Writing Meme!

Katie McGrath as Elsa in King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME - PERCY/NICO AU HIGH SCHOOL - CHAPTER II

Hey, how's everyone doing? I wasn't going to post it so soon, but since I had some time over the weekend, here it is. I'm sorry if there are any mistakes.

Good reading!

Previous chapters: CHAPTER I

“How did you like the first lesson?” Percy had to ask, only to see the expression of annoyance cross Nico's face, something cute between a grimace and a purse of lips. He knew what the answer would be, but nothing could compare to seeing it all in person. No one could blame him if Nico had become a lot more expressive in recent years, as if the boy had given himself the right to feel and express himself however he wanted, without any kind of fear or hesitation.

"It was normal. I think. I'm a little behind, but nothing some reading can't fix." Nico shrugged and continued walking beside him, running his hands through his own hair and throwing it back, preventing it from falling into his eyes; long hair that seemed to shine in the sun, long and black, but not like he would in the past, it was a more expansive and relaxed gesture that Percy couldn't say how he could differentiate. In the end, Grover had to be right. He was obsessed. He always were.

"Hungry?”

"Not much.”

But even so, they walked through the cafeteria side by side, walking between the tables and benches until they reached the cafeteria counter Percy couldn't help but notice, it felt like they were being paraded, if only by the way people were looking at them; whether they were looks of admiration, envy or disgust, it was hard to tell them apart, he was too busy staring at the profile of Nico's face, especially when Nico brought his fingers to his mouth and bit them lightly, looking indecisive.

“What are you going to order?” Nico asked, finally looking up at him.

“A juice is fine. How about sharing a pie?” He knew that the one with vegetables and cheese was Nico's favorite.

And just to prove his point, Nico smiled and waved, ordering a milkshake for himself.

It was all so familiar that Percy felt his heart sink. Why did that hurt so much? Shouldn't he be happy to have his best friend back? Well, Nico seemed to be very happy with his milkshake and half of the vegetable pie now that they had found an unoccupied place to sit, a faint flush of happiness spread over his dark face, intensifying with every moment he continued to watch Nico eat.

"Aren't you going to eat? It's just as good as I remembered.”

“Nico.” Percy complained, frustrated.

"What is it?”

"Could you eat with less pleasure?"

Certain things never changed. Nico looked at him with his mouth around the straw and smiled, sucking the ice cream heartily. Percy just shook his head and looked away, taking the first bite. And Nico was right, the pie still tasted the same, the dough smooth and soft, the cheese melting in your mouth and the gratin crunchy on top. Since Nico had been gone, he hadn't had the heart to eat that pie, it brought back memories he preferred to leave behind.

“Per-cy.” Nico called out to him, practically humming, smiling, resting his head in his hands and blinking slowly at him, his bright black eyes distracting him for a moment.

“Hm?”

"Shouldn't you eat with your friends?"

"Why?”

“They're looking at us.”

Maybe it was true.

Percy shifted his gaze towards them quickly and returned his focus to Nico. They weren't important, even if he felt trouble looming for the simple reason that Annabeth was among them. Annabeth, Thalia, Luke, Grover, Chris and Clarice. All of his and Nico's old friends. And okay, maybe it wasn't right to keep Nico all to himself when he wasn't the only one who missed him.

"Do you want to talk to them?"

“Nah. Later. What I want to know is, who are you seeing?”

"What? I’m not--"

“Annabeth or Luke?”

"I’d never!” When Nico scowled unimpressed, Percy confessed, “Okay! We had a thing, but it's a thing of the past. I'm free as a bird.”

"Are you sure?”

"I promise.”

“Why don’t I believe you?” Then, Nico leaned back against the back of the bench and crossed his arms. "I'm not going to get a little surprise from your ex-boyfriends, am I?"

“Why would that happen?”

"The way things are looking…”

Percy couldn't pretend any longer, he smiled at Nico and leaned towards the boy, holding his hands and brought them to his own lips, kissing them for a long time: "I promise nothing will happen. I'm not that kind of man.”

“Hmm, I know. Am I supposed to know anything else?”

“I only have eyes for you, darling.”

That made the flush on Nico's cheeks come back in full force. Maybe it was because he was still holding Nico's hands or maybe it was because they were sitting side by side in the middle of all those people.

After that neither of them spoke again and no one approached them, which didn't affect them at all. They continued to eat and hold each other's hands until the bell rang, and they had to split up; Nico would go to history class and Percy to advanced math, and Percy like the perfect knight that he was, led Nico into the correct classroom, for a moment thinking about acting like the cliché Nico had accused him of being and kiss him right there where anyone could see. In the end, he decided to give him a long, tight hug before letting Nico into the classroom. The good news was that they would have their last class together, advanced physics.

***

Percy had barely set foot inside the room when a barrage of voices surrounded him. It seemed that everyone had something to say about the newly transferred Italian boy, as apparently, he was the only one who knew about Nico's return.

"I told you!" One of them said.

"Who would say.” Another commented with far less enthusiasm.

And Percy? Well, he didn't care what they had to say. He walked calmly to his desk, took his books out of his bag and looked straight ahead, like the model student he never was. What could Percy say? Daydreaming about Nico was far more pleasant than feeding more gossip.

"Dude! You can’t do this to me.” It was Grover, once again, who now sat beside him and put his hand on his shoulder, squeezing it and looking proud for some reason. It wasn't Grover's words that irritated him, it was his tone of voice; it was pure mockery. “You have to tell me everything.”

"And here I thought cheerleaders were gossips." Percy returned.

“Percy!”

“It’s alright.”

"It’s alright? Aren't you forgetting anything?”

"Like what?”

“Since when are you and Nico still speaking?”

“We always have been. Since the age of eleven.”

"But how! Was he not in Italy?”

"And?”

"Dude." This time who spoke was Luke who was nearby just listening. “I feel used.”

That was a joke! The boy with the biggest cheating record he had ever met, feeling used! And just because they had something quick during Nico's absence?

"I thought we had something special." But when Percy turned to Luke, his friend had a strange glint in his eyes and a smile like he was about to do something. "You know who wouldn't like to hear that?"

“Annabeth.” Grover completed for him, now much quieter so that only he and Luke could hear.

"What I have to do with it? She's not my girlfriend.”

"Are you sure about that? Annabeth doesn't seem to think the same.”

"That's her problem, not mine."

“Dude, this is going to be a problem. Don't say I didn't warn you.” Luke said and touched his arm, pretending to be understanding.

"How about you mind your own business?"

"If I were you, I'd be careful. I remember how helpless little Nico used to be. And nobody wants that to happen again.”

Percy looked closely at Luke, trying to decide if this was a threat or if it was a reminder of what Annabeth was capable of to get what she wanted. In the end, he decided it was just a warning, because in the past Luke had been one of the few people to defend Nico when he couldn't. He just hoped the past wouldn't repeat itself.

***

Nico felt he should’ve done the rational thing and left after the music club was over, like any normal person would do. But there he was, walking through the now empty halls with his guitar and backpack in hand, heading towards the uncovered court that was further down the far end of the school's grounds. Wasn't he the perfect cliché? The new kid going to meet the cute and popular boy after school just because that same cute boy asked him to. Now it was too late. He’d already crossed the entire school and was sitting in the stands, putting the guitar into his lap while he strummed some loose notes. He was an idiot, he had avoided this kind of gesture for so long only to fall into his own trap without even realizing it.

What could he do but let things roll and see where they went? He shrugged and took a pen and notebook out of his bag, jotting down notes and possible melodies. It didn't take long, soon he heard the noise of a ball hitting the ground and footsteps running close to where he was sitting. He looked up and there was Percy, bouncing the ball down and looking up at him, his smile almost reaching his ears, as if the most wonderful thing was happening just because Nico was there. That was why he couldn't say no to Percy, how could he when someone smiled at him like that?

“Nico.” Percy said, as if tasting the name on his lips like the tastiest candy. "Another ten minutes? It’ll be fast.”

Nico shrugged and tried not to meet Percy's eyes, knowing his face had to be hotter than a pepper, preferring instead to enjoy his bare, defined shoulders and arms.

“Okay, I'm not in a hurry.”

"I can see.”

In the end, Nico had to finally face Percy. There was something in his voice that made Nico want to pay closer attention.

“What?”

“Are you writing a song?”

"I think so.” Without realizing it, he had even written a few words to accompany the melody.

"It’s about me?”

"Could be.”

How sincere of him. This could only be a habit, it was so normal for Nico to say whatever came to mind without needing to police himself around Percy that these truths would come out without permission.

"Beautiful.” Now Nico was confused. What was beautiful? The music or… something else?

Percy smiled once more and the doubt was soon gone. He wondered since when Percy's smiles expressed so many things and how each of them was so clear to him, like a perfect, complete, error free language.

"So, after school?”

“I know a place you'll love.”

"Do you know me that well?" Another smile and a nod, as if Percy were saying, ‘Of course, silly.’

He rolled his eyes and turned his attention to his guitar.

"Don't you have practice?"

“Nothing is more important than you.

Nico would have liked to say that they were friendly words and that Percy was joking, but he had spoken with such resolution and confidence that Nico believed him. You know, Percy was a great communicator, sometimes the smiles would dessapear, as if Percy wanted there to be no misunderstandings. It was in those moments that Nico liked to pretend that he hadn't heard a thing, that he hadn't understood, or that nothing had happened. It’s easier when these things happened over connections where thousands of kilometers separated them, but here, less than five meters away? It made his heart race and his palms sweat.

"Hurry up.” He muttered back, trying to ignore Percy's words. "It's getting late.”

"Wait for me.”

So Nico waited, listening to Percy's footsteps retreat down the court.

What else could he do? Besides waiting and behaving, waiting for the moment when Percy would have some time to spare to him? Nico continued strumming the strings of his guitar and didn’t raise his head again for long minutes, that is, until someone sat down next to him, remaining silent until he gave up and stared at them. It was Annabeth, of course, with her intense blue-gray eyes and long golden hair, slender and tall, looking down on him just as he remembered, making him feel like he was a bug she wouldn't kill out of pity.

“Nico, is nice to see you again. How is Bianca doing?”

"Good.” Was all he said. Maybe she still intimidated him, maybe she still had the power to make him cry like a helpless baby.

"What brings you here?”

And again, he felt like the same lonely, outcast kid, the helpless boy anyone could use and abuse. Nico was so tired of it. He wouldn't give that power to Annabeth or that kind of person who, when they didn't have something the want, they took it by force.

"It's none of your business. Is that envy? Did it hurt a lot when he dumped you?”

Annabeth merely smiled, studying him, pretending she was on top when they both knew that was far from the truth.

“Ah, looks like some things have changed, then.”

"Looks liked it.”

"You know you're not going to win, don't you?"

“This isn't a game.”

“Look, I wasn't very nice to you. That’s why I’ll give you a chance. If you walk away, I promise I won't stand in your way. Things are like that…”

How kind of her, isn't it? Did she know what happened all those years he was abroad? How had Percy been the first to get back in touch less than a week after he’d left for Italy? And that in the end, there was nothing to be gained or lost? It’s for that exact reason that Nico chose to remain silent, watching Annabeth toss her platinum hair back as she kept talking.

“…you'll do very well around here if you do as I say.”

"Anne?" Someone behind them called out to her. It was Silena and Grover, they were both dressed in cheerleading clothes. Grover  was wearing lycra pants and Silena, a skirt, mini-blouse and pompoms in her hand. “Drew is calling for you.”

“She always is.” Was Annabeth's turn to roll her eyes and get up. “I think that's it. Do us both a favor, will you? It’ll be better this way.”

Tha way, tucking in her skirt and climbing the steps to the bleachers, he, Grover, and Silena watched Annabeth strut away, taking with her the tension Nico hadn't even realized had built up. Well, now he remembered one of the main reasons he had gone so far away from there.

“We are very sorry.” Grover was the first to break the silence, taking a seat next to him.

“She doesn't do it on purpose.” Silena sat down on the other. “It's not personal.”

“Never is with her.” Nico muttered back.

He didn't even know why he tried. Now, looking at things closely… maybe he should have stayed in Italy. The situation there was chaotic, but at least it was manageable. Having to go back and face the same traumatic things might not have been the best of his ideas.

“Don't mind her.” Grover said once more as the three of them watched the basketball team practice just as Percy made a basket and looked towards him, smiling victoriously.

Maybe, in the end, all this drama would be worth it if the reward was the smile lighting up Percy Jackson's face.

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Tell me what you think! And thanks for reading.

Also, a forgot to warn you, this will be a +18, ok?

Thanks again^^

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME - PERCY/NICO AU HIGH SCHOOL - CHAPTER XXVIII, CHAPTER XXIX, CHAPTER XXX

Hi, how are you? Chapter finished early? That's right! The good news is that I've moved things forward a lot, the bad news is that I'm going to have to take a break from translating this one in order to write the last few chapters of the story. As a gift, I've decided to post the last three chapters I have ready. I also have a few chapters of “Sitter's love” ready. It will be out later today.

Previous chapters: CHAPTER I / CHAPTER II / CHAPTER III / CHAPTER IV / CHAPTER V / CHAPTER VI / CHAPTER VII / CHAPTER VIII / CHAPTER IX / CHAPTER X / CHAPTER XI / CHAPTER XII / CHAPTER XIII / CHAPTER XIV / CHAPTER XV / CHAPTER XVI / CHAPTER XVII / CHAPTER XVIII / CHAPTER XIX / CHAPTER XX / CHAPTER XXI / CHAPTER XXII / CHAPTER XXIII / CHAPTER XXIV / CHAPTER XXV /CHAPTER XXVI / CHAPTER XXVII

Chapter XXVIII

"Please!" Nico screamed at the top of his lungs. Luckily, the rest of the family was helping out at the restaurant, so there was no one to witness this scene.

"I don't know. Have you learned your lesson?”

Nico whimpered once more and wiggled in his lap.

You know, Percy was very patient, almost a saint, so charitable and kind. And do you know why? Percy had taken Nico to the car, put their things in the backseat and driven calmly for the next fifteen minutes to his mother's house. He had put away the bags, offered Nico water and made him eat something before taking him upstairs, where their room was. Then, only then, after locking the bedroom door and putting the key in his pocket, he turned to Nico, letting the little boy see his true intentions.

“Take off your clothes,” Percy said without hesitation. However, it was Nico who hesitated. The boy looked at the door, then at the window, and finally looked at him, uncertain.

"Are you sure?" Nico asked. "You didn't reacted very well, before.”

Hmm... it was true. But that moment was in the past.

"Take off your clothes." Percy repeated.

This would be the part where he would usually be moving and he would be taking Nico's clothes off himself. The point here was not about taking off the clothes or even about the spanking that would come, but rather to make Nico feel this really was a punishment, and for that to happen the first step was to make Nico feel humiliated and then reprimanded. The pain would just be a way to release all these emotions.

"What are you waiting for? Do you need encouragement?”

"I... no!" Nico's eyes widened in surprise and he began to take off his clothes. Or rather, he tore them off and threw them to one side of the room, standing in front of Percy with his head slightly lowered and his hands behind his back.

Percy always forgot that Nico understood how the relationship between dominance and submission worked. 

Even so, he watched Nico for a few moments. His face was beginning to blush, his spine was curved as if to protect himself and his posture was tense like he knew what was coming. Percy let the moment drag on for a few minutes, without speaking, and only when Nico started to fidget with anxiety, he decided to show some mercy.

"Do you know why we are here?”

"Did I... embarrass you?”

Silly. Percy would never be ashamed of Nico. No matter the reason.

"Do you think I'm ashamed of you?" He grabbed Nico by the chin and made him look at him. And when Nico did nothing but stare back at him, completely docile, Percy was finally satisfied. This was the way a good boy should behave, he should be obedient and well-behaved and the reddish tone on his olive skin made everything even better.

Well, even though he was a good boy, Nico was one of the most stubborn people he knew. And sometimes, trying to talk about the problem didn't work with Nico. So, the solution was to show him. Percy held Nico by the hands, sat on the edge of the bed and placed Nico on his lap, face down.

Percy could do this in many ways. Nico on all fours on the bed, lying on a pillow, kneeling on the floor, standing facing the wall... but no, Percy wanted it to be something more intimate and personal this time, because he wouldn't use any tools, like a paddle or even a hairbrush. He wanted Nico to feel every spank and every touch on his skin, he wanted Nico to regret and apologize. However, Percy stopped for a moment and admired the beauty of his baby, the soft skin, the firm and round ass checks, the slender waist and hips, the body that trembled as Percy caressed the brown skin. He knew he was torturing Nico more than necessary, but in the end, he would be sure that Nico would never doubt him again.

"Are you ready?”

Of course that wasn't a question, it was more of a warning. Percy didn't wait for Nico to answer and brought his hand against the right side of Nico's buttocks, and the first moan came. Or had it been a grunt?

"I... oh! I've been... it's been so long! "A louder moan came with the next slap, without warning, allowing Percy to see the first tear break free.

"I'll ask you one more time. Do you know why we're here?" And then, another slap. Nico bent over and grabbed the sheets, trying to close his legs. "Answer me.”

"I was a bad boy.”

"And what else?”

"I don't know!" Nico shouted, feeling the next slap coming.

Percy was disappointed. Although the spankings weren't exactly weak, it shouldn't have been too difficult to understand why Nico was being punished. He gave three more spanks, one after the other and in the same place, and let Nico rest for a few moments, watching the little boy in his ecstatic misery; his little member was fully erect, about to expel, but his crying was so intense that Nico sobbed, anxious and anguished. A well-applied punishment in his point of view.

"It's okay, baby. I'll help you.”

“Are you?” Nico said in the smallest, sweetest, most vulnerable voice he had ever heard.

"I would never be ashamed of you. So what could it be, hm?”

"I... "Still crying and sniffling, Nico frowned and his eyes furrowed in concentration. "I was jealous?”

"No, it's not that. You can be jealous whenever you want.”

“Then...?”

"It's about trust.”

"Oh.”

Ah, now, yes! The expression he wanted to see, guilt and regret.

"I trust you." Nico muttered, embarrassed.

"Do you think I'm going to cheat on you? Trade you for someone else? If I haven't done this for two years, why would I do it now?”

"I don't know." Nico said even more quietly, tears rolling down his dark skin again. "I just... I can't believe that someone like you would want to spend the rest of their life with me.”

Gods, now Percy was the one who wanted to cry. He picked Nico up and made him sit on one of his legs, keeping Nico's small member pressed against his jeans. Nico gasped at the same time, his member and his aching ass being rubbed at the same time.

"Well, that's not right. My baby should never doubt me.”

"I don't doubt it! Ah!”

"Until that sinks in, we'll keep doing it. Over and over, until there's no doubt left.”

"Please!" Nico screamed again, feeling the burning sensation spread across his skin once more.

Percy admitted, he was at his most sadistic moment, there were so many things he had to do and plan that, he confessed, Percy was letting the stress out through his pores as he watched Nico scream and beg for mercy.

"Then I want to see you beg for forgiveness.”

“I’m sorry!”

There it was, exactly what he wanted to hear. The look of anguish on Nico's face was so beautiful that he could have come just watching it. Percy continued to spank Nico's skin, and with each new spank that was accompanied by a shouted "Sorry!", something inside him expanded and was satisfied, as if Percy were at a banquet with all of his favorite dishes.

That is, Percy would have been content to watch that scene for the rest of his life, if he hadn't caught the exact moment where something in Nico seemed to have changed, one moment Nico was all tense and distressed, and the next, well... Nico went limp in his arms, the lines on his face softened and his dark eyes rolled back, then closed in complete climax. And if Percy hadn't been so close, he would have barely noticed, the only clue was the small pool of liquid against his hip where Nico was leaning.

What could Percy do? He never said Nico couldn't cum or that he couldn't enjoy the moment.

 ***

Nico sighed and allowed himself to be hugged, while Percy comforted him. He thought he was still crying, tremors making the sobs more intense than expected, his empty and numb head spinning slowly. Nico knew that one day Percy would kill him, but he would die happy and content. Nothing could affect him at that moment.

Which was fine. In fact, Nico couldn't be better, traveling on the endorphins that only a good session of pain could bring. If disobeying Percy more times was what it took to be "punished" more often, Nico would become the worst of the good boys. He wanted to laugh at these silly thoughts, but Percy still held him in his arms, still caressed his back and still massaged the sensitive skin of his buttocks. It was difficult to have a coherent thought in those moments, moments when he focused only on obeying. Nico knew that once the endorphins left his body, being a good boy or not would make no difference, but in those long minutes, feeling Percy's hands on him and lips against his, nothing was more important.

"Shhhh... it's okay." Percy murmured against his lips, making him open his eyes. Nico took a deep breath and moaned, feeling Percy's wet fingers brush against his entrance, the position they were in perfect for penetration; he sat on Percy's lap with his legs wrapped around Percy's waist.

It wasn't long after that, one finger turned into two and then the head of Percy’s cock was touching his entrance, applying a little pressure until it entered, sliding into the tight passage and making him arch his spine, moaning as he felt Percy penetrate him completely. This was something Nico didn't understand, he used to hate that feeling of his muscles stretching, the slight burning that made him hot without hurting him. Now? He loved feeling his body open up and allow Percy to enter him, a pleasure that Nico didn't understand if it was completely physical or if it was also emotional.

Nico let out another moan, feeling the pain come back with a vengeance, when Percy grabbed his buttocks, making him contract all over.

"Hmm. So good. You like it that way, don't you?”

He... Nico loved it. He liked every gesture and every touch, every word, every movement. But Nico had a problem, he was afraid to say how much he liked everything Percy made him feel, whether they were positive or negative emotions. Because, sometimes, Percy was a bit... cruel, dominating him beyond what Nico was comfortable with. Percy used what Nico said against him, even if it was in the best possible way. Even if Nico didn't want to admit it. What if one day, a day that was very far from coming, Percy dominated him in such a way that Nico would never be able to get out of this submissive state of mind and became only what Percy wanted him to be, nothing more than a patchwork doll?

In fact, Nico felt like it could happen at any moment, with the slightest touch and words spoken sweetly in his ear. He felt like his mind would float away from him and only the part inside him that lived to satisfy its owner's desires would remain.

"Baby?" He heard Percy's voice calling him back in the distance, as if pulling him with a rope back to the earth. "Here you are. So beautiful.”

"Ah, I'm going to... cum..." Nico moaned, shuddering, Percy holding him by his back and neck, affectionately, moving his waist towards another orgasm, his bones feeling like they were made of jelly and his muscles completely relaxed.

"That's it. Like that?”

Nico couldn't take it anymore. Percy reached that little spot inside him, the sensation coming suddenly. One moment he felt like melted butter and the next, Nico was twitching, coming, wrapping his legs around Percy's waist and throwing his head back in a silent scream. And without being touched, he expelled, for long moments feeling himself go empty, only stopping when exhaustion made him relax once more.

"Per.” He whimpered, his nerves hypersensitive. The sensation coming as suddenly as his orgasm.

"It's okay. I'm here.”

A kiss was placed on his neck, another on his face and finally on his lips. And then, everything seemed to get better. Nicos’s breathing calmed down and his heart slowed down.

"Good boy. So obedient.”

If he had a tail, Nico would be wagging it happily right now. Because that's how Nico felt, like a pet who had been praised for learning a new trick and being a good boy.

"I'm not a... a..." Nico couldn't find the words even if he wanted to, his head was too empty to form complex thoughts.

"Oh, aren't you my good boy? My baby? Papa will be sad.”

This was too much for his dopamine-fueled brain. Nico chose to close his eyes and hide his face in Percy's shoulder, feeling safe and protected, agreeing with Percy even though he couldn't admit it.

"Oh, my baby don't to worry. I have a gift for you.”

Nico heard the sound of plastic being opened and something being placed in his hand.

"Eat.”

Nico obeyed, entranced. He took a bite and pleasure spread across his tongue. It was chocolate. Well, it was a candy made of chocolate that they used to eat as children. It used to be his favorite, something he made with his own hands to remember his mother.

"Thank you." Nico found himself saying between bites, content to stay exactly where they were; in bed, sitting on Percy's lap with his head resting on his shoulder and eating his favorite candy.

"My baby deserves the best.”

Nico wasn't sure about that. He would let Percy decide that for him, like he always did.

Chapter XXIX

"Baby, are you okay? "Percy had to ask.

Usually Percy wouldn't worry if Nico stayed in his happy and submissive little world for long periods of time. The truth is that he liked to see Nico completely under his control, obeying his every order and trying so hard to fulfill his wishes that if it were up to him, these moments between four walls would never end. However, the sky was already starting to darken and he could hear the sound of his brothers' laughter and his mother's voice scolding them.

It was at times like these that Percy wished he was an adult and didn't have to share the time he had with Nico, much less let them see Nico at his most vulnerable. Honestly? Percy didn't care how other people would react, but rather how Nico would feel when he finally emerged from his light and content state.

Percy did his best to make Nico feel safe enough to snap out of his trance. They took a long bath, he washed Nico's hair, fed Nico his favorite food, and then made him take a nap. That was usually enough to get Nico back to normal. Today? Nico seemed especially determined to keep his distance.

"Baby?" Percy called again.

Nico merely lifted his head from his chest and settled himself more comfortably under the covers, blinking slowly, seemingly waiting for the next order.

"I need you to come back to me.”

"Come back?" Nico frowned and sat down, trying to reason.

"It's been five hours. Do you want dinner?”

"Oh." The crease disappeared from Nico’s face, but he remained as he was, slow and meek, not questioning anything. "Okay.”

Nico then stood up. He dragged himself out of bed and calmly put on his shoes, walked to the bedroom door and waited for him, patient, obedient, almost bowing, holding his own hands behind his back.

Percy sighed, at least Nico wasn't completely spaced out. This was all his fault, he knew that well. Wasn't that what he wanted? Nico completely obedient and submissive one hundred percent of the time?

In the end, Nico was right. What Percy really wanted was to have fun and fulfill his darkest fantasies.

Moments later, Percy realized that he had no reason to worry. They went downstairs, ate without anything strange happening and Nico even interacted with Tyson and Grover, helping Sally put the dishes on the table. There was a moment when Nico and Sally disappeared into the kitchen and only returned ten minutes later, at which point Percy thought he was in trouble, but all he saw was Nico sitting on his lap and resting his head on his shoulder, and Sally, who smiled at him proudly.

***

Sometimes Percy wished he could go back to the time when his parents were still married and his family had a lot less money. It would mean less responsibilities, more free time, and less stress in his life. First, his mother had the brilliant idea of making him wake up at five in the morning that weekend to help with the monthly billing and inventory, something an accountant could easily do. But no, Sally had suffered a setback in the past and was not willing to take another one. So everyone in the family was forced to help. Nico was a special case, of course. He already helped Sally more than his share in the kitchen, so Nico was exempt from that hard work. And if that weren't enough, they had a meeting with the restaurant's suppliers.

Apparently, the quality of the vegetables wasn't pleasing Sally, and apparently Percy intimidated anyone who looked at him for too long. Go figure. So, that was one of his duties; whenever they had to deal with an insufferable customer or service provider, he would be there. And this time, it was the vegetable supply; his new mission was to stand behind his mother and face the men until they agreed to the new contract. It would be funny if he didn't have to leave Nico alone at home.

But before going to the meeting, Percy made sure to wake Nico up. He knew it was still eight o'clock in the morning on a Saturday, but he still remembered how Nico had reacted when he hadn't found him in bed that time he had visited Apollo’s club. So, without making a sound, Percy took the stairs and went towards his room, seeing that the door was ajar, and he could see inside the room through the crack in the door.

Percy pushed open the door and what he saw took his breath away.

Nico stood in the middle of the room, naked, wet hair and barefoot, with his back to the door, sitting on the edge of the bed. In it was the black box with the collar, the same collar that they had both decided to ignore, like a taboo that should never be mentioned. But there was Nico, holding the collar against his lap, seeming to admire its weight in his long, thin fingers, completely calm and composed, and with the same quiet and docile attitude that he had adopted for the last few days.

For the first time, he decided that taking no action was the best course of action. Because no matter what he said or even ordered, this was something Nico would have to decide for himself. And if in the end Nico decided he didn't want any of this, Percy would have to accept it.

It didn't take long for Percy to get his answer. Slowly, Nico brought the collar up to his own neck and wrapped it around his skin, still without fastening the clasp, seeming to measure the weight of the leather on his skin. When nothing happened, Percy watched as Nico buckled the collar and continued to hold the leather against his skin, as thought the collar were too heavy for his neck to bear. 

Nico stood up, and still with his back to the door, he walked over to the mirror that stood on the other side of the room, near the wardrobe. Nico was admiring himself, that's what it was; he touched the leather of the collar, as if stroking the fur of a pet, and even from this distance, Percy could see the olive skin darkening with a blush, although Nico wasn't panicking like he had before. After all, why would he? It was just fantasies, wasn't it?

Percy couldn't take it anymore. He marched with determined steps into the room and stopped behind Nico, almost glued to his back, now observing both of their reflections in front of the mirror. It was something automatic, his hands went to Nico's neck, his fingers circling the long neck, right at the part of the collar that now hid the choker, massaging the skin he found there.

“So you liked it.” It hadn’t been a question, because the answer was obvious. The look on Nico’s face told Percy everything he needed to know, and the surprised, shy gasp even more so.

"I didn't... I was curious!" There it was, anxiety coming like a bullet train. So the problem must be his presence. Or maybe the expectation that Nico himself placed on himself.

Nico took a step forward, trying to free himself from his hands, and this time, Percy allowed Nico to escape; this was not something he should joke about if he wanted the sight of Nico wearing a collar to be an everyday occurrence in the future.

"It's okay. I didn't mean to scare you.”

"You didn't scare me. It's just... you know... I don't know if I can do what you expect of me. The diary, it's just fantasies and... I never thought I would... I would like it so much that I would have sex with someone. I just... I don't know.”

“I understand,” Percy said in his most affable voice.

"Do you?" Nico opened his eyes wide, looking surprised and so innocent that Percy came closer again, touching his black hair, trying to comfort him.

"It's okay if you want to play. It's okay if you don't. We don't have to try something new just because I want to.”

"I thought the role of a submissive was to do the dominant's wishes?”

"This is a fantasy, isn't it? You said it yourself. I don't want to force you.”

"Oh." Nico murmured, relaxing in Percy's arms, resting his head on his shoulder and wrapping his arms around his waist. "Sometimes, I feel like I should do certain things... I mean! You never asked me to do this...

"It's okay." Percy said once more, smiling at Nico, deciding to put him out of his misery. "From now on, whenever I want to do something, I'll ask for permission. It doesn't matter what it is, even if it's a kiss.”

"Always?”

"And you are under no obligation to accept or reciprocate, or to feel pressured.”

"I don't feel like you're forcing me, I just..." Then Nico looked down, all shy, and turned his face to the side trying to hide. "It's this uncontrollable urge to... to do these things.”

"Like what?”

"To obey. Not to disappoint you." That's when Percy saw Nico close his eyes, squeezing them tightly, still with his face against his shoulder. "I want to be your baby and your good boy for the rest of my life. Only yours.”

Percy hadn't expected that! They had definitely come a long way to get here. Percy found himself straightening his back and taking a deep breath, a somewhat manic smile forming on his face, a reaction faster than he could control. And just as quickly as it had come, that sense of satisfaction and sick possession was also gone, leaving Percy to pull Nico against his chest and hug him tightly.

"Thank you for telling me. You are so brave. My perfect baby, hm?”

Nico didn't say anything, but he groaned, hugging him tighter around the waist, curling up against his chest, almost melting into him. Percy wouldn't trade this moment for anything in this life.

***

"Thank you for telling me. You are so brave. My perfect baby, hm?

Yes, he was! Gods! Hearing Percy say these things, even though Nico already knew this fact, made something inside him explode with joy.

Well, what could he say? He had decided to let himself go.

I mean, what could be so bad besides Percy taking him deeper and deeper into this sea of pleasure that he didn't even know was possible? What was the point in running away and fighting against these feelings when without even realizing it he found himself in the same place? This light feeling reminded him of a game he and Percy used to play as children; each time they won a challenge, the game took them to the next level, climbing step by step until they reached the final level.

The problem was that this innocent and silly game seemed to have no end, the steps stretching endlessly until they were lost from sight. That was how Nico felt, the further Percy took him, the harder it was to find the same Nico who had started on the first level. Sometimes, Nico barely recognized himself. He didn't feel as small as before, as shy or as defenseless. It was as if during the game he had gained special powers and they were still with him, as if Nico had sucked them into his being, forever absorbed into his skin. But sometimes, even if he didn't want to, the old Nico would make his appearances, he wasn't proud of it, forcing Percy to take a step back in this waltz where no one knew what the next step would be. However, what could he do but to get into the rhythm of the dance?

This was a good example, the best of them. Feeling Percy stroking his hair and sliding his hands down his back, always trying to comfort him no matter the reason. Even when there was no reason or when the culprit was Nico himself. At that moment, Nico realized that this time he didn't need to be comforted, but that he liked the kind gesture anyway.

“I know I can be… strict,” Percy murmured in his ear, brushing the stubble growing against his neck, making him shiver. “You have to tell me if I’m being demanding.”

"You never demand what I don't want to give.”

That was the truth. No matter how much he hesitated or said he didn't want to, it was hard to lie to himself when the object of his only obsession in life was right in front of him, offering everything he thought he would never have, yet was so intense that it felt like he was about to pass out at any moment. Not because it was bad, but because Nico lost his breath every time Percy looked at him for more than two seconds.

Then, Nico felt lips touching his in a sweet, slow caress, and he closed his eyes, relaxing as the kiss continued; a nip and a lick later, a gasp, tongues meeting in a perfect fit, like it always had been, like that first time when he had run away and only returned two years later. It seemed like that was all Nico had done up until that moment, run and dodge until he had no other choice, until his only thought was to make up for all the lost time.

“Good boy,” Percy said against his lips, pressing their mouths together one last time before pulling away, smiling at him.

Nico wanted to follow Percy, ask Percy to throw him on the bed and continue up the stairs. Percy had other ideas, like walking away from Nico and opening the closet, taking out a blazer and a pair of khaki dress pants.

"Didn't you have to go out with your friends? "Percy said, still with his head inside the wardrobe.

That was true. That was why Nico had woken up so early on a Saturday, distracting himself with the thought of putting on that collar and kneeling at Percy's feet, swearing eternal fidelity and obedience was not in the cards. Maybe after the wedding, if it actually happened.

When Percy emerged, he was fully dressed. Italian shoes, black shirt, full suit, and slicked-back hair. Nico was so lucky! How he had managed to get engaged to someone so handsome and charming was beyond him.

Nico didn't even try to contain himself, he walked over to Percy, stood on his tiptoes and kissed him again, something quick and soft, and said: "You never dress like that for me.”

Percy smiled at him, one of those sideways, dimpled smiles that made him look like a shark, and grabbed him by the hair, making him groan.

"What's the point of me getting dressed like this if my clothes are going to be taken off in less than five minutes?”

Percy kissed him hard on the lips, eliciting another moan from him and let him go, looking at himself one last time in the mirror.

"Why don't you get some rest, hm? They can wait for you.”

Well, rest wasn't the right word.

Nico followed Percy's eyes and looked down at his lap. Nico had a certain amount of bulge to him, and Percy looked like he would kneel down on the floor at any moment and help him with it. Then Percy looked back into his eyes and smiled again.

"Later. I promise." Percy, his cruel dom, said, walking away slowly towards the door. But before he went, he said: "Don't have too much fun without me.”

Chapter XXX

"Later. I promise." Percy said, walking away slowly towards the door. "Don't have too much fun without me.”

Nico didn't intend to. Ever since he had returned from Italy, he rarely had fun if Percy wasn't around. The friends he still had around kept telling him how Percy was the worst villain, and the ones who didn't say anything kept their distance, hesitant and afraid at the mere thought of what Percy could do to them.

Wasn't that ridiculous? Nico wasn't interested in them either. He admitted he missed his friends in Venice, his family, the scorching sun, the centuries-old buildings, and the clean air. But he would miss Percy even more, and if being away from his hometown was necessary, that's what he would do.

The door finally closed behind him, allowing him to look at his reflection in the mirror again. That was another thing he admitted, he liked seeing that collar around his neck; Nico could see himself wearing it without shame in the future. 

He saw himself and Percy in a large house in the countryside, the sun beating down on his skin as he knelt, resting his head on Percy's lap, Percy’s thick and long fingers caressing him as if he were a little lap dog. Being a submissive was not what he had imagined, the pain was fleeting, barely registering in his brain, and the pleasure lasted for hours, days if he allowed himself to. It was strange, and sometimes, it seemed wrong to put himself in these situations, to let himself be used as Percy saw fit. The looks of pity were what really bothered him, as if at any moment his "friends" would offer to help him. Beautiful friends who, when he needed them most, offered little in the way of comfort or safety.

That was the only reason he had come back, besides the jealousy that had eaten away at him when he saw Annabeth and Percy so close together on social media. Nico didn't need to go through all that torture again, seeing Annabeth in the hallways or the same people who had tried to abuse him more than six years ago. All that was left for Nico to do was take a deep breath and overcome his trauma, or rather, ignore them until they didn't matter. Because this, the collar around his neck, was proof that in the end it would all be worth it. Somehow, the weight that had suffocated him a few days ago, now kept him trapped in reality; it was a promise, an oath that in the end everything would work out if he held on a little longer, just a little longer, and then he could free himself from everything that was dragging him down.

Well, in the end, Percy was right. It was best for him to get some rest, leaving in the state he was in would only lead to more worry and advices he hadn't asked for. Feeling exhausted, Nico ignored his phone that was beeping, indicating a new message had arrived, and collapsed onto the bed. He crawled onto his pillow, covered himself with the duvet, and closed his eyes. Ten minutes would be enough. Maybe thirty.

***

When Percy got home, he went straight to his room, where he knew Nico would be. He could encourage Nico to go out with his friends, have fun and be independent, but deep down, he liked things the way they were; Nico always at home, always waiting for him like a well-behaved boy should. And even though he knew Nico would be in bed, ignoring his friends once again, Percy took the stairs two at a time and slowly pushed the door open. Just as he imagined, there was his baby, covered with the duvet up to his waist, sleeping peacefully, like a little angel, his little angel, always very obedient.

Instead of going in and changing his clothes, Percy closed the door again, letting Nico sleep for a few more minutes. He went downstairs and entered the kitchen, finding his mother there, helping her put away the basket of vegetables they had received from the supplier.

"Where's Nico? I can't wait to try that stew.”

"He’s sleeping.”

This was the moment Percy expected the complaints to come, but they never did.

Sally turned to him, walked towards him, and held his shoulders, smiling sweetly.

"I'm so proud. Nico has been much less tired and happier." Then, Sally straightened her spine and put her hands on her waist. "I still don't like seeing you guys doing these things behind my back, but it's working.”

"Is that why you don't bother me anymore?”

"You're doing a good job. Keep doing that, hm? Then I won't need to do it.”

"Hey! Who's your son here?”

"Honey, I know you." Sally smiled once more and turned her back on him, finishing putting away the vegetables, picking up other things and starting the stew.

Percy just smiled, shrugging. The truth was, he wasn't doing anything special. It was Nico she should be praising. In fact, Percy felt that he wasn't even trying and that maybe they were good for each other. Well, Percy planned to keep doing it even if Nico never wanted to have sex with him again.

***

When Nico wakes up the sky is still bright, the sun shining brighter in the midday heat. However, the feeling of despair has disappeared and in its place, contentment has emerged. He does not open his eyes immediately, feeling the heat warm his face and gentle fingers run over his scalp, making him sigh.

It was Percy who woke him up. Nico would recognize that scent anywhere, the way Percy touched him, the velvety voice calling his name, making him feel like he was still asleep, dreaming of his grandmother's house, where he and Percy were in the strawberry fields, walking calmly through the long rows of berries, the sun beating down on his face.

"Are you feeling better?”

Nico could barely remember why he had been so sad. So he just nodded. He got out from under the covers and crawled until he reached Percy who was sitting on the bed. He sat on Percy's lap and wrapped his legs around him before hugging him by the neck, kissing him slowly, sealing their lips together softly.

"Hmm... does my baby want to play?”

“I don't know.”

"You're still wearing the collar.”

"Oh.

It was true, Nico hadn't noticed. After all, it wasn't that heavy. Although it didn't feel right to be wearing it right now.

"Take it off for me?”

There it was, the disappointment on Percy's face. He tried to hide it, of course, behind an innocent smile. As usual, ignoring certain things until the right moment came was always the best thing to do.

Without rushing, Percy grabbed his neck and unbuckled the clasp, running his fingers over his skin, seeming to say goodbye to the leather and welcoming the now exposed skin, placing a little kiss between the choker that was under the collar and the gap between his collarbone.

"So handsome. I can't wait to see you in a white suit. Will you wear the collar for me? Will you wear something pretty underneath, hm?”

Nico felt his face heat up immediately, knowing that Percy was staring at him so closely. He hadn't thought about it. Was this the moment where they truly became submissive and dominant? Where he would kneel at Percy's feet and remain that way for the rest of their lives? Nico knew that technically nothing would change, but then why did it feel like they were about to take a big step in their relationship?

He had to lift his head and look at Percy in a way he rarely did, seeing his green eyes shining with something Nico preferred not to examine too deeply, the smile still resting on his beautiful lips, showing perfect white teeth. Which made Nico wonder, did he know what he was getting himself into?

“Is this what will happen when we get married? I thought it was just a fantasy.”

"It can be whatever we want.”

But all Nico could hear was, “It’ll be whatever I want it to be.” And strangely, that thought didn’t scare him; it wasn’t like he was going to become a sex slave and be thrown into a dark dungeon where the sun could never reach him.

"What if I don't want to?" Nico finally asked, getting that off his chest.

Nico watched Percy continue to look at him, as if Percy had no doubts in the world, seeing a much more sincere smile appear.

"Then we don't do it.”

"Sure.”

“But... aren't you curious to know what it would be like?”

“I don’t know.”

Nico looked away, pretending to think about it. It was clear that he was curious. Just when he thought Percy couldn't surprise him anymore, a new avalanche of emotions caught him off guard. He felt like he would spend the rest of his life being surprised, drowning in a sea of pleasure next to Percy.

"Hm." Was all Percy said before standing up and taking the collar with him. Percy walks to the wardrobe, takes the black box with him and puts it inside, closing the closet with a final movement. "Looks like the game will have to wait for another time.”

Either way, it was better like this. That way, no one would be tempted to do anything beyond what they were both willing to face.

***

Percy felt strangely light and carefree that morning. As usual, they were all sitting at the table for breakfast. He and Nico walked into the kitchen hand in hand and sat silently, side by side, moving in sync, listening to Grover and Tyson argue about something unimportant, while Sally tried to make them behave. The good thing about living in the middle of chaos was that their plates were already on the table with a glass of juice and another of coffee for each of them.

He admitted that he hadn't been paying attention to what they were saying, because now he understood why Nico liked to be lost in his own little world so much. Don't get him wrong, Percy loved his family, he would do anything for them in a heartbeat, but sometimes, all he wanted was a moment of peace and quiet; he couldn't wait to marry Nico and have a place just for them.

"Per? Aren't you going to eat?”

"Not today." He answered without paying attention, holding Nico's hand again. This made him look at his baby who was looking at him curiously, a discreet smile on his lips, his eyes shining with amusement. "It's okay.”

Percy stretched, took a sip of his coffee, and picked up a croissant. "Satisfied?"

He didn't wait for Nico's answer. He helped Nico down from the chair, pulled him out of the kitchen, and went after his bags, finding them where Percy had left them; at the entrance to the front door, along with his mother's purse and the car keys. The car ride to school was even quieter and calmer, making him feel that today nothing could disturb him. What more could Percy want in this world than Nico's company? A good morning kiss? Nico's hand under his? The certainty of a future together? Percy already had all of that. So, no matter how many obstacles there were, there was no reason to worry.

That's how Percy got out of the car and opened the door for Nico, wrapping his arms around his waist. They walked into the school and ignored the stares, Percy focusing on Nico, watching his baby's face heat up the more he looked.

“What’s gotten into you today?” Nico finally said, allowing Percy to hear his voice for the first time that day. A low, husky voice still from sleep, caressing his senses.

Percy doesn't say anything, he just brings his hand to Nico's face and caresses it, watching Nico's eyes close in pleasure, watching Nico's smile come back with a vengeance, almost blinding him, content. Then, Nico tilts his head towards Percy and their lips meet, but it's just that, a peck, a gesture of affection. Nico's eyes open again and that's how they stay, standing in the middle of the hallway, hugging each other, as if only they existed.

Percy felt like they were talking through those looks and smiles. The best part was that he understood every word.

"You're an idiot." Nico says. Percy agrees.

But then they hear the bell ring. It was time to return to reality. Percy and Nico are forced to walk again, heading towards their lockers, in fact, towards Percy's locker because it was the biggest of them both; Nico had stopped using his, years ago, even before going to Italy. Most of their classes were the same, so they shared their books, the teachers had long since given up on separating them. In fact, their grades were so good that the teachers had no reason to separate them; and Percy was sure, he had never been so ready in his life. It was Nico's influence, making him study without even realizing it.

Unfortunately, when he got there, his bubble of contentment was broken.

"Well, well. Look who we have here? The golden couple.”

Percy snorted, about to turn around and show up to class without his books, when Nico grabbed his arm. With just one look from Nico, he understood everything. Okay. They would get their books and notebooks, and go to class, as expected. Percy took the lead. He walked the rest of the distance to the locker fourteen, grabbed what he had to get and closed it, slamming the door as hard as necessary.

"Hmm... looks like someone is tense. I know a way to relax you. Why don't we meet later?”

This was too much for Percy. He lifted his head and stared into those cold gray eyes, took a deep breath and opened his mouth when he felt gentle hands grip his arm. Nico was staring at him closely, his furious black eyes telling him more than his words could. Annabeth didn't deserve even his disgust and contempt. Great, Percy would do what Nico asked.

Percy didn't look at her again, deciding to kiss Nico's face, trying to calm him down, and hugged him by the shoulders, taking him away. Soon Annabeth would be just the memory of an envious and inconvenient girl.

They walked into their first class of the day, placed their notebooks and books under the table and sat down. Soon the tests would begin.

That's it for now. Now I'll try to wrap up all the loose ends and solve the problems. Wish me luck.

Ok! "Sweet Enough to Eat"

It's a title, but was the last thing I read.

Thanks for tagging me!

@gutsnoir @perryjackpott @language-of-blueberries @g0thnico

Tag as many people as the number of words in the last sentence you read in a book

"There's nothing scarier than a gang of bat wielding grannies." ~Jason Grace

@whoslug @serafilms @peapea-0405 @nothankyou543 @yeeteddemigod @allyyxe @starfire21 @beommii @incorrectenhypen @primordial-space-spaghetti and anyone else who wants to join <3

(and sorry for tagging a few of you even when we don't talk)

Pervy, approximately 8 hours after finding out about Nico's crush:

Percy: Mom I gotta go back to camp half blood to strangle Nico.

Sally, waking up at 2.47 am:

Sally: Can it wait until morning?

Percy, already dressed and putting his shoes on: NO!

Sally: *sighs* Fine. What is it?

Percy: We spent MONTHS scouring the country for him in between tlo and botl. When I found a clue in the Labyrinth, I took off running, even though that's just about the most dangerous thing you can do in the Labyrinth.

Percy: I took on the weight of a great prophecy to protect him. The same prophecy that told me that I would die. I was ready to die for him.

Percy: I gave up godhood and used my wish for Nico to have a cabin at camp. A place that he'd be safe and feel welcomed. Somewhere I could keep him as close as he'd let me. So I could check on him, and see that he's alright and eating well.

Percy: All that, and IM NOT HIS TYPE!?!??!?!

Percy: I'm going to strangle him, mom.

Sally:

Sally: I'm going back to sleep. Have Mrs. O'Leary take you to camp. Call me in the morning so I know you're safe.

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter VIII e Chapter IX

Hi, how are you? Yes, I'm back. I know you're getting tired of me, but as I had a few chapters ready I decided to share them with you in advance. We'll probably have new chapters on Wednesday, because I'm trying to finish the new chapter of “There's nothing like home” (although it's going to take me a while to post it here, I still need to finish writing and revising it), but it'll come.

Anyway, I hope you will enjoy today's chapter. And if you can give feedback on the story, I'd love to hear from you, really, without judgment. This story isn't complete yet, so any suggestions or notes would be very beneficial.

Previous chapters: CHAPTER I / CHAPTER II / / CHAPTER III, CHAPTER IV e CHAPTER V / Chapter VI e Chapter VII

Chapter VIII

Nico opened his eyes and sat up on the blankets, realizing that he wasn't in his single bed. There were no windows facing a huge tree, his computer wasn't in the corner of the room, and there weren't any loud voices reverberating through the house early in the morning. No, no way, that wasn't his room. Well, this one, painted in soft shades of gray and with a double-sized bed, wasn't his, and much less this calm that made him feel so peaceful and calm.

He… what had he done…? It was so confusing…

Oh! Now he remembered. Percy and his soft voice. A bowl of soup and another question that finally made sense. Yes, last night he had waited for Percy and fallen asleep without wanting to, even though Nico had sworn he would wait for the children to fall asleep so he could leave. Instead, he had a serious conversation with the man who didn't seem to take anything seriously, but who in fact hid his seriousness behind very well-disguised smiles.

Like, he knew that now. However, that hadn't been the case the day before when he'd followed Percy up the stairs and into the empty guest room. He barely remembered getting into the shower, that had been another thing he hadn't expected of himself. He felt like he should have done more than nod and obey. 

In the end, Nico couldn't help it, Percy had spoken to him so gently and affectionately that Nico found himself nodding. Vaguely, he remembered taking off his clothes once inside the suite Percy had shown him to, stepping into the bathroom and a while later hearing two soft knocks on the door. After that, Nico didn't know how the rest of the night had gone. He knew that at some point Percy had... gods! Was that right? He'd shown up naked and wet in front of his boss? While the man was handing him clean clothes? Nico couldn't even remember their reactions. It was all so hazy it was like Nico had been drinking himself into a stupor.

Thinking about it, it was better that he didn't remember any of it. Nico wasn't sure if it had really happened or if it had been a dream, especially the part where Percy looked at him from head to toe like he was going to attack at any moment, but since he didn't feel anything unusual, no pain or marks, then... then if he ignored what might or might not have happened, it was as if nothing had happened, right? So, wearing the same clothes he had slept in, he walked down the hallway and down the stairs, going straight to the kitchen where he found something strange and sweetly domestic; Percy Jackson wore a red apron and dark colored sweatpants as he walked barefoot across the cold kitchen floor,  plating four dishes. Bacon, eggs, and sausages. There was coffee and juice on the table. Jam, bread, croissants, and cake. A small improvised feast.

"I thought you didn't know how to cook.”

Nico didn't know why he had said that. Maybe it was because it all seemed like a dream, where he had a happy family that welcomed him on a nice, sunny Saturday morning and a... husband...? Wow... Nico was starting to think his fantasies were a little rushed. Or maybe his brain wasn't ready to wake up so early on a Saturday, much less was it prepared for this happy scene. Usually his family didn't eat together; his father was the first to wake up, getting up early, and his mother prepared the food. As people woke up, each one served themselves and went about their day without talking to anyone else. So, this... this wasn't at all what he expected.

"That's nothing! Everyone knows how to make an egg." Percy said excitedly, almost humming as he finished putting the sausages on everyone's plates. "Come on, sit with us.”

“I shouldn’t,” he muttered. Nico really shouldn’t. Percy made him feel like he was part of the family, and that was dangerous. Most of the time, Nico barely felt like he was part of his own family.

"Come on, I insist." Percy looked at him with that bright smile and he felt uncomfortable, for some reason it made a lump appear in his throat.

Nico lowered his head and thought about running upstairs, still remembering the night before, when he heard a chair scrape across the kitchen floor and a small hand touch his. To his surprise, he found Alice smiling as much or more than Percy himself, gently pulling him by the hand, guiding him to the chair next to where Percy sat. She didn't say anything else, just went back to her own place and continued eating calmly, the two children and the adult man acting like this was something normal to them.

"Did I miss something?" Nico muttered once more. He picked up the cup of coffee that was in front of his plate and almost groaned, now ready to wake up. It was the best coffee he had ever tasted.

"Dad's postdoc was accepted! And Mom is coming home today. We have to celebrate!”

"Yes, yes! Mom promised we would go out today! Everyone together!" Logan finished for his sister, almost jumping in the high chair.

Nico smiled at them, still with the cup against his lips, and looked at Percy, tempted to ask what had happened last night, noticing how his smile had diminished a fraction. The children might not have noticed, but he had seen several of his smiles and could see it clearly. Which was pretty crazy, he had known him for less than forty hours and already knew what those smiles meant? Nico must have been very tired, delirious, due to this mountain of emotions that this strangely affectionate and at the same time, fragmented family, made him feel. Yeah, it must have all been his imagination.

“That's very good." He said after a while, when he realized they were waiting for an answer. "I'll finally be able to meet her.”

"That you will." It was Percy's turn to mutter darkly.

“Should I worry?" He said it unintentionally, just as a joke, and of course, even the children understood it because they let out little giggles between bites of scrambled eggs.

"You're damn right." Nico heard that and turned to Percy trying to figure out if he was serious. And when he found out that was the case, well… Percy distracted him as always. His clear eyes, his mouth curved in a smile and his handsome face made him forget what he had asked.

The good thing about all this is that Percy had shrugged, as if he didn't have any problems in the world, and said:

"Don't worry, dear. I'll protect you." Right after he winked at him.

And as always, even though he felt himself blushing, Nico pretended that nothing had happened. He drank the rest of the coffee in his cup while the children laughed happily. Now, whether they laughed with him or at him was another question.

Chapter IX

“No, seriously now,” Percy told him, his tone changing to something more neutral. “Annabeth can be a little demanding. Don’t take anything she says seriously, and don’t do anything she asks.”

"Um… okay? I guess?" He said, shrugging.

Nico had already realized how things worked around here. The children were happy with every bit of attention, Annabeth Chase was the absent wife and Percy was the provider of the house, something quite simple in his opinion. So, he didn't see any reason for so much drama.

He looked at the plate seeing that two pieces of toast had magically appeared on it and looked back at Percy.

"I guess I'll go then.”

“You usually eat more in the morning,” Percy said, ignoring him, and pushed the plate closer to Nico.

"Me? No, I don't.”

"But you could. And what are you running from? She doesn't bite. At most Annabeth might say a few not-so-kind words.”

“Really, I've been away from home for too long. I need to--”

“Nonsense.”

Percy didn't understand. He felt something strange... something that was going up his back and stopping halfway down his throat, something that hadn't happened in months. Nico needed to get up and move, needed to bring back any sense of normalcy he could find, because staying here, in that friendly and calm environment, was far from what Nico was used to. He had to--

Nico dragged his chair back, unable to hold it any longer, and Percy stood up with him, holding him loosely by the arm, nothing that really held him in place, but for some reason that gentle gesture made him gasp, made him even more anxious, impatient, as though his skin wanted to escape from his body along with his lungs. He tried to do what his psychiatrist suggested and stopped in the middle of the next movement, in the exact place where Percy was holding him, less than a step away from the chair where he had previously sat; did he want to escape? Yes, but curiosity won, keeping him trapped in that kitchen to find out what Percy's next motive would be.

Percy handed him the container with the food from the day before and Nico held it in his hands, feeling a little confused. That is, until he saw that on top of it there was a note and a hundred dollar bill. He turned the jar in his hand and read the message that said: “Thanks for the food” only to turn to Percy and for the first time look him straight in the eye, without hesitation. Percy made him feel guilty. Vulnerable. Important. It was like Nico was cheating on the boyfriend who should have been waiting for him all night. And he didn't even have the guts to tell him; he hadn't even remembered during all this time that Will could have been worried. His mother too. And his sisters?

"What is this?" Nico asked even though he didn't care, feeling a little out of it. Airy. Light.

"What do you think it is?”

"I can't accept it.”

“You will. I don’t accept refunds.” Percy smiled at him. Percy… Percy was actually smiling again. A smile so beautiful that this time Nico knew he was being teased or mocked. No, Percy Jackson was flirting with him.

"W-what?”

"You bought us food and then made more food. It's the least I can do to repay you.”

"Sir, I can't--”

Nico shook his head. It was all wrong. Everything!

“Actually, where did you buy that food? It must have been expensive.”

That was when Nico closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He counted to five very slowly and opened them again, just like the doctor had taught him. Maybe he shouldn't have stopped taking his medication. And as discreetly as he could, he moved his hands that were starting to shake and crossed them behind his back so they wouldn't notice. If he could just leave, maybe everything would be okay. Nico hated this. Why was he so nervous if Percy was just asking about the restaurant? It was no big deal. So what if the man wanted to give him money? These situations shouldn't do this to Nico. If he remembered that he was in control, everything would be okay. That's it. He was in control. He--

"Nico? Are you okay?" He felt Percy's hands on his shoulders and let out a breath, not even realizing he had stopped breathing.

"I'm sorry. I have to go.”

"You're not even going to tell me where you bought the food?”

"I… went… went to a restaurant… that sells homemade lunch boxes… in the city center.”

"Do you need a ride?”

He waved, accepting the ride, but didn't move; Nico wasn't even breathing, trying to act normal. He felt paralyzed, as if someone had chained him up and thrown him into the depths of the sea. He felt himself getting heavy and his vision was starting to get blurry, preventing him from seeing anything in front of him. He... he...

"Nico, pay attention to me. Can you hear me? Breathe with me.”

He took a deep breath and let it out, this time feeling the weight in his chest ease.

“Again.”

Nico took another deep breath and then his head fell forward, so light and empty that he found himself collapsing, feeling so good that the world finally made sense again. However, he didn't end up on the floor or face down on the table as he expected, no, now that things were back to normal he noticed that something firm and stable was holding him upright, giving him exactly what he needed. It was... it was Percy's chest breathing next to his, guiding his breathing, it was his head resting on the man's shoulder and it was the large hands that caressed his back over his shirt. Nico couldn't deny it, he felt warm once again, like a breath of air that brought heat, allowing his blood to warm up again and circulate through his body.

“Daddy, is he going to be okay?” Nico heard Logan ask, his childish voice sounding scared.

"Shhh… don’t worry.”

Now, who Percy was saying this to, he didn't know. The good news was that Nico didn't feel uncomfortable around them and that, in fact, their voices full of affection and care were like a balm to his lonely soul.

***

“Do you feel better?” Percy asked in a low, hoarse whisper.

They were still standing. Percy's arms were wrapped around his waist and Nico felt the world slowly spin as he leaned against his boss's broad shoulders, his head resting against his neck, and even from this awkward angle Nico could feel Percy's worry radiating around them.

Nico couldn't help but notice, Percy was looking at him very closely and touching his face so carefully, his features so worried, that Nico just let himself be carried away by the feeling that warmed his chest and allowed him to breathe a little easier. He watched as Percy kept trying to make him react, calling his name and touching his neck, keeping him safe in his arms. It was then that Percy finally made a decision, and only when Percy was sure that Nico wouldn't faint, he picked him up and didn't wait any longer; the man held his legs, lifting them off the floor and then supported his back so that he wouldn't slip away from his arms. 

In this way, they moved through the house, Nico seeing the white marble floor and the stairs behind him, and Percy going with him through a long hallway. They passed the windows that let the midday sun enter the hallway and then into the room that Percy was carrying him into.

The world spun for a moment, the sun softening as they entered the room, allowing Nico to close his eyes and the sway of Percy's footsteps to lull him gently. Then Percy lowered himself and sat with him on the bed, making him lean against a soft surface and sigh, feeling Percy support him against his broad chest.

“Hm,” Nico remembered muttering back. He always felt a little spacey and high the moment the seizures went away, but in the best way possible. He owed him an explanation, right? Yeah, he did.

"Do you need anything? Water? Pain medicine?”

Nico could barely hear Percy's voice, the low, whispered timbre always distracted him. Percy used such a soft, gentle tone that it seemed to caress his soul, so husky and velvety, so softly at the foot of his ear that if they weren't so close to each other, Nico wouldn't hear anything. And his eyes, they were so beautiful, all intense and fixed on him. Hmm... yes, Percy was still holding him and he had his arms around the man's neck. Should Nico do that? Hmm... he didn't know, he just understood that his chest was resting against his shoulder and that Percy's hands were holding his head, keeping him comfortable.

He blinked slowly and stared into Percy's now serious eyes. So steady. They gave him so much confidence that Nico knew he was safe. Ah, maybe he shouldn't be so comfortable, at times like these his body kind of... acted without his consent.

"I… I'm fine. I'm sorry. I… I have--

“You don’t need to explain yourself,” Percy told him, as serious as ever, looking uninterested. Or maybe Percy was just shocked. It was understandable.

“I do.” When Percy just nodded, he continued, “When I was eight, I had a panic attack and was diagnosed with GAD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I’m always anxious, but I can usually control it without it interfering with my work. It’s been years since that happened. I… I’m so sorry. Routine and feeling stable helps. I’m really sorry. I know I should have told you.”

"It's okay. It wasn't your fault.”

"No, it’s not that. I recently came off the meds. The doctor told me I would be able to control it. It’s just that…”

"What is it?" Percy told him softly.

“I've been more nervous than usual. It's just... well... the change in routine…”

He said it was a change of routine, but they both knew it was more than that.

“I see,” Percy said again. “I’m sorry if I caused this. It won’t happen again.”

It probably meant he wouldn't lose his job, right? Because Percy paid really well.

It was Nico's turn to nod. He looked down at Percy's hand that was now on his shoulder and the other one that was resting on his knee. For some reason, at that moment he didn't feel nervous. In fact, it was the complete opposite. Nico was numb, feeling so good that any guilt or discomfort about being in this situation had dissipated. Or maybe he trusted him, because Percy was showing him that this trust could be placed in him.

Nico continued to stare at Percy's hand and then a blond head entered his field of vision. It was Logan, he was crying, his big green eyes puffy while Alice just watched attentively and quietly, both trying to smile at him. Nico smiled back and then everything seemed to get lighter, almost making him close his eyes.

"Okay, you can rest now. Do you have your cell phone? I'll let your family know.”

“Oh,” he muttered. It was true. Nico hadn’t told them. Looking up and finding himself smiling at Percy, Nico thanked him. “It’s in my bag.”

Before Percy could say anything, Nico finally let his eyes close. He felt Percy tucking him back into the pillows and heard footsteps leaving the room, but it was okay; in less than a few seconds everything went black and sleep took him away.

Until next time!

Aurora Ajuda para Escritores, o inicio

Oii, como vai? Como prometido, hoje começamos a "Ajuda para escritores". Eu entendo se você não estiver interessado nesse tipo de conteúdo. Assim, vamos usar a tag Aurora Ajuda para Escritores, e se você costumava acompanhar o blog @desafiodeescritadiario, vai reconhecer vários dos posts que surgirão por aqui.

Com isso em mente, tentei lembrar dos primeiros artigos que li sobre o assunto ou o que de fato me ajudou nesse fase inicial. Ai me lembrei que minhas primeiras histórias nem chegaram a ser colocadas no papel e elas sequer se pareciam com histórias.

É verdade que para mim escrever sempre esteve ligado a fanfiction, pois nunca tinha passado pela minha cabeça que escrever era algo possível fora da alta literatura, isso é, uma arte que permite nos expressar livremente ao invés de nos colocar em caixinhas pré-definidas. Hoje eu entendo que quando entrei em contato com as fanfics, no começo dos anos 2000, o acesso á escrita era bem limitado, e divulgação sobre o assunto era ainda mais, mesmo que tenha sido incrível presenciar o começo e o desenvolvimento das fanfics no Brasil, lembro que o fandom do Harry Potter já era bem formado e de Supernatural estava começando a se expandir.

O que eu realmente quero dizer é que as fanfics foram um incentivador melhor do que qualquer livro ou professor poderia fazer, e foi lendo centenas de Fanfics que eu iniciei na arte de escrever. Entretanto, depois de um tempo mergulhada nesse mundo, senti a falta de algo a mais, algo que fosse mais concreto e que me permitisse ampliar meu conhecimento sobre narrativas. Foi aí que minha vontade de aprender se tornou a cede de conhecimento, me forçando a aprender técnicas de escrita e me aprofundar melhor na criação de personagens, que eu tenho que admitir, lutei muito contra. Só que eu gostei tanto de desenvolver personalidades que esse acabou se tornando meu foco de escrita e que fez, devagar, ir me afastando de textos mais canon, num ponto de vista de escritora, porque no leitora, eu devoro tudo o que aparecer, desde que seja bem escrito.

Assim, ao invés de me focar no enredo, decidi me focar nos personagens, seu psicológico, vontades, falhas e história de vida, e como o enredo poderia afetar diretamente meus personagens. A partir de hoje, é como levaremos esse projeto, tentaremos desenvolver todos os aspectos que envolvem uma boa narrativa, porém, de forma bem estrutura e levemente técnica, também tentando trazer discussões sobre o tema. Sempre vou tentar usar a linguagem mais simples possível para uma assimilação mais facilitada, e se possível vou usar exemplos práticos.

Para começarmos, gostaria de compartilhar a forma simples que eu conheço para estruturar uma história:

Elementos da Narrativa

Esse é um jeito de montar uma cena ou capítulo da forma mais descomplicada que eu já vi. Ela também pode ser usada para organizar a historia como um todo, porque esse sistema te faz pensar sobre o enredo em sua completude.

Ela é composta de:

• Cena – o que se vai narrar (O quê?)

• Tempo – quando o fato ocorreu (Quando?)

• Lugar – onde o fato se deu (Onde?)

• Personagens – quem participou ou observou o ocorrido (Com quem?)

• Causa – motivo que determinou a ocorrência (Por quê?)

• Modo – como se deu o fato (Como?)

• Consequências – Geralmente provoca determinado desfecho.

Sim, esse é um jeito simplificado de ver os elementos da narrativa. Logo teremos posts que nos ajudaram a mergulharmos mais afundo no estudo da narrativa

Se você quiser se adiantar e ler os próximos posts, temos um Patreon para as dias, contando com mais de 40 posts sobre dicas de escrita e Prompts Criativos. Por lá temos posts toda segunda e quinta.

Patreon

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está criando Ajuda e Dicas de Escrita

Antes de encerrarmos esse post gostaria de saber qual seu nível de escrita. Assim, posso trazer assuntos que agradem a todos. E claro, se você quiser saber algo de especifico, vou ficar feliz de receber sua ask.

Espero que esse post tenha sido útil e até a próxima.

Goodnight.

i felt like there wasn’t enough polyam trio art memes so i decided to make my own <3 self indulgence be damned

❤️💛💙

( feel free to share and tag me in any of the cute art you make i would love to see!!! 🥺💕)