This Is The Magic Lucky Word Count. Reblog For Creativity Juice. It Might Even Work, Who Knows.

Human: Deal.

Fey: Very well. When you return home tonight, your mother will be in pristine health again. It will be like she never fell ill at all. Even the memory of her suffering will fade…

Human: Thank you so much. She means everything to me.

Fey: I know, I know. Let’s hope the price wasn’t too much for you after all… Only time will tell.

Human: So, when do we start?

Fey: …If I may ask you to elaborate?

Human: You said you wanted my firstborn.

Fey: Yes? And you agreed?

Human: Yeah, so, when do we start?

Fey:

Fey, blushing: Ah.

— You're hopeless at a lot of things, Merlin. Well, most things, in fact... But very occasionally, quite by accident, you say something useful. — Really? The Coming of Arthur: Part 2

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter XIV

Hi, how's everyone? Sorry I've been so absent, I had to take a break. Sometimes that happens, but don't worry, I'll be back. I hope you like it

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

Hades relaxed back against his chair just in time for Maria to enter the room and so everyone began to eat. It was as if none of that had happened as the platters of food were passed around the table and some more arrived from the kitchen.

This was a moment Nico hadn't expected to witness. He leaned back in his chair and picked up his glass of wine, closing his eyes as he felt the sweet and slightly bitter liquid go down his throat. He had eaten so much that he thought he would explode, making him sluggish and sleepy. That must be why he felt so good and so free. He knew he shouldn't be so relaxed, so comfortable with Percy in the middle of his family, and most importantly, he shouldn't accept without question the easy way Percy mingled with them. The conversation flowed so naturally that it was like this dinner was a common occurrence between all of them; Percy's arm on his chair, keeping them close, and the fingers that still caressed the back of his neck in that soft and gentle way lulled him without him even realizing it, while Percy's nails massaging him made everything seem even more natural. And so, finally realizing what was happening, Nico found himself wrapped in that tranquility and contentment that he hadn't felt before Percy appeared in his life, like this was another common thing between them. Even Hades, who had been rude before, seemed not to care about the display of affection.

“… thing. I never would have guessed that.” Percy said beside Nico, close to his ear, the husky murmur caressing his nerves. “What a brave little boy.”

Percy squeezed Nico's shoulders and he felt himself grow warm. Nico just wanted them to stop telling stories about his childhood, there was nothing special about it.

“He was the cutest child in the world. So righteous and innocent.” Bianca continued.

“Really? Tell me more.” Percy raised his own glass of wine to his lips and looked at Nico playfully. But there was something in his eyes. Nico never knew when Percy was been serious.

“Please, no.” It was his turn to murmur.

“Ah, but I have to tell him.”

“Bianca, I beg you!”

Bianca just smiled at Nico, all satisfied and leaned towards him and Percy. The truth is that everyone at the table was a little drunk and since Hades made the wine, he liked it very strong.

“No, I insist.” Percy murmured beside him, perhaps a little closer than necessary, a little hoarsely, too. Well, it was to be expected, they had been laughing for over half an hour. At his expense, of course. Apparently he was a very creative child. And brave. And cute. And innocent. The adjectives were endless.

“So, it happened like this. Hazel was still very little, you know? We still lived in Italy.”

“Please.” Nico begged once more.

“She didn't even realize that the other kids were being mean.”

“I promise to do your laundry for a week!”

“Nico saw this and--” She continued, her face red from the wine.

“One month. No, two--”

“Shhh…” That's when he felt Percy approaching him again. He… Percy placed his index finger on Nico's lips and said very quietly: “Your sister is talking. Be a good boy.”

Nico was unable to disobey. The air fled from his lungs, but unlike what had happened before, it was thought they were suddenly very full, so hot that Nico felt like he was being scorched. The strangest thing about this was that no one seemed to find it strange. Not Percy's arm around his shoulders or his rough fingers against his lips, much less the way that their chairs, for some mysterious reason, were much closer than before, seeming that with each passing moment the distance between them was decreasing.

Half-airy and light, still hearing the words “good boy”, Nico watched Bianca continue to tell her little anecdote of a little boy defending his defenseless little sister through punches. And on top of that, winning the fight.

“I remember that!” Hazel said. She pushed her chair back and stood up, beaming with happiness. “We have pictures!”

“No!” Nico said, defeated.

“Yes!” Hazel exclaimed.

With no other choice left, Hazel left the table and ran upstairs without looking back.

“Percy!” But Nico was laughing, hiding his face in Percy's shoulder, feeling like he was going to melt from embarrassment or bury his head in the ground like an ostrich.

“It’s okay,” Percy told him, the smile in his voice making him relax. “I promise not to hold it against you.”

A kiss was placed on the side of his face and Nico melted completely. He couldn't remember the last time someone had kissed him like that, full of affection and without expecting anything in return. Nico had to lift his head and look back at Percy. When Nico had first met him, it hadn't occurred to him that Percy Jackson could be someone so kind and loving, yet somewhat shameless. Raising his hand, Nico placed it on Percy's face and--

— Nico Di Ângelo! — An angry voice echoed through the room.

The front door slammed against the wall and there stood the person Nico least expected to see, someone he had completely forgotten about. Will Solace was there. Yes, Will, his boyfriend, the person he should be smiling with, the person Nico should be touching with so much affection and care, but never had the desire to do so.

Everyone looked at Will and, too late, Nico realized that Percy was still holding him by the shoulders and he still had his hands on Percy's face. He saw in slow motion Will march towards them and stop in front of the table, only then realizing that he shouldn't be touching Percy, much less in front of his boyfriend. He looked back at Percy and let his hands rest on his strong shoulders, still unprepared to let go.

What… what was he doing?

“I'm sorry.” Nico said to Percy. For some reason Nico addressed Percy and not Will. The truth is that he felt bad, he felt strange, all that drama made him feel like he was betraying Percy, which only made him more confused.

“What the hell are you doing! And who is this guy?”

“I-- I… this… this is Percy Jackson.” He mumbled weakly, not knowing what to say. “And this is Will Solace, my… my boyfriend.”

“What the fuck, Nico!” Will got closer to where he was and yelled in his face. “Come with me, now!”

Nico didn't know what to do, so he went. He stood up and looked one last time at Percy and his family who were watching everything in bewilderment, letting Will grab him by the arm and drag him away. He even heard his mother say "Oh my!" That is, until he realized that Percy wasn't going to let go. He looked at Percy and saw that the man was frowning, looking at him with concern. "Is that your boyfriend?"

“What's that got to do with you? Don't you think you're a little old to be hanging around little boys?”

He couldn't believe what he was hearing! Nico gasped and stood in front of them.

“It's okay, we'll talk--”

Percy stood up and straightened his spine, puffing out his chest in a way Nico had never seen him do before. Percy stopped in front of Will and looked down at him, the blond boy looking so small and helpless next to the nearly seven-foot tall man that it almost made Nico laugh.

“I'm sorry, I don't think I understood. Can you repeat that?” Percy said. He smiled at Will and kept Nico behind him. Nico could imagine how threatening Percy was now.

Will swallowed hard, but stared back at Percy, his grip on Nico's arm tightening.

“That's what you heard, old man.”

“You better let Nico go. He doesn't want to talk to you.”

“Who do you think--”

“If I were you, I would be careful with your next words.”

With that the room fell silent, Will and Percy staring at each other and their family frozen where they sat.

Percy was the first to break the tension. He turned to Nico and gently held him on the shoulder, leaned in until he was very close to his ear and whispered:

“Are you sure he’s your boyfriend?” Nico just looked at Percy, feeling like laughing for some reason, watching Percy laugh back at him. “He feels like an older brother. I don’t see any love or attraction, or affection coming from him. And if that’s how he treats you… why are you still with him?”

Nico felt himself burn under Percy's intense gaze and instead of answering him, he pushed Percy's shoulder lightly, not really wanting to move away, looking at him disapprovingly and muttering so that only Percy could hear: “You're doing this on purpose. I'll be right back.”

So, Nico walked away from Percy, ignoring that little smile that was already very familiar to him, and went outside where Will was waiting for him.

***

As soon as Nico turned his back on them, being pulled by his boyfriend and dragged by the arm, Percy turned around and faced that family that five minutes ago seemed to be the best in the world compared to his. Now, he wasn't so sure. Whether it was the way Nico's older brothers went back to eating, just looking at their plates or the sad way Maria Di Ângelo looked through the door where Nico had left, the worst thing was definitely looking at Hades and seeing the resigned expression on his rough and tired face.

Percy sat down at the table and put his hand to his temples, feeling a headache coming on. He filled his glass with more wine and downed it in one go. Why was he so worried? Why did he feel so possessive? In the end, Will Solace was right, this was none of his business, none of it was.

Even so, Percy turned to Hades, giving him a disapproving look. Hades looked at him and it was then that he realized,  the man would do nothing to stop something bad from happening to Nico. 

Percy didn't believe that! He would do anything for Alice and Logan, he would never let other people abuse them, much less offer them up on a golden platter, handing them over to the dogs. Percy took a deep breath and tried to ignore the tension in the air, so strong it could be cut with a knife. However, it didn't take long for a murderous expression to form on the patriarch's face; not even thirty seconds later they heard furious shouts coming from outside the house. The clearest were "You're mine! Acting like a whore won't solve things" and "Is it because of him that you don't want to marry me?"

Everyone remained in a somber silence that was only broken when Hazel entered the room, her shoes making noise against the wooden floor. Hades grimaced in disgust and he couldn't take it anymore, downing the third glass of wine in less than two minutes.

“You know, I may like fancy cars and innocent little boys, but I would never do that to Nico.”

“As if you were different.” Hades tells him.

“I would never call Nico those things and I would never force him to do anything he doesn't want to do. Can you say the same about Will? If I were you, I would be careful about who you let into your home.”

Hades made another face, as if he had eaten something bitter, but Percy didn't care, he got up from the table and went after Nico.

If it had been anyone else in his place, he would have said that the scene he found when he opened the door was something out of a murder movie about to happen, or perhaps the beginning of physical abuse. He couldn't decide, especially if it was the way Will was looking at Nico, with so much anger and disgust, practically pressing him against the wall; Will even had his fist slightly raised, close to his body, his hand clenched and tense. Nico, on the other hand, seemed to have given up on fighting back and was just trying to defend himself with his hands over his face.

Percy couldn't wait any longer, he walked over to Nico and stood in their midst, running when he saw what was about to happen. However, Percy had to stop before he reached him, coming across something he never expected to see; the little boy who had seemed so brave and courageous was now huddled against the wall, trying to make himself smaller, crying so hard that he was sobbing.

He did the only thing he could in a situation like this. He approached slowly and tried to talk to him, without scaring him.

“Nico? It's me, Percy.”

“I'm sorry! I didn't-- I didn't--” Nico screamed with all the strength he could muster and raised his hands, trying to keep the threat away from him, soon after shrinking even further against the wall and crouching on the floor, covering his head with his hands.

“It's okay. Tell me what happened, hmm?”

“Oh.” Nico said softly, almost without strength.

With a broken sob, Nico raised his head and looked at him, his face twisted with pain. Nico didn't say a word, he just stood up quickly and jumped against Percy, hugging him desperately and crying even harder.

“Shhh… what’s wrong? No need to cry, you’re safe.”

“Per…” Another hiccup and the first sniff.

“Come on, it's okay. Don't you trust me?”

Nico nodded, his face all wet and swollen, trying to smile, relaxing a little more. At least Percy now knew Nico wouldn't have a panic attack.

“Do you want to talk?”

Nico denies it and stays exactly where he was, curled up against Percy's chest and with his eyes squeezed shut, trying to control the sobs that were slowly fading away. Only when he was sure that Nico wouldn't lose control again did he look at the boyfriend. Big piece of shit. A selfish and spoiled little boy, from what he could see. And who apparently didn't even care if Nico suffered or not.

Percy didn't do anything other than hug Nico, he didn't move to give that kid what he deserved or try to call for help, Will didn't do anything either, looking at him like he wanted to kill him, ignoring Nico who finally stopped crying. In the end, he was the one who had lost; it was Percy who held Nico in his arms, it was Percy who slowly caressed his back and it was Percy who comforted him. Will should give up while he still had time.

See you next time!

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

Oii, como vai? Capítulo na hora prometida. Nesse capitulo vamos entender mais um pouco sobre a relação deles. Devagar vai chegar lá, e desde já obrigada pela presença e apoio^^

Capítulos anteriores: CAPÍTULO I / CAPÍTULO II

O sinal bateu bem na hora em que Nico bocejou, levando a mão à boca. 

— Você quer ir pra casa? — Percy perguntou, parando de escrever na folha de questões sobre física, momentaneamente, parecendo pensar seriamente sobre alguma coisa para voltar a escrever apressadamente, sem desviar sua atenção da tarefa, tudo isso enquanto segurava em uma de suas mãos, como se Nico fosse sair correndo no caso de Percy não estar lá para impedi-lo. Era quase engraçado, eles sentados em uma roda de seis ou sete pessoas no chão da biblioteca enquanto ele observava Percy fazer todo o trabalho pesado.

Ele queria dizer para Percy que não estava cansado, que era só o fuso horário. Mesmo que ele tenha chegado há dois ou três dias, ainda não tinha se acostumado e mal tinha conseguido dormir nas noites anteriores, sem mencionar o clima que era bem mais ameno do que na Itália, o clima frio o fazendo ficar com sono facilmente. O problema era que Percy disse que seriam dez minutos que viraram trinta e agora, uma hora e meia depois, sentado no meio dos colegas de classe, eles resolviam as questões que o professor tinha entregado, valendo nota. Ele sabia que devia estar ajudando Percy com a tarefa, igual os outros estavam fazendo, trabalhando em pares, mas como Percy parecia feliz em escrever sozinho, Nico deixou que Percy se divertisse, observando a expressão séria e concentrada no rosto do amigo, que enfim, levantou o rosto e o encarou, sorrindo, como se apenas naquele momento tivesse lembrado da presença de Nico.

— Desculpa. Eu sempre acabo fazendo essas coisas sozinho. Não tenho paciência para ficar enrolando.

Percy estava certo. As pessoas ao redor estavam escrevendo, mas elas também conversavam em voz baixa, discretas, porém óbvias.

— Eu prometi. Vamos.

— Você pode terminar, eu não me importo.

— Eu terminei.

Percy estava certo mais uma vez, Nico espiou a folha no colo de Percy e viu que todas as questões estavam preenchidas com respostas completas.

— Você quer levar para casa e estudar?

— Não, não precisa.

Então, ele estava se levantando, Percy atrás dele, o apoiando pelas costas e guardando a folha dentro da bolsa. Ninguém pareceu vê-los sair, apenas a bibliotecária os cumprimentou na saída e finalmente eles estavam livres, o sol de fim de tarde ainda brilhava, trazendo um pouco da umidade e calor que ele tanto sentia falta. Contente, Nico deu alguns passos para fora dos corredores, indo em direção ao pátio descoberto e fechou os olhos, deixando que os raios de sol o esquentassem suavemente. É claro que logo Percy estava a seu lado, segurando sua mão, como sempre havia sido. A presença de Percy sempre acalentadora, ele até podia sentir o olhar do amigo sobre ele.

— O que foi? — Ele teve que perguntar, ainda de olhos fechados.

— Eu te mantive em cárcere privado, não foi?

— Não seja ridículo. — Nico quase revirou os olhos de impaciência, querendo sair logo dali, se contentando em passar mais alguns minutos sobre o sol.

— Não fica bravo comigo.

— Não estou bravo. — Ele quase não deu importância ao que Percy falava, Nico conseguia sentir o tom brincalhão retornando com força. Porque, no fim, o que Percy queria era atenção.

— Hmm, não. Isso não pode ficar assim.

Nico abriu os olhos e viu que sem perceber, já estavam no estacionamento do colégio. Esse tinha sido seu maior erro, porque enquanto ele estava distraído com o céu limpo e o clima agradável, perdeu o momento em que Percy o encurralou contra a parede do estacionamento e levantou as próprias mãos e… e as enfiou contra sua barriga e abdome, começando uma guerra de cócegas. Ele não se lembrava da última vez que alguém tinha tido a coragem de fazer aquilo com ele. De fato, Percy tinha sido o último, dois anos atrás, antes dele viajar para longe. Naquela época quando Nico ficava quieto por muito tempo essa era a tática favorita que Percy tinha para fazê-lo falar ou reagir; ele tinha que admitir, não sentia saudade dessa tortura humilhante, mas o contato era bem-vindo. Contraditório, não? Parecia que qualquer coisa que Percy fizesse naquele momento seria recebido de boa vontade.

— Percy Jackson! — Ele guinchou e se desenrolou das mãos de Percy, correndo para longe daqueles longos dedos incansáveis. É claro que ele não teria paz! Percy veio correndo atrás dele, gargalhando feito um maníaco e com pernas medindo o dobro das suas, Percy em meros minutos o alcançou, o segurando pela cintura.

— Ni-coo… — E tudo bem, agora que ele analisava as coisas… eles não tinham as brincadeiras mais inocentes, porque a forma que Percy o segurava apertado, costas contra peito e boca bem perto de seu ouvido… era exatamente como as coisas costumavam acontecer no passado.

— Eu te perdoo! Te perdoo.

— De verdade? Você não está falando isso para depois se vingar de mim de formas lentas e cruéis?

— Eu nunca faria isso!

— Mentiroso. — Percy disse na mesma forma doce e baixinha contra sua pele, parecendo que não iria soltá-lo tão cedo.

— Percy! A gente não é mais criança!

— Não é mesmo. — Percy voltou a murmurar e deu uma risadinha seca que fez os cabelos em sua nuca se arrepiarem. Isso é, antes de Percy o virar de frente e se aproximar mais ainda dele, encostando sua testa a dele. E talvez, esse gesto seria algo comum quando eles estavam longe de olhares curiosos, debaixo das cobertas, nas milhares de vezes que ele dormia na casa de Percy já que apenas as empregadas e Bianca estariam o esperando em casa. Quando eles eram pequenos parecia algo afetuoso e inocente, mas agora… bem… ainda parecia afetuoso. — Você quer jantar? O restaurante ainda está aberto.

Mas como ele podia pensar em comida quando eles estavam tão próximos, respirando o ar do outro? Quando as mãos de Percy estavam em sua cintura e em seus cabelos, não permitindo que ele desviasse o olhar? Quando ele o abraçava de volta? Seus corpos prensados juntos e mesmo através das roupas ele podia sentir o calor de Percy.

— Nico… Niccolas… — Por que Percy tinha que sussurrar seu nome daquele jeito? Porque ele tinha que tocá-lo daquele jeito? Tão forte e firme, como se temesse que ele fosse desaparecer a qualquer momento. Ele… ele não sabia se estava pronto.

Tão perto agora… a cabeça de Percy veio em direção a sua e… e… e ele deixou o ar sair, fechando os olhos.

— Comida. Comida é uma boa ideia. Certo? — Ele engoliu em seco por um momento, mas quando Percy não fez nada além continuar o abraçando sem se aproximar mais, Nico abriu os olhos, vendo seus olhos intensos sobre ele, queimando feito labaredas.

— Você está com medo de mim. — Tinha sido uma afirmação, a luz nos olhos de Percy parecendo sumir junto com seu sorriso brincalhão.

— Não… eu não… eu só… não estou pronto?

— É isso mesmo? Ou é outra coisa? Eu não quero ser uma dessas pessoas…

Ele entendia o que Percy queria dizer. Percy nunca faria algo para abusar de sua confiança mesmo que tentasse. Ele confiava em Percy, era em si mesmo que Nico não confiava. Se ele já estava assim em menos de vinte e quatro horas perto de Percy, o que aconteceria se ele se deixasse levar? Temia que… que a obsessão retornaria ainda mais intensa do que antes.

— A gente pode ir devagar? — Nico enfim conseguiu cuspir para fora, se sentindo estremecer.

— É claro. Tudo o que você quiser. — E Percy parecia falar sério. Percy o observou por mais uns momentos, como se decidisse algo importante e deu um passo para trás, apenas o suficiente para segurar em sua cintura e o guiar até o carro que estava parado perto da saída do estacionamento.

Percy abriu a porta para ele, pegou ambas suas mochilas e as colocou no banco de trás, dando a volta rapidamente para se sentar a seu lado, parecendo ansioso. Não era aquela ansiedade do tipo de quem estava bravo ou irritado, era mais… alguém cheio de energia e que não sabia o que fazer com isso. Restou a Nico relaxar contra o assento do carro e encostar a cabeça no apoio, quem sabe quando eles chegassem no restaurante a tensão que ele sentia teria se dissipado.

***  

— O que você acha?

Era um lugar bem aconchegante e acolhedor, a decoração era feita de forma simples e em confortáveis tons vermelhos, como algo que ele veria na casa de sua avó já falecida há alguns anos. Ele sentia vontade de sentar em uma das poltronas perto da recepção, fazer um chocolate quente e se sentar perto da lareira com um cobertor sobre seus ombros.

— Eu gostei.

— Tenho uma reserva. — Percy disse todo orgulhoso. Eram seis horas da tarde em ponto, o que significava que Percy tinha planejado tudo aquilo, matar tempo na escola para trazê-lo ali na hora certa.

— O que eu faço com você, hein?

— Que tal dizer “Obrigado, Percy. Você é tão atencioso”.

— É assim que você dá em cima das pessoas?

— Está funcionando?

Nico suspirou e aceitou a mão que Percy oferecia, o guiando em direção ao maitre. O lugar era específico demais. Provavelmente outras pessoas da idade deles não gostariam do lugar tanto quanto Nico tinha gostado. O pior era que ele não odiava nenhum pouco isso, Nico apreciava o esforço que Percy tinha feito para encontrar algo tão… tão a sua cara, como se tivesse encontrado um pedacinho da Itália apenas para que ele se sentisse melhor.

— Você não precisava.

— Eu quis que você se sentisse bem vindo. — Ele não precisava olhar para Percy para entender o que aquelas palavras realmente significavam, porque o que Percy realmente queria dizer era “Eu quero que você se sinta em casa para nunca mais precisar ir embora”. 

Ele não sabia desde quando tudo era tão óbvio. Cada palavra e cada gesto. Era como se eles estivessem dançando, como se soubessem cada passo e só estavam esperando a música acabar para enfim… certo. Ele, então, levantou a cabeça e encarou Percy que naquele momento parecia como o homem mais perfeito do mundo, aquele que Nico sempre havia sonhado em ter; gentil, compreensivo, bonito, bem vestido, tão alto e forte que ele sabia que nunca precisaria se preocupar em se defender. Mas Percy sempre tinha sido assim, o perfeito príncipe. No fim realmente era óbvio, não era? Esse era o motivo de seu problema. Não importava por quem ele procurasse, Nico sempre acabaria nesse mesmo lugar, buscando por Percy em todos os rostos. Talvez ele apenas devesse… parar de procurar em outros lugares.

— A gente pode ir pra casa se você quiser. — Percy disse a ele, agora parando a sua frente. Ele devia estar fazendo papel de bobo de novo, olhando para Percy sem dizer nada.

— Não, a gente pode comer. — Quando o sorriso voltou para o rosto de Percy, ele soube que tinha feito a escolha certa.

Eles seguiram o maitre pela fila de mesas até que subiram um par de escadas e então entraram em um salão que era maior que o andar de baixo, mas que estava mais vazio, cheio de mesas redondas e pequenas e outras com mais privacidade ao fundo do cômodo ao lado de grandes janelas que deixavam a luz do dia entrar, mas como a noite começava a cair, velas aromáticas já estavam acesas.

— Espero que os senhores aprovem os acentos? — Eles acenaram e logo lhes foi oferecido o menu.

A verdade é que Nico não estava interessado em comida, não era por isso que estavam ali. Ou era? Por isso tinha decidido, deixaria que Percy lhe dissesse.

— O que você quer comer? — Percy perguntou, mãos segurando o cardápio, mas seus olhos estavam sobre os dele, olhos que pareciam mais verdes do que nunca sobre a luz das velas naquele restaurante, a penumbra da noite deixando o ambiente ainda mais intimista e pessoal.

— Não sei, um vinho? Você escolhe.

Percy o encarou por um momento, parecendo refletir sobre a resposta e se aproximou mais um pouco, colocando o braço sobre seu ombro e desfazendo o resto da distância entre eles.

— Eu queria conversar sobre a gente.

— Eu sei disso.

— Eu só… preciso saber.

— Eu sei.

— São dez anos nisso. Eu preciso saber.

E Percy estava certo. Eles eram tão pequenos e inocentes naquela época, e depois… depois eles ainda eram pequenos, mas não tão inocentes até que… até que ele surtou e depois Percy surtou e ele foi embora sem avisar ninguém. Assim, do nada, e tão do nada quanto ele tinha partido, Percy tinha ligado para ele, tão diferente do que Nico conhecia e tão familiar ao mesmo tempo que o deixou confuso por um longo tempo. Ele se lembrava que durante longos meses ele só teve energia para cumprir suas obrigações e se apegar a essas ligações diárias até que ele soubesse o que fazer. E ali estavam eles, praticamente no mesmo lugar, a diferença era que agora eles entendiam quais seriam as consequências, não importava qual fosse a decisão no final.

— Eu gosto de você. — Nico se decidiu pelo mais simples. Admitia que não era a pessoa mais assertiva ou que sequer fazia boas escolhas.

— Não foi o que eu perguntei.

— Eu não sei. Sinto sua falta. É o suficiente?

— Não. — Percy dizia tudo aquilo tão sério que ele meio que… queria rir. Talvez já estivesse um pouquinho. Ninguém podia culpá-lo por isso.

— Então, você decide.

— Nico! Você disse que não estava pronto!

— Não estou. Nunca vou estar. Não quero destruir o que a gente tem. Na verdade, não quero um relacionamento.

— Porque você tem que ser tão confuso!

— Não é sobre sexo. Essa é a parte fácil.

— Nico, eu sei. O que posso fazer para você--

— Deuses, Percy! Eu sou o problema. Sou muito instável. Você não quer andar com uma bomba relógio no bolso, quer?

— Bebê, você pode explodir quando quiser, contanto que exploda comigo.

Nico gemeu e levou as mãos ao rosto, isso era ridículo! Ambos sabiam porque ele tinha ido embora e sabiam perfeitamente porque ele tinha voltado. Nico ainda estava se acostumando com a ideia de que dessa vez ele não tinha para onde correr quando seus sentimentos irrompessem por todos os cantos, obrigando Percy a catar os pedaços.

— Será que você pode falar sério por cinco minutos?

— Eu sei de tudo isso, querido. Cada coisinha que você acha que consegue esconder de mim.

— Vai ser pior do que antes!

— Você disse que eu podia decidir.

— Sim, mas-- quero ir devagar.

— Então me deixe decidir. Eu só preciso da sua permissão.

— Permissão para fazer o quê?

Nico observou em câmera lenta a mão que estava em volta de seu ombro viajar para sua nuca, massageando o lugar, e o puxando suavemente para mais perto, inclinando sua cabeça até alcançar a posição certa para os lábios de Percy finalmente descerem contra os seus no beijo mais inocente e doce que ele já tinha provado.

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Obrigada por ler! Comentários são sempre bem vindos^^

New Crow Time 🐦‍⬛🦊🌟

And maybe there’s something special about our first love, and something heartbreakingly unique about our second. But there’ s also just something about our third. The one we never see coming. The one that actually lasts. The one that shows us why it never worked out before.

i wish you guys could read the amazing fic i haven't written and probably will never write, it's fire

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. 

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

In this chapter we have a super 18+ scene. It's a gift for the delay in updating the story. And while I'm on this subject, I'd like to know what you guys think about something. Like, technically, I should indicate that the blog is for adults, which would hide it behind that annoying warning and consider me a sex bot, you know? If someone reports me, the blog will be deleted. So, should I continue with the +18 scenes here or put them somewhere else? I've already put up a poll in the Portuguese version, but I'd like your opinion too.

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

Percy learned something very interesting these last few days. He had found out the right way to have a happy ending, both between Nico's legs and in the heart of his beautiful baby. The secret to satisfying Nico was doing the right thing, at the right time and at the right pace. If he took things slowly at first, treated him with affection and made Nico relax, the chances of him getting everything he wanted and going much deeper than that were high. Honestly? Percy didn't think someone so innocent in everything he did could have such an uninhibited side behind four walls. The funny thing was seeing the rare moments where Nico remembered that he shouldn't act like that, feeling embarrassed, only to have Nico open his legs the next moment, asking for more.

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

“Hmm… that you would let me cum?'' Nico tried, hopeful.

“No. I said, I would make you beg.’’

''Oh.'' That's all Nico said before being thrown onto the bed and his pants being ripped off him.

But Percy did everything with care. He took off Nico's sneakers, pulled his pants down along with his underwear and enjoyed the moment; it wasn't often that Nico let him see all that exposed skin. He stroked Nico's long legs and kissed them slowly, nibbling where he went, tortuously slow in his touches, moving up and up, finally reaching Nico's groin and lingering there, massaging the junction of his legs with his pelvis and touching Nico's member, then, he heard a whimper.

''What's wrong, baby?’’

''You… you‘re torturing me!’’

“Am I?’’

“Hmmm.'' Nico nodded, bringing his hands to his own face, like he was trying to hide it,  and ended up biting his fingers just as Percy looked at him, seeing Nico’s face flushed and his eyes almost closing with sleep, holding back the next moan. Percy had to admit, he was in the mood to do exactly what Nico accused him of doing. So, he ignored Nico's erect member and went a little lower, stroking his entrance, rubbing in soft, delicate circles, until it opened up like a flower for him, pulsing against his fingers.

But Percy didn't  push right all the way like Nico wanted. No, he kept rubbing and rubbing, watching Nico open and close for long moments, hearing the sweet moans that his baby couldn't contain inside himself.

''Percy!’’

“What it that?’’

''I…’’

''Yeah?’’

''I need you! Inside of me!’’

''Oh, no. Don't cry. We haven't even started yet.’’

“T-thank you.'' Nico whispered, all tearful, and leaned towards him, grabbing his shirt, begging sweetly, his big black eyes looking at him so desperately and frustrated that Percy took pity, although only now Percy was recalling their deal. If Nico didn't know what to say and wanted to continue, he would say “Thank you” and when it felt good and still Nico wanted to stop, he would say “Please”.

‘So sweet’ Percy thought. He would make everything better. So, Percy pulled Nico against his chest and comforted him, kissing his hair, mumbling:

''There, there. It's already gone. See? All good.’’

''I… I wanted…’’

''I know what you want.’’

With Nico in his arms, Percy turned to the side and opened the first drawer on the bedside table and took out a tube of lub. He put some on his fingers, warming the gel in his hand, and brought his fingers to Nico's entrance. Exactly as before, Nico moaned sweetly and threw his head back when Percy rubbed around Nico's hole, feeling Nico melt like butter in his arms, surrendering to the sensations he felt.

Percy couldn't help the heat that spread in his chest, both from pleasure and affection, but from lust too, that feeling that made him forget everything and encouraged him to take everything he wanted.

''Is this what you wanted, beautiful? For me to fuck you at my parents' house?’’

Percy tried to be as delicate as possible, as delicate as his pleasure-drunk mind would allow. And He had to admit, it wasn't enough for him, it never would be, because, deep down, he knew this wasn't the way he should treat his baby. If Percy had his head on straight, he would never do this, but something inside him dominated his body, making him act the way he never thought he would.

The truth was, since Nico’s return, he wasn’t acting like himself, he wasn’t behaving like Nico deserved. But, in the end, care and kindness wasn't what he wanted and it wasn't what Nico wanted either. Percy wasn't proud of himself; the next thing he knew, he had three fingers inside Nico, opening him slowly, but eagerly and more deeply than he had done in the past. Percy had to stop for a moment and take a deep breath, he had promised that he wouldn't let his feelings get in the way of his relationship with Nico. What could he do if Nico became even more beautiful, moaning with his back bent, about to come while he just kept playing with Nico's body, discovering the places that made him moan, and what made him cry with pleasure, or even that little place that was making Nico scream, shaking from head to toe?

That's why Percy forced himself to take his fingers out of Nico and take a deep breath. It wasn't right to treat him like a plastic doll, a little toy he could use and then put away in a box.

''Baby? All good?'' Percy forced himself to see through the haze of lust and see his baby and not… a lover where he could satisfy all his desires.

Percy watched in slow motion Nico opening his eyes, unfocused and dilated, breathing as deeply as he had done, looking confused.

''No... ah... don't stop... I... thank you.'' Nico said in the softest and sweetest voice Percy had ever heard, all obedient and happy, smiling dreamy, saying: “I'm so drunk.”

And then, Nico was laughing, looking more stoned than any drink could make him, putting his arms around Percy’s neck and kissing him softly. 

Percy couldn't blame him, he felt as high as Nico seemed to be, but what Percy hadn't noticed until that moment were the tears that were flowing, seeping from Nico's eyes that, in addition to being unfocused, were also teary;his dark skin warm to the touch, marred by invisible lines. Why did Percy know this? He had to raise his hand and wipe Nico's face, sliding them until he held Nico by the back of his head and neck, keeping them there, buried in Nico's hair. And Nico? Well, he just moaned, letting Percy lean him closer to him, and spread his legs wider, offering himself to Percy.

Percy didn't want to think about this, this… show of submission. That made something inside him wake up, something Percy was ashamed to admit he had inside him. But… he looked down and saw that Nico had cum at some point. They should stop, right? So, why was Percy unzipping his own pants and applying lube to his own cock?

Percy grunted when he felt the tip of his member's head come into contact with Nico's entrance. They should use condoms, shouldn't they? But he knew Nico was a virgin before he fucked him, which Percy knew was just another excuse for his endorphin-filled brain not to force him to stop. But, Nico had asked, hadn't he?

He didn't hesitate any longer, Percy grabbed Nico by the waist and pulled him against his member, letting gravity do its work. It was an out-of-body experience seeing Nico's small, tight little hole, accommodate his size, watching him go down slowly, taking him in inch by inch, seeing his member disappear inside Nico with almost no effort at all, now hearing the high-pitched moans and gasps against his ear, chest against chest, feeling Nico hug him tightly around the neck and wrap his legs around his waist, bouncing around in his lap so deliciously that for a moment Percy found himself without reaction, only able to gasp against his baby's black hair, helping him in any way he could.

Then, Nico let out a long, breathy moan against his neck and bit him hard, stopping moving immediately, squeezing him so hard that Percy didn't know how he hadn't come at that very moment. Yet, knowing Nico had just cum, Percy didn't have enough strength to stop, but he didn’t try to move either. So, he waited,  staying in that same position for long moments, sitting motionless on the bed, thinking that maybe Nico had fallen asleep, or that Nico didn't want to continue anymore. That was the moment when Percy heard a sly little moan and felt Nico move, just a little, rotating his hips, as if trying to find a better position. And Percy, like the gentleman that he was, helped him. Still holding Nico's waist, he moved him a little to the right and then forward, finding a more comfortable angle. 

Yes! Percy thought he had found it, feeling Nico squeeze him tightly and whimper like he was dying.

''Is it here? Like this? Feels good?’’

''Ah… ah… thank you!'' Nico squirmed and forced himself against him, hugging Percy tightly again. And since Nico was so determined to kill them with pleasure, it was the best way Percy could die.

Percy held Nico's hips tighter and, almost immobilizing him, pulled him up and then took him down, slowly and deliciously, feeling Nico squeeze him so hard it almost hurt.

''Baby, you gotta relax, hm? Take a deep breath for me.’’

Nico did, because he was the best boy in the world, and let himself fall onto his chest, relaxing with his head resting on his shoulders.

Ah, that was much better, because, suddenly, his member was sliding in and out of Nico without any effort, Nico moaning shamelessly with his head thrown back. Percy watched for a moment as Nico gave himself to him without any fear and forgot about himself, regretting that he had almost lost Nico forever.

''Do you want to cum?'' Percy asked, feeling himself float away.

''Per… I… ah! I don't know!'' And again, in the sweetest voice, but now panting and desperate, Nico opened those black eyes and pleaded with his gaze, something that Nico himself seemed to not know what it was.

Percy didn't really know what he was doing, but if Nico wanted it, he would make it come true.

''Touch yourself.’’

''W-what?'' Nico asked without understanding.

''I want you to touch yourself.’’

Percy then held one of Nico's hands and took it between their bodies where Nico's member was erect once again.

''I want to see.'' Percy repeated and waited to see what Nico would do.

Nico  blinked slowly at him and, still looking uncertain and stoned, wrapped his fingers around himself, beginning to slide his hand up and down, in the most delicate, gentle touch Percy had ever seen. He did nothing but watch Nico touch himself with him still inside Nico, feeling Nico pulse and squeeze him rhythmically for a few short minutes.

It didn't take long, as slowly and gently as Nico had started, Nico came, with long strokes and even sweeter moans. And this time Percy saw Nico ejaculating, the small member twitching and finally releasing the last drops until Nico stopped moving his hand and looked at Percy, blinking slowly and breathing quickly, as if waiting for the next order.

That was a slightly strange and wonderfully extraordinary moment for Percy. He was content to just watch Nico's pleasure and let his erection go away on its own. The fact is that Nico was still looking at him, still looking uncertain and honestly confused.

''Aren't you going to cum?'' Nico asked him, and Percy almost laughed, thinking he was going crazy.

“What do you suggest, hm?’’

“Oh.'' Nico murmured, tilting his head and gently placing his hands on Percy's shoulders. ''Can I decide?’’

“Sure.’’ Percy shrugged, why not?

The surprise came immediately; Nico lifted his hips, moaning softly and let Percy's member slip away from him. Soon after, Nico knelt on the bed, sat between Percy's spread legs and holding the base, kissed the head for long moments. He licked and sucked without rushing to finally suck it whole, starting a light suction, in the most beautiful and erotic sight that Percy had ever had the pleasure of witnessing, thinking that this would be the fastest orgasm of his life.

Nico started to move his hands too and suddenly, his member was sliding into Nico's throat. What finally made him cum was when Nico swallowed around him and gasped, choking slightly. And again, Percy had no reaction other than leaning on the bed and throwing his head back, moaning for a long time. Surprising him again, Percy watched as Nico continued to suck him, now so gently he could barely feel it, only sliding away when Nico was sure Percy had finished, finally softening against his lips. It was as if a new world had opened up right in front of Percy's eyes; he didn't know that someone sucking his cock could rock his world like that. But, of course, Nico wasn't just anyone and no one but Nico could cause these feelings in him.

''Per?'' He heard Nico's small voice call him. Percy opened his eyes and realized that he still had his head thrown back and was staring at the ceiling. It was difficult to even open his mouth.

''Hmm?’’

''I… I'm sorry… I didn't mean to…’’

He didn’t mean what? Percy wanted to laugh in hysteria and pleasure.

Content and truly satisfied, Percy finally gathered the strength to move and sat down on the bed, seeing that Nico was still between his legs. The funny thing is that Nico didn't look happy, looking like he would burst into tears at any moment.

''What's wrong, baby?’’

''I hurt you.’’

''Hurt me?’’

''You looked like you were in pain, but I didn't want to stop. You never let me do that.’’

Percy smiled and pulled Nico onto his lap, hugging him to his chest. He could tell Nico was right; It felt so good it hurt, like his orgasm was being pulled out of him and Percy had no control over it.

''You didn't hurt me. In fact, you only had to ask. You were great.’’

“Was I… great?'' Nico sank against Percy's chest, but he still looked doubtful. ''If you say so, I will believe it.’’

Percy smiled again and kissed Nico's hair. He just hoped that Nico wouldn't fight with him the next morning when they were both completely sober.

***

''If you say so, I will believe it.'' Percy hears Nico say, watching him close his eyes and sigh before relaxing against his chest, now breathing deeply in his sleep.

Percy was almost tempted to do the same and sleep in that exact position, sitting in the middle of the bed with Nico using him as a pillow. But unfortunately, he had to be the responsible person. Feeling his legs still shaking, he placed Nico on the pillows, covered him with a sheet and got up. He entered the suite's bathroom and after cleaning himself and arranging his clothes, he returned to the room with a damp towel and cleaned Nico, saying "I'll be back soon", which Nico didn't seem to hear, and left the room, closing the door softly behind him, leaving Nico under the covers in just socks and a t-shirt. 

He went downstairs and, already regretting it, saw that there were still people at the party. Not that it mattered to him, it was just another day at the Jackson house, so he walked with determined steps towards the kitchen, but when he got there he had an unwanted surprise.

It was Annabeth, of course! Who else? Who else could it be? His relaxation vanished in the blink of an eye, especially when Annabeth turned to him and smiled, holding a crystal glass with red wine against her lips, her favorite drink, Percy unfortunately knew.

Maybe he had hidden some things from Nico and, maybe he had spent more time than he’d wanted with Annabeth in the last few years; Nico was gone and Percy was feeling lonely, imagine his surprise when Annabeth showed him a little sympathy.

Percy had let his guard down, he admitted. In the name of old times and childhood friends, Percy decided that giving another chance to the first friendship he had made in his life could work. The fact is that everything was fine for some time, the gang got together once again and everything was going well, that is, until Annabeth, in a drink-fueled study session, their best friends and books scattered on every surface of his room, she had tried to kiss him. In the end, all Annabeth wanted was to be homecoming queen and take advantage of his family's influence to get a scholarship and a cheerleading position at the best university in the country. If she had asked him for these things, Percy wouldn't have minded helping, but since she decided to take it by force, Percy returned it in kind.

Now, here they were. Annabeth in a long red dress that hid nothing, standing in front of the refrigerator, seeming to observe some photos stuck in it, photos of them and their other friends from when they were children and Percy hadn't met Nico yet. Percy almost believed her longing look, almost got fooled once again, and all because he was trying to get his baby a glass of water with painkillers, hm?

Not this time.

''What are you doing here? I thought I was clear.’’

''I wanted to talk to you.’’

''You'd better go home.’’

''Don't you miss us? How it used to be?’’

Annabeth then turned completely towards him and placed the glass on the counter, moving closer to him, parading herself, trying to seduce him. All it did was make his stomach churn. What would he miss? Of feeling alone, as if he were invisible? Living to fulfill all the selfish desires of a spoiled girl? Of not being able to do something if Annabeth didn't allow it? The worst thing would always know that no matter what he did, Percy would always feel cold and abandoned, even if she was less than five steps away.

''How did you intend to do that? Breaking into my room in the middle of the night?’’

''It's a good idea. I still remember where it is.’’

''Have you gone crazy? That’s it?’’

''It's you who doesn't understand! It should be both of us. This is not natural. What would your father say if he saw you like this?'' Annabeth touched his shoulder and then the urge to vomit really came, almost materializing itself.

''My father has nothing to do with this. You’ve crossed the line.’’

''Percy, darling. It's not too late yet.'' Annabeth touched his face and looked at him with those cold gray eyes, something he had once found beautiful and magnetic, but that now froze his body and soul. If there was one thing he had learned from Annabeth, it was that manipulation came in all sizes and shapes.

He took a step back, out of Annabeth's reach and took a deep breath, feeling free from a ghost that had continued to haunt him since he decided he liked sweet, well-behaved little boys more than manipulative, cruel girls. Maybe Nico was right and the only way for him to really get rid of Annabeth was to run away and disappear, just like Nico had done before.

''You need to leave. Now!’’

''Percy, I know you're confused. He's so cute he almost looks like a girl, doesn't he? He will never give you what I can. A family. A home.’’

“Nico can’t give me…?'' Percy asked himself for a moment, distracted. Then, he felt like laughing. Nico gave him exactly what he wanted and in the exact way he wanted it the most.

''Are you sure about that?’’

Percy knew he shouldn't, knew it wasn't Annabeth's business, and yet, he did it. Percy opened the top buttons of his shirt and showed the mark in the middle of his chest from teeth and nails, close to his neck, but discreet enough to cover with his shirt.

''Do you think Nico doesn't give me what I need? He is so much better than you will ever be.’’

''You will regret it! How do you trade me for that--’’

''In fact, even if I wasn't with him, you'd be the last person on earth who--’’

Plaft!

Percy even didn't felt the pain coming, he just heard the sound of Annabeth's hand against his face, the cold touch of her hand freezing him face. The shock came when his face turned to the side with the impact, it came when her scream of fury reached his ears, completely enraged, like a demon had possessed the body of the beauty with light eyes and blonde hair.

''Do you think you can talk to me like that? That you can treat me like this? Who do you think you are!'' Annabeth shouted, going at him once again. But this time, Percy refused to submit to her wishes, he wasn't afraid of what they would say or what the consequences would be.

This time, Percy held Annabeth's arms and faced her, without fear, before the next slap could arrive.

''We're done here. I don't want to see you, hear your voice or know about you. You are not welcome in my life or Nico's life. And if you try something, you will regret it. This is my last warning.’’

With that, Percy turned his back on her and left the kitchen, still hearing Annabeth's screams. When Percy returned, Annabeth was still in the kitchen pacing back and forth, furious, with the crystal glass in her hand. But if it were up to Percy, Annabeth should keep the glass as a souvenir. He didn't want anything she had touched.

''Make sure she never sets foot in this house again.’’

Standing in the middle of the hallway that led to the kitchen entrance, Percy watched the men nod and go towards the intruder. Each one held Annabeth by an arm and without another word, Annabeth was taken away by the men, screaming and offended, because finally, the person who haunted Percy’s nightmares was banished from his home and life once and for all.

***

Still hearing the blonde's screams, Percy was finally able to get the glass of water and the painkillers that Nico would need. And feeling exhausted and with his face throbbing, he climbed the stairs to the upper floor and entered his room at the end of the corridor, finding Nico awake, leaning against the bedpost,  looking at his own lap covered only by the sheets with the saddest, most gloomy expression Percy had ever seen on his baby.

Everything got worse the moment Percy closed the door and step in the room. Nico raised his head and looked at him with those big black eyes, now all teary.

''Where were you?'' Nico said in a low voice, sounding hoarse and tired.

''I went to get some hangover medicine.’’

''I'm not hungover.’’

But Nico looked like he would fall asleep at any moment, continuing to look at him, as if he didn't believe him, and Percy gave up trying to convince him. Because, in that way, they were similar. Once they set their mind to something, nothing would make them change their mind. It would be worse if they found out that the other was lying. So, resigned, Percy walked quickly to the bedside table, placed the water and medicine on it and sat down next to Nico, pulling him onto his lap.

''What happened, hmm?’’

''It's nothing.'' Nico buried his face in the crook of Percy's neck and hugged him tightly around his waist, relaxing, and only then did he feel comfortable enough to say what he thought. ''I saw Annabeth at the party. After you sent her away. I hate knowing that she's still around, hanging around us and waiting for the right moment to attack.’’

So, that was the problem.

Well, Nico was more right than he thought.

Percy hugged Nico tighter, completely wrapping him in his arms, and sighed, laying his head on top of Nico's hair.

''Is what you think of me? That I would rush to her side after being with you?’’

''No, I don't think so. I just… she has a strange influence on you. I just… I don't like it.’’

''What don't you like?’’

''The way she looks at you. Like she wanted to… dominate you. It kills me to think that… to think that she can get what she wants.’’

‘Exactly what I do with you?’, Percy had the impulse to ask, but stopped before they got into an argument that they both weren't ready to face. Even though he knew their situation was different, and even though Percy wanted to dominate Nico, it was completely consensual between both parties; with Annabeth, he couldn't say the same. Just the thought of it turned his stomach.

''You don't need to worry.'' Percy said finally, trying to relax.

“Sure.’’

''Nico.’’

Percy grabbed Nico's face, pulling his head up and forcing him to face him:

''I love you. Just you and no one else. When will you understand this?’’

''I understand. Believing is more difficult. I remember the times when you smelled different... or had marks in suspicious places… '' Nico took his hands to the place he himself had left a mark, moving the shirt away to touch the skin and making Percy understand everything.

''They meant nothing more than… stress relief.'' Percy said, touching Nico's hand on his chest. ''They never meant anything more than that. You need to believe me.’’

''At the time I couldn't understand. It was so confusing. You slept in my bed and had sex with them.'' But now, Nico seemed to understand better, going to Italy and feeling the need to relieve that same kind of stress.

''You were… a perfect angel, delicate and immaculate. I didn't want to get you dirty.’’

''Get me dirty?'' Nico said, looking confused once again.

''I didn't want to force you like those boys did.’’

Nico raised his head, ready to say that those boys would never compare to Percy, looking back at him. However, when Nico saw a large mark on the right side of Percy's face, confusion was replaced by concern.

''What happened?'' Percy was immediately surprised by the change in Nico. The little boy was making a face, somewhere between confused and irritated.

''Your face. Who hit you?’’

Would it be too corny to say that Nico made him forget the pain? Percy decided yes, it was one of the cheesiest things he had ever thought of saying.

''It was nothing. Just a scratch.’’

''I want to know.'' When Nico realized that demanding wouldn't work, he gently touched Percy's face and kissed him sweetly on the lips, saying very delicately and quietly: ''I'm worried about you. Please, Per. Tell me who did this to you.’’

'It doesn't even hurt anymore.’’

''Please?’’

''Annabeth. It’s Annabeth. I found her in the kitchen.'' Percy sighed and closed his eyes, almost purring at Nico's affectionate touch. ''She didn't take no for an answer.’’

''Per! You should file a complaint!’’

'Maybe tomorrow. When Sally sees my face and makes me go. Or Paul arrives from a trip and drags me there with Tyson's help.’’

''Per.'' Nico murmured weakly, his eyes filling with tears, making Percy's heart clench and fill with affection in equal measures.

''I'm fine. I swear.'' To prove his point, Percy kissed him softly and stroked Nico's hair, combing it back. “See? Everything’s fine.’’

“Only if you take the pills.’’

''But I brought it to you.’’

''Let's share.’’

Percy smiled and shrugged. He broke the medicine in half, gave one part to Nico, swallowed the other part and held it in Nico's hands.

''How about a shower before bed?’’

Nico accepted the offer, of course. Because Nico was the most obedient and well-behaved boy in the world, always wanting to please him and take care of him, even if Percy didn't deserve it.

So, Nico took the medicine with the water and they stripped off the rest of their clothes, taking a quick shower and were soon under the covers. It had been a long day and all they wanted was a moment of peace and quiet.

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Soo... We finally begin to understand a little about Annabeth's relationship with Percy and Nico. Honestly? I didn't want to write about Annabeth, because it's a bit cliché. But here we are, I've been forced to introduce our antagonist properly. This way, Annabeth will be much more present in the story, but not too much, just enough to move the story forward. What did you think of her? And the development of the other characters? I'd love to hear what you think.

Thank you for reading!

If you liked it, leave me a comment, suggestions and constructive criticism. Even an emoji is valid, just so I know the story is pleasing you.

Until next time.