Percy finds out the truth from Thalia on the beach

It was a couple hours later that my long walk on the beach was interrupted by Thalia shouting my name in the distance. She jogged up to me. "I heard about what happened" she said while catching her breath. "Tell me everything".

Thalia let out a long sigh after she heard my side of the story. We stopped walking along the water's edge, and I sat down just out of reach of the waves. She sat down with a thud letting her tailbone sink into the sand beside me. She stretched her legs out, leaned back on her hands, and stared at the sunset over the water with me. I was a bit teary eyed, so I was thankful that she decided not to face me whether she actually did it on purpose or not. "Look...Percy... I don't really wanna share this because its a well-kept secret and its not really my place to tell you, but you're one of the most powerful demigods in the world. Not only that, but you're the most loyal and trustworthy friend and boyfriend a person could ask for. I get why Annabeth would still be scared to tell you, but... I think out of everyone at camp you're the most likely to be able to... look past it. And like I said, after all you've done, you deserve to know regardless."

What could they have possibly been keeping from me this long, and why do I feel like I'm the last person to find out? Was it supposed to be obvious? Is that why Annabeth just flat out refused to spell it out for me? My mind was racing trying to figure out what it could have been.

Evidently I had a look on my face or I was too quiet for too long because Thalia leaned forward to give me a pitying glance and put her hand on my knee. Thankfully I'd composed myself a bit more since she'd gotten here a minute ago. "It wasn't your fault Percy" she said emphatically. While I was relieved to hear those words, I was still on the edge of my seat. I'd probably also be a little more thrown off by how heartfelt Thalia was being with me if I wasn't still reeling from the Annabeth situation. For now I'll take what I can get. Its nice to be reminded of the fact that we're all family, especially with regard to my first cousins. Thalia turned fully toward me and crossed her legs. She had a look on her face like a parent about to give their kid "the talk".

"Percy... when the wows have children..." She pauses with a slight wince of her face. Was she really giving me the talk?

"They don't exactly come out the same as mortals"

"Well duh" I responded

"Percy, I don't just mean like abilities or them being able to see through the mist... Female demigods in particular aren't normal." It was clear she was choosing her words carefully. "Annabeth is afraid you won't want her anymore after you find out the way in which she and other demigod girls are... born differently."

Whatever she had to tell me I was ready. "Stop beating around the bush Thalia. Fucking tell me already. There's nothing in the world that would make me stop loving Annabeth. You know that."

"I know that Percy; that's why I'm telling you. The truth is... female demigods have penises"

I was not ready.