy hid his face in Nico's chest mumbling something.

"What was that?"

Percy pulled away just enough so he could stare at Nico. "Nico?"

"Yes?" he answered patiently.

"I want another one. Not to replace Damien, never to replace him. But now the house is empty, and I don't know why we didn't have a second one sooner…""

Nico blinked, flashbacks of all the terror (read: cock-blocking) that Damien brought to his life. All the teasing he got from his friends when they caught him cuddling his son. Did he really want to go through all of that, again?

"Nico, please!"

Tightening his grip around Percy's waist he shadow travelled them to their bedroom.

"Better get started then, don't you think?"

I felt that this story needed a more closing feel to it. So I came up with this. Even though you're never done raising your child and giving love to them, it's a big step for both parent and child when college comes around and the distance between them grows more than either party wants. Whether they acknowledge it or not. But there you have it. Baby Problems is officially over. Thanks to everyone who stuck with me!

-Mischief