She gives them both an out, just speculation, and Percy takes it with a little noise. Mmm, yes, it's true - all theoretical, nothing real. They walk along with that thought, silently checking how it fits for them.

Now that the idea's raised, it won't leave Percy alone, though. There's something about having something that's entirely theirs, a secret to keep between them. Something about being able to say - if only to her - that he's chosen this, chosen them. If she wants him now, when he's tottering along like someone's great-great-grandfather, what's the point of waiting?

"Oh, fuck it," he says, grinning like an idiot, and stops where he stands, turning to face her properly. "Let's get married, Vex."