Writers Should NOT Feel Guilty About:

Alright, I think I like tumblr now.

A pun post crossed my dash, and I reblogged it with an equally bad pun in return. A couple of my followers find it funny, it's a good day for everyone.

That was on July 7th.

Virality on Reddit was entirely algorithmic. You could garner a couple crossposts, but the success of a post was entirely dependent on whether or not it hit r/all--the main page of Reddit. If your post does that, it's immediately exposed to 10x the number of people and immediately gets upvoted.

On my pun post, I get a couple reblogs. And those reblogs get a couple reblogs--nobody really adds any content to the post, it just gets a couple reblogs here and there.

There's a specific chain of reblogs that I'd like to focus on. The most popular post on this chain has about 25 reblogs on it. Half the posts have three reblogs or fewer. Five posts in this chain have just one reblog total.

But the reblog chain keeps going. And going. It breaches containment many times over. And finally, after a chain THIRTY SIX posts long, at 9:30 AM, July 22nd this morning, it hits a popular account.

99% percent of the people who have seen the post--virtually unchanged from how it left my dash--have seen it because it was curated by 36 different people. That's insane to me.

None of those 36 people know that they're part of this chain. They saw a post, reblogged it, and moved on. If any one of these people had not reblogged, the post would have a fraction of the impact it has.

And yet, after two weeks, the post has effectively hit the main page of tumblr. It was picked up, only because people liked it enough to show it to their followers. There were no algorithms necessary.

You really, truly, cannot get this on any other website.

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

Hi, how are you? This chapter is a direct follow-up to the previous chapter. If I remember correctly, it has something to do with silk… +18!

Have a good read!

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

Percy couldn't stop asking himself, did Nico have any idea how obedient he was? It wasn't normal, he was sure of that.

Percy had met many subs up until that point and none of them, no matter how much they swore eternal servitude, none of them obeyed him without hesitation. He had the impression that for most people submitting to others was just part of the fun, and as soon as it wasn't so fun anymore, that submission would disappear in the blink of an eye. That’s the real reason he had refused to accept anyone other than Nico; if Percy was willing to commit himself completely, total obedience was the least he expected to receive in return, during sex and outside of it.

That turned out to be the only reason he would get down on his knees in front of someone, although being able to touch Nico wrapped in silk would change his mind very quickly any other day. Nico had even shaved from head to toe, smelling nice and soft. Hands holding the sheets above his head and legs spread, Nico moaned. Indeed, a beautiful gift decorated with a silk bow. And if Nico was his to have, Percy would do as he pleased. He would make Nico understand how things worked here, exactly as Nico had written in the diary.

It was so fast that Percy didn't even have time to prepare himself. Nico arched his spine and writhed all over, cumming in his mouth. Maybe he had gone too fast, too soon. Nico wanted to surprise him, didn't he? Then Nico would get a surprise too.

“So beautiful. That was fast.” Percy said, seeing Nico's reaction to his voice.

Percy had discovered that if he talked to Nico during sex, it was easier to keep Nico present in the moment instead of letting him get carried away on endorphins. Percy liked to see when Nico got carried away too, but for what he was going to do, it was better for Nico to be conscious. Or as conscious as possible.

“Do you think you can take it one more time?”

“Hm?” Nico murmured, slightly lost. He blinked slowly and looked in his direction, docile and submissive.

“Do you remember your word? Repeat it for me.”

“Pie.”

“Good boy. Now, I want you to hold here.” Percy took Nico's hand to his hair and made him grab it.” If it's too much, pull hard or use your word. Do you understand?

Nico nodded and opened his eyes wide, seeming to understand what was happening. Still, Percy waited a few moments and only when Nico spread his legs wider did Percy lower his head again. 

He placed Nico's legs on his shoulders and gave his semi erect cock a long lick, starting at the base and licking the short length until he reached the little head, now slightly reddish. He sucked the tip, using his tongue to gently brush there and then, he enveloped it completely, going down to the base. Nico was so soft that Percy wanted to bite it, so small and cute, knowing that the member would never reach his throat, fitting perfectly on his tongue.

He heard a long moan, feeling Nico grow a little in his mouth, and yet, that was one of the most comfortable blowjobs he had ever given in his life. Not that Percy had given many, but... it was fun. It even seemed like no one had done that for Nico before him, if it were for the way Nico moaned, which was a shame. Better for him, so he could enjoy this unique moment knowing he was the first one. Anyway, he would make Nico understand who had the power there; if Nico had decided to provoke him, he would have to face the consequences too.

Percy heard another moan, this one much deeper, and looked at Nico, pressing his lips together as he moved down Nico's member once more. The little boy was still wearing the top of his lingerie, a pink bra, with an almost transparent texture, that stretched across his chest, highlighting his erect nipples. The thong, a small triangular piece of fabric as transparent as the bra, was held up by one of his long, soft legs. And in that, Nico was right. Percy liked pretty things, but he had never thought that something so feminine would catch his attention like that. Then he heard another moan, seeing Nico's chest rising and falling faster, his legs wrapping around Percy's neck, his grip on his hair firmer, but still delicate.

Should Percy help him out? Yes, that's what he was going to do. Percy pulled away for a moment, wet his fingers with saliva, and then slid them down, finding Nico's entrance that was pulsing uncontrollably.

“This was missing, hm? I know how much you like it.” Percy massaged the wrinkled skin for a few moments and then his fingers entered, sliding inside without any problems.

Today Nico was full of surprises. The little boy bent over and again, he squealed at the top of his lungs, not giving Percy time to prepare himself; Nico moaned for a long time, pulled his hair and came on Percy's face, hitting him on the nose and cheekbone, feeling the liquid run down his neck. It hadn't been much, but it had been enough to leave a viscous trail on his skin.

“Hm.” Was all Percy said, feeling a sense of revenge rise.

Percy wanted to laugh and comfort Nico at the same time. Although Nico hadn't stopped him or said anything, Percy could see how overstimulated the little boy was, his member becoming quite red. Nico had always had sensitive skin, but Nico getting aroused over and over again made the experience even better. However, nothing compared to the moment when Percy looked up and saw the first tears fall, slow and hot, while Nico remained lying on the bed, breathing fast, his face contorted in a mix of pain and pleasure, looking lost in confusion.

“My baby is doing great. Can you get one more, can't you? Just one more?”

Nico whimpered and opened his mouth only to close it on a moan, this one low and needy. Percy had started to move his fingers, opening him again, slowly and unhurriedly.

“Does it feel good? Hm? That's my boy. Slow.”

Percy couldn't resist and slid up until he found Nico's lips, kissing him while his hand continued to move inside Nico, two fingers turning into three, going deeper and finding that little spot that made Nico shudder, now grunting, being overcome by pain. Or so it seemed to Percy. Nico was cumming again, his small member pulsing between them and releasing a few drops that ran down the length, stopping at the base.

“Good boy. So obedient.” He said and kissed Nico once more, deepening the kiss.

Percy pulled Nico up and pressed him against the pillows, watching Nico struggle with the intense sensations. It was perfectly normal, the shivers and the tears, the breathlessness. Percy knew this because he had experienced what it was like to be a submissive. How could he dominate if he didn't know what it was like to be dominated?

It wasn't important, no one needed to know that. So Percy pulled Nico against his chest and began to comfort him. He massaged Nico's hair and pulled a blanket over him, letting Nico cry as much as he wanted. He allowed Nico to wrap his arms around his neck and rest his head on his shoulder, curling up against him and… and then Nico sighed, his features relaxing almost miraculously, like a contented, content baby in his parents' arms. Now, why Percy felt like he had failed was beyond him.

“I'm… a good boy… now?” Percy heard Nico whisper against his neck, hugging him tighter.

“You always are.”

“So… why… why… was I being punished?”

“Do you think this is a punishment?” Percy said, letting the question hang in the air for a few moments, stroking Nico’s back.

“Hm… I don’t think so.”

Ahg! How could he scold Nico or teach him a lesson, when Nico was acting like this, all cute and delicate, sounding so vulnerable that it made him feel like a monster?

“Baby, I don't like it when people surprise me.”

“I know… it’s just… I bought this and… I wanted to hurry things along! Then you gave me the choker and…”, Nico stopped talking, like he had remembered something and calmed down again. “I thought you would like it. I didn’t know you would be so mad at me.”

“I'm not mad.” Maybe he was annoyed at first, now all that was left was pleasure and contentment. “Let me know next time, okay?”

“Yes, Percy. What can I do to apologize?”

That's when the punch in the gut came. Nico turned in his arms and faced him, showing him his teary eyes and reddened mouth, looking sincerely remorseful.

Gods! Percy had forgotten how manipulative Nico could be.

“I swear, I just wanted to--”

“Enough, Nico. You are forgiven.”

“Am I?” Nico pouted cutely and put her arms around Percy’s neck again. “So why didn't you fuck me?”

“Is that why you think it’s a punishment?” Percy said, shaking his head. Nico was unbelievable.

“And isn't it?”

Percy wanted to laugh. He did just that. He hugged Nico tightly and laughed like a maniac, feeling the tension leave his body. He had made Nico cum to the point of pain and what Nico didn't like was that he hadn't fucked him?

“Then…?”

“Then, what?”

“Will you?”

“Nico!”

“You're hard… I thought we could.”

“Doesn't it hurt?”

Ah. There it was! The blush spread across Nico's face and down his neck faster than Percy could process, Nico trying to shrink back against his shoulder, escaping the question.

“Answer me.”

“Maybe. Just a little.”

“Well, well. Do we have a masochist here?”

“What?” Nico raised his head and looked at him with his chin held high, his shyness quickly disappearing. “I didn't ask you to stop. You stopped because you wanted to!”

By now, his reaction was automatic. Percy pulled back the blanket and smacked Nico's ass, hearing the satisfying smack echo through the room. And Nico? The little devil merely groaned and glared at him, returning to his normal, calm behavior.

“You asked me to pull your hair if it was too much for me. And I didn't. I thought it was obvious.”

“Baby, give me a break. We'll get there.”

“I don't care about that. You didn't hurt me. That's all, you know? I liked it. But if you want to…” Nico shifted in Percy's lap and pressed himself against the bulge there over his jeans.

Percy was so lucky. He didn't deserve someone so perfect.

***

“I don't care about that. You didn't hurt me. That's all, you know? I liked it. But if you want to…” Nico shifted in Percy's lap and pressed himself against the bulge there over his jeans.

Percy was so lucky. He didn't deserve someone so perfect.

“If you want it, prove it to me.”

Percy wasn't serious, not really. Anyone in Nico's shoes would be at least sensitive, right? Percy just couldn't believe what he was seeing. Nico looked down, seeming uncertain, and then looked back at him, begging with his eyes.

“Can I?”

“Of course, baby.”

“I was thinking… if I’m your baby, you have to be my papá, right?”

Percy thought he was having an aneurysm, it had to be it.

“Your papá?” Percy murmured weakly, feeling his legs go weak.

“Mio papá.” Nico confirmed, snuggling into him, kissing his cheek. “It's a fair trade. Il tesoro e il papá.

In the end, Nico smiled at him all angelic and slid off his lap, and as if it were something natural, he knelt between Percy’s legs, now looking very closely at the volume that was there.

“Papá, it's so big. I don't know how it fits.”

Percy had to laugh, Nico sounded almost innocent and curious, like a real baby. Not that babies and their parents did that kind of thing. Was this another fantasy of theirs? The little boy and the protective daddy? Now that Percy thought about it, that was their case. Either way, Nico didn't seem interested in talking.

The little boy placed his hands on Percy's legs and massaged him slowly through his clothes, long enough to see the bulge increase.

“Can I really?” Percy confirmed, what else could he do? Nico looked so handsome, wearing lingerie chosen especially for him. The least Percy could do was make sure Nico would also leave satisfied.

Percy unzipped himself, reached inside his pants and pulled his cock out. Well, he wasn't smiling anymore, feeling himself relax, trying not to show how just the image of Nico kneeling at his feet affected him.

“Do you like what you see?”

“You rarely let me touch you.”

And touch was what Nico did. He held the base and brought his lips to the head, kissing it slowly. He licked the tip and slid down even more slowly, pressing his lips together as he went.

“Is that okay? Is it good?”

No, Percy wasn't okay at all. Nico had spoken with his lips still pressed against his skin, moving his hands as he looked up at Percy. It would be best if they end this now before something more... intense happened.

“That’s great. Why doesn't my baby come here?”

Nico went, of course, exactly like the well-behaved baby that he was.

Nico stood up, and surprising him, sat on his lap, holding his cock once again.

“Can I? Please?”

Percy didn't have much time to respond, because in the next moment, Nico opened his legs wider and guided Percy’s member to his own entrance.

It was like coming home after a tiring day and being greeted by your favorite person in the whole world. Nico moaned softly, rocked slowly and then the head entered, sliding inside the tight and almost dry place. Well, Percy thought they would have no problem with that, Nico didn't even wait for a few seconds before starting to rock on top of him, with each movement going a little deeper, letting his member open the way.

“Baby… ah… you're going to hurt yourself-- ah.”

This was too much for Percy. He grabbed Nico around the waist and turned them over on the bed, getting the rest of the way in and sinking into Nico's body, who was now sprawled on the mattress, back against the sheets, moaning without shame.

“I like it!” Nico whimpered, wrapping his legs around Percy, his head thrown back.

“So, why are you crying, hm?”

Maybe they should stop. It was clear that Nico was at his limit, and he was getting there himself. Although it was much more psychological than physical.

“Please, Papá. I want you to cum inside me. I swear, you're not hurting me.”

Percy had promised that he would trust Nico's judgment, even when he was in this state, high on endorphins. Percy had tried, and for that, no one could blame him.

“Okay, baby. Slow down.”

Slowly, as slowly as Percy could, he began to move inside Nico. Small, aborted movements, short enough to make Nico arch his spine and squeeze his feet tighter around him. And if Percy himself hadn't been watching Nico's reaction, he wouldn't have believed it. Nico was erect once more, but he was moaning like he were dying, tears streaming down his delicate features. Which was contradictory, since the expression on his face told a different story, reflecting pure ecstasy.

“Papá.” Nico murmured and suddenly, he tensed completely, almost jumping out of bed.

Percy had no other choice, he held Nico in his arms, keeping him pressed against the bed and let himself go. He never imagined that an orgasm could be so exhausting.

***

“Did you like it?” Percy found himself asking.

They were once again under the blankets. He held Nico against his chest, staying as close to Nico as he could while he waited for his breathing to return to normal. The difference was that now Nico refused to let him move, not even to get a clean towel. The little boy remained under his body, face pressed against his chest and eyes closed in pleasure, legs and arms wrapped around him with the most content expression Percy had ever seen.

“Hmm?” Nico's response was a soft moan, his hands sliding down Percy's back, delicate like the sweetest caress, seeming to count the vertebrae of his spine.

It was relaxing, Percy could admit that. A slow movement that almost lulled him with his gentle touch, comforting him without Percy even knowing he needed to be comforted.

“The lingerie.” Percy explained, letting himself relax a little more, feeling himself sink against Nico's body. It made him think that, been so close, they would end up merging into one, exactly like two sides of the same coin.

“I liked it,” Nico murmured, his voice muffled against Percy’s neck, his breathing finally calming. “We should do this more often.”

“Hm.” Percy liked that idea. He liked it a lot. He especially liked how Nico was completely sincere in those moments after orgasm, when his mental barriers ceased to exist and everything was colorful and beautiful. “What about college, have you thought about it?”

“Per.” Nico complained without any shame.

Unlike what Percy was used to, he saw Nico push him by the shoulders and look at him, pouting angrily. Of course, Nico pushed him just enough to show his disapproval before he hugged him again and pulled him down back again, Percy practically crushing Nico's body beneath his.

“It's important.”

“No! You said you were going to decide everything for me.”

“Nico!”

Percy found himself laughing, feeling his entire body shake with the effort, Nico shaking with him, seeming even less approving. He didn't even see the need to scold Nico for the scream of frustration.

“Baby, don't do this to your Papá, okay?”

“Oh.” Nico said and suddenly, he buried his face in Percy’s neck once more, going back to massaging his back. “I don't know. What do you think?”

“Nico.”

“I want to know what you think about this. What do you want to do?”

Well, when Nico spoke like that, softly and so politely…

“It would be easier to stay close to home. Sally won't be working forever.”

“Oh.” Nico said again, as if the thought had never crossed his mind. “I know family is important to you.”

“What you want is also important.”

“Okay, I understand. But…” Nico hesitated for a moment, seeming to choke on his words. “It doesn’t matter to me. I just want to be with you. It doesn’t matter where.”

Percy knew all of this, he was tired of knowing, but not enough to say something that would make Nico try even harder to be that perfect person he thought he needed to be.

“So if I said we'll never go to Italy, is that okay? That I'll never let you see your family?”

Nico nodded and curled closer into his chest, and even though Percy couldn't see it, he could feel the sadness radiating off of Nico.

“Baby, I don't mind doing these things for you. Small decisions that don't affect our lives. I don't want you to regret it in the future because you allowed someone else to live your life for you.”

“You never did that.” Came the almost soundless whisper. “I never regret anything when you decide things. But when I decide? Everything turns into a mess.”

“Nico.”

“No, don't try to lie. That's the truth. I think it's better for you to decide these things, it's safer.”

“What about marriage? Are you going to let me decide everything too?”

This made Nico pause for a moment, and Percy felt relieved immediately. This meant that it wasn't a blind decision, because even though Nico was letting him take the reins of the situation, it was still a conscious decision that Nico made.

“I... I think... we can get married at Nona's house? It's very beautiful, it even looks like a painting.”

“Of course, baby. Whatever you need.”

“Can we also invite Clarice to be my Bridesmaid?”

Percy nodded, listening to Nico mumble one request after another, and with each word spoken, relief spread throughout his entire body. It was good to know that they weren't completely codependent on each other and that, in truth, this was just another choice. Even if, deep down, it felt like they had no choice at all.

Feeling genuinely content, Percy pulled Nico further up on the bed, placed his head on the pillow and continued to listen to Nico tell him the details about the wedding, his hesitation fading with every second he spent with Nico.

Thanks for reading!

NÃO HÁ LUGAR COMO O LAR - PERCY/NICO AU COLEGIAL - CAPÍTULO XXIV

Oii, como vai? Um capítulo novo como prometido.

Capítulos anteriores: CAPÍTULO I / CAPÍTULO II / CAPÍTULO III / CAPÍTULO IV / CAPÍTULO V / CAPÍTULO VI / CAPÍTULO VII / CAPÍTULO VIII / CAPÍTULO IX / CAPÍTULO X / CAPÍTULO XI / CAPÍTULO XII / CAPÍTULO XIII / CAPÍTULO XIV / CAPÍTULO XV / CAPÍTULO XVI / CAPÍTULO XVII / CAPÍTULO XVIII / CAPÍTULO XIX / CAPÍTULO XX / CAPÍTULO XXI / CAPÍTULO XXII / CAPÍTULO XXIII

Percy se sentia como se fosse um criminoso. Tinha plena consciência que não devia ter ido ver Apolo e Vanessa sem a permissão de seus pais, afinal, tecnicamente, ele ainda tinha 17 anos e só seria considerado maior de idade dali há dois meses. Sua única opção foi se esgueirar pela casa. Ele se escondeu na entrada de empregados e só se moveu quando não viu ninguém por perto; passou pela cozinha e então correu escadas acima, ouvindo a voz de sua mãe e a de Nico na sala de estar. Era uma pena. Se Nico ainda estivesse dormindo, ele poderia enfim fazer o que tinha que fazer antes que sua mãe o convencesse do contrário.

Sinceramente? Sally estava certa. Eles não deviam mexer com certas coisas, principalmente porque eram jovens demais e porque, de acordo com a lei, eles não seriam responsáveis no caso de algo dar errado. Mas... se Nico já praticou esse tipo de dinâmica com outras pessoas e ele também já estava mergulhado até o pescoço nesse meio, qual era o problema de apressar as coisas? Só um pouquinho? Seria apenas o suficiente para tranquilizar Nico que estava determinado a deixá-lo louco.

De verdade, Percy não tinha escolha. Era o pior tipo de sentimento ver Nico implorando por atenção como se Percy o estivesse ignorando de proposito; e se era o que Nico queria, pelo menos Percy faria da forma certa. Quer dizer, ele já tinha dado um diário para Nico e eles também tinham as palavras de segurança, mesmo que Nico não tivesse notado o que elas realmente eram. Então, talvez, fosse a melhor alternativa. Assim, eles poderiam enfim esclarecer as coisas de uma vez por todas.

Se dando por vencido, Percy andou até seu quarto, colocou a caixa em cima da cama e saiu do quarto rapidamente. Percy não queria que Nico pensasse que ele tinha o abandonado bem no momento que eles tinham se reconciliado. Por sua própria causa, é claro. Como Percy poderia dar o que Nico queria quando Percy sabia da responsabilidade de dominar alguém? Na maioria das vezes não seria apenas obediência e diversão. Era a expectativa por trás da palavra, do que realmente significa dominar a vida de alguém. O cuidado, a preocupação, se certificar que Nico estaria seguro e contente mesmo no meio da dor e da frustração. Era a real responsabilidade de ter a completa entrega e confiança de alguém a ponto de Nico levar cada palavra ou ordem sua ao pé da letra. E pelo o que Percy tinha visto, alguns submissos esperavam que o dominador tomasse todas as decisões por eles, e nisso, Percy não sabia se seria capaz de consentir. Esse era o real motivo dele hesitar tanto, quem dera fosse somente as fantasias de Nico, a expectativa sempre seria mais pesada do que qualquer coisa que eles pudessem praticar.

— Percy? Pensei ter te visto entrar. Acho que precisamos ter uma conversa.

O pior que ele temia aconteceu, alguém realmente tinha o pegado desprevenido. Era sua mãe, furiosa e com os braços cruzados. Percy nem teve tempo de descer as escadas, pelo menos tinha fechado a porta do quarto, a impedindo de ver o logo na embalagem da caixa.

— Olha, não é o que você pensa.

— Eu sei de tudo. Nico me contou.

— Tudo? O que seria esse tudo?

— Não tente me enganar.

Percy parou por um momento, se dando conta que a mãe estava blefando. Se ela soubesse de alguma coisa, Sally já estaria esbravejando de uma forma bem mais especifica. No máximo, ela devia ter visto algo nos ombros ou no pescoço de Nico. Mas... será que ele devia esconder essas coisas de sua mãe? Sempre era melhor ter um plano reserva caso ele fizesse besteira.

— Tudo bem. A gente fez sexo, satisfeita? — Percy levantou a mão antes que Sally pudesse continuar, vendo o rosto dela se aprofundar na fúria, feito uma mãe leoa defendendo seu filhote. — Sei que prometi, eu tentei fazer do seu jeito e olha o que aconteceu! Nico pensou que eu não queria ficar com ele. Descobri que ele...

— Ele o quê?

— Você sabe...

— Não, eu não sei.

— Nico acha que estou rejeitando ele se eu não... tocar nele.

— Oh. — Sally suspirou e se escorou na parede, parecendo derrotada.

— Vou fazer as coisas do jeito certo dessa vez.

— Percy, o que você está dizendo? O Nico não é assim. Ele é bondoso e calmo e...

— Super obediente? Gosta de agradar a todo mundo ao redor dele?

— Percy, eu te proíbo de--

— Ele é um submisso, mãe. O que você quer que eu faça? Por que você acha que eu me afastei de dele? É isso o que você quer?

— Eu decido o que acontece nessa casa e isso não vai acontecer.

— Já é tarde demais, você não vê? Não fui eu quem começou com isso.

— O quê?

— É isso mesmo. Nico andou se divertindo sem mim na Itália. E se eu encontrei um lugar e fui acolhido, tenho certeza que ele também vai encontrar.

Isso enfim pois um fim na discussão. Sally parecia arrasada a um ponto que Percy não tinha visto antes, nem mesmo quando ela descobriu que Percy tinha tendencias suicidas.

— O que pode ter acontecido para Nico querer essas coisas? Ele deve ter aprendido com alguém.

Era uma boa pergunta. Para um garotinho que evitava sequer a menção de sexo para se tonar um submisso era um grande passo.

— Talvez o que ele contou sobre Hades seja pior do que a gente pensou?

— Percy! Eu não quero pensar nessa possibilidade. — Sally levou a mão ao rosto, se negando a acreditar que Hades seria capaz de abusar sexualmente de um garotinho tão indefeso. Quando ela voltou a encarar Percy, Sally tinha um brilho estranho no olhar. — Parece que a gente tem mais trabalho pela frente.

— Mãe, não! Nico não falou nada sobre isso. Não quero que ele se sinta pressionado.

— Querido, é claro que ele não falou sobre isso. Você falaria? É o que abusadores fazem. Eles manipulam pessoas mais frágeis do que eles e as fazem crer que ninguém vai acreditar nelas. Nico precisa de um empurrãozinho na direção certa.

— Eu não sei. Vamos falar com ele, se for o caso--

— Deixa comigo. Hades Di Ângelo não sabe com quem se meteu!  

***

A vida de Percy era uma grande bola de cansaço, pois era assim que ele se sentia. Uma coisa pequena que parecia ser sem importância, de uma hora para a outra, crescia e crescia, e quando ele menos percebeu, os pequenos sinais de perigo se tornaram um vendaval de problemas. Ele não estava reclamando, era melhor saber o que acontecia do que ser pego de surpresa mais tarde. O primeiro deles era sua mãe sempre se metendo no que ela não devia. Eles desceram as escadas e imediatamente ele soube; assim que chegaram no andar de baixo, viu Sally endireitar a coluna, como se ela estivesse se preparando para ir a guerra.

Por sorte, as três pessoas presentes não haviam reparado na presença deles. Nico estava sentado em frente a mesa de refeições, parecendo irritado com algo que Tyson falava para ele, enquanto Grover apenas ria estirado na cadeira onde se sentava. Então, antes que algo pudesse acontecer, Percy segurou no ombro dela, sorriu e se abaixou na direção da mãe, sussurrando:

— Mãe, a gente conversou sobre isso.

— Eu preciso--

— Não, eu vou falar com ele quando for a hora certa.

— Per--

— Me prometa. Estou falando sério.

— Perseu Jackson!

Isso enfim chamou a atenção de Nico. Percy ignorou o olhar fulminante da mãe sobre ele e seguiu em direção a Nico. Sally podia ficar irritada o quanto quisesse, hoje não era o dia certo de discutir essas coisas; hoje, ele iria colocar Nico numa coleira bonita e fazer as coisas da forma certa.

Isso é, Percy faria isso se Nico permitisse. Porque esse era seu segundo problema do dia. Era até engraçado se Percy fosse sincero consigo mesmo. Nico olhou em sua direção por um breve momento e, simples assim, o ignorou. Nico voltou a olhar para o prato em frente a ele, movendo a comida com o garfo de um lado para o outro, não parecendo interessado em comer.

— Parece que alguém não teve uma noite muito boa. — Tyson continuou, mastigando enquanto falava. Era um tanto nojento. O que Percy podia fazer? Quando o irmão estava com esse tipo de humor nada podia impedi-lo. A não ser quando Nico estava com um humor ainda pior.

Em câmera lenta, Percy viu Nico pegar um pãozinho ainda quente, o olhar por um momento e, então, Nico jogou o pão na cara de Tyson, acabando com o riso do irmão, porém, arrancando gargalhas de Grover que quase caiu para trás de tanto que ria.

— Agora, quem é que não está tendo um dia bom? Hm? — Um sorrisinho vitorioso apareceu no rosto de Nico e na maior demonstração de infantilidade, Tyson mostrou a língua para Nico, pegando o pãozinho que havia caído em seu prato e dando uma grande mordida nele.

— Comida arremessada é ainda mais gostosa. Vamos ver quem ganha?

Era claro que a imaturidade tinha ganhado essa rodada. Percy não viu outra alternativa a não ser bancar o adulto. Bem na hora que Nico se preparava para lançar outro pedaço de pão, Percy parou ao lado de Nico e tocou em sua nuca. Ele sequer o segurou, apenas colocou a mão sobre o pescoço de Nico. O efeito foi imediato. Nico parou com a mão levantada e olhou para cima, em seu rosto uma expressão de garoto arteiro.

— Se comporte.

Essas palavras pareceram ter um efeito ainda mais potente. Devagar, Nico abaixou o braço, colocou o pão no próprio prato e olhou para baixo, todo encabulado. Percy nem havia o repreendido ou dito para ele parar, mas foi como se ele tivesse feito. Era... intoxicante. Se Percy desse qualquer ordem a Nico, ele acataria?

— Coma. — Percy disse e esperou para ver o que aconteceria.

Por um momento, ninguém se moveu. Nico continuou todo encolhido contra o assento da cadeira, se remexendo inconfortável. Nem mesmo o barulho dos saltos de sua mãe se aproximando pareceu despertar Nico de sua bolha de vergonha. Nico permaneceu assim por mais uns momentos e enfim voltou a segurar no garfo, dessa vez cortando um pedaço da panqueca e a levando aos lábios, parecendo que iria cair no choro a qualquer momento.

— Bom garoto. — Percy disse mais uma vez, testando para ver o que Nico faria.

Ele acariciou os cabelos ali e sentiu Nico imediatamente relaxar, mastigando devagar sobre seu olhar atento e corar discretamente. A real pergunta era se as coisas sempre tinham sido assim ou era algo novo.

Percy olhou para sua família que agora parecia tão comportada quanto Nico, ainda que ele visse como Tyson e Grover olhavam para ele com um sorrisinho estranho no rosto ou como sua mãe o reprovava, ainda com os braços cruzados, agora sentada em sua cadeira. O importante ali era que ninguém tinha estranhado a cena. Era verdade que ele por vezes tinha que apartar discussões assim, sem importância. A pergunta ali era, Nico sempre reagiu a ele dessa forma? Percy odiava o que seu cérebro fazia com ele, apagando esses tipos de informação e depois o fazendo questionar se era real ou se era apenas sua imaginação fértil inventando cenários fantasiosos.

— Onde você... — Nico começou a dizer, ainda olhando para o próprio prato. — Você não estava na cama quando eu acordei... alguma coisa aconteceu?

— Eu tive que sair bem rápido. É uma surpresa.

— Surpresa? Eu vou gostar disso? — O que Percy escutou foi um “vai ser divertido?”

— Eu garanto que sim.

— Eu só... não gosto de acordar sozinho.

Hm. Percy entendia, realmente entendia. Mas já que Nico queria ir nesse caminho, Percy tinha a obrigação de ser responsável.

— Isso não vai se repetir. Tive um bom motivo.

— Que seria...?

— Você vai descobrir. Logo.

Percy tinha falado com um tom de finalidade que geralmente não gostava de usar. Quer dizer, ele era o dominante ali, não? Então, ele iria agir como um. E Nico parecia ter noção disso, mesmo que eles não tivessem tido uma conversa séria e definitiva. Percy sabia disso porque Nico desviou a atenção do próprio prato e olhou para ele com curiosidade, e ao invés de discutir, Nico fez um biquinho manhoso, voltando a comer, dando uma garfada nos ovos mexidos.

— Você quer? — Nico deu mais uma garfada e ofereceu a Percy, que aceitou apenas para ver um sorriso aparecer no rosto de Nico.

Bem, o que ele poderia fazer? Percy puxou uma cadeira para perto e deixou Nico o alimentar em intervalos, onde as coisas voltaram ao normal; sua família voltou a conversar e Nico se manteve quieto aceitando tudo o que Percy colocasse em seu prato.

***

Nico pegou sua bolsa do chão e aceitou quando Percy ofereceu a mão para ele, ouvindo o sinal tocar. Era sexta-feira e geralmente esse era o dia que Nico mais gostava, um dia que tinha poucas aulas e o fim de semana inteiro para descansar. Ou era o que costumava acontecer. Desde que ele tinha voltado todos os dias eram cheios de altos e baixos, pequenos momentos em que Nico guardava com carinho esperando que eles durassem pelo resto de sua vida. Ele só... só não esperava que depois de tantos desentendimentos as coisas se tornariam tão fáceis. Imprevisíveis? Sim. Mas nunca forçadas, mesmo quando acontecia algo que fazia sua cabeça girar.

Felizmente, esse era um dos momentos bons. Desde que tinha acordado naquela manhã sua cabeça estava... vazia. Nico não conseguia se preocupar com seus problemas, como as provas que se aproximavam ou com Annabeth que continuava os rondando. Nem mesmo quando Percy o repreendeu no café da manhã, tomando as rédeas da situação, como há muito tempo ele não via ninguém fazer, não quando o assunto se tratava sobre ele, o “inocente e delicado Nico”. As coisas apenas pareciam estar no lugar certo novamente, como se ele nunca tivesse ido embora, entretanto, elas pareciam estar melhores ainda, sentindo que eles tinham dado um passo importante em direção ao futuro que ele sempre sonhou.

— Bebê? Tudo bem?

— Hm. Só estou cansado.

— A gente tá quase chegando.

— Ta bom.

Eles estavam mesmo. Nico mal tinha percebido o momento em que haviam entrado no carro de Percy, não se lembrava de ter colocado o cinto de segurança ou quando eles tinham chegado no bairro onde eles moravam. Nico olhava para fora da janela, sem registrar nada, deixando que sua mente viajasse, vazia, Nico se sentindo tão calmo e em paz como nunca tinha se sentido antes. Tinha sido o sexo da noite passada? Ou era apenas a presença de Percy? E de onde vinha essa paz de espírito toda?

Isso não importava, ele saiu do carro quando Percy abriu a porta para ele, aceitou a mão que Percy mais uma vez o oferecia e subiu as escadas enquanto Percy o guiava. Hm... talvez fosse isso. As coisas para ele sempre tinham sido isso, não? A ausência de deveres e obrigações? Nem sempre e nem de tudo, só um pouquinho. Estava tudo bem se Nico se permitisse não tomar nenhuma decisão por algumas horas, certo?

— Lindo. Levanta a perna.

— Oh.

Ele fez, levantou uma perna e depois a outra, permitindo que Percy tirasse seus tênis, meias e calça.

Quando é que ele tinham entrado na casa e ido até o quarto de Percy?

— Os braços.

Nico os levantou também, Percy trocando sua camisa por uma camiseta confortável.

— Melhor? Um pouco de água?

Nico não hesitou, pegou o copo de água da mão de Percy e a tomou em um folego só, se sentindo bem imediatamente.

Será que tinha acontecido algo durante o dia para ele estar se sentindo assim?

— Bom garoto. — Percy disse e beijou seu rosto, o segurando pela nuca, praticamente o embalando em seu colo.

Algo acendeu em seu cérebro, prazer irradiando por seu corpo sem motivo nenhum.

Oh, então era isso? Devia ser esse o motivo dele estar se sentindo tão leve e contente. Não devia ser algo normal se sentir assim durante tanto tempo, certo? Quer dizer, ele tinha acordado de mal humor, mas logo aquele sentimento de estar fazendo a coisa certa e estar no lugar certo o preencheu, o fazendo esquecer que devia estar bravo com Percy.

— Eu... não fala assim comigo.

— Assim como?

— Assim... com essa voz... me tocando dessa forma...

— Eu sempre fiz isso. O que mudou agora?

— Eu... — Nico já começava a não se importar se Percy fazia isso de proposito. Era normal ouvir a voz de alguém e imediatamente sentir todas essas coisas?

Nico ouviu Percy rir e um arrepio percorreu sua coluna. Era um som baixo e grave ao pé do seu ouvido, o fazendo perceber que Percy, de fato, estava fazendo isso de proposito. Talvez ele tivesse gemido e se agarrado ao pescoço de Percy, Percy mordiscando seu ombro, subindo até encontrar mais uma vez o lóbulo de seu ouvido.

— Tudo bem, eu admito. — Percy murmurou. — Você tem estado muito suscetível a... sugestões. Sou eu ou é algo geral?

— Só você. — Nico se pegou dizendo, vendo que era a verdade. — Acho que... eu confio em você.

— Me sinto honrado. — Percy disse sem nenhuma ironia, o tom de voz baixo e aveludado dando lugar a algo mais normal. — Eu tinha medo que isso acontecesse. Nunca vou abusar da confiança que você me dá.

— Eu sei disso. Nunca duvidei disso.

— É por isso que tenho que falar algo com você.

Esse não. Será que ele estava encrencado?

Obrigada por ler. Comentarios e sugestões são sempre bem-vindos.

playlists full of songs of every genre ??

basically nice making out in a car with someone

dreaming about someone who broke ur heart

yeah boy and doll face

basically, I’m not fine but I say I’m fine

i would kiss u even if u were dead

songs i dissociate to/ trigger me into dissociating 

strawberries & cigarettes always taste like u

i have a crush and this is the result

wanting an ex to treat you like shit so you can get over them

realising the person u thought was your soulmate and you aren’t going to work out and mourning that

the sad songs

How to Write Defiance: A Quick Guide for Writers

Whether they're standing against authority or resisting the status quo, the actions of defiant characters can add layers of depth to your story. Here are some quick tips on how to effectively write defiance in your characters.

Behaviour

Question authority and break rules

Don't easily back down from challenges

Rebellious and do the unexpected

May appear stubborn to others

Don't easily conform to norms

Value their independence and freedom

Resilient in the face of adversity

Assertive and direct

Courageous in the face of danger

Act based on their principles and beliefs

Interactions

Direct and stand their ground during disagreements

Don't shy away from tough conversations

Don't let others manipulate or control them

Not afraid to express their opinions

May challenge others' viewpoints during discussions

Stand up for what they believe in

Protective of those they care about

May be argumentative or confrontational

Don't give in easily during negotiations

Can be inspiring, encouraging others to stand with them

Body language

Head high with a strong posture

Serious or determined expression

Maintain steady and direct eye contact

Use expansive, open body language

Do not shy away from physical confrontation

Cross their arms to show resistance

Move with purpose and determination

Not easily intimidated by the physical presence of others

Clench their fists when frustrated or angry

Adopt a challenging stance

Attitude

Not easily swayed by popular opinion

Confident in their own abilities

Persevere no matter how tough the situation gets

Believe strongly in their cause or principles

Refuse to be victims

Unruffled by criticism or opposition

Disregard rules they don't agree with

Risk-takers who often choose difficult paths

Value transparency and honesty

Can come across as proud or arrogant

Positive story outcomes

They may succeed in overturning an unjust system

They can inspire others to stand up against injustice

They achieve their goals through sheer determination

They may help someone break free from oppression

They can contribute to a significant societal change

Negative story outcomes

Their defiance can get them into trouble

They may alienate themselves from others with their behaviour

They can face severe consequences for breaking the rules

Their relationships may suffer due to their stubbornness

They can be misunderstood and labelled as troublemakers

Helpful Synonyms

Rebellious

Nonconformist

Contrary

Dissident

Contrarian

Unruly

Insurgent

Uncooperative

Unmanageable

Mutinous

Intransigent

Insubordinate

Recalcitrant

Resistant

Obstinate

Obstreperous

Noncompliant

Indomitable

Unyielding

Fractious

Another drawing of Percy. . . Yay!🙌🏼🌊

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!

There is no such thing as a perfect first draft. There are only great revisions.

Don’t get caught up with trying to make your first draft everything you want it to be. Instead, focus on the fundamentals, and then have fun sculpting it into what you imagine.

Part 1 of a comic inspired by a story prompt about the monster under the bed actually protecting the child