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

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

Hi, we are back (temporarily). I'm still on my resting days, but I managed to bring you one more chapter. Hope you like it.

Previous chapters: CHAPTER I / CHAPTER II / CHAPTER III / CHAPTER IV

As expected, a new day came. The sun was shining brightly through the blinds, the birds were singing and they were late. Still, what worried Nico was not the fact that it was almost seven o'clock in the morning, but that someone was knocking on the door. And that someone was his sister, Bianca, who would usually be long gone to her first class of the day, but now was standing inside his room, watching them happily.

He was in a nightmare, that had to be the only explanation to justify the scene Nico has found himself in. Percy against his back, hugging him tight with only a sheet hiding their crotch. If Bianca decided to pull back the sheets, she would see it all, the marks on Percy's back and the hickey between Nico’s legs, impossible to miss even from that distance. And contrary to what he thought, Bianca decided to be kind. She waved goodbye with a lopsided smile and closed the door softly, though he could hear the sound of her laughter as she walked away down the hall. And again, he wondered what he was doing. He hadn't even… hadn’t reciprocated Percy the night before. He was the pettiest, most selfish person in the whole world.

Nico would’ve continued his self-flagellation if he hadn't felt the silent laughter against his back.

“Are you laughing at me?” Nico said, turning in Percy's arms. The boy was awake and wearing one of those smiles that infuriated and excited him at the same time.

“You have to admit, it's pretty funny.”

"No, it is not!”

"What's new? It's not the first time someone has caught us sleeping together.”

"Yeah? But it's the first time we're naked!”

“Oh.” Percy says, his smile softening. "It's even better.”

"You--you!"

Nico got up faster than a rocket, he grabbed the first thing he saw and threw it at Percy's head. When he saw it was a pillow, he picked up the object again and smacked Percy over the head with it until his arms began to ache and he was forced to stop, settling where he was, only now realizing to be Percy's lap. What pissed him off the most was the fact that Percy didn't even try to defend himself, laughing, sprawled across the bed like it was the happiest day of his life.

“Percy!”

“Gods! I think I’m dying. Did I go back in time by any chance? I still remember--

"Don’t you dare! How old are you?”

"Ten. Want to play house? I’ll build a fort out of chairs and blankets and we can--

"What got into you today, huh?"

"I'm happy. Don’t you?”

Nico stopped in the middle of another complaint, realizing that he was naked and still sitting on Percy's lap, just like he had a thousand times before, but this time, it meant so much more.

“Of course I am. But you don't have to go back to kindergarten.”

"Why not? It’s more fun than pretending to be a responsible adult.”

"We're not pretending… are we?"

“Nico." That's what Percy said before sitting down and hugging him tightly from the middle of his back. “I can fake many things, what I feel for you is not one of them.”

“I don't understand why now. What has changed?”

"Everything changed. You went away.”

“Per… I didn't know you cared so much, I thought… it was better if you didn't have a shadow following you around the corners.”

“Nico." Now Percy looked like he was in pain. "Who told you that? What made you think like this?”

“Well… it's just… you know… she said those things and I asked myself 'what if it's true?' I thought a little distance would be good.”

"For who? For me or for you?”

It was a good question. He just didn't want to feel so bad every time he saw those people in the school’s hallways, murmuring behind his back, things he didn't even want to know what it was, but deep down already suspected what it could be.

"Answer me.” Then Percy grabbed his face and made him look at him closely. "What were you running from?"

"Does it matter now? What will you do? Go after them and say how horrible they are? What... what's the use of looking back at the past?”

"When did you grow so much?" Percy didn't look happy about it, resigned at best.

“When I had to leave behind the one I loved the most.”

This finally silenced Percy, the boy looking at him so sadly it looked like Percy would burst into tears at any moment.

“I know who did this.” Percy said. “I needed to hear it from you. I didn't want to believe that she would do something like that.”

Nico found himself smiling, though it was a wilted, sad thing. That was the truth, people were mean and some of them would do anything to get what they wanted. The secret was not to be innocent and protect yourself, or try to stay away from their wrath. 

What could you do but try? He hugged Percy tightly and laid his head on Percy's shoulder. Since they were running late, there’s no need to rush things up.

***

When they finally went downstairs with their shower taken and hair combed, breakfast was already on the table; eggs, bacon, coffee, and juice. Something simple, but that they rarely had time to do. Why didn't they? Ah, now he remembered. Having to run from Will or explain to his father why he didn't want to spend time at the company had indeed taken up all his time and Bianca's as well, who ran from Hades as much or more than he himself did. But here? In the stillness without people chasing them was heaven, like a weight had finally lifted off their shoulders. It probably wouldn't last long, unfortunately. That’s why Nico wanted to take it slow, and maybe that way, he’d have more time to organize his mind and decide what to do from this moment on.

"All good?” Percy said in the hallway, as they left the room, heading towards the stairs to reach the first floor. “You've been quiet since we got in the bath.”

“Hm.” Was he that obvious or was Percy just paying attention? "I was thinking…”

"In what?”

“I… I just want to finish high school without the drama, you know? Graduate and try to make something useful out of life.”

"Is this about us?"

“I meant it when I said I didn't want a boyfriend. But I want my bestfriend back.”

"Allright.” Percy waved, all serious, though he had his hands on Nico's shoulders as they walked down the stairs, too close, to be honest. But it was a closeness Nico liked, even if he knew it made things more complicated. "Are you going to stop talking to me or is it about the sex?"

"I…" It was another good question. Did he want to get away from Percy?

“So there's no reason to put labels on what we are. It's just a name. I’ll never ask for something that you are not interested in providing.”

Nico knew all of this. Percy had never done something like that before and it wasn't now that his friend would start forcing him into something. In fact, Percy had been so patient that he'd been mistaking care for disinterest all these years. Now, he understood. Well, he understood because of yesterday. It was revealing. For real.

"Percy, look--”

“I understand more than anyone, but that doesn't change anything between us. I'm not in a hurry and I'm not going anywhere.”

"You promise?”

"I promise. I'm the same old Percy and you are my sweet little Nico. Nothing’s going to change.”

Nico blinked slowly and found himself lost in Percy's eyes, caught in every word and every whisper uttered. He knew all of this and hated how sexual the nickname now sounded, ‘my little Nico’ or ‘my sweet Nico’ spilling from Percy's lips in a tone so possessive and hot he should have run far away while he still could. He knew he should, and that was the problem, the urge and compulsion to get close to Percy was greater than any rationalization he could’ve had. When he realized what was happening, he found himself pressed against the wall at the bottom of the stairs, Percy right next to him, hands on his ass, their hips grinding against each other, and Percy's fingers pulling him by his hair in that kind of kiss meant for privacy of a bedroom walls.

He didn't remember Percy being this intense. Was all of this really because he'd been away for two years? The boy he knew was sweet, kind, and selfless. Now, most of the time, he could barely control himself when Percy decided that talking wasn't what they were supposed to do. Like in that moment, feeling Percy's hips grinding against his, almost making him come in his pants like a teenager, something he'd never was defore.

Gathering strength he didn't even know he had, Nico dragged his lips away from Percy's and took a deep breath and then pushed him away, just enough to disentangle their bodies, holding Percy by the shoulders at a safe distance.

"You can’t do that. You said you wouldn't force me.”

“I'm not forcing you.” Then Percy thought again and added, “I’m sorry. I won't do it again.”

Nico wasn't sure he believed it. Those green eyes on him, so intense they seemed to burn wherever they landed and the quick, gasping breaths told him something else, told him that if it was up to Percy they wouldn't be standing in the middle of the stairs.

"Percy, I don't think this is going to work."

“I said I'm sorry. I had to wait a long time. That's it. I'm not a monster, no matter what people say.”

“Nobody says anything.” Well, not since he went abroad. He remembered how Lou and Alabaster had hinted that Percy was waiting for the right moment to strike. And, all he had thought at the time was, “So what if Percy was? Were they jealous?” In the end, he'd walked away with a broken heart and another trauma for the collection.

“Hm, beautiful.” Percy smiled and this time Nico was paying attention. Percy took a step forward and contrary to what he expected, Percy didn't try to kiss him, I mean, not on the lips. Percy took his hands and brought them to his lips, kissing each finger separately. "I would never do anything that could hurt you. I hope you know that.”

"I do know.” Nico thought he knew, but he had discovered that good people could do bad things and after his last relationship, he wasn't sure of anything. “Just… let's take it slow, shall we?”

"Sure, Nico.”

Percy smiled once more and let both hands fall apart only to hold them in a comforting grip as they both looked down at their clasped hands. It was a scene he had never let himself visualize before, him and Percy, in a quiet place, nature around them, maybe some chairs stretched out in the sun and the two of them together, holding each other's hand as they watched the sun go down. Maybe… maybe if he was lucky enough. In a not too distant future. Maybe if they could--

“Here you are. How long will you whisper in the dark?

It was Bianca. Who else could it be?

***

For some reason, Percy wanted to laugh, even though the experience was turning out to be stranger than he'd anticipated. Instead of finding Hades who had told him he would arrive that morning, it was Bianca who had greeted them last night and opened the door for them; she hadn't asked anything and just said, 'Nico's room is in the same place.'

With a shrug, he had picked Nico up and headed upstairs, not the least bit put off by Bianca's presence. Percy admitted he was moving too fast, too eager, but who could blame him when as soon as they entered the room Nico had moaned softly and kissed him even sweeter, starting to take off his own clothes and lying in the middle of the bed with his legs open? He was only human, and like the weak being that he was, he did what Nico didn't have the courage to ask aloud, but said with his gaze and all that bare skin. Percy had knelt on the bed, kissed from Nico's legs to his neck to finally touch where he wanted most. Maybe he got a little carried away, touched too hard, because when he saw Nico, the boy was coming in his mouth and on his face, moaning as if it hurt and contracting so hard that for a moment he thought Nico was going to have an epileptic seizure; the only reason Percy wasn't worried was the expression of pure ecstasy on the delicate face of his baby, the heaving sigh as Nico relaxed on the bed and closed his eyes, calm and content.

He hadn't even cared about the result, him excited and frustrated, and Nico sleeping peacefully. It was his fault, plus Nico was under no obligation to reciprocate, whether they were dating or not. Taking a deep breath, all Percy did for long minutes was watch Nico sleeping comfortably on the bed, arms stretched over his head, gripping the pillows, legs spread and cock now flaccid, small and collected in the path of thin black hair that went from the lower part of his belly button to his groin, still wet with saliva and semen. Percy wanted to touch him again right then, turn Nico on one more time and see how long it took for him to come again.

In the end, making an effort to get away, Percy got out of bed slowly so as not to wake Nico up, entered the bathroom that was inside the suite and lowered his pants. It would be safer if he took care of things away from Nico, just to make sure he could behave the rest of the night; Percy knew how suspicious Nico was when it came to sexuality and trust, especially when a year ago Nico had broken up with his boyfriend and not told him the reason. And even if he suspected what had happened, that was none of his business either. If Nico didn't want to tell him, Percy should respect his decision. For now.

That way, He took care of things mechanically, found a clean towel, dampened it with warm water and cleaned Nico, then stripped off his clothes and climbed into bed with him. Percy had barely laid his head on the pillow when Nico wrapped his arms around his neck in his sleep, snuggling against him. Legs against legs and chest against chest, practically kissing him, stretched against his body.

"I missed you.” Nico murmured, sighing contentedly and falling back into his deep sleep once more.

Percy thought that had been one of the happiest moments of his life, Nico after so long letting himself be vulnerable around him when Percy thought that these scenes would never happen again.

Feeling a tightness in his heart as if it would explode at any moment and wanting to cry, Percy finally allowed himself to close his eyes and accept his feelings. He loved Nico, not even time or other people would make that same sense of completeness set in; no one made him feel as good and as powerful as Nico did, no one made him laugh or cry as easily, or create this crazy desire in him to be the best just to make sure he was able to give Nico everything he needed.

“I missed you too.” Percy ended up muttering back before falling asleep, pulling Nico closer and finally letting himself go.

Now they were sitting at the kitchen table, Bianca sitting across from him while Nico sat beside him, filling a plate with food and a cup of plain, unsweetened coffee, handing it to him.

“You still remember.” Percy said picked up the cup, taking a sip and inhaling the fragrance of freshly brewed and ground coffee, not as strong as he liked, but of exemplary quality. It was all so familiar that Percy found himself smiling, watching Bianca smirking and Nico pretend he wasn't embarrassed by the compliment. Nico was never very good at receiving them.

"I did nothing.”

“Hm.” He murmured, trying not to provoke Nico any further. But he couldn't help it, he followed Nico with his gaze, seeing him finally sit down and grab a glass of orange juice, taking a long sip before concentrating on his plate, when Bianca looked at him and asked:

"Percy Jackson, what brings you here?"

“Nico.” He said and smiled at Bianca. Between them there was never room for anything but outright sincerity. After all, she had allowed Nico to practically move into his home for those long, magnificent years and he wouldn’t do anything to break the trust between them.

"Are you serious this time?"

"Yes.”

"That’s nice.”

Bianca nodded, satisfied. She turned back to her food and raised a mouthful of eggs to her lips.

"What was this?” Nico asked, putting down his fork. He crossed his arms and glared at them.

"I wanted to know.” Bianca shrugged. “You arrived late yesterday.”

"I can’t believe this!” Nico covered his face and groaned anxiously. "Did you see us?"

"I saw everything.”

There was silence, however, not for long. Nico pushed back his chair and stood up, staggering.

“I need… I need to get my bag.”

Which was just one reason for him to hide for a while or until the blush faded away. Percy watched Nico drag himself out of the kitchen and turned to Bianca.

"So, then?" He asked. He knew Bianca wanted to say something, but he didn't want Nico to hear.

"You look different.”

"As?”

“More…decided. Mature.”

“Some things happened.”

When Bianca didn't say anything else, he shrugged and continued:

“Nico left and I found out a few things.”

"Things?”

"Nothing much.”

Bianca raised her eyebrows and Percy surrendered.

“It seems I was very nice and innocent. So I decided not to be anymore.”

"Do not tell me.”

"Nobody tells me these things! I thought Nico didn't think about…about…”

“Sex?”

“Apparently I was wrong and he thought I wasn't interested.”

"Hm..." Bianca looked at him for a few more moments and was merciful. “It's not your fault, it was that blonde girl who was always after you.”

"Damn it. I don't even like women!"

"And? I would be more careful if I were you.”

Percy knew this wasn't a threat but it was a warning, as Bianca would never do anything to get in the way of Nico's happiness.

"Do you think I should do something more drastic?"

“I think Nico would do something drastic if he thinks he's in the way.”

Percy stopped breathing for a moment and realized the seriousness of the problem, only now did he see that Bianca looked worried. She wouldn't be home when responsibility always came first for the Di Angelos; she wouldn't be wasting that precious time if Bianca didn't think it was extremely important.

“I'll take care of everything. You don’t need to worry.”

"It's what I hope.”

With that, they both lowered their heads and continued to eat until Nico returned, calmer and more composed. Both finished eating the rest of the food, and in a hurry, Nico soon pulled him by the hand and towards the car parked in front of the Di Ângelo's house.

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As always, your feedback is always important. Thanks for reading!

It's been a year and a half or so since I've been in a room full of people so this isn't a recent story, but I thought about this while talking to a fellow introvert friend. Do any of you have to take breaks from social gatherings to just stand all alone in the bathroom and mentally recharge?

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

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

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

Chapter XXVIII

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

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

Nico whimpered once more and wiggled in his lap.

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

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

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

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

"Take off your clothes." Percy repeated.

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

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

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

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

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

"Do you know why we are here?”

"Did I... embarrass you?”

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

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

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

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

"Are you ready?”

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

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

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

"I was a bad boy.”

"And what else?”

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

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

"It's okay, baby. I'll help you.”

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

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

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

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

“Then...?”

"It's about trust.”

"Oh.”

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

"I trust you." Nico muttered, embarrassed.

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

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

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

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

"I don't doubt it! Ah!”

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

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

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

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

“I’m sorry!”

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

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

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

 ***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"That's it. Like that?”

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

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

"It's okay. I'm here.”

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

"Good boy. So obedient.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Eat.”

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

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

"My baby deserves the best.”

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

Chapter XXIX

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

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

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

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

"Baby?" Percy called again.

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

"I need you to come back to me.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Always?”

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

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

"Like what?”

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

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

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

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well, rest wasn't the right word.

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

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

Chapter XXX

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

***

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

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

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

"He’s sleeping.”

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

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

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

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

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

"Hey! Who's your son here?”

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

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

***

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

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

"Are you feeling better?”

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

"Hmm... does my baby want to play?”

“I don't know.”

"You're still wearing the collar.”

"Oh.

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

"Take it off for me?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

"It can be whatever we want.”

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

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

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

"Then we don't do it.”

"Sure.”

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

“I don’t know.”

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

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

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

***

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

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

"Per? Aren't you going to eat?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Creative misfortunes for characters

Identity Crisis: Have your character lose their memory, forcing them to rediscover their true self and past.

Betrayal by a Loved One: A close friend or family member betrays the character's trust, leading to emotional turmoil and inner conflict.

Physical Transformation: Give your character a physical ailment or transformation that they must come to terms with, such as sudden blindness, a debilitating illness, or turning into a different species.

Unrequited Love: Make your character fall deeply in love with someone who doesn't reciprocate their feelings, causing heartache and a quest for self-discovery.

Financial Ruin: Strip your character of their wealth and privilege, forcing them to adapt to a life of poverty and face the harsh realities of the world.

False Accusation: Have your character falsely accused of a crime they didn't commit, leading to a desperate quest to clear their name.

Natural Disaster: Place your character in the path of a devastating natural disaster, such as a hurricane, earthquake, or tsunami, and force them to survive and rebuild.

Loss of a Sense: Take away one of your character's senses (e.g., sight, hearing, taste) and explore how they adapt and cope with this profound change.

Forced Isolation: Trap your character in a remote location, like a deserted island, and make them confront their inner demons while struggling to survive.

Haunted Past: Reveal a dark secret from your character's past that comes back to haunt them, threatening their relationships and well-being.

Time Travel Consequences: Send your character back in time, but make them inadvertently change a crucial event in history, leading to unintended consequences in the present.

Psychological Breakdown: Push your character to the brink of a mental breakdown, exploring the complexities of their psyche and their journey towards recovery.

Unwanted Prophecy: Have your character be the subject of a prophecy they want no part of, as it places them in grave danger or disrupts their life.

Loss of a Loved One: Kill off a beloved character or make your protagonist witness the death of someone close to them, igniting a quest for revenge or justice.

Incurable Curse or Disease: Curse your character with an incurable ailment or supernatural curse, and follow their journey to find a cure or accept their fate.

Sudden Disappearance: Make a character disappear mysteriously, leaving the others to search for them and uncover the truth.

Betrayal of Morals: Force your character into a situation where they must compromise their ethical values for a greater cause, leading to moral dilemmas and internal conflict.

Loss of a Precious Object: Have your character lose a cherished possession or artifact that holds sentimental or magical significance, setting them on a quest to recover it.

Political Intrigue: Place your character in a position of power or influence, then subject them to political intrigue, manipulation, and power struggles.

Existential Crisis: Make your character question the meaning of life, their purpose, and their place in the universe, leading to a philosophical journey of self-discovery.

Remember that misfortunes should serve a purpose in your story, driving character growth, plot development, and thematic exploration.

Tangled [2010]

I reallyyyy liked this, and I can see a happy ending.

You know what would be even more fun then Nico telling Percy they were together? Nico telling Percy they’re exes. Nico knowing that he can’t say shit to Percy but also knowing that he’d never be able to convince him that they were nothing so he says that they used to date and it ended badly. Now Percy obviously can’t pressure him to tell him more about himself, Nico looks devastated every time they talk, he’d be an asshole if he kept pushing. But he’s watching, trying to figure Nico out, trying to figure them out, how they worked, how they didn’t.

He sees how gentle Nico is with Hazel, despite how powerful he is, watches the lines of his throat as he laughs and he gets it, gets how he could fall in love with Nico. What he doesn’t get is how he could ever break his heart like he so clearly did. He hates the other version of himself for whatever he’s done to Nico, part of him never wants to get his memories back, can’t fathom how he could hurt Nico so badly. The other parts of him need to get his memories back because that’s all he’ll ever have of Nico, of their time together. He needs those memories like he needs to breathe. Pictures Nico, with bruised lips, imagines the feeling of holding his hand, slender fingers slotting between Percy’s like they were made for one another, pictures the thought of light touches and the sound of Percy’s name coming from Nico sounding anything other than hurt.

Then Percy gets his memories back but what he never gets is why they wouldn’t work.

Even knowing they were never together, knowing that for all intents and purposes they were hardly friends it’s impossible to stop thinking about what they could be. And now after spending who knows how long obsessing over Nico he gets him, understands the tension in his shoulders and the furrow in his brows. Gets that they were never together but Nico’s always wanted them to be. And now he’s reminiscing on his relationship with Annabeth and he hates himself for it but all he can feel is a disappointment that he doesn’t even get to have Nico in his memories.

If I’m feeling particularly angsty I would end it there maybe even emphasize that this wasn’t Nico’s goal, that Nico didn’t have some master plan beyond getting Percy to leave him alone make Percy wonder if maybe he would have preferred it if Nico had just said they were together. But who knows 🤷‍♀️ mostly this was me thinking about the fact that a big part of the problem between Percy and Nico is that Percy doesn’t understand Nico, and I can never really think of a way to make him and neither can Nico and I saw yone talking about percico son of Neptune fics and had this fun thought.

Any how every time I go through @yonemurishiroku page i ask myself what bit of pain I can spread today so here’s this little dose of misery inspired my most recent scroll.

I received a comment saying that the function of that strap over Bucky's chest is to drag him over for a kiss, so yes.

Imagine #118

Imagine Percy and Nico being soulmates, but Nico never put in the Lotus with Bianca. Nico grows up knowing something is missing and training to be the one of the prophecy. He eventually finds the Lotus hotel on a quest and ends up trapped, because he’s a loner. Percy goes on his first quest, but this time he has been warned of the Hotel because Chirion knows it attracts children of the big three now. (Due to Nico) When Percy encounters the hotel with Annabeth and Grover they still enter because they’re exhausted. Nico is now Percy’s age and when the two meet. Percy talks to Nico long enough for Nico to remember more of his past and the two escape with Annabeth and Grover. The four complete the quest without a hitch, Nico having the ability to calm his father and convince him to release Sally. The four then confront Ares and Nico gives Percy his pink triangle he received back in his own time when Annabeth gives her camp necklace and Grover gives the tin can. The four fly to return the lightning bolt, Percy and Nico comforting each other due to fear of air travel. They go to Olympus and things play out like in the books, with the exception of Zeus being “ugh. Hades’s brat is alive?!” Percy defends Nico and Poseidon is like, “You should probably go, Percy.” Then, Percy checks on his mom. They then go back to camp and all four are honored. Nico is astounded by the demigods and has a hard time processing everything, especially the slang. Chiron welcomes Nico back and the two share an emotional bonding moment that everyone is like, ‘daww’ at. Luke betrays Percy in the same way he did in the actual books. Then, at the end of the book, Percy asks if Nico can come live with him and Sally and Sally says yes. The two go to school together and its cute.

Second book plays out as normal, with the only exception being Nico sneaks out with Tyson, Annabeth, and Percy. (And Nico has to be comforted by Percy due to fear of water that’s similar to the fear of the air). Thalia is returned to a living state and the children of the big three kind-of clash, but not really because all three are there and Nico becomes a kind-of mediator.

Then, Bianca is released from the Lotus. Thalia, Nico, Percy, and Annabeth are sent when Grover IM’s about her. Nico recognizes her immediately and wants to run to his sister, but is held back by Percy, who tries his best to explain that she wouldn’t remember him. Nico knows this to be true but still hates it. Percy goes to rescue Bianca and Annabeth falls off the cliff. Artemis saves them and Apollo informs everyone of not only Thalia’s age, but Nico’s as well.

Nico, apparently, now has the same birthday as Percy and they are both the same age. The two find this cool and just high-five. Though Apollo is seen glaring at the back of the bus (where Eros sits invisible shooting an arrow in Nico). Nico idolizes Percy for a bit there because of how brave he was in defending his sister. Then, Nico starts to hate himself for feeling his feelings. (Remember the era he grew up in.)

Percy follows the hunters and grover on the quest, and promises Nico a similar promise as in the book, because, “While I can’t keep her safe or make her remember, you can at least keep her safe. Promise me, Percy!” When Percy returns and has to give the news of Bianca, it crushes Nico. And, were it not for the deep friendships he had already formed he would have likely run to Sally. Percy comforts Nico as best he can, and Chirion permits Nico to raise Bianca. Percy then gains the idea of contacting the Hunt and having them say their goodbyes to Zoe. Nico thinks this is a great idea and Chirion contacts Artemis. 

They contact Bianca first, in-case she had anything to say to Zoe. Bianca remembers Nico,albeit faintly and the two share a “What might have been” moment before everyone else says goodbye to her. Then she leaves with a Thank you and telling Percy to not feel guilty (though everyone can tell he totally does)

Then they contact Zoe and a lot of the people cry. After everyone finishes (Annabeth ends up asking about the one-battle-i-can’t-remember-the-name-of for her dad, which Zoe finds sweet and gives percies details) 

After the goodbyes are finished and Zoe is sent off Artemis thanks Nico and actually gives him a hug. (Whispering in his ear, “I know it hurts, but we both must move on.”) Everyone is stunned by this but most see it similar to when Thalia hugged Percy. (Platonic hugs are the best things ever.)

Then, Percy and Nico head back to Sally and finish off the school year.

The fourth Book is changed, simply due to Nico not running. So this gets a bit complicated to imagine. Let’s just say, Percy, Annabeth, Tyson, Grover, and Nico all go on the quest. Nico runs away after admitting his feelings  and being scared of them. They run into him with Minos who is telling him lies. Percy convinces Nico to come with them. Rachel Elizabeth Dare is necessary. Pretty much the rest of the book is the same except Nico stays at camp at the end Percy ends up on Calypso’s Island she helps him figure out his feelings for Nico and during this she falls for him (he still grows a garden in New York to honor her) and Percico becomes a couple during the next school year because they both like eachother and Percy  shows him different cultural things like, “Hey, It’s okay to be Gay.“ 

Sword of Hades happens, and Nico comes back to Sally’s house after dealing with the Bob situation. Now, Nico and Percy have to deal with sharing the prophecy and Nico convinces Percy to bathe in the Styx. Sally gives approval. (And this time Percy isn’t captured by Hades because Nico would have memories of his mom (including Zeus killing her) and Hades understands they will share the prophecy.) Nico is what thethers Percy to the world. 

Then Last Olympian pretty much plays out the same way, but Nico convinces his father, a bit easier, to help fight for Olympus. 

Nico ends up with Percy and helps Luke make the decision. He then travels to the Underworld to garentee Luke to get whichever spot in the Undewrold he wanted. 

At the celbration, Nico and Percy come out as couple to camp (cupcake scene and underwater kiss cannot be stolen from Percy) 

Then Lost Hero happens and Nico reports back to Sally whenever he is not searching. He ends up in the underworld a few times and finds Hazel. He saves her and Hades guides him to be Pluto’s Ambassador. 

During SoN, Percy remembers Nico. When he sees Nico he demands information and Nico tells him honestly and Percy can see the pain and sincerity in Nico’s eys “I wish I could tell you, but I can’t. You need to find out on your own, no matter how much this hurts I’m sorry.” Percy doesn’t like it, but accepts it after Nico begins to have tears stream down his face.

When Percy regains his memories in SoN, he gets frustrated at Nico but understands and cares about him a ton.

Annabeth is still the one of the seven and she was still worried. (Hey, you have that close of a friendship with someone, wouldn’t you judo flip them for being gone that long?) The seven end up sailing and MoA happens. (Only there is a kiss when Nico and Percy are reunited.) Percy still cares about Annabeth and still ends up helping her (because, again their best friends. Come on. Platonic love exists people!) So, then Percy and Annabeth still fall into Tatarus. Nico and Percy shout ‘I love you’s as Percy falls, both sobbing and Annabeth shocked Percy would fall with her. 

Nico leads them to the House of Hades (Cupid sequence is Nico admitting he still feels like he shouldn’t like guys in that way and cupid being a freaking nice character and actually helping Nico with his feelings, and Jason being a good person and accepting Nico and becoming his friend though discussion and shared experience.) 

House of Hades then on happens similar to how it did in the book, but with platonic-still-deeply-care-about-eachother-just-not-romantically-okay-Percabeth instead of romantic-lets-kiss-type Percabeth. When Nico learns about Bob he freaks out and just Nico-sadness. 

Then, Nico volunteers to Shadow Travel with Reyna and Coach to get the Athena Pathenos to camp. Percy doesn’t want him to leave, but Nico promises to see him soon. (Kiss moment) Then the three leave and the seven are off to Athens.

Blood of Olympus happens (but with more actual blood.) Annabeth and Percy get seriously injured (though they don’t die) and when Apollo gets there he can partially heal them, but they cannot fight geia directly due to the sheer amount of injuries. (Plus he’s like “Woah! You two need to talk to me later because I need to physco analyze you. Tatarus did some serious crap to you two. And Nico went there too? Gosh dammit, take him along to. when you meet with me, okay?”) (So, there, reason for no direct fighting) When the giants were fighting frank, the one with control over fire almost burned his stick to a crisp, so he decides to sit out the direct battle, due to the “Storm or FIRE” part of the prophecy. Everyone is pretty much okay with this because, “WE CAN’t LET YOU DIE FRANK” Hazel, however, climbs on Festus and helps destroy Mother Earth. She uses the soil in the airborne body of Gaia to morph the earth goddess and make her more vulnerable. Piper works on Lulling her back to sleep with a lullaby so strong most wear earplugs. (Plus, Leo helped by giving her megaphone) Leo works on his fire part. Nico is still fading from shadow travel, but he, along with Percy, Annabeth, Tyson, Grover, Frank, and Reyna convince the two camps to stop fighting, though there have already been many casualties. (Most well known being Clarisse, having died protecting one of the younger campers (whom she had earlier been teasing) who had snuck up to help fight. Octavian fires himself, though many try to stop him. Jason flies Hazel and Piper to the ground in time and Leo promises to jump and says him “you’ll have to catch me” line from Lost Hero. Leo doesn’t jump and with the combined efforts of Hazel, Jason, Piper, Festus, and the two sacrifices of Octavian and Leo Geia is defeated.

Leo saves Calypso from Oygia and the two return to camp to find his memorial being presented by Nico with the 7 and coach hedge speaking on his behalf. The two wait until Coach finishes to enter the area. Annabeth just cries out, “NOT AGAIN” (Because of Percy and MT. St helens) and Nico chuckles. Piper punches Leo in the face after he makes a joke and the 7 + Nico and Coach hedge give him hugs. Calypso and Percy fist bump and Percy apologizes for not following up with the gods. 

Then, Celebration is had for Leo’s return and Nico and Percy make sure the two get dumped in the lake for their initiation. 

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

Oii, como vai? Demorei, mas cheguei. Como sempre a ansiedade quase me mata, mas aí dá uma vontade de escrever e faço um capítulo em menos de dois dias. Esse capítulo vem com aviso de cena +18, nada muito intenso, eu acho? Estava pensando em colocar as cenas mais intensas em algum lugar fechado porque sinto que um dia a censura vem, sabe? Vou pensar nisso para a próxima história, por enquanto fica aqui disponível para quem gostar de ler.

Espero que você gostem^^

Capítulos anteriores: CAPÍTULO I / CAPÍTULO II / CAPÍTULO III / CAPÍTULO IV / CAPÍTULO V / CAPÍTULO VI / CAPÍTULO VII / CAPÍTULO VIII / CAPÍTULO IX / CAPÍTULO X / CAPÍTULO XI / CAPÍTULO XII

Anteriormente:

— Meu bebê está com ciúmes, hm?

— Não sei do que você está falando. — Mas o rubor no rosto de Nico dizia o que Percy precisava saber.

— Por que a gente não conversa num lugar mais calmo? — Mas antes de guiar Nico para longe da multidão, Percy se voltou para Annabeth: — Você não foi convidada. Vá embora.

— Mas, Percy! Você prometeu!

— Eu não prometi nada.

— Seu mentir--

— Não vou repetir. 

Com isso, ele pegou Nico pela mão e o guiou para dentro da casa, deixando para trás uma multidão curiosa e uma loira espumando de raiva.

O pior era que ao invés de ficar bravo com a demonstração de possessividade, seu peito voltou a se aquecer. Ele nem ao menos poderia julgar o comportamento de Nico quando ele próprio fez coisas piores. Na verdade, Percy amava ver Nico tão afetado e emotivo, tão diferente do garotinho que guardava tudo para si mesmo e que nunca mostrava o que sentia. Percy se sentia aliviado, como se ele não precisasse carregar esses sentimentos sozinho e que talvez, só talvez, Nico o quisesse tanto quando Percy queria Nico.

— Para de sorrir. — Nico murmurou contra seu ombro, ainda o segurando pela cintura. Estava tudo bem porque Percy o segurava de volta, tão forte quanto Nico, o guiando pelas costas e escadas acima, para dentro de seu quarto mais uma vez, ambos se sentando em sua cama.

— Você quer conversar? — Percy tentou. Ele amava saber que Nico tinha agido daquela forma por causa dele, o problema era que esse não era um comportamento que Nico costumava ter. E se tinha alguma coisa errada, Percy queria consertar antes que fosse tarde demais.

Não que ele realmente esperasse que Nico fosse esconder algo dele, mas…

— Não é nada. — Mas, então, Nico levantou a cabeça do seu ombro e o encarou com aqueles grandes olhos negros, lacrimejando, e segurou em sua camisa como se fosse arrancá-la para fora do caminho. — É só que… é só que ela continua me perseguindo! Dizendo que você ficou com ela e… e que vocês passaram muito tempo juntos e que por isso você ia no baile com ela!

— Nico. Bebê. — Talvez ele tenha soado um pouco… autoritário. Rude. Até frio. Às vezes, era o único jeito de fazer Nico escutá-lo, o que funcionou perfeitamente.

Nico parou imediatamente de reclamar e seu rosto corou num tom incrivelmente avermelhado. Percy amava esses momentos onde ele podia ver o velho Nico ressurgindo, todo obediente e comportado, tão tímido que o fazia querer trancar a porta e mostrar o quanto Annabeth era insignificante. Talvez ele devesse, ações sempre falariam mais alto do que palavras.

— Qual o problema? — Percy tentou mais uma vez.

— É verdade?

— Eu fiquei com alguns garotos. Luke é um deles. Ela só me ajudou com algumas sessões de estudo e em troca eu iria no baile com ela.

— É só isso? — Nico se aproximou mais dele, se ajoelhando na cama e engatinhando para sentar em seu colo.

— Eu nunca ficaria com ela. Depois de estudar com ela duas vezes, encerrei nossas sessões.

— Por quê?

— Eu não precisava mais. — Percy deu de ombros, mas isso não pareceu convencer Nico mesmo em seu estado inebriado.

— Ela tentou te beijar, não foi?

— Como você sabe disso?

— Ela pode ter insinuado algo assim… 

Então esse era o problema.

— Lindo, você não precisa se preocupar. Eu vou me casar com você. Não é o suficiente para provar o quanto eu te amo?

Nico o encarou longamente e mordeu os lábios, parecendo ansioso: — Só porque você me deu uma aliança não significa que um casamento vai acontecer.

Deuses! E Percy pensando que ele era o inseguro da relação.

— Você quer marcar a data? Que tal no mês seguinte da nossa graduação? No verão antes da faculdade?

— Eu… — Nico abriu bem os olhos, parecendo acordar, e se sentou melhor no colo de Percy, colocando certa distância entre eles. — A gente nem teve uma festa de noivado! Como eu poderia marcar… marcar… 

Agora Nico parecia que iria vomitar. Ou talvez sair correndo de ansiedade.

— Shhh… é uma ideia que eu quero que você pense com cuidado. Quero ficar com você pelo resto da vida. Uma festa e um documento dizendo que somos um casal é apenas um detalhe. Você está me entendendo, Nico?

— Per! — Nico guinchou e se atirou contra Percy, o pegando desprevenido. Nico os derrubou para trás na cama e Percy gargalhou, surpreso e contente, ouvindo Nico fungar: — Porque você faz isso comigo!? Eu quero casar em um lugar bonito e ao ar livre! Com muita música e comida. Depois quero viajar o verão inteiro com você e te levar para conhecer minha nona!

— Isso é ótimo. Mas, por que você está chorando? — Percy sorriu para Nico e levou a mão ao rosto levemente corado e agora começando a inchar por causa das lágrimas. — Não chore, sim?

— Então, não fale essas coisas pra mim! Meu coração não aguenta. — Para mostrar o quanto Nico estava sendo sincero, ele segurou na mão de Percy e a levou para o próprio peito. 

De fato, o coração de Nico estava disparado, pulsando forte e descompassado sobre suas mãos. Talvez Percy devesse dar mais uma razão para o coração de Nico continuar a bater tão forte por sua causa. Então, observando Nico respirar rápido, Percy deslizou sua mão do peito de Nico para o abdômen dele, devagar e sensual, desceu mais um pouco e encontrou as calças de Nico. Bastaram alguns suaves toques e com uma leve pressão, um pequeno volume se formou ali, Percy decidindo que se eles se apressassem ninguém perceberia a demora deles.

— O que-- o que você está fazendo?

— Mostrando o quanto o meu garoto é especial para mim.

— Percy! 

Já era tarde para Nico. Percy tirou Nico de seu colo, o colocou na cama, se ajoelhou no tapete felpudo e puxou Nico para a beirada da cama. Em poucos instantes, Percy abriu as calças jeans de Nico e puxou o membro para fora, todo ereto e molhado na cabecinha, poucos pelos finos decorando a virilha. Percy gostava disso em Nico, gostava de tudo nele, desde o membro pequeno até o pelos discretos, amava que com o mais suave dos toques Nico sempre ficava excitado, às vezes tentando esconder, outras, manhoso, se deixando levar. Hoje, eles pareciam estar no meio-termo, Nico tocando em seus ombros, parecendo que iria para-lo só para gemer e jogar a cabeça para trás quando Percy acariciou a base, sentindo a pele macia, envolvendo o membro inteiro de Nico com a mão, massageando devagar até que uma verdadeira bagunça se estabelecesse.

— Você quer gozar na minha mão ou na minha boca? — Percy perguntou na intenção de permitir que Nico decidisse, apenas para ter o prazer de ver o constrangimento emanar das feições de Nico. — Se você não me dizer, não vou te deixar gozar.

— Per-cy!

— Vamos, é só uma palavrinha.

— Não!

— Você quer que eu pare?

— Percy!

— Por favor?

Quando Percy viu que dessa vez ele tinha perdido, se deu por vencido.

— Dessa vez, eu decido. Mas na próxima, vou te torturar até você implorar.

Percy era um homem de palavra. Sem avisar, segurou nas pernas de Nico, as colocou sobre seus ombros e agarrou os quadris de Nico, o mantendo no lugar. Ele gostaria de dizer que tinha durado, o problema é que eles não tinham muito tempo. Bastou uma longa lambida, um beijinho na cabecinha e algumas chupadas que Nico estivesse gozando, as pernas de Nico se enrolaram em volta de seu ombro e os dedos longos e finos se fincaram, puxando seu cabelo. Foi uma visão maravilhosa para Percy, em dois minutos Nico tinha gozado e agora o garotinho arfava olhando para teto, derretido contra os lençóis. Percy podia dizer com segurança, tinha sido um recorde até para ele. Mas tudo bem, eles tinham o resto da noite e do domingo para aproveitar.

***

Depois de cinco minutos, Nico e Percy apareceram na festa de mãos dadas e ambos bem mais calmos que antes. Nico tinha o rosto corado e a expressão relaxada, enquanto Percy estava com os cabelos ligeiramente fora do lugar e um grande sorriso no rosto. Era óbvio o que tinha acontecido para qualquer pessoa com um bom senso, embora fosse algo novo para a pequena multidão naquele jantar. Nico costumava ser um anjo intocado, mas parecia que agora ele tinha se tornado humano como todos os outros. Bem, Percy não se importava com as fofocas, o que não significava que ele gostasse da forma que as pessoas olhavam para Nico. Será que seria muito ruim se ele pegasse Nico e fosse para outro lugar? Talvez…

— Percy, meu rapaz! — Percy ouviu uma voz retumbar atrás deles e imediatamente soube quem era. O tão infame Hades. Não para ele, porém não foi Percy quem teve que viver com um pai ausente. Poseidon podia ter traído sua mãe, mas o homem esteve presente em cada etapa de sua vida.

— Senhor. — Percy cumprimentou.

— Vejo que vocês finalmente se acertaram.

Hades se aproximou e com um grande sorriso cheio de dentes brancos e olhos tão negros quanto os de Nico, apertou sua mão de forma energética. Já quando chegou a vez de Nico ganhar um abraço, o garoto deu um passo para trás, suas feições antes contentes se amargurando mais rápido do que uma fruta podre caindo ao chão.

— Hades. — Nico disse, e só para se certificar, deu outro passo para trás, se afastando de Hades e Percy. — Quem te convidou?

— Sally. Vim com Bianca. Ela deve estar em algum lugar por aqui.

— Ótimo. — Sem qualquer outra palavra, Nico deu as costas para eles e se meteu na multidão, desaparecendo de vista.

— Vejo que as coisas estão indo bem?

— Elas estão. Obrigado.

— Como Nico está?

— Muito bem. Melhor do que antes.

— Isso é bom. Continue assim.

Com isso, Hades tocou em seu ombro, acenou e tão rápido quanto Nico, desapareceu entre as pessoas. 

O que Percy podia dizer? Os Di Angelo eram conhecidos pela brevidade. Eles sempre eram diretos e diziam apenas o que precisavam. Podia parecer estranho, Percy sabia disso. O fato era que ele e Hades tinham um trato. Percy contava o que acontecia na vida de Nico e Hades não se meteria no relacionamento deles. Funcionava bem para todo mundo. Houve um tempo em que Percy pensou que Hades iria impedir a amizade entre ele e Nico, mas, então, no dia seguinte Hades fez uma visita a sua casa, falou com sua mãe e pediu desculpas. Desde então eles têm esse acordo. Nico sabe disso, é claro, o que não torna nada mais fácil. Percy sempre ficava preocupado quando pai e filho se encontravam, por isso, foi sua vez de se meter na multidão, buscando pela cabeleira negra de Nico.

Não demorou muito para encontrá-lo, Nico estava sentado em uma das mesas vazias. Pratos, taças e talheres já estavam organizados na mesa para o jantar que aconteceria mais tarde. Ninguém precisava dizer o que estava acontecendo. Percy deu a volta na mesa e abraçou Nico por trás, o apertando forte entre seus braços.

— Sinto muito. — Sussurrou para que somente Nico pudesse escutar.

— Ele perguntou como eu estava?

— Sim.

— Ridículo.

E realmente era. Ao invés de Hades falar com o filho, o homem preferia perguntar para ele, ou para qualquer pessoa que não fosse o próprio Nico.

— Sinto muito. — Era tudo o que ele podia dizer. Então, colocou o rosto contra o pescoço de Nico e o beijou ali, escutando Nico rir, se contraindo todo.

— Faz cócegas.

— Cócegas. Sei.

— Seu bobo.

Nico se virou em seus braços e enfim o abraçou de volta, suspirando, colocando o rosto encostado em seu ombro.

— Não sei porque ainda me importo.

— Ele é seu pai.

— Ele nem teve coragem de visitar a gente na casa da nona! E depois, ele aparece assim, como se tudo estivesse bem.

— Eu sei.

— Sabe quanto tempo eu não via ele? Um ano inteiro! Tive que telefonar para ele avisando que eu estava voltando. Que tipo de pai faz isso?

— Shhh. Ele não vale sua preocupação.

— É tão frustrante!

— Nico.

— O quê foi? 

— Quer dançar comigo?

— O quê? — Isso fez Nico parar no meio de outra reclamação e levantar a cabeça, seus olhos lacrimejando, sem derrubar nenhuma lágrima.

— Vamos dançar.

Percy segurou na mão de Nico e o puxou suavemente pelo gramado até chegar no centro do jardim, onde uma pista de dança improvisada tinha sido colocada. Percy parou no centro da pista feita de uma espécie de piso de plástico e se aproximou de Nico, colocou uma de suas mãos na cintura de Nico e outra em seu ombro, enquanto Nico apenas ficou lá, parado no meio das outras pessoas que dançavam, sua reação congelada chamando mais atenção ainda do que seria o normal.

— Percy! Eles estão olhando pra gente! — Nico murmurou entre os dentes, tentando se esconder contra o peito de Percy.

— Deixe eles olhar. Devem estar com inveja. Olha pra você, tão bonito e inteligente. Como eles poderiam não admirar algo tão lindo?

— Per-cy!

— Tá bom. — Percy sorriu para Nico e o puxou para mais aperto até que nenhum centímetro restasse entre eles. — Olhe para mim, tudo bem? Só pra mim.

A expressão no rosto de Nico se suavizou e só assim Nico relaxou, colocando as mãos nos ombros de Percy.

— Obrigado. — Nico murmurou, o olhando entre os cílios. — Não sei o que eu faria sem você.

Percy queria soltar uma piadinha para ver se aliviava o peso no coração de Nico, mas quando se tratava de família, não havia como consertar as coisas. Então, ele decidiu fazer o que de melhor Percy sabia fazer; segurou no pescoço de Nico e o beijou no meio da pista de dança. O mundo parou de girar e o silêncio se fez dentro de sua cabeça, porque Nico o abraçou pelo pescoço e abriu a boca, permitindo que seus lábios se tocassem, sem vergonha e sem pudor algum. Foi quando Percy finalmente soube que não havia nada a temer ou a esconder. Mesmo com todos os problemas, agora sabia que Nico finalmente era seu.

***

A festa tinha sido um grande sucesso. Os pratos já tinham sido retirados e as taças de sobremesas comidas pela metade estavam espalhadas pelas mesas, embora taças de bebidas ainda estivessem sendo oferecidas. Champanhe, vinho, whisky e cerveja, apenas as pessoas que gostavam de beber ou que ainda dançavam estavam presentes, com a maioria dos convidados se despedindo de sua família no caminho para a saída. Bem, o fato é que estava ficando tarde e eles enfim poderiam abandonar a festa sem parecer mal-educados.

Ele acenou para Luke, Thalia, Clarisse e Cris que passaram por eles, decidindo que era a vez deles irem também.

— Bebê.

— Hm?

— Está na hora de ir pra cama.

— Cama?

Percy segurou Nico pela cintura para que ele não caísse e Nico se ajeitou em seu colo, arrumando a cabeça contra o ombro de Percy. Era agora ou nunca, parecendo que passariam o resto da noite sentados e bebendo sem controle, o que acabaria dando em um espetáculo mais grandioso do que Percy estava preparado para lidar. 

Ele beijou o rosto de Nico e se levantou, segurando nas pernas de Nico, enquanto Nico se apoiava sobre seus ombros.

— Hmmm… Per.

— Shhh. Segura firme.

Foi o que Nico fez. Eles andaram pelo gramado, Percy carregando Nico feito um bebê e Nico reclamando de ser acordado. O bom é que não restava mais ninguém que pudesse envergonhá-los. Sua mãe já tinha se retirado com Tyson já que Paul, o novo marido de sua mãe estava fora em uma viagem de negócios, Hades e Bianca tinham ficado na festa pelo menor tempo possível e todos seus amigos estavam bêbados demais para se lembrar de alguma coisa, ou também já tinham ido embora. Percy queria dizer que Nico estava pesado e que era difícil de ver por onde eles iam, mas isso seria uma mentira. Nico era tão leve que ele mal sentia o peso, o que ele sentia era Nico colado a ele, suas pernas em volta de sua cintura, o volume entre elas óbvio demais para que ele pudesse ignorar.

— Per. — Nico disse novamente, naquele mesmo tom suave e doce. Só que ele não esperava que Nico fosse ser quem iria iniciar as coisas, beijando seu pescoço e respirando contra sua orelha, ou melhor, gemendo e o agarrando com força.

— Estamos quase lá. 

Eles estavam mesmo, Percy apenas precisava andar mais alguns passos e abrir a porta. Ou é o que ele teria feito se Nico não escolhesse aquele momento para levantar a cabeça e com os olhos deslocados e dilatados, e rosto corado, segurar em seu rosto e encostar seus lábios em um suave e quase inocente toque.

 — Você vai me fuder hoje? Na sua cama, onde sua família pode ouvir?

Percy congelou no meio do caminho, suas pernas falhando na mesma velocidade que o sangue em seu corpo descia para seu membro.

— Deuses, Nico! O quanto você bebeu?.

— Eu não estou bêbado! 

A forma que Nico mal conseguia manter os olhos abertos ou sua fala lenta, mostrava o contrário. Felizmente, Percy estava sóbrio o suficiente para continuar os poucos passos até seu quarto e trancar a porta, se certificando que ninguém os interromperia.

— Você foi um garoto muito arteiro hoje. Você merece uma punição. Meu garotinho lembra o que eu disse hoje mais cedo?

— Hmm… que você me deixaria gozar? — Nico tentou, esperançoso.

— Não, que eu te faria implorar.

— Oh. — Foi tudo o que Nico disse antes que ser jogado na cama e de suas calças serem arrancadas.

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Como sempre fico muito contente com a presença de vocês e todos os comentários, likes e reblogs. Faz toda a diferença e se vocês puderem me contar o que estão achando até aqui me ajudará muito para a fase da revisão^^

Obrigada por ler e até a próxima vez que pode ser no fim de semana ou depois!