Reincarnation to the Past

Side Story 6

(A/N: Hi everyone, how's the story thus far. This chapter brings the closure arc to an end.
And before we go on, I need to know the level of interest in the book. As you know this book has 90 chapters and 6 side-stories so far.
I have a lot more ideas but if you guys what me wrap up the story I can do so or would you like me to go in my own pace and share all my ideas, regardless of how many more chapters it would take to bring this story to an end??

Please let me know your opinion so I can act accordingly.)

********

Present Timeline (3 months after Percy's Death)

Poseidon's POV

Sometimes when things get bad, I let myself succumb to those memories for healing. Sometimes when things get tough, I let myself go back to that time in the past when I first held him in my hands. When I close my eyes, I can clearly remember my first memory of him. I can almost picture that day. I can remember the feelings; the joy, the inexplicable love, pride like I've never felt before. Sometimes, I remember how I felt staring down at that little boy who seemed to have grabbed my heart at the same time he grabbed my finger. Sometimes, like today, I look back to those times and wonder how exactly we ended up here.

Flashback - 6 months after Percy's birth.

I stood in the corner of the small room, staring at the cradle a few feet before me. I'm not supposed to be here. I should leave, but I stand rooted to my spot. I'm already taking a big risk, so I may as well have a good look at him, hold him. But I stay rooted at my spot, the same spot where I stood for the past five minutes, still staring at that cradle.

Sally had just left and would be back soon, she never leaves the boy alone for too long. Do I think she coddles him? Yes. Do I think she is wrong for it? No. The boy deserves all the love in the world, and since I cannot give that to him, what does it matter if his mother showers him with my share also???

I told myself I'd never come back. I told myself I'd stay away, so why am I here? Because I couldn't stay away. Why can't I move my feet forward? Because I'm a damn chicken. Forgive my frustration, I'm more than frustrated with myself here.

It was the wail from the cradle, that forced my feet into action. And in a matter of seconds, I was standing in front of the cradle, looking down at him, taking him in like I'd never see him again. 'He has my hair', was my first thought. 'He's chubby', was my second. He let out another wail before opening his eyes and stared up at me. He has my eyes!!! He's beautiful.

His mouth parted and curved, his eyes shut in the process, as a big smile appeared on his face. It felt like there was something lodged in my throat, but no amount of swallowing seemed to make it go away. He squealed, reaching out for me, making cooing sounds that went straight to my heart. Can I just kidnap him?? No one would ever know...

I reached out and picked him up, holding him in my arms and swaying him ever so gently. I swept aside his hair with my finger. His little chubby hand made a grab for my finger, his tiny fingers curling around mine, tugging it toward his heart and holding on tightly. "Hey, little guy.", my voice came out raspy, as tears threatened to form in my eyes. For god's sake, I'm a man. I'm the freaking god of the sea! But right now, I just wish I could be a normal father. "Hey little guy." I repeated softly, bringing him closer to my face, breathing him in, "Your name is Perseus Jackson, huh... You look just like me with your black hair and sea green eyes. Do you know I'm your daddy?? Huh, do you??? I hopped him up and down making him squeal, "My sweet little boy. I'm daddy..." My smile faltered as he babbled along as if talking back to me, "I have to go... Zeus is going to flip if he finds out that you exist, much less that I came to visit you. Let's keep it our little secret, shall we Perseus? I hope we can see each other again one day... But at the same time, I hope we never meet, I'm afraid if we do it might be because my family wants you dead. But don't worry, Daddy will always protect you." I kissed his forehead before setting him back in the cradle. I tapped his hand and he made another grab for my finger, cooing and babbling away happily, "My sweet boy. Daddy may never see you again. But never forget Perseus, you're the son of Poseidon, God of the Seas. You are the beloved of the waters and all that comes with it. Daddy will always love you. Daddy will always protect you." I promised, placing a soft kiss on his forehead and gently pulling my finger away. He started to cry so I placed my hand on his cheeks to wipe away his tears. And disappeared in a flash, just as Sally entered the room.