LET ME LIVE MY SAD GAY LIFE WITHOUT FUELING IT (/j Please Keep Us Percico Fed)

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter VI e Chapter VII

Hi, how are you? Since I'm going to try to write a new chapter tomorrow, I decided to post it today. Two more short chapters for you. I hope you like it! See you on Wednesday!

Previous chapters: CHAPTER I / CHAPTER II / / CHAPTER III, CHAPTER IV e CHAPTER V

Chapter VI 

"No running, please." Nico murmured, knowing that the children were already too far away to hear.

Fortunately, the day had passed without too many problems. After that warm introduction, he had dropped the children off at school and with nothing left to do, he returned to Mr. Jackson's house. It was only when Nico found himself standing in the large living room that he found a note on the coffee table:

“Nico, I need you to babysit the kids tonight. I pay overtime. I hope you don’t have any problems. Sorry for the late notice. I’ll be home until 5 if you have any questions.”

Percy Jackson.”

Percy Jackson had to be kidding him, right? It was his first day and the guy already thought he was going to enslave him anyway? What a strange family! Apparently, Percy Jackson was the type to stay locked in his room for hours and the mysterious lady Annabeth Chase was even worse, she was never home and on top of that she seemed to practice maternal abandonment. It was even funny, she hired him and wasn't even home to explain things while he had to put up with her bipolar husband? But everything was fine, as always. He would stay, anyway.

The real problem arose when Nico went to the kitchen that afternoon in search of lunch and came across a fridge full of food, yes, but all the food in there was raw. Or spoiled. In fact, it looked like no one had opened that fridge for months. And since he was there, why not?

Taking a deep breath and feeling a little nauseous, Nico stuck his face in the fridge and started taking out everything that smelled or looked suspicious, vegetables, greens, legumes and even a piece of meat that seemed to have a different color. In the end, he ended up with a giant garbage bag, full to the brim and giving off a foul odor, resting to him very little that could be used. He had a few options, of course; either he could spend the afternoon making a soup, or he could buy food. And since Nico was the only one who was going to eat, he thought it best to buy something for now. So, he grabbed the car keys again and left before it got too late. When he came back he brought back some cooked rice, vegetables, roast meat and a large salad that could be shared with three other people. The good thing was that he had arrived just in time for lunch, almost after one o'clock.

That was how Nico spent his first afternoon at the Chase-Jackson house, reading a book about literature, eating slowly and then exploring the rest of the house, he even found a swimming pool in the backyard to the right of the property while he waited patiently until it was time to pick up the kids. And when the time finally came, he grabbed the car keys, remembering the food that was left in the fridge and neatly packed in its containers. So, Nico decided, Mr. Jackson deserved some food too; Like, the man couldn't stay inside his room all day without eating, could he?

He made a nice plate for the boss, knocked on the door and put the plate and tray on the floor. Without looking back, he turned and went down the stairs, heading straight out of the house towards the car, luckily arriving at the children's school before they got out. It wasn't long before a sea of students arrived, all in a hurry to leave.

Before he knew it, Nico was attacked by hands and arms that dug into him in a way that made it impossible for him to break free.

"You came!”

"Shouldn't I?" He asked Logan, confused.

"The nannies are always late." Alice completed her brother's speech. "It's boring to wait here. Is it really that hard to be on time, you know?”

"I understand. You don't have to wait with me.”

Happy, the children held his hand and walked with him to the car. With his help, they sat in the back seat without stopping talking; even Alice, who had seemed quiet that morning, was now gesturing and telling them about her day. Nico did his best to pay attention to what they were saying and wave at the right times, preferring to pay attention to driving through the city, soon entering the condominium once again. And now? Now he was trying to keep up with their pace. The moment they arrived home, Nico helped them out of the car and as soon as they were free, they each gave him a tight hug and both ran through the garden, already climbing the small porch and going through the front door.

And, in a burst of energy, he ran after the children, taking their backpacks and lunchboxes with him, listening to them talking in the kitchen, this scene reminding him that they would have nothing to eat.

"Nico! Nico! I'm hungry!" He heard one of them scream.

"Do you know how to cook?" The other one completed.

Admitting defeat, it seemed like Nico would have to cook after all, right?

He placed their bag and car keys next to the living room table and walked towards the kitchen until he entered it; Nico already regretted not having ordered more food. As much as he wanted to avoid further interrogation, he had no choice. The children were lucky to be so cute. The good thing was that after spending part of the afternoon cleaning out the fridge, Nico knew exactly where to find everything he needed; vegetables, spices and greens, going straight to the cupboard and grabbing a pot. He filled it with water and put it on the stove, trying to pretend to be in front of the stove, pretending to be busy just so he wouldn't have to face this ordeal.

And honestly? He was already getting tired of this.

"Nicooo… where did you learn to do that?”

"Did your daddy teach you?”

Has he said he was tired of it? Nico knew how curious children could be and have a thousand questions. But this went beyond pure curiosity, it was the work of a being made entirely of cruelty. However, something made him stop halfway to the refrigerator. He turned towards Logan and saw how the little boy showed the most innocent expression he had ever seen. His blue-green eyes, like his father's, and blond hair that he must have inherited from his mother, sparkled like rays of sunlight that shone brightly in his direction. Yes, Nico could not ignore him any longer. He stopped what he was doing and raised his head, the last question taking him by surprise.

Nico smiled and then opened the fridge, taking out all the vegetables he would need; potatoes, carrots, garlic, onions and cilantro. Some peppers too and chayote to make everything healthier.

"Why my father?" Nico had to ask. The question was too specific to be a coincidence.

"Daddy teaches us everything!" Logan said. His face expressive, proud to tell him this.

"And your mother?”

“She never stays home.” This time it was Alice who answered, looking away from the phone she was holding. Alice shrugged and went back to her phone, although he knew Alice paid even more attention than Logan.

"Ah." He said. At least that seemed to have stopped the endless string of questions they insisted on firing.

"Do you like your mother?" Alice asked.

Nico looked through the corner of his eyelashes and saw that this time it wasn't the type of question to extract information from him.

"She is one of the best people I know. She taught me how to cook and study. How to take care of the house and my brothers.”

"And your father?" Logan wanted to know.

"He… he did the best he could. He taught me how to take care of the land and to respect all living things. But he can be violent when provoked.”

"Like mom and dad?”

"Logan!" Alice scolded him. She put her hand over his brother's mouth and tried to smile at Nico.

“I see,” Nico said after a while, knowing exactly what Logan meant by that. When the silence became uncomfortable, he added, “This will be our secret.”

Fortunately, after this revelation, the questions stopped completely. Nico went back to the stove and, seeing that the water was almost boiling, quickly peeled the vegetables. He fried the garlic and onion, added the peppers and put everything in the pot, waiting for the mixture to cook properly and the broth to thicken a little. Dealing with children was always strange and despite these children having everything anyone could want, he felt bad for them. They seemed so lonely and resigned to this, as if it was all they could have, reminding him of his own childhood. Now he knew that he could have so much more if he wanted, and he felt the urge to show them that they could have this and much more too.

There was just one detail, he wasn't their father and it wasn't up to him to get involved in what wasn't his business; Nico had to remember that, he knew that Mr. Jackson was responsible for all these questions the children insisted on asking him and he had no right to take it out on them or influence them in that way. So, while the soup wasn't ready, Nico went to the table, smiled at Logan and Alice and approached until he was at their height, kissing each of their hair, trying to convey calm and affection.

"So, what do you guys want to do? Homework?”

"Let's play 10 questions!”

Logan was hopeless, he would always be daddy's boy.

"Nice try." He pinched Logan's nose and Logan laughed, trying to push Nico's hands away. "Come on, this will be quick. Don't you need help? I'll do it with you.”

"Are you really going? Dad doesn't always have time…”

"Okay. Stand up. You too, Alice.”

"I'm not a little kid who needs help.”

"Hey!"Logan complained, crossing his arms.

“No exceptions.” Was all he said before turning down the heat and heading out of the kitchen.

Logan skipped after him, and Alice could only roll her eyes and follow them into the living room, where they spread their notebooks and books out on the coffee table while Nico supervised them. It was oddly pleasant, the kids got all their homework done and still had time to watch a bit of television before heading back to the kitchen.

In the end, the soup had turned out better than Nico remembered; his grandmother's recipe never failed, or so she used to tell him. He went to the stove, turned it off, and inhaled the appetizing and fragrant aroma, took the pot to the center of the table, placed three plates on the table, and served generous portions. He felt like he should wait for the owner of the house, however, since Mr. Jackson must have already left, it would be just him, the children, and the comfortable sofa in the living room. Which he didn't mind; their company would always be better than that of that man who spent all his time staring at him, his inquisitive gaze making something inside Nico stir uneasily. His skin would heat up and the base of his neck would tingle for hours. Then, this anxiety, unlike any other, would take over him in a way that forced him to get up or do something useful with his hands. That's why afternoons like these were good for his heart, his anxiety remained at normal levels and he could relax even in the midst of the millions of questions those little pests insisted on asking.

"Wow! This is so delicious!”

“It really is.” Alice agreed with Logan. She blew slowly and took another spoonful, moaning in pleasure.

Nico smiled in satisfaction at the compliment. It was nice to know that someone still liked what he did.

Chapter VII 

"Nico? Nico? It's time to go to bed." Nico heard someone call him in a whisper next to his ear. In fact, it had been a while since anyone had used that tone of voice with him, something careful and gentle, soft, trying to wake him up without scaring him. Then, someone's hand touched his shoulder, heavy but comforting as it slid and rested on his back, moving him and helping him to get up gently from the couch.

Nico opened his eyes slowly, and this time he didn't react as he had expected. It was Mr. Jackson, of course, in a designer black suit and smelling so good that Nico found himself leaning toward the man, watching his dark hair slicked back and the stubble that was already growing out tickle his fingertips.

How did he know that? Well... maybe he touched Mr. Jackson's face, fingering the skin as he tried to sit up and face whoever was calling him. And maybe he kept his hand there a little longer than necessary, just a small error of course, you know, right? That was all. The good thing about all this was that Mr. Jackson didn't seem to mind; he smiled at Nico and held out his hand so he could stand up, guiding him by the middle of his back as they walked through the house. And Nico, with the biggest blank face he could muster, finally sat up straight on the couch and followed him, doing his best to pretend nothing was happening. Now, why this man kept catching him in this situation, Nico couldn't explain.

“Bed?” Nico finally muttered. He rubbed his eyes and tried to think of what bed that was.

"It's already two in the morning. I'm sorry the meeting lasted longer than I intended. And thank you for the food.”

"Ah… then I… I think I’ll go.”

"No, you can use the guest room. Please.”

Mr. Jackson didn't give any other excuse or try to explain why Nico should sleep there. No, the man just stated like it was obvious that he would obey. And that was it, simple as that, things were resolved. Nico thought about arguing, about saying that they shouldn't do this, but ... but he knew that things would be easier if he just accepted it and since Nico didn't have the right to choose, he shrugged; after all, what could be wrong with sleeping a night away from home? "That's it. No problem", he thought again. Nico would have to wake up early and be there at seven, so... just this once... just once... it was okay. Right?

Feeling his body go limp, he let Mr. Jackson hold him by the shoulders and continue to guide him through the house.

"Are you hungry?" Mr. Jackson asked him.

Nico blinked slowly, trying to think and turned to him, seeing the man's smile returning in full force.

Oh, it was true! He had forgotten.

"I made soup.”

“Did you make soup?” Mr. Jackson repeated, as if to make sure.

"It's in the fridge.”

Okay, this wasn't even that strange of a situation, right? It must be a normal thing to have dinner with your boss…? Nico shook his head and decided not to do anything else inappropriate, he sat down near the kitchen counter, while still smiling Mr. Jackson walked over to the fridge, opening it. And inside, as Nico had said, there was a giant container full of vegetable soup and one with the rest of the food he had bought.

Mr. Jackson, clearly surprised, picked up the container and opened it, inhaling the aroma.

“Are these real vegetables?" Mr. Jackson asks even more surprised, realizing that it wasn't the instant soup type.

"Isn't that how you make soup? Did you know there was no food for the children?" He murmured uncertainty.

"Nah. We have frozen food.”

"Ah." Nico said.

He wanted to tell him that frozen food was horrible and unhealthy. But of course he didn’t say what he thought. Instead, he watched as the man scooped out some of the soup, put it in a deep dish, microwaved it, and then sat down across from him, taking the first spoonful. When Nico said this, he wasn’t joking; Mr. Jackson closed his eyes contentedly and groaned so loudly that he felt like he had reached heaven.

"Mr. Di Ângelo, who would have thought! You are full of surprises. What else can you do?”

And didn't the question sound… strangely dubious? Nico felt the sleep dissipating faster than a rocket as his face caught fire. He couldn't help it, it was something physical, he felt his skin heating up and sweating and his heart racing for some reason. It wasn't his fault that Mr. Jackson looked at him like that, the man's smile looking… slightly different.

"Anything. Food, desserts, and pasta. My mother…" He swallowed and cleared his throat, feeling his throat close up for some reason he couldn't understand. "She learned it from her mother. And since my sisters aren't interested… I like to spend my time helping her.”

He shrugged, it wasn't that unusual. The difference was that he preferred to stay at home while other children ran around the fields playing.

"How old are you again?”

It was the exact moment when Nico realized that the questionnaire was returning with full force.

"I wanted to talk to you about this.”

"Please, call me Percy.”

"Okay, Percy. Could you stop with these interrogations?" Nico spoke as seriously as he could. He straightened his spine, placed his hands on the counter and added, so as not to seem too rude: "Please. If you want to know anything, just tell me. I have nothing to hide.”

Facing him head on, Mr. Jackson, I mean, Percy, placed the spoon over the plate and leaned in close to him, getting a little too close.

"What is it?" Nico had to ask.

"Okay. I'll ask the kids to stop. But you have to be honest with me.”

"Right…?”

He saw Percy take a deep breath and couldn't believe what he heard next:

"How did you find the ad? Do you study? What do you plan to do in the future? How are you so good with children? How old are you? Where does your family come from? And about--”

"W-what? Wait a minute! They didn't give you that information?”

"Give me information? I don't even know who they are!”

"Oh." Now he understood.

"I had no choice! The girl who cleaned the house quit right after the nanny was fired. I really had no choice. You know how hard it is to take care of children…”

Nico put his arm on the counter and rested his head on it, watching Percy huff angrily, trying not to laugh in the man's face, and only when he was sure Percy was finished, he replied:

"So… I’m twenty years old. I’ve been studying law at community college on the weekends and working during the week to pay for college since I was seventeen.”

"Oh." It was Percy's turn to mutter.

"My family is from Italy, we came here when my paternal grandfather died a few years ago and as my father has no brothers, he took responsibility for the family business.”

“Shouldn't he pay for your college?" Percy said.

"We… we don't get along very well. He thinks doing Law School is a waste of time.”

"I see you like children…”

Nico shrugged again.

"I helped my mother at home. Children are… pure and they don’t lie. They are better company than many adults.”

After that… Nico wasn't sure of anything anymore. Mr. Jackson, I mean, Percy, continued eating his soup while Nico just stood there thinking that, after all, Percy had a reason to act that way, waiting for Percy to finish his dinner. He knew he didn't need to wait and he even knew where the room was, Nico just… he just didn't want to move, feeling that drowsiness return. It was more interesting to stay where he was, feeling sleep come back to him minute by minute, the movement Percy made with the spoon seeming almost hypnotic, raising and lowering it, until the plate was empty and Percy had leaned against the seat of the chair.

"You know tomorrow is Saturday, don't you?”

“Is that so?" He had completely forgotten.

"And, in this house, no one wakes up early on the weekend.”

"Hmm.”

"So, if you want to take a shower and sleep until noon…”

"Oh. Right.”

Nico stopped looking at Percy's hands and looked up at his eyes. He was confused... was Percy inviting him as a guest? The man looked so different from before that he seemed like a completely changed person. Nico didn't know if he liked this, this quick change, and he still didn't know if it was right for a person who provided a service to sleep in his employer's house.

"I have no clean clothes.”

"I'll lend you some. Look, I can't let you go out at this time. So be a good boy and obey me, okay?”

So, Percy got up, washed his own plate and on the way out he pulled him by the hand. Nico found himself with no choice but to follow him like a sleepy puppy, like he were being guided by a leash, completely obedient and without saying a single word.

Thanks for your support!

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

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

Happy reading!

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

Extra  - Getting to know each other

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

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

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

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

Well, that was none of his business.

"No, please. I… I…"

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

"Please!"

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

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

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

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

Just what he needed.

"I said, what are you doing?"

"It's not what it seems."

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

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

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

"You have no proof!"

"Are you sure?"

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

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

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

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

"Nico. Niccolas."

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

"Percy Jackson."

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

"What they wanted to do?”

Nico looked down and Percy followed his gaze.

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

"I'm nothing like those boys.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

"All right, then.”

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Do you? And your mother?”

"I don't have one. She's dead.”

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

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

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

"So...?”

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

"Who looks after you?”

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

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

"Everything? Did you even reach the stove?”

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

"Yeah?”

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

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

"How old are you, eh?”

"I’m eleven! What's the problem?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What they say?”

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

"Who is that girlfriend?”

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

"That's good to know.”

"Know what?”

"That I have a girlfriend.”

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

"You're funny.” Nico told him.

"No, you are.”

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

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

They really did.

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

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Thanks for reading!

PSA from Blobby. Something we should talk about more ❤️

Update

Oi, como vai? Hoje era para ter um capítulo novo, finalmente. Vou ter que revisa-lo e adicionar uma coisa ou outra. Então, se eu não conseguir postar hoje, na segunda ele estará pronto. A versão em inglês sairá logo em seguida.

Obrigada pela presença de todos!

Hi, how are you doing? Today we were supposed to have a new chapter, finally. I'm going to have to revise it and add a few things. So, if I don't manage to post it today, it'll be ready on Monday. The English version will be out soon after.

Thanks for everyone's presence!

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!

O começo do fim

#desafiodascempalavras

Prompt: Apocalipse

Tema: Eles estavam procurando por sobreviventes, mas eu escolhi ficar quieto. Eu gostava daqui.

Prompt tirado de https://promptuarium.wordpress.com/2020/01/06/survivors-2/

O começo do fim

Eles estavam procurando por sobreviventes, mas Nico escolheu ficar quieto. Ele gostava dali, era tranquilo, não havia problemas e nem monstros a serem destruídos.

Ele nunca pensou que fosse gostar tanto de um mundo onde noventa e cinco por cento da população tinha perecido por culpa de uma nova vacina contra o câncer e, ao invés de prevenir tumores, a vacina acabou por mudar o DNA das pessoas, as transformando em um tipo de zumbi que não representava qualquer tipo de perigo; eles andavam por aí durante dias e dias e quando a energia deles acabavam ou eles se definhavam devido a desnutrição, as pessoas infectadas apenas caiam no chão e não se levantavam novamente.

Mas é claro que Nico tinha que ouvir a voz “dele”.

Nico se abaixou atrás de um arbusto, fechando sua bolsa cheia de frutas e ouviu novamente a voz chamando.

— Tem alguém aí?

Nico se virou, se preparando para rastejar para longe dali quando uma voz falou novamente, bem as suas costas:

— Eu sabia que era você. Eu pensei que era minha imaginação, porque faz tempo que eu não sinto a energia de um semideus, então quando eu--

— Cala a boca! Eles vão te escutar!

Nico pegou Percy pelo braço e o puxou para longe, subindo por um caminho íngreme e entrando em uma caverna escondida pela árvores. Era a única opção se ele quisesse continuar escondido.

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

Hi, how are you? This is the English version of "NÃO HÁ LUGAR COMO O LAR - PERCY/NICO AU COLEGIAL ". I usually write in Portuguese, but as I saw a lot of people who read in other languages, I decided to write this one in English too. Admittedly, I used Google and corrected what I could. I hope this is an acceptable translation, even if my writing is a bit rusty in English.

Now, for those who don't know what the story is about, here's an improvised summary: Nico is returning from Italy after spending two years there and meets Percy, the best friend he left behind, but who kept in touch in that time away. The rest develops from this reunion, and very quickly! In this story I will try to be more direct.

Thanks for the support! And good reading.

"Look who's back! The Italian boy.” Nico just had time to turn around before he was pressed against broad shoulders and strong arms that hugged him so tightly they lifted him into the air, knocking him out of breath and sending his books and bag tumbling to the floor, the door of his school locker being slammed with a loud bang.

“Perseus Jackson!”

"Only my mother calls me that."

But Percy was laughing, twirling him around in the air as people around him stared at them. Well, there was a good reason. They were right in the middle of the hallway where there were several lockers, leading to the entrance of the classrooms. Nico couldn't resist, he wrapped his arms around Percy's neck and hugged him as tight as Percy had did, burying his face against Percy's neck.

"I missed you.”

"I missed you too." Nico muttered back and pulled away, finally getting to see Percy's face.

Eyes as green as he remembered, nose straight and upturned, thin lips and wide in a pretty smile. What had changed was Percy’s height, nearly seven feet tall, and all those muscles. Where he remembered a shy and a little sad boy had turned into this... this happy and full of life man. Confident. Although he could still see the kindness and friendship that they used to have, this thing between them… having to deal with those feelings so openly still was something new. He couldn't help but compare himself to the past, where he was too young and Percy was... Percy was Percy, opening the door to his home to a sad, lonely little boy.

"Two years, huh? I thought you were never coming back."

“Hm.”

"Let me see you better." It wasn't like Percy had never seen him up close or every day for those two years on video calls. Nico had forgotten how intense Percy could be, full of touches and smiles.

Percy brought one of his hands to his face and brushed his hair back, exposing his face completely. And him? Well, Nico just stared back at Percy, as focused on the boy as Percy was on him. The truth is that all the calls and video calls didn't compare to what reality showed him, making him question what had happened to make him run away from Percy, from those gestures that felt so… so affectionate and so attentive. How dare he do this to them? Leaving the person he loved most behind? He was the most cowardly person in the whole world.

"Um... Percy? Put me down, yeah?” Nico did his best to stay serious.

"Why?”

"Don’t you have shame?”

"Have I?

Then, Percy smiled even more and finally put him on the ground to then loosen his grip on his face and waist, not pulling away completely, but leaning a little over him, as if there was something in his face that Percy needed to see more closely.

"How have you been? Why didn't you tell me you were coming back this week?”

"Why? Would you pick me up at the airport?”

“Of course, my friends deserve the best.”

“And what would that be?”

“Me, of course.”

Nico swore he was trying to be serious. The way things were going, Percy wanted something more and at the moment he wasn't ready. But it was no use, Nico grabbed Percy's shoulders and laughed; he thought it was one of the worst lines he had ever heard.

"Hey, don't laugh in my face. I'm a nice guy.”

“And very humble, too.”

"Very.” Percy said and finally released him, leaning against his side in front of the lockers, making Nico sigh in relief and picking up his things from the floor, putting them in the locker.

Sometimes Percy was a little too much for him; that was what Nico had discovered over the years in the thousands of conversations they'd had in that time. He didn't know when Percy had changed from the introverted boy to this bubbly person, but he liked it. And hated it at the same time, making his stomach flutter with anxiousness.

"Now really, how have things been?"

“You know, the same." Nico shrugged and closed the closet, taking out the books he would use that day, putting them in his bag. “Bianca came with me.”

"College?” Percy asked. “And you?”

Nico shrugged once more and leaned back against Percy's side, facing him closely again, looking at him through his lashes, trying not to show how he really felt. He didn't think he'd ever would get used to his friend's good looks, now doubled as the smooth features of adolescence gave way to defined muscles and an angular, strong face, the crooked smile, the intense gaze, the confident attitude... and... well, all of that. And much more.

"What about it?"

"What brings you back?"

“I missed home.” Nico nodded to himself. “For a while I thought it was Verona, but… I kept wondering what’s going on around here.”

"So, you decided to come back?”

“Why not? I'm turning eighteen in a few months. I wanted to use this last year and see the guys again.

Well… he wanted to see a few people again and one of them was right in front of him, looking at him as if he wanted to… as if Percy wanted to see what was inside his mind. And as it used to happen, he was the first to lose in this little game to see who looked away first.

“So… did you miss it and came to stay or…”

“I'm here to stay. Hades will come later.”

"I’m glad.” Percy said, still smiling, something more sincere and cute, like he got tired of flirting. "Maybe we can see each other later. Wanna eat something?”

"Later when?”

"Today. After basketball practice. Want to see me play?”

"Oh no! That's what I was afraid of! The high school cliché!” But he was laughing, and Percy was laughing along with him, reminding him of old times.

“You know, you can't talk about me. You were all cute and shy and you came back looking like you stepped out of an eighty’s movie. Leather jacket, ripped pants and that… is it eyeliner?” Percy approached him once more and gently cupped his chin, just another excuse to touch him, of that Nico was sure; not that he was complaining. Percy could do that and much more. “You're the perfect good boy gone bad.”

“I'm still a good boy.”

That made Percy stop for a moment, still with his hands on Nico's face, and stare at him for a long time only for a crooked smile to appear along with dimples.

"Is that so? How much of a good boy are you?”

"I don't think you'll ever find out."

One more silence and one more look that in the past would send him running for cover faster than a rocket. However, that Nico had been left behind along with his innocence.

“Hm.” Was all Percy said for a few moments, and Nico swore he was moving closer towards his face when the bell rang, interrupting them.

"Right.” Nico cleared his throat, straightening his spine and looking around. “I think I have to go.

“What's your first class?”

" English class. I need to stop by the secretary first.”

" I'll go with you.

Nico didn't even try to deny it, he had missed Percy so much that stretching things a little further wouldn't hurt. He pushed himself away from the locker and, again, something he didn't expect happened. Percy took the backpack from his shoulder, carrying it for him and with the other hand, intertwined their fingers together, pulling him smoothly through the almost empty corridor towards the administration of the school.

***

It was strange to be there after so long. The cream-colored walls were still the same, there were the same blue benches and black tables, the same wide hallways and the same cafeteria, painted the same pastel color. He even managed to recognize some familiar faces among the younger ones. It was a dejavu, except that now he saw things from above, in a distant, almost displaced perspective, where before his days were permeated by anxiety and uncertainty, now everything seemed easier and colorless, even if a little painful, but unimportant and maybe even comfortable. Maybe it was because Percy was still holding his hand, talking to the same secretary as two years ago, a woman in her fifties, always smiling and helpful.

In the end, it didn't take long for him to get his admissions papers that he would need to show his professors.

“So, English class? Double? I also have it. Let me see your schedule.”

Nico shrugged and took his class schedule out of his bag. He watched Percy take the paper from his hands, frown in concentration and hand the paper back to him, "We have most of our classes together. “Are you in the arts and music clubs? I'm into the music too. Guitar classes.”

“Seemed to be the easiest.”

"I bet.”

"Shut up.” Nico shoved Percy by the shoulders and walked out of the office. Few people knew that he had a knack for creative things and maybe he played something for Percy over the years. Well, that was none of other people's business.

“Nico, the classes have changed! We are using the auditoriums.”

"Of course.” Nico rolled his eyes and this time he wasn't even surprised when Percy reached out and touched his shoulder, his big hands sliding down his back to his waist, gently guiding him in the right direction. In fact, he didn't remember this school having an auditorium, so he let himself be guided by Percy, a warm and comfortable presence at his side.

***

When they arrived at the auditorium, the class had already started. Professor Johnson wasn't the type to mind being late if the class wasn't disrupted, that’s why Percy stood at the main entrance to the room, away from the teacher's gaze, preferring to watch Nico go down to the podium where the teacher was and deliver the paper for her to sign.

What could Percy say? Nico was a much more interesting sight at that moment, long legs covered by tight jeans, perky ass, small waist, broad shoulders, deep-set black eyes and a small mouth that always seemed to be bitten and reddened, skin tanned, looking so soft that he couldn't resist the urge to touch him as soon as he could, just to test the theory. He admitted it, he was going too fast, but two years was enough time to know if you liked someone, wasn't it? Not counting the seven years before that. Perhaps he should have gone to Italy with Nico when Hades offered, always generous even if absent most of the time.

He was snapped out of his reverie when Nico finished talking to the teacher and walked towards him, carefree and slow, as if he had all the time in the world, parading around in his punk clothes and unpretentious attitude. Why avoid something he knew would happen sooner or later? If Percy could, he would kiss Nico then and there, to end this torture that had gone on for so many years. But he could control himself, if he had waited two years, he could wait a few more days.

"All went well?”

Nico just nodded and took his hand, leading him towards the middle of the auditorium where they could get a good view of the teacher and hear what she was talking about. Percy didn't even have time to appreciate Nico taking the initiative and touching him of his own free will, although he felt he should be more concerned with the reaction of the people around them, the indiscreet stares and murmurs buzzing in his ear; he didn't exactly date boys in public, especially since Annabeth was always around to make everyone think he was with her. It was what it was, he just hoped he didn't have to punch some faces. Because he would, and gladly.

“Per?” He heard someone call him and there was only one person who still called him that. "What chapter are we in?"

"Seven.”

"Thanks.” Nico muttered more quietly than before and began to read, completely focused on the book and what the teacher was saying. Percy was left to wonder how anyone could be so cute. So lovely. Watching a small crease appear between Nico's brows, his lips set into a frustrated pout until he seemed to find what he was looking for in the book, relaxing against the seat and settling down to jot down quick notes as the teacher discussed the matter.

Then a noise came from the row of chairs above his, someone tapping him on the shoulder. He turned around and there was Grover, his oldest childhood friend.

"Who's the new kid?"

“Nico.”

“That quiet, sad boy Sally had practically adopted?' Your Italian boy? Now I understand the obsession.”

"Dude!” Percy whispered furiously. He wasn't that obsessed…was he? Percy looked to the side, just to make sure Nico hadn't heard, seeing that the boy was still focused on the class and turned back to Grover: “We'll talk later.”

"As you wish, don Juan."

"Whatever.”

Percy faced forward, leaned over Nico, seeing where they were in the book, and ignored everything else. When Nico pushed the book toward him so the two of them could read, Percy didn't hesitate. He put his arm around Nico's shoulder, put their heads together and began to read. Maybe be if he could concentrate, the little voice in the back of his mind would stop reminding him that this would lead to more trouble than he was willing to deal with.

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I hope you liked it. Updates always in Fridays or early if a have the time.

Thanks again!