There is a snowstorm where I live so I might post two chapters today

"What are you doing on New Year's Eve?" Annabeth asked Percy much later.

Percy decided not to kick his family out after dinner, so they stayed for a couple of hours and it had actually been a very nice and lively evening. Annabeth had enjoyed the warmth of the family's easy banter and conversation. It was clear to her where Percy got his charm, because his brothers had it, too, even if Nico and Tyson, in her admittedly biased opinion, weren't nearly as attractive as their brother. But all the Jackson men were funny and quick-witted as was their mother.

It was nearly midnight, when the family finally took their leave and went to their hotel. For a second Annabeth felt awkward and didn't know if she should at least make an impression of going to leave, too even if she certainly didn't want to, but Percy simply held her hand in his while he said goodbye to his family, thanking them for coming all the way from Boston and without ever letting go of her he finally closed the door behind them.

He didn't say a word then, losing no time to take Annabeth in his arms, kissing her like he had thought of nothing else for the last couple of hours or so and if he was honest, he hadn't.

Annabeth found herself responding. There was no pretence between them any more and it didn't take them long to end up exactly where they had been when the Jacksons had turned up earlier in the evening, their clothes scattered on the floor and both lying on his bed, out of breath and staring at one other. Percy was playing with her hair, stroking it out of her face and grinning when her curls always tended to fall over her eyes again as soon as she made a slight move with her head.

It was then, that Annabeth asked about his plans for New Year's Eve.

"I don't know", he said. "But since you ask, I'd like to spend it with you. Actually", he sighed, "I know it sounds crazy, but I don't want to spend an evening without you right now."

She smiled. "Be careful what you wish for. I'm going to Albany to visit my parents, and I was wondering if you'd like to come with me?"

Percy raised his eyebrows. "To your parents?

"Yes to my parents, I must warn you though. It's a pretty boring dinner event every year", Annabeth said. "So my reason to ask is purely selfish. It would be nice to have at least someone there who's under a hundred years old. Except my siblings that is."

"If you want me to come, I'll do it," he promised. "But do you think they're OK with it?

she smiled "There's one thing though ..." She seemed to be unsure how to say it.

He looked at her in askance.

"I don't suppose you own a tux?" she asked. "If not, that's not a problem, we can rent one for you."

"Well ..."

"Or we could ask my brother Malcom , he's about your height I think and he has a spare. In fact, I could call him and ask him if you want, it's really not a problem ..."

"Annabeth!"

She stopped mid sentence, realizing that she was babbling.

He grinned at her. "Actually I own a tux."

"You do?" she asked surprised.

"Yes," he said. "I don't have one-night stands and I own a tux. You do have to learn a lot about me, don't you?"

"Obviously!" she said. "You're full of surprises."

He grinned and rolled her over so she was under him. "How about I show you more?"