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

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^^

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!

gonna start asking for tumblr followers like a youtuber

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

Oii, como vai? Capítulo um pouco adiantado. Espero que vocês gostem.

Capítulos anteriores: CAPÍTULO I / CAPÍTULO II / CAPÍTULO III / CAPÍTULO IV / CAPÍTULO V / CAPÍTULO VI / CAPÍTULO VII

Nico não tinha certeza se devia estar fazendo isso. 

Não podia negar que noite passada tinha sido boa, porém, na vez antes disso, tentou com ex e… bem,  tinha sido tão ruim que tudo o que ele sentiu foi ansiedade, dor e vontade de vomitar. Assim que pôde, Nico saiu correndo e evitou falar ou se encontrar com Will durante o resto do tempo que ficou na Itália. Parte disso era vergonha por ter entrado em pânico, descobrindo no processo que não estava pronto para fazer certas coisas com meros desconhecidos, e a outra parte era… não queria admitir, mas era difícil para ele confiar nas pessoas. E daí se ele tivesse namorado outras pessoas depois de Will? Não era sua culpa se ele não conseguia relaxar ao redor do loiro. 

Era por esse motivo que hesitava, mesmo sabendo ser injusta a comparação entre os dois. Ou entre qualquer outra pessoa e Percy. Will nunca tinha o convidado para comer em lugares que ele gostava ou o levado para conhecer, ou melhor, redescobrir a cidade como Percy tinha feito naquela noite. Eles tomaram sorvete, visitaram um parque natural e andaram de mãos dadas pelas ruas iluminadas sob a luz do luar. Tinha sido uma noite tão calma e agradável que Nico se esqueceu do que tinha acontecido na Itália ou mesmo toda a confusão com Annabeth que ele nem gostava de lembrar. Mas ali estavam eles, novamente em seu quarto, mochilas e roupas jogadas ao chão.

Eles nem tinham acendido as luzes na pressa de chegar ao segundo andar da casa, indo em direção a sua cama o mais rápido que puderam. Sua jaqueta e camisa vieram primeiro, em seguida, Percy fez o mesmo consigo mesmo, mais rápido do que Nico podia acompanhar. 

Ele tinha arfado e suas pernas fraquejado, sentindo Percy o tocar com força, o puxando pela cintura e se moldando contra suas costas. 

Pele na pele, braços em volta dele e respirações apressadas em sincronia, lábios contra seu pescoço, o beijando suavemente, indo e voltando por sua nuca e encontrando o lóbulo de sua orelha, a mordiscando devagar. As mãos grandes e quentes de Percy subiram mais uma vez, o tocando nos ombros e deslizando lentamente para baixo, chegando em seus quadris para enfim o massageando por cima do jeans. Os botões foram os próximos, Percy os abrindo e descendo o zíper, como se desembrulhasse um presente valioso. Ele ainda não tinha certeza, não sabia o que acontecia com ele; uma hora queria Percy o tocando com toda a força de seu ser e na outra, não tinha certeza de nada. Apenas sabia que queria que Percy continuasse a segurá-lo para sempre, mas que não o machucasse ou o forçasse como outras pessoas tinham tentado.

— O que foi? — Percy disse contra a pele de seu ombro, colocando mais um beijinho ali que o fez estremecer, seu corpo relaxando sem sua permissão.

— Eu não sei. Eu…  

— Hm. — Percy murmurou, se movendo devagar com ele em direção a cama. — Você quer me dizer alguma coisa?

Sim, ele queria. Queria dizer que não estava bêbado o suficiente para ignorar seus medos e que tinha ignorado qualquer coisa sexual por mais de um motivo. Mas antes de chegarem à cama, Percy parou no meio do caminho e beijou seu pescoço mais uma vez.

— Sei que você tem medo. Sei que perdi o controle no passado. Mas você pode confiar em mim.

— Per. — Tinha sido apenas um beijo, um impulso descuidado no passado, e parece que aquele momento os perseguiria para o resto de suas vidas. — Não é isso. Eu...

— Então, me diga. E eu vou te dar. Não importa o que seja.

Por que isso era tão difícil?

— Eu... 

— É sobre o seu ex?

— Ele... ele...

Percy parou de se mover e até o ar ao redor deles se tornou imóvel.

— O que ele fez com você?

— Nada! — Nico se apressou em dizer, ansioso. — Não foi nada.

— Nico.

— Quer dizer! Você se lembra do Jason, o amigo que eu te contei? Ele impediu que Will...

Foi quando Percy o virou de frente para ele e segurou forte em seus ombros, seus olhos dilatados e ferozes o encarando como se Percy quisesse arrancar a verdade dele dessa forma. 

— Você mentiu para mim. O que mais esse garoto fez, hm?

— Percy!

Ele não queria acreditar que Percy era uma dessas pessoas. Ele o segurou pelos braços e o jogou na cama, prendendo suas mãos acima da cabeça.

— Me responda!

— Ele... ele me amarrou e... e tirou minha roupa... e quando... quando estava prestes a... Jason chegou, bateu em Will e me desamarrou! Feliz agora!?

Assim que ele disse isso, Percy o soltou e parou de tocá-lo imediatamente. Isso surpreendeu Nico, o ofendeu e o machucou na mesma proporção. Percy tinha nojo dele sabendo que outro homem o tinha tocado? Era isso?

Então, a cama se moveu e Percy o tocou no ombro suavemente.

— Não, bebê, não chora. Eu sinto muito.

— Você não me ama mais? — Nico perguntou e escondeu o rosto no travesseiro, tentando prender o soluço.

— Não, isso é impossível. Não quero que--

— Eu só… não gosto de ser amarrado e… — Outro soluço, — Foi horrível quando ele tentou… tentou me penetrar e…

— Shhh, está tudo bem. Prometo que não vou te tocar.

Ele não aguentava mais! Não era isso o que Nico queria. 

Chorando feito um bebê, ele engatinhou até onde Percy estava deitado todo tenso e sentou no colo dele, o abraçando bem apertado pelo pescoço.

— Eu quero que você me toque! Quero que você me foda até que eu não consiga andar, mas… doeu tanto! Não quero que doa. Quero que só você me toque! Só você me beije! Só você… ah!

Nico gritou e curvou as costas quando Percy o puxou pelos cabelos, aproximando seus rostos.

— Eu devia te punir. Devia te mostrar como um bom garoto tem que se comportar.

— Eu--

— Não terminei. Não importa com quem você transou na Itália, você mentiu para mim. Escondeu algo importante por causa de vergonha? Por que um garoto qualquer te enganou e te humilhou? O que aconteceu? Eu quero a verdade.

— Estou dizendo a verdade. — Nico virou a cara para o lado e se calou, ele se negava. Não era da conta de Percy o que ele tinha feito.

— Vai ser assim? Desde quando você começou a mentir para mim?

— Eu... eu não menti sobre não gostar.

— Você concordou em fazer alguma coisa e se arrependeu?

Nico acenou, sentindo o rosto esquentar.

— Você não confiava nele?

Acenou de novo.

— Pensei que estava pronto... e... — Nico deu de ombros. — Aí, Jason me ouviu gritar e... preso na cama... ele bateu em Will e Will ficou furioso. Will veio atrás de mim, mas eu não quis explicar o que tinha acontecido, então, eu terminei com ele e Will ficou mais furioso ainda… 

— Então, você brincou com o garoto, dispensou ele e deixou que as pessoas pensassem que esse Will era o culpado?

— Eu não queria fazer isso, eu só...

— Nico.

Percy o conhecia bem demais.

Ele odiava quando Percy falava assim com ele, sério e rígido, todo autoritário. Se sentia feito um garotinho repreendido e indefeso. O que o fez ver que faria de tudo para Percy perdoá-lo. Então, respirando fundo, disse:

— Sinto muito. Eu nunca faria isso com você.

— Você já fez. — Percy disse e o olhou de forma firme e dura, ainda o segurando pelos cabelos de um jeito doloroso que não doía de verdade. Mas Percy estava certo, ele tinha feito, tinha fugido sem uma explicação, e se arrependia muito. Se fosse necessário, passaria o resto da vida se desculpando.

— Como posso me redimir?

— Eu não sei.

— Por favor. Faço qualquer coisa.

— Qualquer coisa? — Então, Percy sorriu e soltou seus cabelos, se ajeitando contra o batente da cama. — Tire suas calças.

Nico fez o que Percy pediu. Ele se levantou, tirou as calças, cueca e meias e voltou para cama prestes a se sentar no colo de Percy quando foi parado. 

Percy o segurou pelo ombro e com o mesmo sorriso malicioso, disse: — De barriga para baixo. No meu colo.

— Eu não entendo.

— Logo você vai entender.

Ainda confuso, Nico se deitou contra as pernas de Percy e esperou. 

Momentos depois tudo fez sentido. 

Primeiro, sentiu Percy se aconchegar contra a cabeceira da cama, depois, com uma das mãos segurou em seus cabelos e com a outra, deslizou por suas costas, chegando a sua bunda.

— Ainda está disposto a continuar?

— Per?

— Eu te mimei muito. Permitindo que você fizesse o que quisesse.

— Eu não quis...

— Você vai obedecer?

— Espera!

— Ultima chance. Sim ou não?

Ele não sabia, tá bom!? Era muita pressão para ele aguentar. Quer dizer, Nico sempre quis tentar isso com Percy, mas ele não queria assim, uma punição no lugar de diversão.

— Nico?

— Eu não sei. — Ele enfim disse, derrotado. — Confio em você.

E então, meros segundos depois, a mão pesada de Percy estalou contra sua nádega direita, lhe arrancando um gemido abafado.

— Você está gostando. Não acredito nisso. — Vieram mais duas, uma em seguida da outra e Nico não pôde se conter, se contraiu todo, esfregando uma perna na outra, tentando esconder o efeito que as palmadas causaram nele.

Ele ouviu Percy arfar e ajeitá-lo em seu colo, a calça jeans roçando em seu membro exposto, e tudo o que pôde fazer foi se segurar nos lençóis para não gozar com o tratamento violento.

— Você está pronto para conversar? — A voz de Percy soou baixa a seus ouvidos, o fazendo estremecer.

— Eu já disse tudo o que queria.

— Quem mais fez isso com você?

Merda! Como Percy sabia? 

Percy mudou de lado e dessa vez o estalo reverberou no cômodo inteiro, o fazendo gemer de verdade, curvando a coluna. Quando ele não disse nada, Percy continuou, suas mãos batendo em sua pele e massageando o lugar até que ele quase... quase...

— Você disse para eu viver um pouco! Foi o que eu fiz! — Ele gritou, tentando se controlar, se contorcendo todo, sentindo o prazer vir mais rápido do que ele esperava. Até que Percy parou de repente, o mantendo no pico do êxtase para encerrar as palmadas sem avisar.

— Tudo o que eu quero é a verdade, Nico.

— Que bem isso vai trazer!? — Gritou mais uma vez, frustrado, tentando obedecer.

— Você pensa que pode mentir para mim? Quanto mais você esconde, mais eu quero saber.

— Percy! Não quero falar disso!

— Então, você não deve querer gozar.

— Você não vai fazer isso comigo!

— Quer apostar?

Percy o segurou pela cintura, o fez virar na cama e então o colocou sentado no colo dele, seu membro exposto para o ar frio do quarto, o mantendo imóvel com sua bunda ardendo contra o jeans de Percy.

— Percy!

— Eu não vou incentivar esse tipo de atitude.

— Que atitude?

— É por isso que eu sou tão ciumento, você sempre faz isso. Flertando com todo mundo e ignorando o problema quando a coisa fica séria.

— Eu não faço isso. Faço...?

— Você vai me enlouquecer!

— Eu não quis—

— Você nunca quer! Esse é o problema.

— O que você quer que eu faça?

— Seja sincero. É pedir muito?

— Eu... eu não sabia como te contar. Como eu poderia dizer: “Olha, Percy. Não fica bravo. Fiquei carente e deixei alguns garotos tocarem em mim de formas que tenho vergonha de admitir”.

— Não parece tão difícil agora. — Percy murmurou, o agarrando mais forte pela cintura. Ele até temia em saber o que aconteceria nos próximos dias. — Por que você faz isso comigo?

— Eu não queria que você pensasse que eu... que eu sou...

— Uma vadia que se oferece para quem te der atenção?

Nico olhou para fora da janela e tentou prender o que estava lutando para se libertar de seu peito.

— Nico, eu não me importo. Você pode ser meu doce Nico e pode ser esse ser sensual que gosta de provocar as pessoas. Fico triste que você sentiu a necessidade de esconder essa parte de mim.

— Eu não queria.

— Sei que não. Nunca pensei que você fosse um santo. Tudo o que eu peço é sinceridade. 

— Eu sei.

— Não quero te machucar, mas também não quero te tratar feito um cristal. Não fuja de mim. Eu te amo.

— Eu também te amo. — Nico disse, relaxando contra o peito de Percy. — Prometo que vou ser a pessoa mais honesta desse mundo.

***

As coisas pareciam ter se acalmado. Nico sentia que enfim o peso do mundo tinha sumido de suas costas, se sentia leve e livre, sem mais nada a esconder. Quer dizer, não tinha contado tudo o que aconteceu, porém, Percy agora sabia de tudo, de sua… sobre sua libido que tinha surgido na ausência de Percy e que agora parecia estar mais acesa do que nunca. 

Ele achava que tinha sido claro, não? Afinal, tinha gritado para quem quisesse ouvir. Sinceramente, estava feliz que após ouvir todas aquelas coisas Percy ainda estivesse a seu lado, no momento, debaixo das cobertas com ele, o abraçando pelas cintura e ombros, os mantendo colados um ao outro. Suas nádegas ainda doíam e seus olhos estavam inchados de tanto chorar. Não o entendam mal, ele estaria de joelhos se isso fosse melhorar sua situação, Percy apenas não estava no clima. Percy tinha tirado o resto das roupas que usava e tinha se deitado junto a Nico na cama, o abraçando e fechado os olhos em seguida. E Nico, como tinha ficado? Ainda excitado, mesmo com a dor das palmadas e a humilhação das confissões, tentando ficar imóvel entre os braços de Percy.  

Por longas horas tentou fazer exatamente isso, obedecendo à vontade de Percy. Mas não importava o quanto tentasse, abria e fechava os olhos de tempos em tempos, vendo as horas passarem lentas e torturantes, o céu mudando de tonalidades de escuras para outras um pouco mais claras. 

Ele não aguentava mais! Tocando na mão em volta de seu peito, Nico fez um esforço e tentou não acordar Percy, entretanto, o agarre em volta dele se apertou e os braços de Percy o puxaram de volta contra seu peito forte.

— Onde você pensa que vai?

— Eu preciso… hm…

— Você precisa?

Nico queria morrer, mas antes que esse fato se concretizasse, pegou uma das mãos sobre seu corpo e a levou para sua virilha.

— Entendo. — Percy murmurou, se aproximando mais.

Estava tudo bem, porque Nico enfim tinha o que desejou. Percy cobriu sua virilha inteira, engolfando seu membro e massageou devagar, bolas e falo, o apertando tão gostoso que em menos de um minuto estava ereto, como se a conversa anterior e as palmadas nunca tivessem acontecido. Aquilo era tão bom… por que era tão bom? Era por que Percy o estava tocando? Era algo mais emocional do que físico? Ou era a intimidade do meio da madrugada o fazendo se sentir leve e despreocupado, mas tão vulnerável que ele queria se esconder sob o corpo de Percy?

— O que você precisa? — Percy sussurrou contra seu pescoço, sua voz rouca de sono.

— Você pode me… você pode me foder? — Será que ele estava sendo claro o suficiente dessa vez?

— Você só precisa pedir.

Ele gemeu frustrado e escondeu o rosto no travesseiro, ansioso e sentindo a humilhação de ter que pedir, feito um garotinho carente, descendo por seu pescoço em forma do corar que o esquentava dos pés à cabeça. O bom nisso é que finalmente seu pedido foi concedido, Percy o inclinou um pouco para frente, abriu suas pernas e imediatamente sentiu dígitos molhados roçarem suavemente e sem pressa contra sua entrada. Ah… ele não sabia que esse gesto poderia ser tão relaxante e gostoso, massageando ao redor tempo o suficiente para que o orifício se abrisse e permitisse que os dedos de Percy o penetrasse, fácil e sem dificuldade, o abrindo com tanto cuidado que quando ele se viu estava deitado de bunda para cima e gemendo com três dedos dentro dele, mal sentiu Percy se deitar sobre seu corpo. 

Com um ligeiro desconforto que imediatamente deu lugar ao prazer, a cabeça do membro de Percy entrou em contato com sua entrada e o penetrou devagar com uma leve pressão, o fazendo se sentir feito uma flor que desabrochava, mas foi quando Percy se forçou um pouco mais para dentro, deixando que o peso de seu corpo ajudasse no deslizar, que Nico realmente viu estrelas.

 — Estou te machucando? Onde doí? Estou indo muito rápido?

Nico parou de respirar por um momento, muitas sensações ao mesmo tempo fritando seu cérebro. Ele… ele não sabia, estava relaxado demais para determinar se era o puro prazer, se tinha dor no meio ou sequer se precisava de uma pausa; Nico mal conseguia levantar a cabeça do travesseiro, quanto entender qualquer coisa que não fosse a necessidade de gozar.

— Bebê. — Percy suspirou, finalmente se encostando a suas costas, mantendo seus quadris parados, arfando. — Eu preciso.

— Hm. — Achava que tinha gemido, que estava prestes a gozar. Isso não podia ser normal. Não podia. Tão rápido.

— Fale comigo.

Então, Percy se acomodou melhor e aquela leve fricção dentro dele foi o suficiente para fazê-lo gemer, o fazendo apertar o membro dentro dele tão gostoso que Percy puxou seus cabelos, um aviso claro para Nico se comportar.

— Per!

Percy parou de novo, tentando recuperar o fôlego, e Nico derreteu mais uma vez na cama, procurando as palavras certas para dizer o que precisava.

— Per, eu… eu preciso… preciso…

— Vamos fazer assim, quando você não souber o que dizer e quiser continuar, diga “obrigado”. Quando estiver gostoso e mesmo assim quiser parar, diga “Por favor”.

— E se… e se eu não gostar?

— Diga pare e eu vou parar.

Parecia fácil o bastante, então, por que ainda tinha tanta dúvida? Esse era o momento que ele tinha a tendência de encerrar tudo. Era tão intenso que ele não conseguia continuar, mesmo quando ele usava seu vibrador favorito. Mas ele não queria parar, queria continuar e ver onde isso ia dar. Talvez se ele permitisse que Percy se movesse e o segurasse contra a cama, como exatamente como Percy estava fazendo poderia chegar ao fim.

— E, então? — Percy murmurou contra seu ouvido, o segurando firme pelos cabelos e cintura.

— Eu… tudo bem… obrigado.

— Esse é o meu garoto. Todo educado e obediente.

Nico… Nico não deixaria que aquelas palavras o fizessem se sentir mais à beira do precipício do que ele já estava. Mas quando Percy acariciou seu cabelo e os puxou, dizendo um rápido “Bom garoto”, Nico não conseguiu ignorar a reação que isso causava nele. Escondeu seu rosto no travesseiro ao mesmo tempo que um gemido foi arrancando dele e Percy enfim decidiu se mover.

Nessa noite, nada estava saindo como ele esperava, e ao invés de Percy fodê-lo rápido e forte, sentiu primeiro Percy girar os quadris, rebolando dentro dele para depois Percy se impulsionar para trás, devagar e gostoso, e voltar penetrá-lo mais devagar ainda, o fazendo curvar a coluna e gemer como ele nunca tinha gemido, sem deixar lugar para qualquer outro pensamento.

— Hmm. — Percy gemeu todo rouco, aumentando a velocidade e profundidade conforme os gemidos de Nico ficavam mais altos. — Sabia que você seria perfeito. Todo macio e cheiroso. O encaixe perfeito.

— Eu… eu… ah!

— Hm?

— Obrigado!

Nico achava que tinha gritado, que tinha se contorcido tanto que sentiu Percy segurá-lo pela nuca e forçar sua cabeça sobre o travesseiro, dizendo para ele respirar. Mas Nico não conseguia, Percy tinha acertado algo dentro dele que o fez apagar por um momento; estava gozando e gozando, cada vez que seu membro expelia, um choque de eletricidade atingia seu corpo, mas Percy ainda estava dentro dele, duro e pulsando, tão quente que Nico não sabia como não tinha sido queimado.

— Está tudo bem, assim. Eu vou cuidar de você.

Nico sentiu dedos contra sua virilha e em seu membro, o tocando suavemente. Ele gemeu de novo, pensando que iria morrer, sentindo seu orgasmo se estendendo até que não aguentou mais: 

— Por favor! — Então, gritou mais uma vez, lágrimas se forçando para fora de seus olhos, sufocado pelo prazer: — Por favor! 

— Bom garoto. — Percy gemeu em seu ouvido, sua voz firme e baixa, sentindo os quadris de Percy irem o mais profundo possível e gozar dentro dele, como Nico nunca havia permitido antes.

***

Percy admitia que não estava sendo justo com Nico. Não era nada planejado, ele nem pensava em transar com Nico tão cedo. Em um momento Nico estava todo excitado e no seguinte, o afastava, feito as milhares de vezes antes de tudo ir para os ares. Mas dessa vez… dessa vez Percy tinha decidido fazer exatamente o que Nico fazia com ele. Foi uma decisão de último minuto motivada pela frustração e desespero. Se ele fizesse Nico se sentir como ele se sentia, Nico pararia de torturá-lo, não?

Primeiro, tentou devagar e sem pressa, passeando pela cidade e parando na sorveteria favorita de Nico, depois, levou Nico para casa, o beijando apenas quando tiveram privacidade. Percy jurava que não pretendia fazer mais do que beijar Nico e ter uma noite tranquila, o problema apareceu quando Nico o beijou de volta, todo carente, e se virou de costas, esfregando aquela bundinha empinada contra sua virilha. Lá se ia seu autocontrole pelo ralo, Nico cheirava tão bem que Percy teve que beijar aquela pele macia, mordiscando a nuca e pescoço de Nico até encontrar a boca mordida e avermelhada, se perdendo nele, desabotoando os botões da camisa de Nico e então a sua própria para encontrar pele macia e sem pelos, o estômago liso e mamilos eriçados, pontudos, o forçando a brincar com eles longamente. Ele não conseguia parar de tocar, ouvindo gemidinhos arfados, Nico se enroscando contra ele até que bem… vocês podem imaginar, Nico ficou todo tenso e ele foi obrigado parar, tentando raciocinar no meio da densa névoa de excitação que percorria seu cérebro.

Tentou conversar e tentou se acalmar, mas aquela irritação continuava subindo por sua espinha. Ele não aceitaria ser feito de idiota mais uma vez. Percy não pensou, jogou Nico na cama, o prensou contra ela e segurou suas mãos acima da cabeça onde Nico não poderia usá-las para distraí-lo. O que pareceu ter sido um erro, embora a confissão e meias verdades tivessem escapado dos lábios de Nico feito uma cachoeira.

Agora, como ele sabia que Nico mentia? Nico desviou o olhar e tentou se soltar na tentativa de fuga. Nico nem percebia o que estava fazendo, ainda sem querer encará-lo. Por que era isso o que acontecia quando Nico sentia que não podia dizer a verdade, ele mentia, tentava distraí-lo ou fugir, como tinha feito há dois anos atrás e como fazia desde que eles eram crianças; quando o mundo ficava muito difícil para Nico lidar, ele se escondia, e sempre sobrava para Percy encontrá-lo e fazê-lo encarar a realidade. Estava tudo bem quando Nico fugia do resto do mundo, mas quando as coisas eram entres eles? Quem iria atrás de Nico para ter certeza que tudo estava bem?

Sinceramente? Ele não queria ouvir nada daquilo. Não queria saber quem tinha feito Nico decidir querer sexo ou quem tinha o traumatizado ao ponto de Nico se fechar tanto que ele foi obrigado a arrancar a verdade da unica pessoa que nunca precisou ter segredos. Percy estava tão cansado que… apenas decidiu se afastar, o vendo chorar na cama como se ele tivesse ofendido a mãe morta de Nico.

Foi demais para ele quando Nico disse um “Você não me ama mais?”. Como ele poderia não amá-lo? Alguns garotos e escapadas sexuais não seriam suficientes para destruir uma década inteira de dedicação e comprometimento. Entretanto, o pior de tudo foi ouvir “Eu só… não gosto de ser amarrado e… — Outro soluço, — Foi horrível quando ele tentou… tentou me penetrar e…”, sabe porque era horrível ouvir isso? Nico estava mentindo outra vez! Estava fazendo manha e seu rosto estava tão.. tão… excitado! Numa mistura de prazer e vergonha tão grande que nada que Nico dissesse no momento Percy seria capaz de acreditar.

Infelizmente, Percy não tinha muitas opções. Ele respirou fundo e disse a única coisa correta e racional que poderia, tentando acalmar Nico, o que pareceu piorar as coisas. Desesperado, Nico engatinhou para seu lado da cama e montou em seu colo, bem em cima de sua ereção e o olhou com aqueles olhos cheios de lágrimas de crocodilo que mais o excitava do que o preocupava, embora a forma ansiosa e angustiada que Nico agia fosse um indicador mais certeiro do que se passava na mente de seu doce e não mais inocente garotinho.

Ele estava tentando fazer o certo, não estava? Mas parecia que Nico não queria isso. Com eles era tudo ou nada, a próxima fala de Nico apenas deixava tudo mais claro: “Eu quero que você me toque! Quero que você me foda até que eu não consiga andar, mas… doeu tanto! Não quero que doa. Quero que só você me toque! Só você me beije! Só você!” e quem era ele para negar o que seu bebê dramático e manipulador queria? Ele não podia culpar Nico quando o garoto tinha aprendido com o melhor. Não que Nico estivesse enganando alguém ali, mas se isso era o que Nico precisava para dizer o que estava engasgado, ele faria o desejo de Nico se realizar; o que resultou em algo que ele nunca poderia prever: palmadas, gritos e confissões que dessa vez saíram bem mais sinceras, embora ele tenha a impressão que Nico ainda guardava coisas dentro do peito.

Bem, ele não estava preocupado. Arrancaria cada um desses segredinhos que Nico pensava poder esconder dele. Não porque quisesse saber, mas porque Nico parecia tão aliviado enquanto cada mísera palavra escapava da própria boca que sabia que o relacionamento deles nunca estaria perfeito enquanto Nico não confessasse tudo para ele, exatamente como sempre tinha sido. Admitia que não estava pronto para o que veio em seguida e admitia que queria fazer Nico sofrer um pouco, o que não chegava perto do que Nico fez com ele, mesmo que espalmar aquela bundinha empinada tenha sido eficaz. Agora ele entendia porque Nico tinha fugido de sexo por tanto tempo, o garotinho era tão sensível que em poucos toques ele estava gemendo como se estivesse prestes a morrer e tão apertado que ele enfim acreditou quando Nico dizia ser virgem. Percy foi paciente e cuidadoso o fazendo relaxar para então… bem, fazer seu melhor para não gozar enquanto deslizava para dentro daquele canal apertado e quente.

A partir desse momento foi rápido. Nico apenas conseguia gemer e mal conseguia completar o que falava, arfando e choramingando, estatelado na cama. Não que ele tivesse melhor, segurou nos cabelos de Nico, o mantendo no lugar quando sentiu Nico estremecer dos pés a cabeça, quase o jogando para fora da cama. Percy não tinha conseguido se mover muito, tentando pensar no conforto de Nico, mas tinha sido o suficiente. Alguns momentos depois foi sua vez, gozando fundo dentro da pessoa mais importante de sua vida.

***

— Bom garoto. — Percy tinha dito, ainda dentro de Nico. Ele se permitiu curtir o momento, mas quando a sensitividade chegou, foi obrigado a deslizar para fora, observando o sêmen escorrer pela pele morena.

Ele ainda estava irritado, levemente incomodado pela forma que Nico o fez perder o controle. Mas agora vendo Nico estatelado no colchão como se tivesse corrido uma maratona e ainda com lagrimas descendo de seu olhos negros, Percy tinha se decidido, nunca mais deixaria que seus sentimentos interferissem em seu relacionamento com Nico; ele amava seu pequeno mentirosinho que preferia esconder o que realmente queria se isso fosse garantir que as pessoas gostassem dele.

Percy respirou fundo e deixou que suas mãos abandonassem os cabelos de Nico, se deitando ao lado dele, prestes a sair da cama em busca de algo para limpar Nico. Isso é, ele teria se levantado se Nico não tivesse choramingado, segurando em seu braço.

— Onde você vai? Eu estou perdoado? — Nico piscou lentamente, parecendo que iria cair no choro se não escutasse o que queria.

O que ele podia dizer? No fim, as lágrimas de crocodilo sempre funcionavam.

Ele sorriu, porque sabia que isso sempre acalmava seu doce bebê, e se aproximou, o beijando suavemente nos lábios.

— Não há nada a perdoar.

— Per.

— Lindo. — Percy o beijou de novo e de novo até que Nico voltou a relaxar na cama, ainda de barriga para baixo.

— Não me deixe.

— Nem pra ir no banheiro? 

Nico negou, afundando o rosto no travesseiro. Mas ele pegou na mão de Percy e a trouxe para o próprio cabelo, no exato lugar onde ele tinha o segurado momentos atrás.

Percy entendeu tudo e começou a acariciá-lo ali, devagar e suavemente, ouvindo Nico ronronar feito um gatinho manhoso.

— Nós não terminamos de conversar ainda.

— Desculpa. — Nico murmurou, sua voz saindo abafada.

— O que você esconde que te faz hesitar tanto?

— Como você pode me amar depois disso? Como alguém poderia? — Nico enfim levantou a cabeça e o encarou todo choroso.

— Nico.

— Eu me sinto uma vadia suja que não precisava cobrar por sexo, mas faz porque gosta.

— Qual o problema em gostar?

— Eu sou uma farsa! Todo mundo acha que eu sou esse… esse ser puro… e olha pra mim agora! — Nico voltou a enterrar o rosto no travesseiro e reclamar, mas parecia que suas lágrimas estavam acabando. Ele devia estar muito relaxado para conseguir ficar irritado.

— Nico! — Ele acabou rindo e Nico choramingou de volta, indignado. Ele então acariciou as costas desnudas de Nico e Nico se rendeu, derretendo em suas mãos.

— Isso não é justo! Você nunca me leva a sério. — Nico se virou de costas para a cama e o encarou fazendo uma careta adorável, e percebendo seu estado, tentou puxar as cobertas para cima de si. Ele teria conseguido se Percy não o tivesse parado, o segurando pelo ombro, deslizando suas mãos até elas chegarem na nuca de Nico, e se aproximou dele, juntando suas testas.

— Eu levo, juro que levo. Na verdade, queria pedir desculpas. Não devia ter te tratado assim.

— Me tratado como?

— Você não vê o problema?

— Hm?

— Nico, eu bati em você, te joguei na cama. Fiz algo que você não queria.

— Eu… — Nico piscou lentamente, e o surpreendeu, não desviando o olhar do seu. — Eu gostei. Só… não foi uma boa experiência quando tentaram me amarrar. Eu não me importo de tentar com você. Eu me assustei, você nunca foi violento comigo. Eu gostei. Gostei muito.

— Não faz isso comigo. — Percy implorou, tentando impedir que aquelas ideias se formassem em sua cabeça.

— Eu quero que você me bata de novo. Pode me jogar na cama quantas vezes quiser. Só me promete que sempre vai me amar. — Nico disse, sua expressão toda aberta e vulnerável, e infelizmente Percy soube, Nico não estava mentindo.

— Eu te amo. Sempre. Mesmo quando você me deixa louco.

Nico desviou os olhos dele por um instante e quando voltou a encará-lo, mordia os lábios, como se não tivesse certeza de algo.

— Eu quero… quero te satisfazer… e se… e se me fazer chorar ou me fazer gritar é o que te agrada… eu não me importo.

Percy arfou, tentando não demonstrar como seu corpo estava reagindo com essas palavras, mas como resistir quando Nico falava daquela forma quase inocente e na voz mais doce e afável?

— Eu não quero te fazer chorar.

— Mentiroso. — Nico disse, um sorriso começando a surgir em suas suaves feições. — Eu não quero que você se reprima por minha causa.

— Você tem que fazer o mesmo.

Nico mordeu os lábios e pareceu pensar sobre o assunto, suas mãos pequenas vindo parar sobre os ombros de Percy.

— Eu não sei se consigo. Como eu poderia dizer essas coisas?

— Você parece não ter problemas no momento.

— É porque estou… estou flutuando nas endorfinas. Não sei quanto tempo vai durar.

— O que te faria sentir melhor?

— Eu amo quando você me toca em qualquer lugar. 

— Onde?

— No pescoço. Na mão. No pulso. Na… na cintura.

— Assim? — Percy deslizou os lábios pelo rosto de Nico e o beijou no lado do pescoço, aplicando uma leve pressão ali.

— Hmhmm. — Nico suspirou, fechando os olhos. — Eu amo quando… quando você me diz o que fazer, quando… quando toma o controle.

Percy parou por um momento e deixou o ar sair. Com Nico sempre era difícil saber, se ele fazia o que queria ou se Nico fazia o que os outros esperavam dele. Era melhor ir com calma.

— Eu quero que você saiba. Você pode me contar qualquer coisa. Vou ficar com ciúme, mas nunca vou te julgar.

Nico soltou uma risadinha toda feliz e manhosa, e se virou em direção a Percy, encostando a cabeça em seu ombro.

— Só se você me contar também.

— É um trato, então.

Ele beijou o rosto de Nico, se levantou e foi até o banheiro. Quando voltou com uma toalha quente e umedecida, Nico finalmente estava dormindo, todo encolhido em seu lado da cama e com um doce sorriso nos lábios.

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Ahhhhh esse capítulo foi tãoooo cliche! Serio! Não sei o que aconteceu, pelo menos espero que tenha sido divertido. Comentários são sempre bem-vindos. E obrigada por ler. Na sexta tem um capítulo traduzudo, e para quem está lendo a versão em inglês quero avisar que teve mudanças mínimas, como o Percy nunca ter namorado com Annabeth e uma frase ou outra.

Até logo.

Hey guys let me tell you about advance fee scams

I hope y'all are familiar with these in this day and age, especially my artists out there, because they're incredibly common.

About half an hour ago I posted a drawing and tagged it #artists on tumblr, and very quickly received this comment.

My scam radar went off immediately, due to the generic blog name and lack of any emotion in the comment, but I decided it might be an entertaining venture so I dmed them. They asked for a drawing "of these", and sent me a random selfie. I got the details and told them it would be $15, and they promptly offered me $300. At this point I know it's a scam, but I play along for funsies and give them my paypal. Shortly, they send me this image for "confirmation" (I blocked out my email)

And they began to insist that I checked my email. I looked in my spam folder and found the following email.

This is fake. This is not a thing. And the "you're to refund the $200.00 back" is the scam. They send vaguely official-looking emails at you to "prove" that they sent you the money, then have you send them $200 (or however much the scam is for). Then, surprise surprise, you're out $200.

I continued to play along for a bit, and in the second email "Paypal" told me that I had to refund the $200 before they could "credit the $300 to my account", along with these lovely threats.

And yeah, it's silly. But it's not silly if you don't know and get scammed. So. Spread, please! And thank you very much to @mlaurel for the opportunity to get these screenshots.

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

Hi, how are you doing? We're finally back with the English version. I took a break from the Portuguese version because I couldn't connect with my dramatic side, so in the next few days we'll have the English version. I hope you enjoy it.

Before we go any further, I'd like to know who is still interested in this story written in English. It's more work than the Portuguese version. So, if you're still interested, vote below!

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

If Nico had known, he wouldn't have gotten out of bed that morning. In fact, if he had the power, he would have gone back in time to the exact moment before he fought with Annabeth at the party and done everything differently; he would’ve keep lying to Percy, pretending that everything was fine, even if at the end of the day, it was one less problem he had to deal with. Yes, he was the only one to blame for all this, for not telling what was happening with himself at the right time and for not saying enough at the wrong time. In the end, Percy was only doing what he had asked, but in a way that Nico hadn't anticipated, taking control of the situation when he least expected it. A good example of this was that morning, a Monday like any other. Or so he thought.

Nico didn't know how he hadn't noticed these things before, how much the loneliness had disappeared with Percy's presence and, in turn, the reaction he caused in people. Nico had been back for a week or two, but it seemed like the two years abroad had never happened. People still looked at him and treated him the same way, the prejudice veiled and barely hidden for anyone to see. Was it the color of his skin? Homophobia? Or it was the fact that Percy once again ignored anyone when he was around? Was a weight Nico couldn't remember feeling before. It wasn't like he could help it or had any inclination to do so, because that morning Nico had woken up the way he had always imagined impossible, with lingering kisses and caresses that made him sigh. With tight hugs that warmed his soul and made him feel safe. Of course, all this came to a halt when they had to get out of bed and go to school and face the cruel world of teenagers. 

He barely noticed the silence around them until Nico walked in with Percy for the first lesson of the day. He only understood what was happening when he saw Annabeth at the back of the class, surrounded by a group of people. 

"Don't mind her, okay?" Percy said and brought Nico's hand to his lips.

Then, everything made sense. They were holding hands, walking around the school without a care in the world. Nico bet Annabeth was doing her best to spread the latest gossip; the popular basketball player was sleeping with the newly transferred boy, even though he was sure most people remembered him.

Nico didn't have much more time to think about what people were whispering. Percy pulled him to the other side of the room and sat with him in one of the corner desks, perfectly away and protected from curious eyes. He wished he could say he hadn't been able to concentrate in class, when in fact it was the opposite; the whispers became background noise and the next thing Nico knew, another school day was drawing to a close, Nico seeing himself in the reflection of the car window, watching the avenue full of trees and stores, the bustling commerce at that time of day.

"Are you okay?" Percy asked beside him, placing a hand on his leg as he drove towards their house, or rather, towards the Jacksons' house. 

"I think so. Can we stop by my house? I wanted to get my things.”

"What's wrong? My clothes not enough?" 

Percy was joking, of course. He couldn't go on wearing the shirts that kept slipping off his shoulders or his old clothes, even if they were in very good condition.

"Per.”

"It's all right. I'll do anything for my baby." Percy flashed him a huge smile, as if he'd just told him the best joke in the world, and Nico decided to ignore it. 

Every time he said he wasn't a baby, something happened to show how right Percy was. Staying quiet, Nico put his hands over Percy's hand and held them, intertwining their fingers.

"We're almost there. Do you want me to get it or you do it?"

It was a good question. Nico didn't want to find Hades inside the house, but it had been days since he had talked to Bianca.

"Will you come with me?"

"Of course. Whatever you need." 

So, after a few minutes, Percy parked the car in front of the house and they both stopped at the door, the doorman letting him through as soon as he recognized him. Nico didn't even try to greet the man, all he wanted was to get his things as quickly as possible and talk to Bianca if she was home. Imagine his surprise when he saw his father in the living room, sitting on the couch while reading the newspaper and drinking a cup of coffee.

"Nico, what a surprise. I thought you'd forgotten where your home is.”

"That's funny." Nico replied. He didn't even bother to see his father's reaction, and looking ahead, made his way up the stairs. "I thought I didn't have a father."

"Boy! Come back here right now!”

Of course, it wasn't like he would obey a complete stranger. Nico kept on walking calmly, and even though he overheard Percy exchanging a few words with Hades, it didn't shake him. It was something common between them. Soon Percy was at his side again, offering him a smile and a friendly shoulder. Honestly? Nico didn't care. He cared less and less. He already had a family, and wasn't an irresponsible man who would make him feel guilty for ignoring someone who should be the first to support him. 

Without making too much of a mess, Nico picked up his suitcases, his personal belongings and some boxes that had just arrived from Italy, and walked around the room, making sure he had everything.

"Is that all?" Percy asked him, looking sad.

"The rest is in Verona. I didn't know how long I'd be here.”

"What does that mean?”

Nico shrugged and checked under the bed.

"I thought you'd be dating someone. Getting ready to get married, you know? I thought I'd come back to finish school and apologize. And then... I guess go back to Italy to help my nona.”

"Really? I mean so little to you?" Percy looked hurt, but that wasn't the point.

"I didn't expect all of this.”

Nico decided to face Percy when the silence stretched longer than usual.

"I always forget what I did to you.” Percy said.

No, Nico refused to get into this argument again. He refused.

"I mean..." Nico said, trying to change the subject. "You knew where I was.”

"I did." Percy agreed. "I was planning to go after you. After I graduated.”

"Hm." Nico muttered without knowing what to say. That was a good thing, right?

"I wanted to give you time to... live.”

"I don't think I understand.”

"I didn't want you to live wondering what could have happened without my shadow hanging over you. I know that's stronger than both of us.”

When Percy talked like that, it sounded as if they had no choice, as if they had no free will. Maybe it was. Because if Percy had shown up at his door, he would have dropped everything and said yes to anything Percy suggested.

"Sorry, I didn't want to talk about it again. Let's go, okay?" Percy said and kissed his cheek, trying to smile, before picking up the suitcases and one of the boxes, leaving him to carry the lighter items. 

They went down the stairs and there was Hades blocking the way. Luckily, Bianca was there too, she took some things from his hand and tried to smile at him, just like Percy had done, trying to comfort him.

"Nico, we need to talk." Hades said, still blocking the exit door.

"Now you want to talk? What would you have to tell me?”

"We need to talk about your future.”

"Future? As long as it's away from you, I accept it.”

"I'm your father. You owe me respect!”

"What respect?”

"Nico, please." Bianca stepped between them and, pleading with her eyes, kept talking: "Could you listen to what he has to say?”

"I'm sorry." Nico said, not feeling guilty at all. "I don't want to know about his plans for me. It's your responsibility now.”

"I know we wronged you and--"

"Wronged me?" Nico shook his head, refusing to believe it. "I love you, Bia. I really do. But I have nothing to do with the Di Angelo family. He's your father much more than mine. Enjoy it.”

"Niccolas. Obey me this instant!" Hades' voice boomed through the room, deep and hoarse, like thunder. Maybe this had terrified him a few years ago, now all he felt was a deep anger.

"What are you going to do? Hit me? Isn't that your favorite way of dealing with disobedient little boys?”

The following scene became quite a spectacle in Nico's eyes. Bianca went pale as a sheet of paper, Hades got even angrier, but the most interesting reaction was to see Percy freeze like the most perfect Greek statue. Would this be another layer of guilt for Percy to “ not try to talk to him about?”

"It's okay. Go ahead." Nico said when no one else dared to say a word. "Make sure you leave at least one mark, so it's easier to hand over as evidence to the authorities. What do you think of that?”

"You wouldn't have the nerve.”

"No? Then try your luck." And yet, when Hades didn't move away from the door, Nico was forced to continue: "Are you going to force me or are you going to get out of the way?”

"You damn--"

"Nico, leave it to me. I'll take care of this." Percy said beside him, reminding him that his boyfriend was still there. It was strange. Usually these things happened when there were no witnesses.

That was it!

"You don't have to. I know Hades will make the right decision, won't he? Especially with two witnesses present?

Nico then turned to Hades and waited. Hades might be irresponsible and violent, but he wasn't stupid. 

Still fuming with anger, Hades walked away from the door, but not before saying:

"What are you going to do? Live the rest of your life on other people's money? Begging for attention?"

"What I do is none of your business. Soon you won't have any power over me or what belongs to my mother. Say goodbye to your fortune, dear Papa.”

With that, Nico turned his back on Hades and walked out the door, never to return. He would make Hades pay for everything he had done and make him return every penny that had been taken from his mother.

***

Nico felt lucky. Really.

They got his things into the car in time for Bianca to say she would call him, enough time for Percy to close the car doors and to drive away from that house. Now, why did he feel lucky? Well, he was lucky that Percy waited until they got home to hug and try to comfort him. The funny thing is, he didn't need to be comforted. This time, all Nico wanted was to hit something to see if it would take the tension out of his shoulders. What did he do? He let himself be comforted anyway. He let Percy hug him tightly, he let Percy stroke his hair in that way that made his hair stand on end, and he let Percy kiss him for a long time.

"I didn't know. I never-- why didn't you tell me?”

"I knew you'd do something stupid.”

"He hit you! And I... I did the same!”

"I wouldn't say that. Hades has never been so talented at making me cum.”

"Nico!”

"Sorry! " He ended up laughing, feeling some of the tension leave his body. "I didn't want to be sent away because of him.”

"I'm so sorry.” Percy said, holding him even tighter. “You had to go through all of that and I never suspected. All makes sense now. You didn't like going home and avoided Hades at all costs.

"I didn't want to worry you.”

"Don't say that. Hades will never see you again. That's a promise.”

"What are you going to do?”

"Do you trust me?”

How could he not when Percy looked at him so seriously and with those intense green eyes?

"I do. You know that.”

"I’ll take care of you. And this time, I’ll make sure those people pay for what they did.”

And again, Nico thought about objecting. But if Percy wanted to, who was he to deny it? Nico knew he shouldn't like being put on a pedestal or being protected as if he were made of glass. The real problem was that he liked it, loved seeing the sense of possession that emanated from Percy. Was it even a problem when he allowed it to happen and even consented to Percy's actions? 

Tired of hesitating, Nico just agreed, letting Percy keep on with the kissing and the cuddling. The best part was when Sally arrived from work with Grover and Tyson. He snuggled against Percy's chest and allowed himself to enjoy the moment, watching the Jackson family's reaction. Well, seeing his family's reaction, because they were the ones who had offered him a home when he thought he had nothing. But, seeing them go from surprised to furious in less than two minutes was shamefully satisfying. It was something that warmed his soul and stroked his sense of revenge. Why try to fight his nature when he could have everything he wanted? In the end, Nico heard a lot of “I'm sorry” and “we'll take care of everything”, ending with “you're safe with us”.

Nico also knew that they weren't just saying that to comfort him, but seeing their faces full of affection and a sense of justice made something inside him calm down, a huge satisfaction bubbling out of him in the form of a smile. That shouldn't be too common, right? To start laughing when they showed so much concern? The truth was that Nico already felt vindicated just by the fact that someone knew what kind of person Hades Di Angelo really was.

"Thank you." He ended up saying when the family hugged him together, Sally almost crying while Grover and Tyson had a serious, neutral expression on their faces, reminding him of when Percy was trying to control himself so as not to destroy whatever he saw along the way; Percy might be the family member who showed his emotions the most, but behind the innocent and kind face it was Tyson who acted first.

Any thoghts? Thanks for reading!

first time writing fanfiction of a character : uughh i hope this is all canon accurate... it cant be canon innacurate at all or the enitire fandom will throw rocks at me...

10057th time writing the character: heres them working at a mcdonalds

it's always so fascinating and heartbreaking when a character in a story is simultaneously idolized and abused. a chosen prophet destined for martyrdom. a child prodigy forced to grow up too fast. a powerful warrior raised as nothing but a weapon. there's just something so uniquely messed up about singing someone's praises whilst destroying them.

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

Look who's back! Since I wasn't going to be able to post over the weekend, I decided to release the chapter today. I hope you like it!

Previous chapters: CHAPTER I / CHAPTER II / CHAPTER III / CHAPTER IV / CHAPTER V / CHAPTER VI / CHAPTER VII / CHAPTER VIII / CHAPTER IX / CHAPTER X / CHAPTER XI / CHAPTER XII

Previously:

''My baby is jealous, hm?’’

''I don't know what you're talking about. ''But the blush on Nico's face said what Percy needed to know.

''Why don't we talk somewhere quiet?'' But before leading Nico away from the crowd, Percy turned to Annabeth: "You weren't invited. Go away.”

''But, Percy! You promised!’’

''I didn't promise you anything.’’

''Your lying--’’

''I won't repeat it.’’

With that, he took Nico by the hand and led him into the house, leaving behind a curious crowd and a blonde foaming with rage. The worst thing was that instead of getting angry at the display of possessiveness, his chest felt warm again. He couldn't even judge Nico's behavior when he himself had done worse thinfs. In fact, Percy loved seeing Nico so affected and emotional, so different from the little boy who kept everything to himself and never showed his feelings. Percy felt relieved, like he didn't have to carry these feelings alone and that maybe, just maybe, Nico wanted him as much as Percy wanted Nico.

''Stop smiling.'' Nico murmured against his shoulder, still holding him by the waist. It was okay because Percy was holding him back, just as tight as Nico, guiding him back and up the stairs, into his room once again, both of them sitting on his bed.

''You want to talk?'' Percy tried. He loved knowing that Nico had acted that way because of him, the problem was that this wasn't Nico's usual behavior. And if there was something wrong, Percy wanted to fix it before it was too late.

Not that he really expected Nico to hide anything from him, but...

''It's nothing.'' Then, Nico lifted his head from his shoulder and stared at him with those big, black, watery eyes, and grabbed his shirt as if he was going to rip it out of the way. ''It's just... it's just that she keeps stalking me! Saying that you hook up with her and... and that you spent a lot of time together and that's why you were going to the dance with her!

''Nico. Baby.'' Maybe Percy was sounding a bit... authoritarian. Rude. Cold, even. Sometimes it was the only way to get Nico to listen to him, which worked perfectly.

Nico immediately stopped complaining and his face flushed an incredible shade of red. Percy loved these moments when he could see the old Nico resurface, all obedient and well-behaved, so shy that it made Percy want to lock the door and show how insignificant Annabeth truly was. Maybe he should, actions would always speak louder than words.

''What's the problem?'' Percy tried one more time.

''Is it true?”

''I hooked up with some boys. Luke is one of them. She only helped me with a few study sessions and in return I would go to the prom with her.’’

''That's it?'' Nico moved closer to him, kneeling on the bed and crawling to sit on his lap.

''I would never date her. After studying with her twice, I ended our sessions.’’

''Why?’’

''I didn't need it anymore.'' Percy shrugged, but that didn't seem to convince Nico even in his inebriated state.

''She tried to kiss you, didn't she?’’

''How do you know that?’

''She may have implied something like that…’’

So that was the problem.

''Darling, you don't have to worry. I'm going to marry you. Isn't that enough to prove how much I love you?’’

Nico looked at him for a long moment and bit his lips, looking anxious: "Just because you gave me a ring doesn't mean that a wedding is going to happen.’’

Gods! And Percy thinking he was the insecure one in the relationship.

''Do you want to set a date? How about the month after our graduation? The summer before college?’’

''I…'' Nico opened his eyes wide, seeming to wake up, and sat down better on Percy's lap, putting some distance between them. ''We didn't even had an engagement party! How could I arrange… arrange…

Now Nico looked like he was going to throw up. Or maybe run away of anxiety.

''Shhh... it's an idea I want you to think about. I want to be with you for the rest of my life. A party and a document saying we're a couple is just a detail. Do you understand me, Nico?’’

''Per!'' Nico squealed and threw himself at Percy, catching him off guard. Nico knocked them backwards onto the bed and Percy laughed, surprised and pleased, hearing Nico sniffle: "Why do you do this to me? I want to get married somewhere beautiful and outdoors! With lots of music and food. Then I want to travel all summer with you and take you to meet my Nona!

''That's great. But why are you crying?'' Percy smiled at Nico and put his hand to his slightly flushed face, now beginning to swell  because of the tears. ''Don't cry, okay?’’

''Then don't say those things to me! My heart can't take it.'' To show how sincere Nico was, he took Percy's hand and brought it to his chest. 

In fact, Nico's heart was racing, beating wildly against his hands. Maybe Percy should give one more reason for Nico's heart to continue beating so hard because of him. Then, watching Nico's rushed breathing, Percy slid his hand from Nico's chest to his abdomen, slowly and sensuously, down a little further and found Nico's pants. A few gentle touches were all it took and with a slight pressure, a small bulge formed there, Percy deciding that if they hurried no one would notice their delay.

''What-what are you doing?’’

''Showing how special my boy is to me.’’

''Percy!’’

It was already too late for Nico. Percy took Nico off his lap, put him on the bed, knelt on the fluffy carpet and pulled Nico to the edge of the bed. In a few moments, Percy unzipped Nico's jeans and pulled out his cock, all erect and wet at the head, a few fine hairs decorating his crotch. Percy liked that about Nico, he liked everything about him, from the small member to the discreet hairs, he loved that with the gentlest of touches Nico always got aroused, sometimes trying to hide it, sometimes slyly letting himself go. Today, they seemed to be in the middle ground, Nico touching his shoulders, looking like he was going to stop him just to moan and throw his head back when Percy stroked the base, feeling the soft skin, wrapping his hand around Nico's entire cock, massaging slowly until a real mess was done.

''Do you want to cum in my hand or in my mouth?'' Percy asked, intending to let Nico decide, only to have the pleasure of seeing the same e shyness emanate from Nico's features. ''If you don't tell me, I won't let you cum.’’

''Per-cy!’’

''Come on, just a word.’’

''No!’’

''Do you want me to stop?’’

''Percy!’’

''Please?’’

When Percy saw that this time he had lost, he gave up.

''This time, I'll decide. But next time, I'll torture you until you beg me.’’

Percy was a man of his word. Without warning, he grabbed Nico's legs, put them over his shoulders and grabbed Nico's hips, holding him in place. He'd like to say Nico had lasted, the problem was that they didn't have much time. A long lick, a kiss on the head and a few sucks were all it took for Nico to come, Nico's legs wrapped around his shoulder and long, slender fingers dug in, tugging at his hair. It was a wonderful sight for Percy. Under two minutes Nico had come and now the little boy was gasping at the ceiling, melted against the sheets. Percy could safely say, it had been a record even for him. But that was okay, they had the rest of the night and Sunday to enjoy themselfs.

***

After five minutes, Nico and Percy appeared at the party  hand in hand and both much calmer than before. Nico had a flushed face and a relaxed expression, while Percy had his hair slightly out of place and a big smile on his face. It was obvious what had happened to anyone with a lick of common sense, although it was something new for the small crowd at that dinner. Nico used to be an untouched angel, but it seemed that now he had become human like everyone else. 

Well, Percy didn't mind the gossip, which didn't mean he liked the way people looked at Nico. Would it be too bad if he took Nico and went somewhere else? Maybe…

''Percy, my boy!'' Percy heard a voice booming behind them and immediately knew who it was. The infamous Hades. Not for him, but it wasn't Percy who had to live with an absent father. Poseidon may have betrayed his mother, but the man was present at every stage of his life.

''Sir.'' Percy greeted.

''I see you've finally got your act together.’’

Hades approached and, with a big smile full of white teeth and eyes as black as Nico's, shook his hand energetically. When it was Nico's turn to be hugged, the boy took a step back, his previously happy features turning bitter faster than a rotten fruit falling to the ground.

''Hades.'' Nico said, and just to make sure, he took another step back, away from Hades and Percy. ''Who invited you?’’

''Sally. I came with Bianca. She must be here somewhere.’’

''Good.'' Without another word, Nico turned his back on them and walked into the crowd, disappearing from sight.

''I see things are going well?’’

''They are. Thanks.’’

''How is Nico?’’

''Very good. Better than before.’’

''That's good. Keep it up.’’

With that, Hades touched his shoulder, waved and as quickly as Nico, disappeared among the crowd. 

What could Percy say? The Di Angelo's were known for their brevity. They were always direct and said only what they needed to say. It might seem strange, Percy knew that. The fact was that he and Hades had a deal. Percy would tell him what was going on in Nico's life and Hades wouldn't meddle in their relationship. It worked well for everyone. There was a time when Percy thought that Hades would stop him and Nico from being friends, but then the next day Hades paid a visit to his house, spoke to his mother and apologized. They've had this agreement ever since. Nico knows this, of course, which doesn't make it any easier. Percy was always worried when father and son met, so it was his turn to get into the crowd, looking for Nico's black hair.

It didn't take long to find him. Nico was sitting at one of the empty tables; plates, bowls and cutlery were already arranged on the table for the dinner that would take place later. No one needed to be told what was going on. Percy came around the table and hugged Nico from behind, squeezing him tightly between his arms.

''I'm so sorry.'' He whispered so that only Nico could hear.

''Did he ask how I was?’’

''Yes.’’

''Ridiculous.’’

And it really was. Instead of Hades talking to his son, the man preferred to ask him, or anyone other than Nico himself.

''I'm sorry.'' That was all he could say. Then he put his face against Nico's neck and kissed him there, listening to Nico laugh, contracting all over.

''It tickles.’’

''Tickles, sure.’’

''You dork.’’

Nico turned in his arms and finally hugged him back, sighing and leaning his face against Percy’s shoulder.

''I don't know why I still care.’’

''He's your father.’’

''He didn't even had the courage to visit us at Nona's house! And then he shows up like this, like everything’s fine.’’

''I know.’’

''Do you know how long it's been since I've seen him? A whole year! I had to call him to let him know I was coming back. What kind of father does that?’’

''Shhh. He's not worth your worry.’’

''It's so frustrating!’’

''Nico.’’

''What?’’ 

''Would you like to dance with me?’’

''What'' This made Nico stop in the middle of another rant and raise his head, his eyes watering without shedding any tears.

''Let's dance.’’

Percy took Nico's hand and pulled him gently across the lawn until they reached the center of the garden, where a makeshift dance floor had been set up. Percy stopped in the center of the dance floor made of a kind of plastic flooring and approached Nico, putting one of his hands on Nico's waist and the other on his shoulder, while Nico just stood there in the middle of the other people dancing, his frozen reaction drawing even more attention than usual.

''Percy! They're looking at us!'' Nico muttered between his teeth, trying to hide against Percy's chest.

''Let them look. They must be jealous. Look at you, so beautiful and intelligent. How could they not admire something so pretty?’’

''Per-cy!’’

''Okay.'' Percy smiled at Nico and pulled him closer until not a inch remained between them. ''Look at me, okay? Just look at me.’’

The expression on Nico's face softened and only then did Nico relaxed, placing his hands on Percy's shoulders.

''Thank you.'' Nico murmured, looking at him through his eyelashes. ''I don't know what I'd do without you.’’

Percy wanted to crack a joke to see if it would ease the weight on Nico's heart, but when it came to family, there was no way to fix things. So, he decided to do what Percy did best: he grabbed Nico's neck and kissed him in the middle of the dance floor. The world stopped spinning and a silence fell inside his head, because Nico wrapped his arms around his neck and opened his mouth, allowing their lips to touch, without shame or any kind of embarrassment. That was when Percy finally knew that there was nothing to fear or hide. Even with all their problems, he now knew that Nico was finally his.

***

The party had been a great success. The plates had already been cleared away and the half-eaten bowls of desserts were scattered around the tables, although glasses of drinks were still being offered. Champagne, wine, whisky and beer, only the people who liked to drink or who were still dancing were present, with most of the guests saying goodbye to their families on the way out. Well, the fact was that it was getting late and they could finally leave the party without seeming rude.

He waved to Luke, Thalia, Clarisse and Cris who passed them, deciding it was their turn to go too.

''Baby.’’

''Hm?’’

''It's time to go to bed.’’

''Bed?’’

Percy held Nico by the waist so that he wouldn't fall and Nico settled into his lap, resting his head against Percy's shoulder. It was now or never, or it looked like they would spend the rest of the evening sitting around and drinking uncontrollably, which would end up making for a bigger spectacle than Percy was prepared to handle.

He kissed Nico's cheek and stood up, holding Nico's legs, while Nico leaned on his shoulders.

''Hmmm... Per.’’

''Shhh. Hold on tight.’’

That's what Nico did. They walked across the lawn, Percy carrying Nico like a baby and Nico complaining about being woken up. The good thing was that there was no one left to embarrass them. His mother had already left with Tyson since Paul, his mother's new husband, was away on a business trip, Hades and Bianca had stayed at the party for as short as little time as possible, and all their friends were either too drunk to remember anything or had already left. Percy wanted to say that Nico was heavy and that it was hard to see where they were going, but that would be a lie. Nico was so light that he hardly felt the weight, what he felt was Nico glued to him, his legs around his waist, the bulge between them too obvious for him to ignore.

“Per," Nico said again, in that same soft, sweet tone. Only he hadn't expected Nico to be the one to start things off, kissing his neck and breathing against his ear, or rather, moaning and grabbing him tightly.

''We're almost there.’’

They really were, Percy just needed to walk a few more steps and open the door. Or that's what he would have done if Nico hadn't chosen that moment to lift his head and, with his eyes blurred and dilated, and his face flushed, to hold his face and brush his lips against his in a gentle and soft, almost innocent touch.

''Are you going to fuck me today? In your bed, where your family can hear?’’

Percy froze in mid-stride, his legs giving out as the blood in his body rushed to his cock.

''Gods, Nico! How much did you drink?’’

''I'm not drunk!‘’

The way Nico could barely keep his eyes open or his slow speech showed him the other way around. Fortunately, Percy was sober enough to continue the few steps to his room and lock the door, making sure no one interrupted them.

''You've been a very naughty boy today. You deserve a punishment. My little boy, remember what I said earlier today?’’

''Hmm... that you'd let me come? ''Nico tried, hopeful.

''No, I'd make you beg.’’

''Oh'' That's all Nico said before he was thrown onto the bed and his pants were ripped off.