Cuddly Boyfriends (they Have Intense War Reflexes And They Kick Each Other In Their Sleep)

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter XX and Chapter XXI

Hi, we're back! I've had a bit of time and decided to move things along. I hope you like it.

Previous chapters: CHAPTER I / CHAPTER II / / CHAPTER III, CHAPTER IV e CHAPTER V / Chapter VI e Chapter VII / Chapter VIII e Chapter IX / Chapter X, Chapter XI, Chapter XII e Chapter XIII / Chapter XIV / Chapter XV / Chapter XVI e Chapter XVII / Chapter XVIII and Chapter XIX

Chapter XX

“I’m leaving,” Nico muttered weakly before leaving the house.

He took one last look at his father's figure sitting on the couch, ignoring him while reading the newspaper, and opened the door. Nico didn't even wait for a greeting in return, knowing he wouldn't get one. Not that he cared, he had come there to get some books and a change of clothes, and if that was the way Hades was going to continue to treat him... it was better that way, because things were only going to get worse. After that lunch with Percy, or rather, after he decided to ignoreWill's calls, the vow of silence had begun. However, it was only when the gifts, money and unwanted appearances started to appear that things became truly uncomfortable. That is, gifts from Percy andWill, both competing to see who was the best.

Yes, it seemed that was how things would be. If he didn’t stay too long inside that house, he wouldn’t have to see them and that way, everything would be fine. And if he didn’t stay at home, Maria wouldn’t have to take sides and Hazel wouldn’t have to fight with Hades, but… but it was all right. Jason and Thalia were helping him, the siblings had a spare room and they didn’t demand anything from Nico. Yes, it was the best thing to do, he kept telling himself; in the end, everything would be fine. The good news was that Nico had left plenty of clothes at their house and he wouldn’t have to go back for a few days.

"Nico!" Nico's soul nearly jumped out of his body at the shrill scream. Hazel came running down the stairs toward him, her face distressed and angry, determined as ever.

"Where have you been all week! We've been so worried.”

She was a true angel. Nico let Hazel's short arms wrap tightly around his waist and returned the gesture, barely realizing how much he missed her.

"I'm not welcome here." Nico confessed.

"That’s not true! Mom and Bianca miss you. EvenThanatos asked about you.”

"It's better this way." He said, "You don't have to fight over me.”

"No, I refuse. You're not leaving!”

"Honey, I have to work.”

Nico looked at her and smiled, even though he was crying a little. He missed Hazel so much that he almost gave in to the temptation to stay. He missed his mother too, and the nights watching movies with his brothers.”

"Why, right now? What changed that made you abandon me?" Hazel pouted cutely and tears fell from her golden eyes. The worst part was that she was right.

For the first time in his life, Nico had accepted someone's help and gone to the psychiatrist that Percy had recommended, as well as the psychologist, both community doctors. The truth is that the doctors he had seen before had not been a good experience, but Nico had talked a lot with them, learning that moving away from what was hurting him was essential, even if it was slow, and having a support network was even more important. He had also decided that he would no longer lie and that he would face his problems head on, and he would never, ever again be ashamed or feel guilty for thinking of himself first.

"I'm going to a psychiatrist. She prescribed me a weaker sedative and advised me to seek a healthier environment.”

“Oh,” she murmured. “I understand. I’m… I’m happy for you.” But now she was crying for real, silent tears streaming down her dark face. “You’ll come back to visit, won’t you?”

"I'm not leaving. I just need some distance. When you need me, just call me and I'll come running.”

"Do you promise?”

"I promise." Nico said to her and hugged her tightly.

"Can I go with you?”

"Where?”

"Work, of course." She said as if it were obvious.

And you know what? He shrugged, Percy probably wouldn't mind.

Nico took Hazel's hand and guided her to the bus stop.

***

Nico rang the bell and held Hazel's hand, counting the seconds. The door opened quickly and, as usual, it was Percy who came to greet him, always with a big smile and an affectionate hug.

Of course, it hadn't always been like this, the important thing was that in the last few days a simple "hello" had turned into something more, something that required physical contact and was as easy as breathing. He just wanted things to stop there. You know when you think it's going to rain a little and instead a flood destroys your house? That was exactly how Nico felt, all the presents, tight hugs and soft smiles weren't good for his heart. Or the money that had mysteriously appeared in his bank account, so many zeros that Nico didn't even know how to count them and that seemed to increase every day he looked at it.

"You know you don't have to rin-- Hazel! What are you doing here?" Percy said, opening the door completely and allowing them access to the entrance chamber. Percy crossed his arms and made a face, but Nico knew it was a joke, because soon after Percy bent down and hugged Hazel, ruffling her hair.

"She came with me today, I hope that's okay.”

"Yeah, no problem." Percy said and turned to him.

Holding his shoulders, Percy looked him straight in the eyes and then moved them from his feet to his head, and only then hugged him tightly, tighter and longer than would be appropriate.

"You look much better. The kids will love to see you." Percy said in the middle of the hug, his voice whispered against his earlobe.

Nico could only nod, the words he was about to say disappearing without being pronounced, like, why he found so much money in his account when he went to get money to buy a book and why so many gifts. He just wanted to understand what was going on between them. Or what could still happen. What really made him understand how screwed he was was finding himself surrounded by Percy's arms, realizing how much he had missed him this past week, the week he had asked for time off. It was the only way to get his life together and try to build something to motivate him to continue.

One of Percy's hands held him by the back of the neck and the other came to rest on the small of his back, making him feel welcome and safe. When Percy finally let go, Hazel and Percy had identical smiles on their faces, which made him deeply uncomfortable, as if they knew something Nico didn't.

"Come on, the kids are already at the table." Percy told him.

Percy touched his hand hesitantly, as if expecting to be rejected, but when Nico did nothing to stop him, Percy gently guided him as he stroked his fingers. However, Nico didn't have time to enjoy the feeling of Percy's touch on his skin, because there was the Jackson family; Alice sitting next to Logan,Annabeth at the farthest point from everyone while Percy sat in the center, with him and Hazel seating them next to him and across from the children. The funny thing was that instead of asking the cook or the housekeeper to get more dishes, Percy himself stood up.

"There's always room for one more in this house." Percy placed the cutlery, plates and glasses as the housekeeper had taught them and straightened his spine. Percy puffed out his chest and cocked his head in a comical gesture, looking really proud of his work.

"So, what brings your sister here?”

"I--” Of course Nico didn't get the chance to finish.

"I had to ambush Nico in the morning!" Hazel practically slammed her hands on the table, exactly like Hades would do, all irritated and offended.

“Oh, really?” Was all Percy said, his easy smile seeming to calm her.

"Nico… Nico hadn’t been home for over a week! I was so worried! No one knew where he had gone, not Mom, Hades, Bianca. Not even Lou and Cecil! It was like he had disappeared off the map!”

"Hmm, and how did that happen?”

But this time, Percy wasn’t asking Hazel that question. No, he was looking at Nico as he lifted the wine glass to his lips. One corner of his mouth lifted and he leaned back against the back of his chair, looking Nico over once more from head to toe.

"Could this have anything to do with some recent changes? I wonder what it could be…" Percy said again, in that mix of joking and mocking that only he could do.

“Okay,” Nico said, suppressing the urge to roll his eyes. “I went to the psychiatrist, okay? She referred me to a psychologist too.”

"I'm glad." Percy said then, contentedly. The smile that reached his eyes said much more. “Did you like it?”

“Like isn’t the word I’d use,” Nico found himself saying, feeling his face heat up, that urge to hide stronger than his sense of pride. “It’s helping. I guess I needed to hear certain things, from a neutral perspective, you know?”

“I know!” What surprised him wasn’t that someone agreed with him, but that it was Logan who had said it. Alice nodded, seeming to flinch when the attention turned to them. “Dad put us in therapy after you had your panic attack. It’s so cool! He listens to me and jokes with me, just like you do, Nico!”

He smiled at Logan and Alice, but for some reason he felt like crying. Nico didn't cry, of course, it would be too much drama for such an early morning, he just looked at Percy suspiciously.

Percy shrugged.

"My parents never worried about that kind of thing. I wanted to make sure that… everything was as it should be." Percy muttered, a strange, self-deprecating smile forming.

Nico was so proud! To show his approval, he held Percy's hand and smiled at him. Percy didn't know how much trouble he was saving himself with this. Percy only did this because the children must have been traumatized, but it showed that Percy cared about their well-being, not just their physical well-being, but their mental well-being as well. The problem was that Percy turned his hand against his and intertwined their fingers, making him feel that warm feeling in his heart, and maybe somewhere else too. When that happened, he tended to forget everything else.

It was at that moment that Nico heard a throat clearing.

Sofia pushed her chair back and stood up, knocking it over as she went. She crossed her arms and approached them, circling behind each one sitting at the table, as if she was about to attack.

"Who gave you permission to do this to my children? Is this how you raise them? And letting just anyone come into my house?”

If he didn't know whoAnnabeth was or what the purpose behind those words was, Nico would be offended. Hazel, who didn't know what was happening, didn't have the same reaction. She stood up and, just as aggressively asAnnabeth, lifted her chin, taking a step towards her.

Fortunately, Nico acted faster. He grabbed her arm and sent her a look, which was enough for Hazel to sit back down, not at all happy with the situation.

"Is this house still yours?" Surprised, Nico heard Logan say once more. "If you don’t live here, is it still yours?”

Percy frowned andAnnabeth paled. If Nico hadn't been paying so much attention he would have missed the momentAnnabeth gasped and took a step back in shock. Percy was too focused on Logan, Alice was looking down in sadness, and Hazel had looked away in a huff. He could only watch asAnnabeth took another step back and another, disappearing up the stairs without a word.

Maybe it wasn't a good idea to bring Hazel there.

Chapter XXI

Even though the morning was full of drama, the rest of the day passed peacefully; after Percy talked to Logan, Nico took the children to school with Hazel and then they returned, Nico showing his sister the house, quickly passing by Percy's room, a gigantic place with a double bed, a suite with a bathroom and, in the corner of the room, a spacious table with chairs, a printer and everything Percy could possibly need. They said "hi" to Percy and soon Nico pulled Hazel by the hand when she started to talk, Percy in the middle of documents spread out on the table, laughing at their attitude.

When they finally returned to the living room, Nico was able to sit down and pick up his books. But Hazel? She wasn't satisfied with that. No, she walked around the room, looked out the window that overlooked the garden and the pool, and went to the bookshelf that took up an entire wall and began to read the titles.

That was already getting on his nerves.

"Hazel, what are you doing? Looking for evidence for Hades?”

"What, no… but… is that all?”

She came towards him and sat on the sofa by his side, still curious.

"What were you thinking?”

"You and Percy seem so close…”

"Hazel!”

"I'm just saying. So, you just study? All afternoon?”

"Sometimes Percy comes over and we watch a movie. Or we get something to eat.”

"Really? Not even a little kiss? Maybe a--”

"You can stop right there. If you came here for that--”

"No! I missed you. You still haven't said where you're living.”

"And I won't. I don't want to take my problems elsewhere. They're already helping me, I can't get them into this mess.”

"Is this part of your therapy too?" She asked, pouting.

"Yes. I have to learn to say no, or the same thing will happen no matter where I go.”

"What? People coming to your new house?”

"No, people abusing me. Even if they don't know what they're doing.”

"Oh." Hazel murmured, looking at her hands. "Do I do that? I never--”

"It's not your fault. If I don't tell you how I feel, how can you know? The responsibility for building healthy relationships must come from both parties.”

"Does it start with “no”?”

"Start by defining what I am willing to accept and what I should never allow.”

"Oh." She said, but this time, Hazel understood. She smiled and hugged him tightly. "I hope I'm one of those healthy relationships.”

"Of course you are, I'll always want you in my life. The question is: do you want to study with me until it's time to pick up the kids or do you want me to take you home?”

"I think I've caused enough trouble. I'll go alone.”

"Are you sure? Do you have the money for the bus?”

"Yes, Hades always gives me money to spare. Don't worry.”

That was when Nico realized how differently they were treated. Hades had never given him a penny that wasn't strictly necessary, but for Hazel... only the best. He took Hazel to the door and waited for Ethan to pick her up, and only then did he let himself fall apart. He walked mechanically to his little corner in the living room and lay down in one of the long armchairs, only realizing that time had passed when someone gently touched him on the shoulder.

“I--”

He jumped and tried to sit up. However, it was Percy. The man always caught him in these situations. Percy just smiled at him and sat down next to him, Percy's hands going to his hair automatically, brushing and massaging, rocking him so gently that he calmed down after a few moments.

"You were so quiet, you didn't come to call me for lunch. Have you eaten yet?”

"No." Nico denied, relieved that he didn't have to explain.

He didn't understand where all this care was coming from or why Percy chose to treat him this way. It was clear that he wasn't the best person for Percy to invest so much time... and money in. In the last few weeks it had seemed like as soon as he breathed, Percy was offering him something or giving him "tips" that felt more like extra pay, even when he was off duty, the money showing up in his account randomly.

It’s just… that was why he was working, wasn’t it? Except it wasn’t work at all, taking care of the kids or occasionally making food when the cook was gone. Really, Percy had done so much for him, more than he could ever do for Percy; he just wished Percy wouldn’t make him feel so guilty.

Ah! Who was he kidding? Percy was all he needed. Someone who would support him, care for him, and understand him, someone Nico could trust, just like Percy had already proven. So why did all of this feel so wrong? So bad? Like he was taking advantage of the man and manipulating him, just like those girls his father criticized so much.

"Nico?" Percy called his name, and that voice that was usually soft and husky, sounded authoritative, like Nico hadn't heard in a long time.

He immediately paid attention and looked at Percy's face, who was staring at him seriously, with his jaw clenched, offering him his hand. He didn't hesitate and took it, Percy's firm grip making him feel safe and a little better.

"I'm not going to make you talk about what happened. You know you can talk to me about anything, right? It doesn't matter what it is.”

“I…”

"Am I being too intrusive? If it's about something that happened in this house, I can--”

"No!" He jumped up, facing Percy. "Nothing happened. Nothing at all!”

"Hm. I'll pretend to believe you. But if something is bothering you, I'd rather hear it from you than from other people.”

"I promise… I promise you’ll be the first to know.”

Still a little sad, Nico sniffed and wiped the tears on the sleeve of his sweater. Percy didn't ask anything else, just took his hand again and guided him once more with his firm touch. He knew that if he wanted to talk, Percy would listen; and that was enough to make the sadness dissolve a little more, enough for Nico to know that if he had lost a father, he had gained so much more in return.

***

When Nico opened his eyes, the living room was already dark, only the television and the clock lit up the room. He rubbed his eyes and checked the time, half past eight, well after working hours. He got up and left the children sleeping, heading towards the kitchen, or that was the goal. Nico had to stop halfway when he came acrossAnnabeth, she was coming down the stairs, pulling a huge and heavy suitcase, and for a moment he felt bad for the children who were being abandoned once again, without so much as a goodbye or any words of comfort.

Fortunately, Nico soon snapped out of his trance and headed towardsAnnabeth, running over to where she was, helping her down the rest of the steps.

“Thank you,” was all she said, her attention completely on the still half-open suitcase, her gaze determined to fit everything into that compact space.

"Sofia-- ma'am... aren't you say goodbye to the children?”

"Say goodbye to them?"Annabeth finally looked at him and analyzed him from head to toe. "They don't need me. They don't even want me here. Why would I say goodbye?”

It was a good question. Still, it wasn't the right thing to do.

"The children miss you.”

“I know they do.” She finally closed her suitcase and turned to him, with the same self-deprecating smile Percy had used before. “They miss something that never existed.”

"That's not true. I bet they'd love to spend a holiday with you. If you'd talk to them... Percy would be open to it, I know he would.”

"So cute, yet so innocent." She finally smiled at Nico, a sincere smile that spread across her entire face. "You're a good boy. That's why I know you'll take good care of my husband and my children. You have a gift for it. They're so happy that I won't need to go back for a long time.”

"What?" Nico asked without understanding.  “So, you…”

"It's the deal I made with Percy, I have to come back a few times a year. That's it.”

"Aren't you afraid?”

"What could I be afraid of?" She looked down at him, mocking Nico. When Percy did that, it gave him a feeling of affection, but whenAnnabeth did it, he could only feel mockery and sadness.

"For them to grow up and reject you for the rest of their lives?”

Sofia pulled on the handle of her suitcase and hesitated for a moment, then looked back at him with those piercing gray eyes.

"I meant it about the kids missing you. They were so happy when they heard you were coming… all they need is a little attention. They just need to know that their mother cares.”

"Hm." Was all she said before tossing her golden hair back and opening the door, walking out.

You know what was funny?Annabeth had spent the past two weeks watching him like a hawk, trying to find any flaws or mistakes he might make, but all she had revealed was how she and Percy could never be more than two strangers, or how the children worshipped her, like a god they could never reach. But now, listening to the sound of the car driving away, all Nico felt was sadness. These were two more children who would grow up feeling rejected and incomplete.

See you next week!

It doesn’t matter that Harry is gone. People die everyday. Friends. Family. Yeah, we lost Harry tonight but he’s still with us, in here! And so is Fred. Remus. Tonks. All of them.

Talk #1

Oii, como vai? Tenho alguns capítulos já prontos e estou chegando num momento mais smutt, então, eu queria saber se alguém gostaria de ver algo especifico? Ou algo que combine com eles? Se você tiver alguma sugestão vou ficar feliz em saber^^

Hi, how's going? I have a few chapters ready and I'm getting to a more smutt moment, so I was wondering if anyone would like to see something specific? Or something that matches their personalities? If you have any suggestions I'll be happy to hear^^

Não há lugar como o lar - Percy/Nico AU Colegial, Parte II

Oi, como vai? Mais pedacinho da história. Conforme eu for escrevendo, vou colocando aqui. Todo feedback ou comentário é bem-vindo. E claro se você ver algo estranho me avise, às vezes eu acho que escrevi algumas coisas só que na hora a informação falta.

Boa leitura^^

Era estranho estar ali depois de tanto tempo. As paredes cor creme ainda eram as mesmas, ali estavam os mesmo bancos azuis e as mesmas mesas pretas, os mesmos corredores largos e a mesma cantina, pintada da mesma cor pastel. Ele até conseguia reconhecer alguns rostos familiares no meio de outros mais jovens. Era um dejavú, só que agora ele via as coisas do alto, numa perspectiva distante, quase deslocada, onde antes seus dias eram permeados por ansiedade e incerteza agora tudo parecia mais fácil e indolor, ainda que um pouco doloroso, mas sem importância e talvez até confortável. Talvez fosse pelo fato de Percy ainda estar segurando em sua mão, conversando com a mesma secretária de dois anos atrás, uma senhora de cinquenta anos, sempre sorridente e solícita.

No fim, não demorou muito para ele conseguir seus papéis de admissão que precisaria mostrar para seus professores.

— E então, língua portuguesa? Aula dupla? Eu também tenho. Deixa eu ver seu horário.

Nico deu de ombros e tirou de dentro da bolsa sua grade horária de aulas. Ele observou Percy pegar o papel de suas mãos, franzir a testa em concentração e entregar de volta o papel para ele: — Temos a maioria das aulas juntos. Você está nos clubes de artes e de música? Eu estou no de música também.

— Pareceu ser os mais fáceis.

— Eu aposto.

— Cala a boca. — Nico empurrou Percy pelos ombros e andou para fora da secretaria. Poucas pessoas sabiam que ele tinha facilidade para coisas criativas e talvez ele tenha tocado algo para Percy durante os anos. Bem, isso não era da conta de outras pessoas.

— Nico, as salas mudaram! Estamos usando os auditórios.

— Tá bom. — Nico revirou os olhos e dessa vez nem se surpreendeu quando Percy o alcançou e tocou em seu ombro, suas mãos grandes deslizando por suas costas até chegar em sua cintura, o guiando suavemente na direção correta. Na verdade, ele não se lembrava dessa escola ter um auditório, então, se deixou ser guiado por Percy, uma presença confortável e calorosa a seu lado.

***

Quando eles chegaram no auditório a aula já tinha começado. A professora Johnson não era do tipo que se importava com atrasos se a aula não fosse atrapalhada, pois isso Percy ficou parado na entrada principal da sala, longe do olhar da professora, preferindo ver Nico descer até o palanque onde a professora estava e entregar o papel para ela assinar. O que Percy podia dizer? Nico era uma visão bem mais interessante naquele momento, longas pernas encobertas por um jeans justo, bunda empinada, cintura fina, ombros largos, profundos olhos negros e uma boquinha que parecia estar sempre mordida e avermelhada, pele negra e bronzeada, parecendo ser tão macia que ele não resistiu a vontade de tocar nele assim que pôde, só para testar a teoria. Ele admitia, estava indo rápido demais, porém dois anos era tempo suficiente para saber se você gosta de alguém, não? Sem contar os sete anos antes disso. Talvez ele devesse ter ido para a Itália com Nico quando Hades ofereceu, sempre generoso mesmo que ausente na maioria das vezes.

Ele foi tirado de seus devaneios quando Nico terminou de falar com a professora e veio em sua direção, despreocupado e lento, como se tivesse todo o tempo do mundo, desfilando com suas roupas punk e atitude despretensiosa. Porque evitar algo que ele sabia que aconteceria cedo ou tarde? Se Percy pudesse, ele beijaria Nico ali e agora, para acabar com aquela tortura que se estendia por tantos anos. Mas ele podia se controlar, se tinha esperado por mais dois anos, podia esperar mais alguns dias.

— Tudo certo?

Nico apenas acenou e pegou em sua mão, o levando em direção ao meio do auditório onde eles podiam ter uma boa visão da professora e do que ela estava falando. Percy nem teve tempo de apreciar Nico tomando a iniciativa e tocando nele por vontade própria, embora sentisse que deveria se preocupar mais com a reação das pessoas ao redor deles, os olhares nada discretos e murmúrios feito zumbidos a seu ouvido, ele não costumava exatamente namorar garotos em público, principalmente porque Annabeth sempre estava por perto para fazer com que todos pensarem que ele estava com ela. Era o que era, ele só esperava não ter que socar alguns rostos. Porque ele faria, e com muito prazer.

— Per? — Ele escutou alguém o chamar e só tinha uma pessoa que ainda o chamava assim. — Em que capítulo a gente está?

— Sete.

— Obrigado. — Nico murmurou mais baixo do que antes e se pôs a ler, completamente concentrado no livro e no que a professora dizia. Restou a Percy se perguntar como alguém podia ser tão bonitinho? Tão adorável? Observando um pequeno vinco aparecer entre as sobrancelhas de Nico, em seus lábios formarem um biquinho frustrado até que ele pareceu encontrar o que procurava no livro, relaxando contra o acento e se colocando a fazer a anotações rápidas conforme a professora discutia o assunto.

Então, um barulho veio da fileira de cadeiras acima da sua, alguém o tocando no ombro. Ele se virou e lá estava Grover, seu mais antigo amigo de infância.

— Quem é o garoto novo?

— Nico.

— Aquele garoto quieto e triste que Sally tinha praticamente adotado? O seu garoto italiano? Agora eu entendo a obsessão.

— Cala a boca! — Percy sussurrou furiosamente. Ele não era tão obcecado assim… era? Percy olhou para o lado, só para ter certeza que Nico não tinha escutado, vendo que o garoto continuava concentrado na aula e voltou a se virar para Grover: — Depois a gente conversa.

— Como você quiser, Don Juan.

— Tanto faz.

Percy se virou para a frente, se inclinou sobre Nico, vendo onde eles estavam no livro e ignorou todo o resto. Quando Nico empurrou o livro em direção a ele para que os dois pudessem ler, Percy não hesitou. Colocou o braço ao redor do ombro de Nico, juntou suas cabeças e começou a ler. Quem sabe se ele pudesse se concentrar, a vozinha no fundo de sua mente pararia de lembrá-lo de que isso daria em mais confusão do que ele estava disposto a lidar.

Não há lugar como o lar - Percy/Nico AU Colegial

Oii, como vai? Eu estava tentando continuar minha história atual, A Refulgente, mas sabe quando não está rolando? Aí comecei outra que deve ter no máximo umas 50 mil palavras (embora eu não saiba como escrever nada curto ou não tenha o controle mental para isso), outra Percy/Nico é claro. E como está fluindo bem, decidi dividir o começo dela por aqui antes de colocar em outros lugares. Na verdade, aqui é o único lugar onde ela vai estar até eu completá-la, se é que isso vai acontecer. Então, vamos ver como as coisas vão.

Para manter as coisas organizadas, vou reblogar o último capítulo conforme eu for atualizando o blog, assim fica mais fácil de acompanhar.

Ainda não tenho um sumário pronto, e em linhas gerais segue assim: Nico está voltando da Itália depois de passar dois anos por lá e encontra Percy, o melhor amigo que ele deixou para trás, mas que manteve contato nesse tempo afastado. O resto se desenvolve a partir desse reencontro e bem rápido! Nessa história vou tentar ser mais direta. Será que eu consigo? Boa leitura!

PS: Se vocês virem algum erro sobre quanto tempo Nico estive na Itália é porque mudei de cinco anos para dois. Texto sem muita revisão, mesmo assim, espero que vocês gostem.

Parte I

— Olha quem voltou! O garoto italiano. — Nico apenas teve tempo de se virar antes de ser prensado contra ombros largos e braços fortes que o abraçaram com tanta força que o levantaram no ar, o deixando sem ar e fazendo com que seus livros e bolsa caíssem ao chão, a porta de seu armário sendo fechada com um estrondo barulhento.

— Perseu Jackson!

— Só a minha mãe me chama assim.

Mas Percy estava rindo, o girando no ar enquanto as pessoas ao redor olhavam para eles. Também, não era para menos. Eles estavam bem no meio do corredor onde havia vários armários, dando para a entrada das classes de aula. Nico não resistiu, ele envolveu os braços ao redor do pescoço de Percy e o abraçou tão forte quanto Percy tinha feito, enterrando o rosto contra o pescoço de Percy.

— Eu senti sua falta. 

— Eu também senti a sua. — Nico murmurou de volta e se afastou, finalmente conseguindo ver o rosto de Percy. 

Olhos tão verdes quanto ele se lembrava, nariz reto e empinado, lábios finos e largos sempre em um sorriso bonito. O que tinha mudado era a altura, quase dois metros, e músculos. Onde ele se lembrava de um garoto tímido e um pouco triste tinha se transformado nesse… nesse homem feliz e cheio de vida. Confiantes. Embora ele ainda pudesse ver a bondade e a amizade que eles costumavam ter, mas essa coisa entre eles… esses abraços todos eram algo novo. Ele não podia evitar a comparação com o passado, onde ele era jovem demais e Percy era… Percy era Percy, abrindo a porta de sua casa para um garotinho triste e solitário.

— Dois  anos, hein? Eu pensei que você nunca ia voltar.

— Hm.

— Me deixe te ver melhor. — E o que ele nunca esperaria do garoto mais hétero e tímido que ele já tinha conhecido aconteceu, Percy levou uma de suas mãos a seu rosto e penteou seus cabelos para trás, expondo sua face por completo. E ele? Bem, Nico apenas encarou Percy de volta, tão focado no garoto quanto Percy se focava nele. Todas as ligações e vídeo-chamadas não se comparavam ao que a realidade lhe mostrava, o fazendo se questionar o que tinha acontecido nesse tempo todo para fazer Percy agir assim, tão… tão afetuoso, tão atencioso. Ele ainda namorava Annabeth, não? Ainda era o capitão do time de basquete? Esse devia ser o caso, pois Percy vestia a jaqueta do time.

— Hm… Percy? Me põe no chão, sim? — Nico fez o seu melhor para ficar sério.

— Por quê?

— Você não tem uma namorada?

— Eu tenho?

Então, Percy sorriu ainda mais e enfim o colocou no chão para em seguida afrouxar o agarre em seu rosto e em sua cintura, sem se afastar, porém se inclinando um pouco sobre ele, como se tivesse algo em seu rosto que ele precisava ver mais de perto.

— Como você tem estado? Por que você não me disse que chegava essa semana?

— Por quê? Você ia me buscar no aeroporto?

— É claro, meus amigos merecem o melhor.

— E o que seria esse melhor?

— Eu, é claro.

Nico jurava que estava tentando ficar sério. Pelo jeito que as coisas iam, Percy queria algo a mais e no momento ele não estava interessado. Mas não adiantou, Nico se segurou nos ombros de Percy e gargalhou; ele achava que essa era uma das piores cantadas que ele já tinha ouvido.

— Ei, não ri da minha cara. Eu sou um cara legal.

— E muito humilde, também. 

— Muito. — Percy disse e enfim o soltou, se encostando a seu lado em frente aos armários e Nico suspirou em alívio, pegando suas coisas do chão e as guardando no armário. Às vezes Percy era um pouco demais para ele; era o que Nico tinha descoberto durante os anos nas milhares de conversas que eles tiveram nesse tempo todo. Ele não sabia quando Percy tinha mudado do garoto introvertido para essa pessoa esfuziante, mas ele gostava. E odiava ao mesmo tempo, fazendo seu estômago se revirar de nervosismo.

— Agora, de verdade, como as coisas têm estado?

— Você sabe, sempre iguais. — Nico deu de ombros e fechou o armário, tirando os livros que usaria naquele dia, os guardando na bolsa. — Bianca veio comigo.

— Faculdade? — Percy perguntou. — E você?

Nico deu de ombros mais uma vez e se encostou ao lado de Percy, voltando a encará-lo de perto, o olhando sobre os cílios, tentando não demonstrar como realmente se sentia. Achava que nunca se conformaria com a beleza do amigo, agora duplicada conforme os traços suaves da adolescência davam lugar a músculos definidos e um rosto angular e forte, o sorriso de canto, o olhar intenso, a atitude confiante… e… bem, tudo isso e muito mais.

— O que tem isso?

— O que te traz de volta?

— Eu senti falta de casa. — Nico acenou para si mesmo. — Por um tempo pensei que fosse em Verona, mas… eu sempre ficava me perguntando o que estava acontecendo por aqui.

— Então, você decidiu voltar? Simples assim?

— Por que não? Eu vou fazer dezoito em alguns meses. Queria aproveitar esse último ano e rever o pessoal.

Bem… ele queria rever algumas poucas pessoas e uma delas estava bem em sua frente, olhando para ele como se quisesse… como se quiser ver o que tinha dentro de sua mente. E como costumava acontecer, ele foi o primeiro a perder nesse joguinho para ver quem desviava o olhar primeiro.

— Então… você sentiu saudade e veio para ficar ou… 

— Vim para ficar. Hades vai vir depois.

— Fico feliz. — Percy disse, ainda sorrindo, algo mais sincero e bonito, como se tivesse se cansado de flertar. — Quem sabe a gente pode se ver mais tarde. Comer alguma coisa?

— Mais tarde quando?

— Hoje. Depois da prática de basquete. Quer me ver jogar?

— Oh, não! Era isso o que eu temia! O clichê colegial! — Mas ele ria e Percy ria junto, o fazendo lembrar dos velhos tempos.

— Sabe, você não pode falar de mim. Você era todo bonitinho e tímido e voltou parecendo sair de um filme dos anos oitenta. Jaqueta de couro, calça rasgada e isso… é delineador? — Percy se aproximou mais uma vez dele e segurou suavemente em seu queixo, apenas mais uma desculpa para tocá-lo, disso Nico tinha certeza; não que estivesse reclamando. Percy podia fazer isso e muito mais. — Você é o perfeito garoto bonzinho que ficou rebelde.

— Eu ainda sou um bom garoto.

Isso fez Percy parar por um momento, ainda com as mãos sobre o rosto de Nico, e o encarar longamente apenas para um sorriso de canto aparecer junto a covinhas.

— É mesmo? O quanto você é um bom garoto?

— Acho que você nunca vai descobrir.

Mais um silêncio e mais um olhar que no passado o faria correr em busca de abrigo mais rápido que um foguete. Entretanto, esse Nico tinha ficado para trás junto com sua inocência.

— Hm. — Foi tudo o que Percy disse durante alguns momentos, e Nico jurava que ele estava se aproximando em direção a seu rosto quando o sinal tocou, os interrompendo.

— Certo. — Nico pigarreou, endireitando a coluna e olhando ao redor. — Acho que eu tenho que ir.

— Qual seu primeiro horário?

— Língua portuguesa. Preciso passar na secretaria primeiro.

— Eu vou com você.

Nico nem tentou negar, ele tinha sentido tanta falta de Percy que estender um pouco mais as coisas não faria mal. Ele se desencostou do armário e, de novo, aconteceu algo que ele não esperava. Percy pegou a mochila de seu ombro, a carregando para ele e com a outra mão, entrelaçou os dedos com os seus, o puxando suavemente pelo corredor quase vazio em direção à administração do colégio.

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Então, aceitável? Percebi que meus diálogos não são os melhores. Sua opinião ou feedback educado é sempre bem vindo^^

Obrigada por ler!

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

Hello, how are you? I noticed that there was a part missing from the previous chapter. I've already put it in the full chapter, but it will also be here for those who have read the chapter before. It's a flashback to when Percy and Nico first met.

Happy reading!

Previous chapters: CHAPTER I / CHAPTER II / CHAPTER III / CHAPTER IV / CHAPTER V / CHAPTER VI / CHAPTER VII / CHAPTER VIII

Extra  - Getting to know each other

Another scene from the past, when Percy and Nico first met.

Percy looked around, making sure no one was following him, and left the empty classroom. Ever since his family's restaurant had become five"star, the stalking had begun. People who had never spoken to him now wanted to be his friend, his best friends started treating him like royalty. No matter where he went, everyone knew his name, trying to get a reservation on behalf of other adults. He had learned very quickly how to avoid these people who were now almost everyone he knew. And you know what was worse? These people weren't interested in his mother's food, they were interested in who frequented the restaurant. It was so unfair! Even to go to the bathroom the crowds followed him without giving him a minute's peace. Tyson was so lucky! He’d already finished high school and was about to graduate from college. Percy had no choice but to deal with the gossip and greedy, self"centered people.

Looking once again at the empty corridor, he put his cell phone back in his pocket and went into the bathroom.

Ah, finally. Silence. Just him and the urinal. He unzipped his pants and...he heard a moan. Right next to him. Percy turned his face and there were three boys in a circle. He saw that one of them was unzipping his pants and the others were already without them.

Well, that was none of his business.

"No, please. I… I…"

"You what? Are you going to tell your little sister? Your Dad?"

"Please!"

Percy sighed and walked towards them. His mother hadn't raised him to watch someone being abused.

He stopped behind them, in front of the mirror, and saw what was happening. A boy with the softest, most feminine features he had ever seen was trying to cover his face and was cowering against the wall, he was so small that reacting against those boys would have been stupid. The problem was that he was so distracted by the boy's beauty that Percy ended up missing when one of the boys grabbed his own member and pointed it towards the boy on the floor.

"What are you doing?" Percy finally said. The boys were startled and jumped away, covering themselves as best as they could.

"We... hey, aren't you that rich kid?"

Just what he needed.

"I said, what are you doing?"

"It's not what it seems."

"Oh, is not? How do you explain that?"

The three boys and Percy looked at the little boy on the ground, who was hiding his face and crying pitifully.

"You know what? I don't want to know. If I catch you doing it again…"

"You have no proof!"

"Are you sure?"

The boys looked at each other and after a few moments, ran off. And Percy Finally could do what he needed to do and leave.

That is, if the little boy hadn't lifted his face and looked at him with those deep black eyes, swollen and shining from crying. Slightly curly black waves of hair and the most beautiful red lips he had ever seen. Percy admitted that he had frozen, enjoying the sight. He, who had never been interested in anyone in his eleven years of life, found himself enchanted. And even when the little boy bit his lips and looked at him, still lying on the bathroom floor, Percy couldn't stop staring.

"You didn't have to." The little boy mumbled, shrinking further against the wall near the sink.

"I... was the right thing to do." That was the truth, it was the right thing to do, but what wasn't right was to admire the beautiful little boy, especially in a situation like that. He felt like a monster. "What's your name?"

"Nico. Niccolas."

Hmm... Italian. They say it's the language of love.

"Percy Jackson."

"Oh." Nico said, looking him up and down, his high cheeks getting hotter. "You're not going to do what those boys wanted to do... are you?”

"What they wanted to do?”

Nico looked down and Percy followed his gaze.

Oh, actually, his zipper was still open, but now there was a certain... volume there.

"I'm nothing like those boys.”

"Aren't you?" Nico still looked doubtful, even though he himself had a bulge in his pants. A much smaller one that Percy seemed to be analyzing more closely than he should.

"I'm not." Percy turned around, trying to convince himself, and walked to the urinal again.

He pulled down his underwear and tried to concentrate. No one had warned him that it would be so difficult to relieve himself with an erection on the way. Percy took a deep breath, relaxing, and finally succeeded. When he returned to the sink, intending to wash his hand, he saw that the little boy was still on the floor, watching him get close.

Nico had been watching him... go to the bathroom? Since the area was wide open, it was impossible not to see.

"Do you need help?" He said as he washed his hands, staring at their reflections in the mirror. Nico looked scared and embarrassed, while he himself was serious and almost absent, showing no emotion.

"No! I mean, I'm fine. Thank you very much.”

"All right, then.”

Percy dried his hand and turned towards the exit. He had offered to help, hadn't he? From then on, it wasn't his responsibility what happened to Nico.

***

Percy had never realized how big that school was. Two indoor and two outdoor courts, fifty classrooms, ten laboratories. Swimming pools, jogging trails and even a forest with a variety of plantations. It was a good place for anyone looking for a well-rounded education, but also for anyone looking for a place to hide. Luckily, Percy had found just the perfect place; deserted and quiet, right in front of one of the open courts. Best of all, the view from the stands was very limited, preventing people from finding him easily.

He walked calmly through the school corridors and arrived at his favorite spot, determined to make a few baskets on the court and eat something quick before the next class. Percy intended to join the team and didn't want it to be out of sheer favoritism. That is, he was just about to enter the court when he saw a black head of hair on the far side of the bleachers. Now, he needed to know who it was, and only then would Percy know if it was still a safe place or not.

Percy hurried over and saw that it was the same little boy as last time. He had a cut in his lip and the right side of his face was purple. Percy had the impulse to ask who had done this to him, but remembered it was none of his business. Especially since Nico seemed to be fine, apart from his bruised face, and seeing that Nico was eating a small feast. Percy could see at least four different kinds of dishes, all arranged in little bowls, the sight warming his heart for some reason. It must have been the way Nico cowered, trying to hide from him, but he still stared at him, smiling.

Percy watched Nico pick up one of the lunchboxes and, as shyly as possible, offer it to him, saying: "Do you want some?”

Percy found himself walking the rest of the distance to Nico, abandoning his backpack and basketball at the foot of the bleachers, and sat down in front of Nico.

"I brought it too. My mother is a cook.”

"Ah." Nico muttered and shrugged, picking up his fork. "I always make a lot. See?”

Nico then opened the other two lunchboxes and showed them to him. Vegetable pie with cheese. Meatballs. Calabrian bread. Cake, too.

"Do you? And your mother?”

"I don't have one. She's dead.”

That's when Percy realized what he was doing. Like a weirdo, he watched Nico eat as if it were the most wonderful thing in the world while the boy ate alone, having to make his own food.

"Your father? You must have one, right?”

Nico denied it and stuffed another piece of pie into his mouth, ignoring all the other dishes. "Dad's always traveling.”

"So...?”

"I learned from Mama before she died. Her food was the best!" But Nico said it so happily that Percy felt better.

"Who looks after you?”

"I have a nanny. My sister, too! She's the best sister in the world." Nico continued eating happily and Percy felt something in his eyes. What was going on? This boy couldn't be so naive, could he? So... happy? How old was he? Nine? Ten? He must be younger than himself.

"You really don't want to? I did it all by myself!”

"Everything? Did you even reach the stove?”

"Yes, I did! The nanny just turned on the stove. I have a ladder near the table and…”

"Yeah?”

"You're very mean. I don't want to talk to you anymore!”

Percy couldn't stand it, he put his hand around his belly and laughed. It had been a long time since he had seen something so cute and funny. Nico's chubby cheeks inflating like a balloon, his arms crossed, his lips in an even cuter pout.

"How old are you, eh?”

"I’m eleven! What's the problem?”

"You're so short and small. Who's feeding you?”

And again, Percy couldn't take it. Laughing at his own joke, he let himself fall backwards onto the bleachers, laughing and laughing until his breath died away and then came back, a happy smile remaining on his lips long after his crisis had passed.

"Are you okay?” Nico asked in a small, soft voice, making his heart melt.

Percy opened his eyes to see that Nico had approached where he was laing, sitting on his knees, all worried, his black eyes wide and cheeks flushed.

"So…" Percy said, trying to stop smiling. "We're in the same year. Why haven't I see you around?

"I saw you.” Nico said and lowered his eyes to his lap. "It's hard not to when people only talk about you.”

"What they say?”

"You get the best grades. You're the best at sports. You have the best girlfriend. That sort of thing.”

"Who is that girlfriend?”

"I think… Annabeth Chase? I'm not sure. I arrived a few weeks ago.”

"That's good to know.”

"Know what?”

"That I have a girlfriend.”

"You… don't know?" Nico tilted his head like a confused puppy and that got another laugh out of him. This time, Nico laughed along. He seemed to be holding back his laughter, but when Percy didn't stop, Nico found himself with no escape, joining in.

"You're funny.” Nico told him.

"No, you are.”

And like third-graders, which they both were, they laughed again as they heard the bell ring. Percy hadn't even realized that half an hour had passed, which was more time than he usually spent with his old friends. And what that said about him, hm?

"We have to go." He heard Nico say.

They really did.

In a hurry, he helped Nico collect the lunch boxes and accompanied him to his next class, discovering that Nico was in fact in the same class as him. Was Percy so distracted by trying to hide that he couldn't see what was going on around him? Well, that would change from that moment on.

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Thanks for reading!

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!!! 🥺💕)

thinking about why queerbait ships are so popular here and realised that they make really good love stories because they're naturally slow burns. the two people will only get together after a long time, if ever, because the writers don't often want to commit to writing a queer relationship - they'll just pull the classic 'it's up for interpretation'

so since the pairing are 'friends' we get to see their relationship genuinely develop over a longer period of time than the classic 'i've known you for 3 episodes and i want to start dating' because in my opinion at least, that usually feels really forced and fake, whereas friends to lovers or even enemies to lovers is a much better dynamic

and that gets people invested!! the relationship feels complex and real and people are convinced that they're going to get together so of course we keep watching. all the writers need to do is, you know, actually write these things as romances instead of queerbaits that are never intended to be canon

anyway yeah that's my input. yes this is about destiel but also every other vaguely gay queerbait ship that never gets resolved ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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

I hope you like it.

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

“Good boy. So obedient.” Nico closed his eyes tightly and refused to answer, feeling his body shake with the effect of the orgasm.

Not that he was capable at the moment, to speak or move. No, Nico didn't think he had ever come so hard in his life, and hearing Percy talk to him like that made him shudder even more. Nico didn't think even Percy himself knew what those words did to him, the velvety tone of his voice and now the soft touch that soothed him after something so intense. It wasn't just that, it was the way Percy talked to him, as if Percy was really proud; it was the way Percy looked at him, analyzing him coldly from head to toe and, at the same time, with that hunger in his eyes that made him want to obey every order. Nico couldn't deal with it, so it was better to just feel grateful that this moment was happening.

“So?” Nico heard Percy say, feeling Percy’s touch, gently rubbing his arms, reaching for his wrist to finally unlock the handcuffs. Funny, for someone who was afraid of being tied up, he didn't even hesitate when Percy suggested it.

"So, what?" Nico mumbled, still slightly disoriented. He couldn't even raise his arms, allowing Percy to keep on rubbing the reddened skin.

"Was it good or bad?"

"Hmm?"

"Did you like what I did?"

Wasn't that obvious?

"I came twice."

"Doesn't mean you liked it."

"And you, did you like it?" Nico countered, trying to move, which only made him fall backwards like a rotten fruit that fell from a tree.

When Percy didn't answer, Nico looked at him. It was pretty clear what was going on, Percy and his martyr complex. The truth is that he had liked it, they both had, and that seemed to be a problem for Percy.

"I liked it, okay? I mean, your chin is still wet." To prove the evidence of the crime, Nico stretched out, groaning from the pain in his muscles, and ran his fingers over Percy's face, showing Percy the liquid.

"Yeah, I guess so." But Percy still had that analytical expression, almost too rigid, like he was preparing to give the next order, which turned out to be true in the end. "Stay here."

"Where would I go?"

"With you, I never know. Just don't... run away. Okay?"

"I told you I won't do it again. How long are you going to blame me for this?"

"I'm sorry." Percy tried to smile, and when that didn't work, he turned his back on Nico, who fell back onto the pillows.

It seemed that Nico wasn't the only one traumatized by the past. What could he do? This was their story, sometimes happy, sometimes troubled. Nico wouldn't trade what they had lived for anything in the world. Where would he be if he hadn't met Percy in a public school bathroom? What would he have done if Percy had been like those boys? At least they wouldn't be in this impasse. What if... what if he forced things just a little bit, Percy would see that there was no reason for so much guilt? After all, Percy always liked the truth and pretty things...

"Nico."

Startled, Nico saw Percy's face too close and grabbed Percy's shoulders, pushing him away.

"What are you thinking about, hmm? I know that little face very well."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"You're not up to something, are you? Behave."

"I always behave." Except when I need to act, Nico thought, putting on his most innocent expression.

"I'll believe you."

Percy sat down next to him and began to clean him up. On his chest, abdomen and then between Nico's legs, gently sliding a damp towel, reaching his entrance.

"You don't have to do this."

"I want to do it." Percy murmured, kissing him on the cheek. "You were right. I was absent, I promise I'll make it up to you.”

“How about starting now. Let me suck you off?”

“How can that be a reward for you?” The important thing in all this is that Percy had finally smiled, stroking Nico’s hair.

“Is that a yes or a no?”

“It's a maybe later. Right now, it's time for my baby to take a nap.”

“I'm not a baby.”

“Then why are you yawning in the middle of the afternoon?”

It was a good question.

Nico only let Percy cover him because Percy had laid down next to him and hugged him tightly, also getting under the covers with Nico.

***

For some reason, Percy felt exhausted. He allowed himself to relax into the pillow, pressed against Nico's back, and closed his eyes, just for a moment, just long enough to feel the weight lift off his shoulders. It was a metaphorical weight, of course, a weight he hadn't even known was there. Percy had never imagined that guilt could drain someone to the point of affecting them physically. Had things been like this in the past too? Percy couldn't remember. This was a bad habit he'd developed, another psychological crutch, he knew. Percy would forget and lock away everything that was traumatic or frustrating in the back of his mind. 

You know what? Percy had decided not to think about what was bad or good, right or wrong, and would focus on what was right for them. Were they comfortable with this? Great! Did it sound fun? Did it make him feel good? So that's what they would do. What was the point of doing what was considered "normal" if it caused so much pain, and not the kind that Nico seemed to enjoy? It was best if he talked to his mother, just to reassure her. Percy knew better than anyone that Sally would annoy him until he confessed to her.

Feeling tired once again, Percy got out from under the covers, trying not to wake Nico and saw something lying on the floor. He walked around the bed and there in the middle of the path was the diary he had given Nico. The diary was open at the beginning of the first pages and had a pen stuck in it, marking the last page written.

He had already forgotten about that too. Fortunately, it seemed that even though he was a horrible person, Nico was still the same sweet little boy, always the obedient one. Yes, Percy could see that Nico had already written a few words and had personalized the back cover:

NICO'S DIARY If lost, return to Percy!

Percy had to laugh, already feeling light. There were even some cute drawings of hearts, little angels and little demons around the letters. However, what really caught his attention was the page where the pen was stuck.

“I love that kind of headspace where I almost float, almost delirious, you know? My head  feels light and I have no idea what I want to do, I just want whatever you want me to do. Most of the time, all I know is that I want to be fucked so hard that I can barely speak and all I can do is give little moans when you ask me something.” “I want the kind of sex that leaves marks on my hips and the shape of your hands on my skin. The kind of sex that leaves my chest covered in bites and your back covered in scratches. I want the kind of sex that makes my body ache and throb and makes me feel you between my legs the next day.”

This was a passage that seemed to stand out from the other pages, something written in a hurry, in a careless scrawl, in black ink and without decorations around it, as if Nico didn’t want to spend much time with these thoughts and just needed to pour them out on the paper. That was the real reason why he stared at those words for long moments, motionless, standing in the middle of the room with Nico still sleeping peacefully, without a care in the world. 

It was impossible not to compare the two typographic styles. On one side of the page, vines and trees that seemed to intertwine up to the heavens, accompanied by lines of simple and beautiful poetry, on the other, clumsy and vulgar prose, allowing Percy to see the two sides of Nico that he rarely saw together. There were other drawings, of course. A demon and an angel that took up an entire page, descriptions of personality and physical characteristics, a few lines of narration that on the next page were interrupted by more scribbles with loose thoughts.

“I want you to hold me and touch me, I want you to make me feel safe and small, like the baby I deny I am. I want you to tell me when no one is looking: “How’s my boy? Did he behave?” I want to have rules and I want to have to ask for permission. I want to be disciplined when I don't do what you order.”

Percy had to stop flipping through the diary and look at Nico sleeping in bed.

He... fuck! He wanted to do all of these things, Percy wanted to make all of Nico's wishes come true. And do you know why? They were the same as his own. Every word and confession seemed like something he would do if guilt hadn't stopped him until that moment. Were these fantasies really Nico's? Or was something Nico had written to get back at him? Or, even worse, was it what he had led Nico to believe they both wanted? But at the same time, Percy could recognize Nico in every line, be it clumsy or elegant, mixed with the influence he had over Nico and other things and moments when Percy hadn't been there to shape him.

Honestly? Percy was relieved. Knowing that Nico had had other experiences and met other people and that even after all of this Nico had still come back to him, it took away another part of the weight Percy didn't even know he carried. However, the important question was: How could he do... all of this without going over the edge? How could Percy make sure Nico wouldn't come out of this hating him for real?

He... Percy needed help. And a few things, too. Something that would make Nico understand the seriousness of the situation, how much he wanted Nico to stay safe and happy. It seemed that this was the moment to act.

***

Nico opened his eyes and the first thing he noticed was the sunlight coming through the blinds, blinding him momentarily. His head throbbed with an irritating pain in his temples, but his body was as relaxed as it had ever been. His vision was blurred too, dazed by the endorphins that still seemed to keep his body calm and his mind wonderfully empty, as if all anxiety had been sucked out of him by a compressor hose. Not even his adventures with more experienced boys had caused this kind of reaction in him.

He looked to the side, expecting to find Percy and got in return his absence and a piece of paper, Percy hadn't even left his warmth behind, which meant that Percy had gotten up a long time ago.

Well, Nico shouldn't get his hopes up when Percy  had been handling things so badly lately. And he said he'd give Percy time to get used to things, didn't he? Even though it was hard to keep waiting for something that might not even happen, he had no other choice. It was better to have Percy's company than to have nothing at all. But that didn't mean Nico wouldn't try his best to get what he wanted.

Giving up, Nico sat up in bed and picked up the note.

"Did you sleep well? I had to leave real quick. I promise I'll be back for breakfast. Wait for me. Per."

Was that all? Was that what he deserved after feeling his world shake? This was so unfair! Enough! He was going to take action right now.

Forgetting about his headache and his sore muscles, Nico crumpled the note, threw it somewhere towards the trash can and marched until he stopped in front of the closet. This was so ridiculous! He never thought the time would come when he would have to stoop so low. He picked up the box with his toys, reached into the bottom of it and pulled out a sealed, black package. It was something the saleswoman had suggested and since he had bought worse things, that didn't make him a bad person. Nico placed the package on the bed, grabbed the items he would need and went into the bathroom. He was going to show Percy who was boss here.

***

Percy felt much better now.

How could he explain it? Well... there was a place, a kind of bar, and he had been curious, you know? Percy had never participated, however... he had watched and understood very quickly how things worked. What could he do? His mother always said that knowledge was something that no one could take away from you, and in fact, it had been something hard to forget. Maybe he had gotten bored without Nico around or maybe when he found himself alone, with no one to watch over him... why not? Since Percy no longer needed to be the good guy?

The fact was, Percy had discovered that he did those things without needing anyone to teach him. At least there, he learned that what he did was wrong if Percy didn't ask permission first.

A good example of this were words, small suggestions that if repeated could become conditioned behaviors, like when you teach your dog to give you a paw in exchange for treats. People had the same tendencies and similar desires, too. Some were more assertive and others were more obedient. It was a normal dynamic, nothing forced, of course, just ways of behaving where each person felt more comfortable expressing themselves. And that was just the beginning, it wasn't even something sexual or romantic, just attitudes that most people didn't notice. His psychologist at the time had suggested something similar. It wasn't that he was going after those types of clubs, but rather that Percy should analyze why he felt so codependent on Nico or why Percy felt so frustrated. And since it seemed to be related to sex, he thought... why not? His mother had supported the idea and his brother and Grover had loved it even more. So, as a close-knit family, they all went to investigate the bar, including his mother.

The important thing was that when he found out what he was doing with Nico, it was too late, Nico had left and he was left alone, with all those ideas and no one to test them. Percy wasn't proud of what he had done, but he didn't regret it either. Honestly? He didn't care about those people and if he had hurt some of them along the way, it was none of his business. Percy never promised them anything, tired of warning them what would happen in the end. 

That was why Percy was there that morning, a twenty-four hour bar that operated as a snack bar during the day. It had been over a year since Percy had been there, but since they were the place he trusted the most, it would have to be there. 

Percy took a deep breath and entered through the black iron doors, reaching the first area where there were wooden tables and chairs that would be removed at dusk to make way for the dance floor. He continued walking further back and found the bar, a long counter next to a spacious kitchen, watching the waiters pick up plates of food to be delivered. He just hoped that no one-- 

"Percy, dear. It's been a while!" 

"Vanessa," Percy said and turned around, seeing his favorite "teacher." She was a caring, kind and firm dominatrix, something he always wanted to be and never had the patience for. In comparison to her, Percy was anxious and somewhat cruel. Who knows, maybe one day?

“What brings you here? Finally looking for company? I have a submissive who--

“Not this time,” Percy said and smiled, politely denying. “I’m looking for Apollo. I wonder if he’s around?”

“Oh, that’s so good. Who’s the boy?”

“Someone new.”

“Hm, I see.” But she seemed to judge him like everyone else did.

“Not so new. He’s new to the scene.”

“Oh, okay.” Vanessa smiled again and came out from behind the counter. “I know exactly what you want.”

So, together, they went through another door, up a spiral staircase and arrived on the second floor, full of doors with private rooms, some with windows that allowed you to see inside the rooms and at the end of the hallway, a large black metal door that they also entered.

For sure, that room was what Percy was looking for. He felt that if he brought Nico here, the little boy would spend a few hours asking what those things hanging on the wall were for. There was also a counter at the back of the room, where a tall, blond man was reading a magazine, wearing headphones.

"Hey," Percy said as he approached.

Apollo looked up and at the same moment took off his headphones and stood up, running towards him. It was okay, because Percy was prepared. He opened his arms and let Apollo hug him as much as he wanted, rubbing himself against him.

"Oh, look at our little Dom. So big. Have you been working out? I bet the little boys are chasing you."

Not since Nico had come back, but that was another matter.

"Just one. I was looking for something specific."

"I know exactly what you need."

"I haven't said anything yet."

"And you don't have to."

Apollo smiled brightly, picked up a shopping basket and started walking through the aisles and shelves.

"Let me see. Something discreet for the day.”

Apollo reached out and picked up a choker, something in the Gothic style. A soft, discreet strip of leather with small crystals adorning it.

"Something to play with."

This time Apollo picked up a light pink collar, heavy and with large holes, with a small name tag and a clasp to attach a leash if he wanted.

"Something to keep him quiet and well-behaved, yes?"

Finally Apollo picked up a muzzle with a ball in the middle, a silk blindfold, and soft handcuffs.

"There you go. That should do it."

"I can't, this is too much."

"It's a gift for our junior Dominant!"

"Really, I can't--

"Oh! There's something missing!"

"Apollo, no!"

"Apollo, yes."

Before Percy could stop him, Apollo was back with a paddle. Its surface was all black leather, made of a stiff material, but the tip of it had a soft padding that would bring pain without leaving too many marks. 

“Apollo!”

“Come on, just this once. I’ve never seen you interested in anyone. Consider it a good luck gift.”

“Exactly! I can’t show up with this. He’ll think I’m—”

“He’s not wrong.”

Percy snorted and gave up arguing. Apollo was so ridiculous that it made it impossible to contradict him.

“Besides…” Apollo continued, packing the items into a pretty box. “Since you rejected me, the least you can do is accept my gift.”

“How much was it?” Percy, for his own sanity, decided to ignore him, and took out his wallet.

“Didn’t you hear what I said? It’s a gift.”

“Come on! This is worth at least a thousand dollars.”

“So what? I’m rich.”

“So am I.”

“Looks like we’re at an impasse.” Apollo grimaced sadly and shook his head. “Looks like your boy is going to be very disappointed, then.”

“He doesn’t know I’m here.” 

“Is this a surprise? I didn't know you were a romantic.” This time, there was no irony in Apollo's voice. “I'm feeling very single right now.”

Percy had forgotten how dramatic Apollo could be. He was handsome, Percy couldn't deny that. However, beauty wasn't everything in life, even if it helped a lot.

“Vanessa! Get me a Dom right now!”

Percy turned around and there was Vanessa, watching them from afar as if she were watching a sitcom.

“Didn’t it? Three times in the last month?”

“You call that dominance? My mother is less vanilla than that.”

“Please, spare me.” Vanessa crossed her arms and rolled her eyes.

“Why is so hard to introduce me to someone tall, hot and with an attitude? Is that too much to ask?”

It was Percy's turn to roll his eyes. He wanted to say that this was the first time something like this had happened. He swore he wasn't trying to brag, but... really, Percy thought those D/s days were behind him. But there he was, asking these people for help.

“Behave yourself.” Percy found himself saying, already irritated by the situation. The worst part was that Apollo immediately straightened his spine. And he had to add: “Don’t you dare.” It wouldn’t be the first time Apollo had knelt down without even realizing it.

“So mean.”

“Look, I appreciate the help, but I have to—”

“Is everything okay?” Apollo asked, now serious. “You said you would never dominate anyone. Is it about the boy who made you suffer?”

“Maybe.” Percy shrugged. “It’s not his fault.”

“Okay. Do you need help? Maybe mediation?”

“No. I can do it.” Maybe, he wanted to say. The truth is, Percy couldn’t even think about having to share Nico with someone or letting other people watch. Percy didn’t know if he could control himself. “You don’t need to worry.”

“Are you sure? We could give the poor boy a hand. Does he know what he's gotten himself into?”

"You don't have to worry," Percy repeated.

The worst part was that Percy wasn't even lying. Nico knew a lot more than he would have liked.

So, did you liked it? Thanks for reading!

Update!

Oi, como vai? Estou passando para avisar que essa semana não vai ter novos capítulos. Estou montando um site, e infelizmente não consigo fazer tudo de uma vez. Ele já tem um endereço e conteúdo. Ainda está um pouco bagunçado e com tags e organização errada, porque estou importando alguns textos de outros lugares. Eu até pensei em já fazer um conteúdo pago para me ajudar a pagar a hospedagem, mas até o fim dessa história vou manter tudo livre. Se vocês puderem se inscrever e ajudar com as visualizações, eu ficaria agradecida; e claro, fique a vontade se você quiser dar uma olhada em algumas das coisas que eu escrevi nos últimos anos.

Obrigada pela compreensão.

Hi, how are you? I'm just dropping by to let you know that there won't be any new chapters this week. I'm setting up a website, and unfortunately I can't do everything at the same time. It already has an address and content. It's still a bit messy, with the wrong tags and organization, because I'm importing some texts from other places. I even thought about making some paid content to help me pay for the hosting, but until the end of this story I'm going to keep everything free. If you can subscribe and help with the views, I'd be grateful; and of course, feel free if you want to take a look at some of the things I've written over the last few years.

Escritora Aurora

Escritora Aurora

Originais e Fanfiction

Thanks for your understanding.