It's time for extreme measures as I stepped on the circular platform. The ground lit up slowly as it charged.

"Me, a father?" I scoffed.

My EQ is about as low on the scale as it can get and then some. Tell me how to make a time machine from scratch and I will tell you. I break physics for breakfast but...I don't know the simplest things when it comes to raising a child. If I want this child to grow up properly, I will have to cheat a little. What the child doesn't know won't hurt him right? I know at least that much and know matter what people think of me there is one thing I'm not, a failure. I will succeed and so will my son.

Flash!

20 years later...

I opened my eyes and jumped in surprise at the person front of me. It looked like a younger version of me when I was twenty. Hmm, but he has his mother's eye's.

" Uhh. Dad?"

I couldn't speak. What do I even say? He caught me red handed.

I waved awkwardly, "hi, son." I said simply.

My kid looked me up and down. Then laughed.

" I get it, this is just like you." He said mockingly as he stared me right in the eye.

"How so?" I asked curiously.

"you came here before I was born to see how I turned out."

"You are correct, so tell me how did I do?"

My kid shook his head. "Wouldn't that not only ruin the timeline I'm in but also spoil things for you? Part of the fun of being a parent is growing up with the kid. Why ruin the surprise on how I turned out?

"Bu—"

"No buts dad. Turn back and don't worry. I came out just fine. After all, Im the son of the greatest inventor earth has ever had. That's all you need to know right?" He smiled confidently.

Me and my son shared a moment of silence. Yeah, looks like it turned out alright. I couldn't help but smile in relief. Even if other people only see me as a emotionless bastard. At least my son turned out alright.

" Alright, I've seen enough. Send me back son." I said proudly.

"Sure thing. " I watched my son set up the time machine to go back to my original timeline as if he was familiar with it as much as the back of his hand. He really is my son.

As the machine was charging up I spoke.

" I'm proud of you son."

My son looked up from the monitor Into my eyes.

" I'm glad, but father."

"Yes?"

" Try not to screw up what you have with Mom. Give her the attention she deserves. Your inventions can wait."

" Alright, I promise."

Flash!

A few moments passed before the son pressed an invisible button on his shirt and suddenly turned into a much older version of the guy that just left. He sighed. I hope this works. The man thought back to the son he never got to raise as he left the lab slowly and turned off the lights.

Back to present day...

I have returned. I sat down on the floor where I stood. This time travel business gives me a serious case of nausea. I'll have to take note and fix that later.

" Honey! Dinners ready!"

My son's warning went through my head again. I have a promise to keep.

" Be right there!"

I smiled contently as I made my way up. I'm excited for the future.