Seeking Happiness

It felt like I was coughing up my lungs. I struggled to catch my breath. Every breath was a struggle. My chest started to hurt, it felt like there was an Elephant sitting on top of me. I just wanted this to be over, I prayed to my father Jupiter and anyone else who was listening, to please just end this madness, take my pain away. I squeezed my eyes shut took one last heavy breath and then it was gone. All the pain, all the discomfort. It all just vanished. I began to wonder if my dad was actually listening. But then I smelled it.

There was something on top of my face. It was heavy, uncomfortable, squirming, and above all else it smelled like Ares armpit. My eyes squinted through the now thinning smoke. I tried to push it off but I was still weak and a little disoriented. Whatever was on top of me squirmed again but this time it spoke, "Holy Hades that Stung!" I knew that voice... "Leo is that you? Are you there?"

Whatever was on top of me vibrated, "Yeah man, it's me. I'm on top of you! I've been trying to move but my arms and legs are like wet noodles. The smoke had completely cleared now and I looked at what was squishing my face... it was Leo's ass. "Uhhh come on Leo get off of me. Not cool man. Your butt reeks of burnt cheese and Doritos." He laughed as he squirmed once again, this time effectively rolling off of me. He wasn't on the ground long though.

I found the strength to sit up and was greeted with the sight of my beautiful girlfriend running towards me from the closest cabin. Leo had already been tackled by a hysterical Calypso who was no sobbing into his chest. I smiled as I watched him wrap his arms around her and hold her close. A single tear rolled down his cheek as he kissed her forehead.

I turned back to Piper who was now sitting down next to me. I took her hand in mine and gave it a good squeeze. She put her head on my shoulder, "You guys had us all worried. We thought you were never coming home." I kissed her nose, "What and miss out on all this fun? I think I read somewhere that there are children to be had. I would prefer to be present for the ummm... process of creating said children." She blushed bright red. She was adorable when she did that. I loved it when it spread from her cheeks to her ears. Which it was it was doing right now. "How did you know about that? What do you mean you read it? Are you...." Her face screwed up in concentration as she thought what I just said through. "Wait... did... did you just offer to have kids with me? Willingly?"

I ran my hand through her hair, "I've loved you since I first met you. I've always known we would eventually have a family. I have thoroughly enjoyed our rather recent... intimate nights." It was my turn to blush. Her hand found my cheek, "Jason, do you even know how much this means to me?" I put my hand on top of hers.

"Piper I've missed you so much. Will you please do the honor of marrying me? Like tonight if possible?" She tackled me and pressed her lips to mine. Warmth spread throughout my entire body. This is home. This is where I belong, right here, in her arms. Camp Jupiter, Camp Half-Blood. I don't care where I am as long as I get to climb into bed with her every night. I used to think Percy was crazy the way he was ramble on about how much he needed Annabeth. But I see it now. When I was in Elysium I couldn't sleep, not a wink. I always felt empty and alone. I needed her. It didn't help having to listen to Percy complain every day that he needed his family.

Piper is my future. I'm going to marry her as soon as I can. We're going to start a family, and I'm going to be a father. I never want to be without her again.

I was pulled out of my fantasy by Annabeth, she was yelling, "Where's Percy? Percy! Has anyone seen him? What about Nico? Where's Nico?" She was growing more panicked with every passing second. I looked around but Percy and Nico were no where to be seen. This didn't make sense. We were all standing in the same room when Nico did his little voodoo balance magic stuff. They should be here! Something went wrong... I just know it. I can feel it deep in my gut, something bad has happened to them. I met the now tearstained face of Annabeth who is clutching her children. Noah started crying but Gracie remained calm, just staring at her mom.

Gracie's eyes, those cool grey eyes looked into mine. My heart sunk. Was she fatherless now? I don't know.

Notes