Chapter Text
The thirteenth time he broke an oath, Sally was dying.
It was old age.
Percy sat by his mother’s side, his two daughters and son standing by him. They spoke in hushed tones, telling Sally she could go when she was ready, telling her it was okay. The tears that fell down Percy’s cheeks said otherwise. Finally, Annabeth came in, taking her children back to the house. Percy got up only to see them to the door. He walked back into the hospice room his mother was in.
“Sally, please. You’ve lived your life. Your family is safe.” Poseidon spoke, taking her hand. “I know I’m being selfish, I know I should let you go. But if there’s one thing I am, it’s selfish. I’ve wanted you since you walked by me. I’ve loved you since your first remark. I’ve failed you more times than I can count. Please… let me start to make it up to you. Please.” His voice was soft as he gripped her hand.
Percy stood in the doorway, watching as Sally opened her eyes for the first time in days.
“I thought you said you wouldn’t come for my death.” She whispered, her voice raspy.
“Who says I’m going to let you die?” Poseidon smiled.
“Poseidon, for the love of gods.”
“Sally, you’ve lived your life as a mortal. Your family is safe. If you join me, you can help keep them safe. I’ve stayed out of your life as much as I could. Please. You’re a queen, Sally. You deserve to have the chance to watch your family grow old, and to watch it grow. I love you, Sally Jackson.”
She laughed, but it was a quiet noise.
“You can. But you broke the last oath with me. Remember? You said you would never say you loved me.” She smiled, her frail fingers gripping at his strong ones.
“No more broken oaths.” He murmured, bringing her hand to his lips. “Perseus, if you’re going to stand in the doorway, you probably want to avert your eyes.” Poseidon warned, a warm gold glow beginning to fill the room. Percy closed his eyes, hearing his mother’s laughter fill the room. The gold began to subside, and suddenly Sally Jackson was sitting up. Her brunette hair fell in long, easy waves down her shoulders, bringing out her chocolate eyes. She was 25 years old again, her youthful smile back on her pretty face.
She wrapped her arms around Poseidon, kissing him on the cheek.
“Let me say goodbye to Percy.” Her voice was melodious, soft and sweet like a small wind chime on a hot summer day. She got to her feet, walking over to her son.
“Percy.” She smiled, pulling her son into her arms. “Take good care of Annabeth, Effie, Bianca, and Michael. I love you.” She whispered, squeezing her son tight. Percy hugged her back, shoving down his tears.
“I will, Mom. I love you too.” He murmured.
Sally gave him one last squeeze, then went to Poseidon. She placed her hand in his, smiling at the familiarity of it all. She looked up at the god of the seas, her eyes glimmering. For the first time in a very, very long time, Sally Jackson felt whole.