Hi! I've decided to try my hand at another fanfic, even though I should really be working on my HP/PJO crossover. This one is a bit different. It will be a series of one-shots, all concerning Sally, Poseidon, Percy and family life, one way or another. I don't know where it came from: I was just curious to see what would've happened had Poseidon made a different, riskier, choice. The one-shots probably won't be posted in chronological order.

Let me know what you think if you have the time!

Disclaimer: As always, I own nothing. Everything you recognize belongs to Rick Riordan. The profile picture is not mine either, but I wasn't able to contact the artist. If someone knows them, please let me know. I'd be happy to credit them.

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Families are messy. Immortal families are eternally messy. Sometimes the best we can do is to remind each other that we're related for better or for worse...and try to keep the maiming and killing to a minimum." Hermes, Sea of Monsters – R. Riordan

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Poseidon had told her he was going to leave one day soon.

It had been not long after they had met and it hadn't come as a surprise to Sally. It didn't take a genius to understand that a long term relationship between a human and a God was impossible at best and folly at worst.

She had been prepared for those words, she had expected them, and though they had hurt, she had resolved not to let them control the course of what could possibly be the best relationship of her life.

She had never thought, though, that the time to let him go would come so soon; she especially had never thought that she wouldn't be the only one left behind.

"My presence would only serve to put you in danger," he said, voice soft, "the both of you."

She instinctively caressed her belly. It was still flat, no sign of the future life hidden beneath her skin. "I know," she said.

He wouldn't look at her. "If I could stay – If things were different –"

"But they're not," she interrupted forcefully. She grabbed his chin lightly, forcing him to lift his gaze. "I understand. I do, really. I knew this was going to happen."

Poseidon exhaled loudly. "It won't be sudden. I can stay a bit longer."

Sally stroked her belly again and this time a larger, tanner hand joined hers.

How much longer was a 'bit longer'? She had been naive to believe their separation would be painless, even without taking the baby into consideration. How could it be? She was in love with him, she loved him, and though she knew logically that it would never work out between them, that he already had an immortal wife and immortal children and a realm to lead, her heart couldn't stop longing for a life together.

"Sally..." he trailed a hand along her jaw, "say something. Please."

She wondered distantly how many mortals had found themselves in the uncanny position of hearing a God say 'please'.

She turned her head into the caress and kissed his palm. She smiled. "A little bit longer sounds perfect."

It would be enough. It had to be enough.

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In the end, it doesn't matter. Poseidon never leaves.