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

Hi, how are you doing? Things are finally calming down. Maybe there'll be another chapter later this week!

In today's chapter we have another scene from the past. I hope you like it^^

And I have some news. I've made a cover for this story! Also made with artificial intelligence. I feel like I should get paid since I'm practically training them already! But it looks cute.

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

I hope you enjoy it!

''You're funny.'' Nico told him.

''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, what was more time than he'd usually spent with his old friends these days. And what that said about him, hm?

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

They really had. 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 classes as him. Was Percy so distracted by trying to hide that he didn't see what was going on around him? Well, that would change from that moment on.

***

A few more days passed and with them, Percy began to pay attention to his surroundings. 

It was strange. How had Percy not noticed Nico's presence until that moment? Everytime Percy looked around, Nico would be there, at any place or time of day, too. That is, until they both went off to their respective homes, rehearsals or trainings, and even then, Percy would still be thinking about Nico; while waiting for his older brother to pick him up or at home helping his mother cook, trying new dishes.

That's what continued to happen for a long time, days, weeks, months, even, was hard to get a sense of time when the hours passed so quickly and the days were all the same. Percy felt like he was emerging from a paralyzing sleep, finding something that finally held his attention. One day he noticed that Nico sat at the front of the room and was very close to the exit door. On another, Nico was more towards the middle of the room and then the little boy appeared next to him, sharing the double desk with him. Grover was in the desk next to his with Juniper, Luke behind him with Thalia.

Percy looked at Nico once again and saw him writing something around a drawing, a black helmet, the handwriting as beautiful as the features of the figure. Percy wanted to ask since when they had sat together. Since when had Nico been part of his group of friends and since when had he felt so comfortable with Nico's presence, with the quietness that Nico's actions brought. Instead, he said in the lowest voice possible:

''What's that?”

''Hm?' 'Nico muttered and looked at him, as calm as ever. ''A design for a novel. I don't know if I'll finish it.”

The strangest thing was that he knew exactly what Nico was talking about. Percy had seen the draft of the novel in one of the breaks shared with food, and like everything Nico did, it was beautiful and delicate, as if Nico put a part of his soul into everything he touched with his hands, whether it was a piece of paper, art, food or homework.

''You should. It's beautiful.”

Nico didn't say anything, he just lowered his head and continued scribbling, his face hidden behind long, black hair that shone as it reflected the sunlight. Nico then doodled a sword and an armor, leather gloves, a crown of roses. The more Percy watched Nico draw, the less Percy understood what was holding his attention so much. Maybe it was the slim hands, the long, elegant fingers, maybe it was Nico's concentrated attitude, or maybe was the relaxed body next to his, his head next to Nico's, admiring the soft lines that revealed so much beauty.

'''Alright, guys. Get your books.'' The teacher said and out of nowhere, part of the magic was broken.

The drawings were still in Nico's notebook, just as beautiful as before, and they were still stuck together, leaning over the shared desk. The difference was that Nico had tensed and looked up at Percy, as if Nico hadn't paid attention to what was happening around him until he heard the teacher's voice. Percy also realized something, maybe he was very close to Nico, hugging him by the shoulders like a prison with no escape.

''Sorry.'' Even with all this in mind, Percy made no move to pull away or let him go.

Percy thought Nico was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. There was nothing like seeing the blush spreading across Nico's face, the darker skin taking on a warmer hue, to look at and to touch too, because even over his clothes, Percy could feel the heat emanating from Nico at the points where they touched; at his shoulders and hips, almost making Percy touch that delicate, beautiful face.

''...mind.”

''Sorry?”

''I don't mind.' 'Nico repeated in the same low, discreet tone, then turned to his notebook and picked up the books they would need.

Percy got the impression that Nico cared, yes, but in a... positive way. He saw the little boy open the book to the right page, lean against the back of the chair and up his arm, starting to read while the teacher explained the subject, like that scene was something completely normal. This made Percy wonder once again: had he ever done this with Nico? Since when were they so close? Wasn't it Annabeth who should have been by his side? Sure, they'd never been that close or acted the way he and Nico were acting, but... since when did she sit on the other side of the room with Clarisse and Silena? Shouldn't he have cared a little more than just being slightly surprised? She was his friend, wasn't she...? Shouldn't Percy miss her? So why had he only noticed Annabeth's absence now?

''Is everything all right?' 'He heard a soft voice beside him, and then, Nico's hand rested on his arm, Percy noticing in his friend's face a worried look.

Percy took a deep breath, letting his shoulders relax, and found himself smiling, something inside his chest warming and pulsing, as if the spark of an unknown feeling inside him was waking up.

''Everything is great. Wonderful. Incredible.”

''You dork.'' Nico rolled his eyes and leaned back against him, continuing to read the text the teacher had asked them.

Well, after that, Percy quickly understood what was going on; or rather, his psychiatrist had helped him understand. Nico wasn't stalking him, but in fact, Nico was doing the same thing he was; Nico was trying to live a discreet life away from prying eyes. Even he, at the age of eleven, admired the image that Nico made. The little boy stood out so much among the other studentes that Percy could clearly see the difference. Straight, wavy, thick hair, a small, fleshy mouth, intense black eyes, it was such a beautiful set that it gave Nico an androgynous, feminine look, although it was impossible to mistake Nico for a girl.

The point was, Nico had found the best places to hide, the same ones that Percy had found too. The music room, the forest, the bleachers near the sports fields further away from the classrooms.

Percy couldn't help himself, day after day, he found himself doing the same steps.

In addition to spending his time in class close to Nico, always during breaks, whether during the day or in the afternoon, he found himself walking and finding his way to the familiar bleachers with the familiar mop of hair in the far corner trying to hide. They never agreed out loud, it was just something that had become routine.

Nico would leave first, Percy would exchange a few words with his remaining friends and then he would follow Nico; he would practice basketball for a few minutes on the courth floor and then he would sit down next to Nico, accepting a lunchbox filled with the things he loved most, cake and pie, blueberry juice too, and sometimes, Nico would surprise him, baked potatoes or pancakes; if Nico was in the mood, lasagna or something Italian. No matter what it was, Percy would happily eat every grain and every bit of food. If Nico made it for him, the least he could do was repay him by eating it all. But it seemed so little compared to what Nico did for him... Percy wanted to share something with Nico that was important and valuable too. But what could be more valuable than sharing the food you've made yourself with someone?

''Your drawings are very good. Where did you learn?’’

They were once again in the stands, Percy ignoring the ball still in his hands to watch Nico take a forkful of food into his mouth, stopping midway with the fork between his lips.

''Hm?’’

''Where did you learn to draw?’’

''Oh, that?'' Then Nico looked down at his lap, where the notebook was, and put his lunchbox down. ''I had a lot of free time.”

Percy didn't know if he had understood… but Nico smiled at him, seeming to understand his confusion.

''I don't have any friends. I never had. Imagination was all that I had.”

''And what am I? A tree?’’

''No, you're a popular and rich athlete.’’

''You're right. I have many riches, how about you share them with me?”

''What are you saying?'’ Nico smiled again and Percy felt a throbbing in his chest that had nothing to do with the asthma he had as a baby.

''My mother likes to cook.’’

''Isn't that obvious? I mean, she has a restaurant, doesn't she?'' Nico said and tilted his head to the side, like that would make him understand what Percy meant.

''She'd love the company.”

''Don't we... have a paper to finish?’’

''I have plenty of space at home. My mother won't mind.’’

''Are you sure? I've never been to anyone's house.’’

This only made Percy's chest tighten even more.

''There's always a first time, right?’’

Nico looked at him, seemed to analyze him from head to toe and ended up shrugging.

''I will trust you.’’

At the time, Percy didn't know why he was having so many palpitations or why the feeling of relief had seized him so intensely. Later, he would recognize it as the fear of being rejected, and even if he didn't understand it yet, he knew that someone as sweet, beautiful and talented as Nico would never reject him so rudely. Thiat way, they finished eating and went on to their next classes, arranging to meet at the main gate after the last class.

***

Percy admitted, he had wasted more time than intended talking to the literature teacher. Apparently, he needed to try harder if he wanted to have a future at that school. She argued with him, went over every little thing he'd done wrong, and even gave him extra assignments to make sure his mistakes were corrected. Percy left the classroom as quickly as he could, and as soon as he saw the time, Percy ran down the corridors towards the school's main gate. When he arrived at the place he and Nico had marked, he remembered why Nico was always hiding in corners, which made Percy remember why he was hiding too.

They had already experienced this scene. Nico was pressed against the wall outside the gate and two other boys surrounded him, one of them was holding Nico by the neck while the other looked around suspiciously. The difference this time was that a crowd was watching them and no one was doing anything to stop what was about to happen.

Percy approached them, pretending to be another spectator, and listened the murmurs, while one of the boys spoke:

'Who's going to protect you now, huh? Because of you, our friends were expelled. Why don't you put yourself in your place and--’’

''What place would that be?’’

Percy couldn't help himself. This time, he didn't want any explanations. 

He stepped out of the crowd and the next thing he knew, he was face to face with the boys, or rather, his fist was against their faces. The pain came immediately, as he felt his nuckes collide with the nose of one the boys who were older than him, but who were no match for Percy.

''It's easy to mess with people smaller than you, isn't it? Why don't you play with someone your own size?”

''Would that be you?”

''What do you think?”

The silence fell, a silence that had become common no matter where Percy went. The nose of the boy he had punched was now swollen, blood trickling down his face, and the other, who had been too shocked to react, seemed to wake up from his trance. That would be the perfect moment for them to fight back, wouldn't it? Well, that's what people say, cowards soon give up if they find someone to resist them. And that's what they did, the boy who had watched his friend get knocked down with a single punch, pulled the other by the arms, helping him up and they both staggered into the crowd, running away with their tails between their legs.

Percy watched them fleeing in the distance between the cars and turned to Nico who was still leaning against the wall, the corner of his lips reddened and and on his arms and neck, marks of fingers and nails. The worst part was seeing the tears that kept falling or how Nico cowered, expecting other people to come and do the same to him. Percy didn't think, realizing that this was becoming something usual for them, and Percy didn't like it one bit, the fact that Nico had to hide in corners because of people's prejudice. 

He walked over to Nico and stopped in front of him, offering his hand. He had learned the hard way that touching someone when you don't feel safe or when you're in shock is the worst thing to do. So he just stood close without touching Nico, and tried to get his attention:

''Nico.'' Percy said in the softest voice.

''No, I… Percy?'' Percy held on and tried to be strong, Nico seemed to be reacting to everything worse than the previous time.

''I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... I was waiting for you... then, these... these boys showed up and…’’

Percy didn't know what to do. He felt his heart break when Nico took a step towards him and opened his eyes wide, his pupils unfocused and wet, as if Nico was waking up from a nightmare, and held onto his hands, trembling and breathing fast, still curled up on himself.

''It's allright. Can I hug you?”

''Hug me? Why... why would you want to touch someone like me?’’

''It looks like you need it.’’

''I... I need?'' Then, Nico looked at Percy with the most desolate and lost look he had ever seen.

''Nico. It's allright.'' Percy said it again, refusing to accept what those people were doing to Nico.

''I have to... I have to talk to Bianca, my... my sister.’’

''We will. After we get to my place. Yes?’’

''You promise?’’

''I promise.’’

Then, as if a key had been turned, Nico grabbed his arm and picked up their bags from the floor, saying: ''You dropped it.'' Just like that, like nothing had happened. But Nico was still shaking, gripping his arm tighter and handing one of the bags to Percy, holding his own against his chest in the hope that the bag and Percy would protect him.

Gods! How could someone do this to such a vulnerable and defenseless being? What had Nico done to be treated like this? Then, Percy looked around, recognizing these people. Some were in the same class as them, others Percy knew in passing, and none of them had the decency to help a classmate being abused. That's why they said he was a "rebel", and if it was up to him, things would continue exactly as they were.

''Are you ready?'' Percy said when he saw that Nico was beginning to calm down.

''Hm. Thank you.’’

Percy took Nico's backpack from his shoulder, put it with his own, and led Nico by the hand between the cars parked near the school, spotting a familiar black pick-up truck.

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Thank you for reading. And if you can, send your appreciation in the comments. Until next time!

It’s a secret recipe 🤫

Update

Oii, como vai? Eu consegui fazer uma capa para uma das minhas histórias com Inteligencia artificial! Eu só queria compartilhar com vocês. ❤❤

Eu fiz uma capa em Inglês também, mas por enquanto apenas tenho a versão em português. A história está incompleta, mas quem quiser ler >>> SpiritFanfic e AO3. Provavelmente no futuro vou traze-la para cá.

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

Hello, how you doing? Looks like I had some time in the the end. I hope you like it. I had a lot of fun writing this chapter.

Good reading!

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

"Beautiful.’’

Nico ignored Percy who was lying on the bed and finished drying his hair with the towel, combing it back. He put on his t-shirt, pulled it down and buttoned his pants, pulled the zipper up and looked at himself in the mirror.

If it were up to him, he would’ve stayed in the kitchen, where he belonged, and finished helping with the preparations for the party later. Unfortunately, right after the wedding proposal, Sally had kicked him out of the kitchen, pushing him away from the stove while Percy had picked him up and carried him up the stairs until they reached Percy's bedroom. And with no choice, still full of flour in his clothes, Nico went into the bathroom without complaining, taking a long bath in the tub and then looking for clothes that still fit him. Apparently, Percy hadn't thrown away the things he’d left behind, like his favorite black jeans or his t-shirts with jokes and superheroes printed on them, or even his leather jacket, which his mother used to wear before the cancer prevented her from getting out of bed.

He admitted that the shirts that were previously baggy and reached his thighs now fit perfectly well, although a little tighter than he would like, contouring his not-so-masculine curves; apart from his broad shoulders and height, the rest was very... very thin in some parts and slender in others, impossible not to notice in those tight clothes. Nico didn't even like to think about it. Maybe that was why Percy loved so much holding his waist.

‘’Since when did you have those muscles, hm?’’ Percy asked again with good humor.

Muscles? He didn't see many. And of course, Percy could be able to fool him if it was a few years ago. Now? Nico could hear the pure jealousy behind the laughter.

"I don't know. I had free time in Italy.”

In fact, life in Verona was much easier and more uncomplicated than this first week back here. It’s like, when Percy was involved, trouble and strong emotions were guaranteed. He didn't even know why he was still complaining, things had always been like that.

‘’Don't make that face. Today is the day to celebrate. Or at least that's according to Sally.’’

"Sure.” Nico rolled his eyes and finally put on his jacket, slipping his feet inside his high-top sneakers that had also been left in Percy's wardrobe. Now, Nico was back in the past and with the complete look. He almost felt nostalgic; If it weren't for the anxiety and constant self-doubt, Nico would miss those times. "Let's go.’’

"Hold on. I bought you something.’’

‘’Another gift? What will it be now? A car?’’

‘’Do you need another one?’’ But Percy was smiling. Nico watched him get up and walk around the bed, opening the dresser drawer next to the bed. ‘’It's nothing expensive.’’

"What is that?’’ This time, the object in Percy's hands aroused his curiosity. He could see what it was, the thing was that Percy had never given him anything like this, which made him come closer and take the diary from Percy's hands, opening the hardf, black leather cover, finding simple, straight lined pages, noting a dedication on the inside of the cover, thar said: “To make sure your thoughts and ideas never get lost”. “Per?’’

“I thought about what you said… about not being able to express yourself.’’

"Express myself?’’

"In bed.’’ Percy said and then held his hands over the diary, making Nico face him. “I know how…how scary things can be from time to time. I want this diary to be a way for us to talk without needing all that… drama.”

Percy used the word “drama”, but for Nico it was more… “humiliation”.

“Are you going to write too?’’

"Yeah.”

"And you'll... read everything? Everything I write?”

"Only if you want.”

Nico stopped for a moment and looked at Percy, his fiancé, the love of his life, the person who always accepted him unconditionally. Percy seemed so calm and confident, so sincere… no one before had ever tried so hard to understand him.

“It doesn't have to be about that.’’ Percy said again. “You can write about anything. Or something you want me to know about.”

"Anything? Really?”

"What's wrong?” Then, Percy smiled again, carefree. “What do you still have to hide from me?”

That was the moment where the mortification took him by surprise. Nico looked away and stared at the diary they both still held, the rings shining on their fingers. If only Percy knew… Nico didn't know if it was the best or the worst idea Percy had ever had.

“Look, you don't need to force yourself. Let's leave the diary by the bed and if you feel like it, it will be here. Is that all right?’’

Percy smiled at him once again, took the diary from his hands and placed it on top of the dresser, less than a foot away from them. But that was the problem, Nico already felt the urge to flip through that notebook and write whatever came to mind, like a free writing exercise, only more stranger and embarrassing. He felt like writing and letting it all come out, like he hadn't done in years.

"No, I want it! Gimme.” And like a little kid, Nico reached out and took the diary, hugging it to his chest, feeling satisfied as he once again held that black leather notebook.

“I'm glad you liked it.’’ And acting like the daddy they both refused to admit, even though they were both the same age, Percy hugged him tightly and kissed his hair, saying: “Good boy.”

And, Of course, this had the expected effect. Nico hid his face in Percy's shoulder and groaned once again, mortified, berating himself for feeling so good and so happy with those words. Or with the care that Percy continued to show him day after day.

***

Before they left for the party, Nico put the diary away with the now empty ring box in his backpack and held Percy's hand, making Percy's chest warm with Nico's absent-minded gesture. It wasn't the most romantic or affectionate gesture he had ever seen, but Nico did everything with so much care that Percy was sure he had made the right choice by waiting until that moment. He knew that these attitudes, as much as his or Nico's, came from a painful place; of loss and abandonment, things that they both felt firsthand and wanted to avoid at all costs. That's why every moment that served to bring them closer together would be a reason to celebrate. Percy still couldn't believe that he had finally proposed to Nico. They were going to get married! There was a time when Percy thought he would never see Nico again, and even less that they would be so happy and content together, even if the little boy hid it behind an angry pout and the usual bad mood and insecurity. And who was he to judge how other people behaved when he was the worst of them? All Percy knew was that he had a plan, and he would do everything he could to make it reality. That’s why he smiled at Nico, took back the hand offered to him and the next thing he knew, one of his mother's helpers was guiding him to the outside of the house where tables were set up in the garden and people were already walking around the improvised dance floor next to a buffet table divided into three rows organized by sweet, cold and hot dishes, and there wasn't even all the food he had seen in the kitchen earlier.

“You guys went overboard this time.”

"It’s nothing out of the ordinary." Nico shrugged.

"Clearly. I wanted to--”

“Nico! I finally found you!”

Percy sighed and gave up, nnow that they were in the middle of all those people, it would be impossible to keep Nico's attention to himself. As if in slow motion, he saw Clarisse approach them in hurried steps and grab Nico in a bear hug, pulling him away from him.

"How long were you going to ignore me?’’

"I wasn't ignoring you!" Nico shouted back, but hugged Clarisse as tightly as she had done, closing his eyes with pleasure.

"Why didn't you tell me you were back? And when did that happen?’’

“It’s been… five days ago? Six?”

“I bet it's his fault.”

“Clare!”

 "Don't give me that. I want to know everything!”

"So you can tell Annabeth later? No, thank you very much.”

"That's not true. I did it once and now--”

It seemed there was no way around it. Percy left Nico with Clarisse, watching the people approach the noisy pair, and went back into the house, finding his mother now in a long black dress and high heels, although she was still pacing the kitchen, giving orders and checking the still-working ovens.

"Mother.”

“Oh, Percy, darling.” His mother came up to him in quick steps and squeezed his cheeks, then kissed them. "You could have told me before. I didn't have time to prepare anything.”

“I didn't have time either.”

That was the moment Percy hugged his mother and let himself relax.

“What is it, darling?”

“I don't think Nico wants to be with me.”

“Percy, that doesn't make any sense. Why would you think that?”  Then his mother touched his face again and looked at him affectionately.

“He changed. We seem to fight every step of the way, and now he has so many friends and things to do…”

“Percy.” Now his mother looked disappointed. “We talked about that. You need help?”

“No.” He denied, walking away. Percy didn't want to go back to endless hours at the psychiatrist or taking medication.

“Honey, Nico is growing up and you should too.”

"I know, I know. It's just... he's telling me so many things... I didn't know he felt that way.”

"That is great. That means he trusts you, right?”

Deep down, Percy knew this. He just wanted someone to tell him everything would be okay. But it wasn't what his mother was doing. As always, she told him what he needed to hear and not what he wanted to hear.

"What should I do?”

“Nothing you don't want to.”

“What if he only marries me out of pressure?”

“Percy!” Sally grabbed his shoulders and laughed in his face. “My little boy is growing up so fast. I remember how you ran away from any responsibility and now here we are, you worrying about someone else's well-being?”

“Mom! I'm serious!”

“Look, from my point of view, I've never seen Nico so happy or calm. He doesn't seem to be forcing himself into anything.”

“He said he didn't want to date me and I insisted! What if he told the truth?”

“Honey, none of this is your responsibility. He accepted of his own free will. Even if you want to protect him, it's Nico's decision. Whether he accepts it or not, even if in the future he decides to leave once again, it won't be your fault.”

"So whose is it?”

"It's nobody's fault. These are things that happen and we have to accept them. And being honest? It's about time, right? If you had talked to Nico, none of this would have happened.”

“You... you ruined the surprise. I should have talked to him alone.”

“Exactly, darling. Don't you see? The less you say, the more Nico will pull away from you.”

"Do you really think so?”

"Believe me. I know all about failed relationships. Don't create distance between you, okay?”

"I would never do that.”

"No? If you don't say what you feel, Nico might think you don't care.”

"I--”

“Have you talked to him in the last few days?”

"Yes, but--”

“How did he react?”

Percy wanted to roll his eyes. His mother was right, as always. Nico had been sincere back when he opened up. The worst thing was thinking that Nico had kept everything inside his chest, thinking that Percy wouldn't accept him or that Percy didn't care. At least the time he'd wasted at the psychiatrist had been useful for something.

"You are right.” Percy admitted, looking around at the people who continued walking back and forth. “I didn't want to admit defeat.”

"Darling.”

“I made Nico leave before and I don't want to be the one to blame again. Is it so bad to be careful to not destroy things again?”

"Of course not. I understand.”

“Do you really understand?” Percy then turned to face his mother again. “If you understand, can you stay out of this?”

“Fine, I won't interfere. But you should pay attention to who your friends are.”

"What does that mean?”

“That blonde friend of yours is at the party. I thought you guys didn't talk anymore?”

"Who? Annabeth?”

"She herself.”

“I didn't invite her.”

So, who invited her?” Sally and Percy stared at each other for long moments, not understanding what was happening, until Percy snapped and turned his back on his mother, going back outside. In the garden, he finds a scene he thought he would never see, Annabeth with her long golden hair, shining in the sun, looking furious and Nico, with torn pants and a black t-shirt, staring at her as if she were an earthworm about to be trampled over.

***

"What's going on here?”

The next thing Percy knew, he was standing in the middle of the crowd, seeing Annabeth and Nico staring back at him.

As if by magic, the atmosphere changed. Nico came to his side and held onto his hand, lowering his head and placing it on Percy’s shoulder like the most obedient and well-behaved little boy, while Annabeth stood there, head held high, looking even more furious with the display of affection.

“It’s nothing, Per. We were talking about old times. Isn't it, Anne?” Nico smiled, hugging him around the waist and suddenly there was silence, even the waiters and kitchen assistants were silent.

“Are you drunk, by any chance?”

"Me? Never!” He looked at Nico and Nico made a cute pout. "I would never do that.”

To prove his theory, Percy leaned over Nico and kissed him right there. This time, Nico didn't seem embarrassed at all. The little boy grabbed him tightly by the back of the neck and let himself be kissed, opening his mouth in the most shameless display of affection.

“My baby is jealous, hm?”

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

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

“But, Percy! You promised!”

"I didn’t promise anything.”

“Your lying--”

“I won't repeat it.”

With that, he took Nico by the hand and led him into the house, leaving behind a curious crowd and a blonde foaming with anger.

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So, I'm enjoying their progress. This time I thought it was more interesting to give Percy this insecurity and Nico a bit more of impulsiveness. I imagine that this way the characters seem more real and interesting. I hope you're enjoying it as much as I am. See you next time!

Update!

Como vão todos? Finalmente terminei minha mudança e só sobraram os cacos dos meus ossos. Brincadeiras a parte, estou descansando um pouco e logo teremos a continuação das versões em inglês. Provavelmente dentro de uma ou duas semanas as coisas vão se normalizar. Vou tentar trazer um capítulo ainda essa semana, mas não prometo nada. O pior é que eu queria estar escrevendo, mas a exaustão não me deixa. Tipo, eu na maioria dos anos participo do kinktober, porque esse desafio me dá ideias para escrever longas histórias para o próximo ano. É muito eficaz, mas parece que esse vai ser outro que eu não vou conseguir.

De qualquer forma, obrigada pela paciência e carinho.

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

Hi, how are you? Just in time, huh? I'm trying not to split up the story too much. So, I hope it's acceptable. Feedback is always good.

Enjoy it!

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

"Are you ready? I didn't tell you we were coming." Percy took his hand and pulled him out of the car.

Nico couldn't believe he was back in the house where his best memories were made. This was the house of his childhood, the place where he had discovered that love and affection were still possible after his mother death. It was the place where Nico had discovered that love could come in many shapes and sizes and be expressed in simple or complicated ways.

"Maybe we should come back later?”

"She'll be happy to see you.”

"Are you sure?”

"Nico, this is your home too. It always will be.”

Nico had to take a deep breath, stopping in front of the front door. He felt so guilty! Percy wasn't the only person he had left behind. Sally had also been one of them. His second mother, the person he could tell everything after Percy, always offering him a tight hug and an open kitchen.

"Percy, I--”

"Shhh." Percy held his hand, smiled at him and finally pushed open the door of the house, leading him inside. "Mom! We're here!”

It didn't take long. Soon they could both hear the sound of heels on the white granite floor, and appearing from one of the doors that Nico knew to be in the kitchen, Sally came almost running and with so much energy that for a moment Nico saw himself in the past, the first time he had come through that same door, seeing the simple but elegant decor. Cream-colored sofas, almost white blue walls, puffs and blankets scattered around the room and a large television. The smell was the same, the same fragrance of freshly made food, sweet and sour, making him smile immediately.

"Nico, my son." That was all he heard before Sally's attack came, thin, strong arms encircled him and long, dark brown hair fell over him, Sally's perfume was still the same.

"Gods, look how much you've grown! And those cheeks, hm? So pretty.”

"Mom!”

"Percy, look at him. Have you sorted yourselves out? I hope so! You've been gone for three days! That's the least I can hope for.”

"Sally." Nico finally said, smiling, and leaned towards her, receiving another hug from Sally with pleasure.

"I can't believe I'm getting my assistant back! Our menu has suffered with you gone. How about we discuss it tomorrow? Are you staying with us today? What a question! Of course you are.”

Sally took his hand, pulling him towards the kitchen and Nico looked back, seeing Percy shrug. He knew it would take time for Sally to grow tired of him now. And as the saying goes, "like mother, like son", or something like that. And since there was no point in fighting with any of the Jacksons, Nico let himself be carried away by Sally, not that he minded; it was always fun to spend a few hours in Sally Jackson's company, delicious food, relaxed conversation and a friendly shoulder to vent on.

***

It had been a long time since Percy had walked the streets of his neighborhood. They weren't what they used to be, from quiet and humble to full of tall buildings and noisy cars due to the subway line located a few blocks from his house. The good thing about all this was that now there was a store or a market, or even a shopping center, on practically every corner. Which was exactly what he was looking for. Walking nonchalantly, Percy went straight to a stationery store and soon found what he was searching for, a dark leather journal with a delicate and beautiful appearance, just like Nico. 

He paid for it, walked around the mall and found himself standing in front of a familiar Jewelry store, remembering going into that place years ago and buying something special, but never going through with his plan. Now, a few hours later, he was on his way home. Imagine his surprise when his mother's helpers came in with bags after bags of food and pots and pans. Percy wasn't even surprised anymore. In fact, it was a familiar sight, but one he hadn't seen since Nico had left, the house full and the scent of sweets and snacks permeating the air.

Well, it looked like his present would have to wait.

Without being seen, he went to his room, left the bag on the bed and opened the first drawer of the dresser, finding the rings he had bought. Could this be the moment he had been waiting for? After all, they had already made it clear that they loved each other, so why not take the next step? He had learned that the best thing to do was never to assume anything, and if he didn't speak up, how would Nico know? Percy couldn't wait to see Nico's reaction.

So, exchanging the rings for the diary, he took the box with the rings and put the diary in the drawer, feeling confident. Percy left the bedroom and headed towards the kitchen, almost running into a girl wearing an apron from his mother's restaurant. She apologized and hurried out of the house, without the usual flattery. He hoped this one would last longer than the others. It wasn't that his mother was a bad boss, the problem was that most people didn't have the same enthusiasm as she or Nico had when it came to cooking.

Percy finally entered the kitchen and was faced with a full feast. He saw roasted, fried and boiled meats, grains and pasta of all kinds, not to mention sweets and salty foods that weren't all that healthy.

“Are we having a gala dinner or what?" He had to ask as soon as he entered the kitchen. It was kind of funny. Sally and Nico were there, along with several helpers, covered in flour and other things Percy couldn't identify, all wearing identical aprons and moving around in such an organized way that they looked like worker ants.

"You're right, darling!" His mother exclaimed. She wiped her hand on a towel, as energetic as he'd seen her in a long time, or at least not at this "child who ate too much sugar" level, and hugged him tightly, before walking back into the kitchen to check the oven and make sure everything was in order. "Call your friends! Call your friends' friends. No, better yet, call your friends' parents too.”

Percy wasn't sure about that. Did he even still has that many friends left? Percy shrugged, about to do what his mother had asked when Nico appeared in front of him, trying to find a place to put some sort of whitish cake on the table.

"I will help you.”

Percy moved some things around and finally found a space, taking the dish from Nico's hands and placing it on the counter.

"Here's my baby. Where have you been?”

"I'm not your baby.”

“ You are not?”

Was now a good time? No matter how Nico was dressed, in his school uniform or in his tight pants, and even now with flour from head to toe, Nico would always be the prettiest and cutest thing Percy would ever see, especially when he tried not to be embarrassed by this public display of affection.

Percy put his hand in his pocket, touched the box and watched for a moment, seeing Nico lower his head, his black hair protected by a hairnet, allowing him to see the blush spreading strongly across his dark face and down his long, elegant neck. Percy didn't hold back, he grabbed the back of Nico's neck and pulled him close, kissed him slowly and longingly, and only stopped when he heard a moan and the sudden silence that followed; the murmurs around them stopped and so did the sound of banging pots and pans.

"Per," Nico whispered in an almost non-existent voice and grabbed his arm, his face now on fire. So shy and so sweet, Percy could feel the sugar on Nico's tongue and the sweetness in his gentle touch. 

But just when he thought Nico would pull away, as he often had in the past, Nico just stood there, clinging to his arm, looking at him without knowing what to do. Maybe this wasn't the right moment, because if Nico had reacted like this to just one kiss, caught off guard and all anxious, what would Nico do if he got down on one knee in the middle of the kitchen? 

Unfortunately, when something like that used to happen, Nico wouldn’t know what to do. He would freeze from head to toe, and as if he had no script for this kind of situation, Nico rather do nothing for fear of making a mistake.

"Beautiful. Give me a hug, hm?”

Nico blinked slowly and bit his lips, looking unsure. In the end, Nico did as Percy asked. He put his arms around Percy's waist and hugged him tightly for a long moment, hiding his face against his neck, Percy hugged him back and stroked Nico's long hair, comforting him.

"Right.” Percy raised his head and, still hugging Nico, looked around at each of his mother's helpers, which had the desired effect.

Everyone began to move as one and the atmosphere returned to normal. He thought about apologizing to Nico, but the thought of Nico understanding that kissing him in front of other people was wrong made his stomach churn. Nico was a very perceptive being, and if he understood that he was doing something wrong, Nico would never do it again, like the time they were talking to some people, Nico laughed too loudly and someone scolded him, after that, it took him months to see Nico smiling in public.

"What you got for me?”

"Have you ever had Japanese cake?" Nico seemed relieved by the change of subject and let go of his waist. He took Percy's hand and led him to a light, spongy cake, unlike anything he had ever eaten.

Nico cut off a piece and put it on a plate for him. As soon as he took a bite, the cake melted on his tongue, something so delicious that Percy couldn't explain it, so he just moaned, closing his eyes in pleasure.

"That good?”

"Everything my baby does is exemplary.”

"Thank you.”

Percy stopped eating and paid attention to Nico. In fact, he stopped and watched him. Nico looked happy and content in his apron and flour-stained clothes. He looked like a little chef, proud of a job well done.

"I saw it in a restaurant in Verona and wanted to try it.”

"Beautiful.”

"You should study cooking." This time it was Sally who spoke, finishing a chocolate tart and watching them discreetly. She approached them and put one of her hands on Nico's shoulders. "Have you thought about it?”

***

"You should study cooking. Have you thought about it?”

Nico blinked slowly, trying to concentrate on anything other than the way Percy was looking at him, who almost missed the moment when Sally approached the corner where they were standing.

"Hm?”

"Have you decided on your graduation course?”

"Ah." Nico glanced at Percy out of the corner of his eye, but focused on Sally. "I don't know. Hades wants me to do administration.”

"Why not something you're talented at? Like music or cooking? Arts?”

"I... I'd like that very much. I don't know if Hades would allow it.”

"You know, the other day this nice, polite man brought his family over for dinner. He said that the place where he works has an excellent cooking course." Nico took a good look at Sally, trying to figure out what that meant. "Why don't you do a double degree? I have his contact if you're interested.”

"It's also close to home." Percy added.

Nico stopped everything and leaned on the edge of the bench, trying not to get his hopes up.

"I couldn't.”

"Darling, you don't have to worry about the details. Have a look, will you? I'll take care of everything.”

"No, Sally. You don't have to... I never--”

"It’s okay, darling. Money is not a problem." Then Sally smiled at him all radiant and caught him off guard once again, hugging him tightly. "No matter what you choose. We'll support you, now and always.”

"Oh." It was all that escaped his throat, a choked, muffled sound against Sally's shoulder. His vision blurred, and his throat tightened, but his heart beat strongly, a delicious warmth heating his chest as Percy's hands touched his shoulders, embracing him and Sally at once.

"Mom is right. We'll support you no matter what, even if I have to go to Italy with you.”

"Did you plan this? To surprise me and not let me think about it?”

"Nico, of course not, silly!" Sally exclaimed energetically and grabbed his shoulders, her big light brown eyes hitting him right in the middle of the chest. "Percy did some vocational and aptitude tests last year and since then we've been looking for the best options. You have to do them too, they're pretty accurate. Does next week sound good? Ah, we have so much to do!”

And so, as if talking about his future was something ordinary, Sally  continued again, mixing something in a large glass pot with a spatula.

"That's right, then. College decided. Will we have a wedding?”

"Wedding?”

"Of course! The sooner we set the date, the better! What about a house? You'll be near us, right? And... Percy didn’t talk to you yet?”

Nico didn't know if he was ready for such a big step, he didn't even know if he could finish high school without self-destructing himself, let alone… marriage.

"Mom!" Percy grumbled. "She's joking. Don't listen to what she says.”

It was Percy who said it, but his gaze was intense on him, thoughtful and analytical. And... maybe... maybe Sally wasn't joking,  if it were for the disappointed expression on Percy's face.

"Since when have you been planning these things? “

"Since…”

"Since when?”

"Ever since I realized that waking up next to you was the best part of my day.”

Nico thought there was something strange in his eyes, they wouldn't stop watering. It must have been sinusitis. Yes, that was it. Maybe an allergy.

"Aren't you going to say anything?" Percy insisted, and suddenly the world disappeared and only the two of them mattered; the sound of banging pots and whispers disappeared, even the hurried murmurs around them vanished.

"What was I supposed to say? Are you asking me to marry you?”

This was the best and worst moment of his life. Percy smiled at him and reached into his pocket, pulling out a delicate velvet box. And then, the worst came, Percy knelt down on the floor full of flour and sugar, and opened the box, showing him that inside were two identical gold-plated rings with a small diamond in the center, one large and the other smaller, with delicate engravings around the rings, the rings so delicate that Nico was afraid to touch them.

"You can't be serious!”

"I bought them before you ran away to Italy. I wish I'd told you sooner. I was afraid it would drive you away again.”

And without asking permission, Percy took hia hand and slid the smallest of the rings onto the ring finger of Nico’s right hand.

"This ring is proof of my commitment and fidelity to you. It's my promise to always be by your side and to always give you whatever you need and want. No matter what or where.”

"Percy, stop it! Right now! You don't want this." Nico pulled away from Percy's hands and tried to take the ring off, feeling anxious, but he couldn't get it off. Something inside him stopped Nico.

"Of course I want it. I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you." Percy kept smiling and remained kneeling, as if paying for his sins in a prayer of love.

Percy crawled on his knees until he was close enough to touch again and offered Nico the box, saying: "It's your turn to put it on me. Will you marry me?”

"Gods!" Nico whimpered, that tightness in his heart and warmth in his chest spreading like hellish flames through his veins. "You'll regret this. You'll regret it so much. Then, don't blame me for what happens.”

"I take full responsibility.”

Sniffling, Nico knelt down too and did the same as Percy, placing the ring on the ring finger of Percy's right hand and observing their hands together. Not even in his wildest dreams could Nico have imagined something like this.

"Satisfied now?”

"And my kiss, hm?”

Still feeling anxious and shaky, Nico jumped into Percy's lap and kissed him with everything he had, being greeted by the strong embrace of the person Nico loved most in the whole world.

I’m an artist who rocks. No, seriously! I rock. And tree. And water.

🌸✨

Very True!

Tagged by @haiseiscute333

Thanks for tagging me! It's my first time doing this, but lets go!

3 ships:

+ Pernico (Percy/Nico) - Percy Jackson Series, my favorite ship to write!

+ Lan Zhan/Wei Ying - Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation

+ Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy - Harry Potter

(Like, I have at least 10 favorites, but I won't spam anyone🤣)

First ship: Naruto/Sasuke - Naruto (I have to say, it was a long time ago, in the 2000's, so forgive me! But I Still like it, the one's well written)

Last song: Stone Cold - Demi Lovato

Last movie: Barbie (Best Thing Ever!)

Reading: Can be a fanfiction? 4018 - by sweetlolixo (Something quick and fun and smutty)

Currently watching: XO, Kitty (My cousin made me watch it and I loved it)

Consuming: Water

Craving: Sleep and money. A lot of this two!

No pressure tags: @yonemurishiroku and @lukecastellanshandholder

Tagged by @prettyblubox! Thank you!

3 ships: Loid/Yor (SPY x FAMILY), Suletta/Miorine (Mobile Suit Gundam: the Witch from Mercury), Sawako/Kazehaya (Kimi ni Todoke)

First ship: Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase (Percy Jackson and the Olympians series)

Last song: Shukufuku - Yoasobi

Last movie: Barbie

Reading: will be rereading SPY x FAMILY to prepare for S2 and I’m also going to start All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Currently watching: Revolutionary Girl Utena and other seasonal anime

Consuming: honey toast

Craving: some free time to enjoy all my fandoms

Tagging @whateversawesome @nightofnyx8 @rlbbackup @tare-anime @yellowcrazycricket

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

This is the last part, I promise! Sorry for the mistake.

"Nico”

"Hm.”

"It's time to wake up.”

Nico grumbled and snuggled further under the covers. He was so tired that he felt like he would need a whole week to recover. 

He moved again, about to put the blanket over his head when he felt strong arms surround his waist, but what made him open his eyes was the kiss on his neck, on that little spot near the nape of his neck that was now making him react more intensely than he thought he should. It was all Percy's fault,  his fault for the way Percy had touched him the night before and all those words.

Gods! What had he done? Had Nico really said all that things to Percy? Nico couldn't believe it! He sat up and looked around. He was still in his room, and Percy? Well, the idiot was stillnext to him, leaning against the headboard and with such a satisfied smile on his face that it made him wonder: Had he said something he couldn't remember in the night before?

"So, do you like being spanked?”

"Percy!”

"I thought I was the only one you allowed to fu-"

"Don't you dare!" Okay, Nico admitted that he was panicking. 

"I wonder where is the boy who wanted to take things slow, hmm?”

In another leap, Nico threw himself on top of Percy and covered his mouth with his hands.

"I take back everything I said. All of it!”

Percy licked his hand and kept smiling at him until Nico gave up and let Percy speak:

"It's a shame. We could’ve had so much fun…”

"I… I don't know." Nico had to look away, maybe he didn't want to take anything back, no matter how humiliating it was.

"Baby. Come here.”

Nico went, of course. 

Percy grabbed him around the waist and made him lie down on his chest, one of Percy's hands immediately going to his hair. Nico didn't understand why that gesture calmed him down so much, or why this feeling of tenderness made him want to tell Percy everything he hadn't said the night before. It's just that... he felt conditioned to never to lie to Percy, and he had already said so much… Nico wished he had a time machine to make sure none of it had happened, because only then he would be sure that nothing between them would ever change.

"I'm so sorry.”

"Nico.”

"I shouldn't have left. But when you told me to meet other people, I thought... I thought we would never have a chance. So why wait for something that's never going to happen?”

"It's all right. It's my fault.”

"I don't care who's fault it is. I want you to say that you forgive me and that this won't affect things in the future.”

"I forgive you and that won't change anything.”

Nico knew that Percy was only saying this because he had asked, but even so, the knot in his stomach seemed to loosen a little bit.

"Promise?”

"I promise.”

Nico pulled away enough so he could look into Percy's face and touched him there gently, caressing the sides of his neck.

"You know I love you, don't you? For real?" Nico forced himself to say, seeing a small smile appear on Percy's lips.

"Why those words now?

"I realized... I thought I liked you because you were my first friend. But when I was in Italy, it felt like something was missing. I tried to find it in other people, you know?”

"What were you looking for?" That's when Percy touched his shoulder, trying to comfort him.

Ahg, he couldn't look at Percy when Percy acted so kind.

"I don't know!" It was a lie, of course. And Percy knew it. “It's hard to express how much you mean to me. So when I don't tell you things, it's because I can't, not because I don't want to.

"I know that. But I need you to tell me anyway. I need you to give me permission." Then, Percy touched the back of his neck, pulling his head up to face him. And yet, when Nico refused and kept his eyes closed, Percy insisted: "Beautiful. Look at me.”

Nico did it, he did it because it was impossible to resist when Percy spoke to him in that firm, and at the same time, reassuring tone.

"I understand. You don't have to force yourself.” 

"I'm sorry.”

"No, Nico. It's not your fault.”

"I don't want to make you worry.

Because that was the truth. He'd always liked to go through life quietly and unnoticed, except that Percy had taken note of him and hadn't let him go ever since. No matter how much time passed, he would never get used to the attention Percy gave him and even after a decade, it still was strange, it was like  he was in a dream and at any moment Nico would wake up, realizing that Percy had been his imagination playing tricks on him.

"This won't happen again.”

"What are you talking about?" Nico asked, not understanding.

" I won't force you. Just… just tell me if you need to. Anything.

"Anything?”

"Of course.”

"Then, tell me you love me.”

"I love you.”

"Again”.

"I love you.”

"Again.”

"Nico." Percy smiled and kissed Nico, interrupting him. "What's going on? It’s about last night?”

"It's nothing.”

"I promise I won't do that again.”

"That...?”

"I'm not going to be... so intense or... you know.”

Why did Nico felt his face getting hot? And since that was the case...

"Why not?”

This was the moment Nico feared the most. Percy remained silent and stared at him for long seconds, giving him no choice but to stare back. He dreaded these silences so much because this was the moment when he couldn't lie, and if he couldn't speak, then he'd have no way of diverting the attention away from the truth. 

Yes, that was the reality, no matter how much he tried to hide it, Percy would always know everything in the end.

"Is this all because of shame? It’s the humiliation too much for you? Or is it because you like the feeling?

Nico didn't know how Percy managed to say all this in such a serious and composed way. Well, Percy was more right than he thought. However, when Nico got nervous, these feelings only came out in two ways: tears of anxiety or laughter. So imagine the scene where he started laughing out of nowhere while Percy remained serious and stern.

"Do you think I'm a joke?" Percy said and puffed out his chest, pretending to be offended.

"I would never think that.”

"I love you." Percy said, then hugged him tightly and stroked his back. “No matter what this thing is between us, we'll get through it together.”

That's what Nico expected. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I hope it's not too confusing. If it is, please warn this poor writer who sometimes can't see certain things. I wanted to end the week by suggesting a blog post from tumblr +18, but in this specific post there's nothing explicit. It's the idea I used for Nico's thoughts. Here, it might be interesting.

See you next week!

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!

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!

Update!

Oii, como vai? Finalmente consegui escrever alguma coisa. Por enquanto apenas vão sair as versões em inglês até que ambas as versões estejam no mesmo capítulo. Fiquei esse mês afastada porque surgiu uma surpresa. Consegui comprar meu primeiro apartamento! Então, está difícil para mim apenas me concentrar em escrever quando tenho que pensar em mil coisas ao mesmo tempo. A boa notícia é que vamos continuar com nossa história. Eu não prometo trazer atualizações toda a semana, mas prometo passar aqui de vez em quando. Você sempre pode me mandar uma ask ou uma mensagem. Sei que eu sumo de vez em quando, mas sempre dou uma olhada nas notificações. Assim, se você ficar com saudade, é só falar comigo. Estou pensando em oferecer uma mentoria criativa. Alguém tem interesse?

Enfim, a versão em inglês vai continuar a vir semanalmente e a em português vai ficar em pausa por algumas semanas. Logo voltaremos a nosso cronograma normal. Até logo e obrigada pela compreensão.

Hi, how are you? I finally got around to writing something. For now, only the English versions will be published until both versions are in the same chapter. I've been away for a month because I gotta a surprise. I managed to buy my first apartment! So it's hard for me to concentrate on only writing when I have to think about a thousand things at once. The good news is that we will continue with our story. I don't promise to bring you updates every week, but I do promise to stop by from time to time. You can always send me an ask or a message. I know I disappear from time to time, but I always check the notifications. So if you miss me, just let me know and send me an ask. I'm thinking of offering creative mentoring. Anyone interested?

Anyway, the English version will continue to come and the Portuguese version will be on hiatus for a few weeks. We'll get back to our normal schedule soon. See you later and thanks for understanding.

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

Hi, how's everyone? It's been a while, hasn't it? I'll try to get back to normal, but I can't promise anything. But what I can promise is that this story will be concluded when the time is right. Thank you in advance to those who have been worried. I'm happy to know that I'm making a difference to someone's life, even if it's just through entertainment. Short chapter, but as soon as I can I'll bring you another part. And thank you for your understanding.

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

Percy admitted that he wasn't being fair to Nico. It wasn't planned at all, he wasn't even thinking about having sex with Nico anytime soon. One moment Nico was all aroused and the next, he was pushing him away, like he did thousands of times before everything went to hell. But this time... this time Percy had decided to do exactly what Nico did to him. It was a last minute decision driven by frustration and desperation. If he made Nico feel the way he felt, Nico would stop torturing him, right?

First, Percy tried it slow and unhurried, strolling around town and stopping at Nico's favorite ice cream shop, then he drove Nico home, and kissed him only when they had privacy. Percy swore he didn't intend to do more than kiss Nico and have a peaceful night, the problem came when Nico kissed him back, all needy, and turned onto his back, rubbing that perky little ass against his groin.

There went his self-control down the drain, Nico smelled so good Percy had to kiss that soft skin, nibbling on the back of Nico's neck and nape until he found the bitten, reddened mouth, getting lost in him, undoing the buttons on Nico's shirt and then the his own to find smooth, hairless skin, flat stomach and prickly, pointy nipples, forcing him to play with them at length. He couldn't stop playing with them, hearing little gasped moans, Nico curling up against him until well…you can imagine, Nico tensed up all over and he had to stop, trying to reason through the dense fog of excitement that was coursing through his brain.

He tried to talk and tried to calm down, that irritation creeping up his spine. Percy wouldn't accept being made a fool of again. He didn't think, threw Nico on the bed, pressed him against it and held his hands above his head where Nico couldn't use them to distract him. What felt like a mistake, though the confession and the half truths slipped from Nico's lips like a waterfall.

Now, how did he know Nico was lying? Nico looked away and tried to break free in an attempt to escape. Nico didn't even realize what he was doing, still not wanting to face him. Because that was what happened when Nico felt he couldn't tell the truth, he would lie, try to distract him or run away, as he had did two years ago and as he had since they were children; when the world got too hard for Nico to handle, he hid, and it was always up to Percy to find him and make him face the reality. It was fine when Nico ran away from the rest of the world, but when things were between them? Who would go after Nico to make sure everything was okay?

Sincerely? Percy didn't want to hear any of that. He didn't want to know who had made Nico decide to want sex or who had traumatized him to the point where Nico was so closed off that he was forced to extract the truth from the one person who he never needed to have secrets. Percy was so tired that... he just decided to give Nico space, watching him cry on the bed as if he had offended Nico's dead mother.

It was too much for him when Nico said a "Don't you love me anymore?" How could he not love him? A few boys and sexual escapades wouldn't be enough to destroy an entire decade of dedication and commitment. However, worst of all was hearing “I just… don't like being tied down and…” Another sob, “It was awful when he tried… tried to penetrate me and…”, you know why that was awful to hear? Nico was lying again! His face was so...so...excited! In a mixture of pleasure and embarrassment so great that nothing Nico said at the moment Percy would be able to believe.

Unfortunately, Percy didn't have many options. He took a deep breath and said the only correct, rational thing he could, trying to calm Nico down, which seemed to make things worse. Desperate, Nico crawled to his side of the bed and straddled his lap, right on top of his erection and looked at him with those eyes full of crocodile tears that excited, rather than worried him, despite the anxious and anguished way Nico acted was a more accurate indicator of what was going on in the mind of his sweet and no longer innocent little boy.

Percy was trying to do the right thing, wasn't he? But it looked like Nico didn't want that. With them it was all or nothing, Nico's next line just made it all clearer: “I want you to touch me! I want you to fuck me until I can't walk, but… it hurt so bad! I don't want it to hurt. I want only you to touch me! Only you kiss me! Only you!" and who was he to deny what his dramatic, manipulative baby wanted? Not that Nico was fooling anyone there, but if that was what Nico needed to say to choking out the words, he would make Nico's wish come true; which resulted in something he could never predict: spanking, screaming and confessions that this time came out much more sincere, although he had the impression that Nico still kept things inside his chest.

Well, he wasn't worried. He would rip out every single one of those little secrets that Nico thought he could keep from him. Not because he wanted to know, but because Nico looked so relieved as every single word slipped out of his mouth that he knew their relationship would never be perfect until Nico confessed everything to him, exactly like it always had been.

He admitted that he wasn't ready for what came next, and he admitted that he wanted to make Nico suffer a little, which wasn't even close to what Nico did to him, even if squeezing that perky little ass was effective. Now he understood why Nico had run away from sex for so long, the little boy was so sensitive that in a few touches he was moaning like he was about to die and so tight that he finally believed when Nico claimed to be a virgin. Percy was patient and careful to get him to relax and then…well, do his best not to come as he slid into that tight, hot channel.

From that moment on it was fast. Nico could only moan and barely complete what he wanted to say, panting and whimpering, sprawled on the bed. Not that he had it any better, Percy gripped Nico's hair, holding him in place as he felt Nico shudder from head to toe, nearly throwing him off the bed. In the end, Percy hadn't been able to move much, trying to think of Nico's comfort, but it had been enough. A few moments later it was his turn, coming deep inside the most important person in his life.

***

"Good boy.” Percy had said, still inside Nico. He allowed himself to enjoy the moment, but when the sensitivity kicked in, he was forced to slide away, watching the semen trickle over his tanned skin.

He was still angry, slightly annoyed by the way Nico had made him lose control. But now, seeing Nico sprawled on the mattress as if he had run a marathon and still with tears streaming down his black eyes, Percy had made up his mind, he would never again let his feelings interfere with their relationship; he loved his little liar who preferred to hide what he really wanted if it was to ensure that people liked him.

Percy took a deep breath and let his hands leave Nico's hair, laying down next to him, about to get out of bed in search of something to clean Nico up with. That is, he would have gotten up if Nico hadn't whimpered, clutching at his arm.

"Where are you going? Am I forgiven?” Nico blinked slowly, looking like he was going to burst into tears if he didn't hear what he wanted.

What could he say? In the end, crocodile tears always worked.

He smiled, because he knew that always soothed his sweet baby, and leaned closer, kissing him softly on the lips.

"There is nothing to forgive.”

“Per.”

"Beautiful.” Percy kissed him again and again until Nico went back to relaxing on the bed, still on his stomach.

"Don’t leave me.”

"Not even to go to the bathroom?"

Nico denied, burying his face in the pillow. But he took Percy's hand and brought it to his own hair, in the exact spot where he had held it moments ago.

Percy understood everything and started petting him there, slowly and gently, listening to Nico purring like a sly kitten.

“We're not done talking yet.”

"Sorry.” Nico muttered, his voice coming out muffled.

“What do you hide that makes you hesitate so much?”

“How can you love me after this? How could anyone?" Nico finally lifted his head and faced him all tearful.

“Nico.”

“I feel like a dirty bitch who doesn't need to charge for sex but I do because I like it.”

"What's wrong with liking it?"

"I'm a sham! Everyone thinks I'm this... this pure being... and look at me now!" Nico went back to burying his face in the pillow and complaining, but it looked like his tears were ending. He must have been very relaxed to be able to get angry.

“Nico!” Percy ended up laughing and Nico whimpered back indignantly. He then caressed Nico's bare back and Nico surrendered, melting in his hands.

"That's not fair! You never take me seriously." Nico turned his back to the bed and faced him with an adorable pout, and realizing his state, he tried to pull the covers over himself. He would have made it if Percy hadn't stopped him, grabbed him by the shoulder, sliding his hands until they reached the back of Nico's neck, getting closer to him, putting their foreheads together.

"I do, I swear I do. I actually wanted to apologize. I shouldn't have treated you like that.”

“Treated me how?”

"Don't you see the problem?"

“Hm?”

“Nico, I hit you, threw you on the bed. I did something you didn't want.”

"I…" Nico blinked slowly, and it surprised him when Nico didn’t looked away from him. "I liked. It just… it wasn't a good experience when they tried to tie me down. I don't mind trying that with you. I got scared, you were never violent with me. I liked, though. I really liked.

“Don't do this to me.” Percy pleaded, trying to stop those ideas from forming in his head.

“I want you to hit me again. You can throw me on the bed as many times as you like. Just promise me you'll always love me.” Nico said, his expression all open and vulnerable, and unfortunately Percy knew, Nico wasn't lying this time.

"I love you. Ever. Even when you drive me crazy.”

Nico looked away from him for a moment and when he looked back at him, he was biting his lips, as if he wasn't sure of something.

“I want… want to please you… and if… if making me cry or making me scream is what pleases you… I don't care.”

Percy gasped, trying not to show how his body was reacting to those words, but how could he resist when Nico spoke in that almost innocent way and in the sweetest, most affable voice?

“I don't want to make you cry.”

“Liar.” Nico said, a smile beginning to creep across his smooth features. “I don't want you to hold back on my account.”

“You have to do the same.

Nico bit his lip and seemed to think it over, his small hands coming to rest on Percy's shoulders.

“I don't know if I can. How could I say these things?”

“You seem to have no problems at the moment.”

“It's because I'm… I'm floating on endorphins. I don't know how long it will last.”

"What would make you feel better?"

“I love it when you touch me anywhere.”

"Where?”

"In the neck. In my hand. The wrist. In the… in the waist.”

"Like this?” Percy slid his lips across Nico's face and kissed the side of his neck, applying light pressure there.

“Hmhmm.” Nico sighed, closing his eyes.

"I want you to know. You can tell me anything. I will be jealous, but I will never judge you.”

Nico chuckled all happy and sly and turned towards Percy, resting his head on Percy’s shoulder.

"Only if you tell me too."

"It's a deal, then."

He kissed Nico's cheek, got up and went to the bathroom. When he returned with a warm, damp towel, Nico was finally asleep, curled up on his side of the bed with a sweet smile on his lips.

Another scene from the past, when Percy and Nico first met. - Extra  - Getting to know each other

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.

***

"Nico”

"Hm.”

"It's time to wake up.”

Nico grumbled and snuggled further under the covers. He was so tired that he felt like he would need a whole week to recover. 

He moved again, about to put the blanket over his head when he felt strong arms surround his waist, but what made him open his eyes was the kiss on his neck, on that little spot near the nape of his neck that was now making him react more intensely than he thought he should. It was all Percy's fault,  his fault for the way Percy had touched him the night before and all those words.

Gods! What had he done? Had Nico really said all that things to Percy? Nico couldn't believe it! He sat up and looked around. He was still in his room, and Percy? Well, the idiot was stillnext to him, leaning against the headboard and with such a satisfied smile on his face that it made him wonder: Had he said something he couldn't remember in the night before?

"So, do you like being spanked?”

"Percy!”

"I thought I was the only one you allowed to fu-"

"Don't you dare!" Okay, Nico admitted that he was panicking. 

"I wonder where is the boy who wanted to take things slow, hmm?”

In another leap, Nico threw himself on top of Percy and covered his mouth with his hands.

"I take back everything I said. All of it!”

Percy licked his hand and kept smiling at him until Nico gave up and let Percy speak:

"It's a shame. We could’ve had so much fun…”

"I… I don't know." Nico had to look away, maybe he didn't want to take anything back, no matter how humiliating it was.

"Baby. Come here.”

Nico went, of course. 

Percy grabbed him around the waist and made him lie down on his chest, one of Percy's hands immediately going to his hair. Nico didn't understand why that gesture calmed him down so much, or why this feeling of tenderness made him want to tell Percy everything he hadn't said the night before. It's just that... he felt conditioned to never to lie to Percy, and he had already said so much… Nico wished he had a time machine to make sure none of it had happened, because only then he would be sure that nothing between them would ever change.

"I'm so sorry.”

"Nico.”

"I shouldn't have left. But when you told me to meet other people, I thought... I thought we would never have a chance. So why wait for something that's never going to happen?”

"It's all right. It's my fault.”

"I don't care who's fault it is. I want you to say that you forgive me and that this won't affect things in the future.”

"I forgive you and that won't change anything.”

Nico knew that Percy was only saying this because he had asked, but even so, the knot in his stomach seemed to loosen a little bit.

"Promise?”

"I promise.”

Nico pulled away enough so he could look into Percy's face and touched him there gently, caressing the sides of his neck.

"You know I love you, don't you? For real?" Nico forced himself to say, seeing a small smile appear on Percy's lips.

"Why those words now?

"I realized... I thought I liked you because you were my first friend. But when I was in Italy, it felt like something was missing. I tried to find it in other people, you know?”

"What were you looking for?" That's when Percy touched his shoulder, trying to comfort him.

Ahg, he couldn't look at Percy when Percy acted so kind.

"I don't know!" It was a lie, of course. And Percy knew it. “It's hard to express how much you mean to me. So when I don't tell you things, it's because I can't, not because I don't want to.

"I know that. But I need you to tell me anyway. I need you to give me permission." Then, Percy touched the back of his neck, pulling his head up to face him. And yet, when Nico refused and kept his eyes closed, Percy insisted: "Beautiful. Look at me.”

Nico did it, he did it because it was impossible to resist when Percy spoke to him in that firm, and at the same time, reassuring tone.

"I understand. You don't have to force yourself.” 

"I'm sorry.”

"No, Nico. It's not your fault.”

"I don't want to make you worry.

Because that was the truth. He'd always liked to go through life quietly and unnoticed, except that Percy had taken note of him and hadn't let him go ever since. No matter how much time passed, he would never get used to the attention Percy gave him and even after a decade, it still was strange, it was like  he was in a dream and at any moment Nico would wake up, realizing that Percy had been his imagination playing tricks on him.

"This won't happen again.”

"What are you talking about?" Nico asked, not understanding.

" I won't force you. Just… just tell me if you need to. Anything.

"Anything?”

"Of course.”

"Then, tell me you love me.”

"I love you.”

"Again”.

"I love you.”

"Again.”

"Nico." Percy smiled and kissed Nico, interrupting him. "What's going on? It’s about last night?”

"It's nothing.”

"I promise I won't do that again.”

"That...?”

"I'm not going to be... so intense or... you know.”

Why did Nico felt his face getting hot? And since that was the case...

"Why not?”

This was the moment Nico feared the most. Percy remained silent and stared at him for long seconds, giving him no choice but to stare back. He dreaded these silences so much because this was the moment when he couldn't lie, and if he couldn't speak, then he'd have no way of diverting the attention away from the truth. 

Yes, that was the reality, no matter how much he tried to hide it, Percy would always know everything in the end.

"Is this all because of shame? It’s the humiliation too much for you? Or is it because you like the feeling?

Nico didn't know how Percy managed to say all this in such a serious and composed way. Well, Percy was more right than he thought. However, when Nico got nervous, these feelings only came out in two ways: tears of anxiety or laughter. So imagine the scene where he started laughing out of nowhere while Percy remained serious and stern.

"Do you think I'm a joke?" Percy said and puffed out his chest, pretending to be offended.

"I would never think that.”

"I love you." Percy said, then hugged him tightly and stroked his back. “No matter what this thing is between us, we'll get through it together.”

That's what Nico expected. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

So, how was it? I almost deleted the first scene, but since I liked Percy's POV, I left it like that. Thanks for everything so far. Good feedback is always welcome. Until next time.

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

Hi, how are you doing? In this chapter we have some +18 scenes. Hope you liket it!

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

Nico wasn't sure he should be doing this.

He couldn't deny that last night had been good, but the time before that, he'd tried with his exes and…well, it had been so bad that all he'd felt was anxiety, pain, and the urge to throw up. Nico didn’t deny, as soon as he could, Nico had hurried away and avoided speaking or meeting Will for the rest of his time in Italy. Part of it was embarrassment at panicking, discovering in the process that he wasn't ready to do certain things with mere strangers, and the other part was… he didn't want to admit it, but it was hard for him to trust people. So what if he dated other people after Will? It wasn't his fault he couldn't relax around the blonde.

That's why he hesitated, even though he knew it was unfair to compare the two. Or to compare anyone else and Percy. Will had never invited him to eat in places he liked or taken him to see, or rather, rediscover the city as Percy had that night. They ate ice cream, visited a natural park, and walked holding hands through moonlit streets. It had been such a peaceful and pleasant night that Nico forgot about what had happened in Italy or even the whole Annabeth mess that he didn't even like to remember. But there they were, back in his room, backpacks and clothes thrown to the floor.

They hadn't even turned on the lights in their rush to get to the second floor of the house, heading towards his bed as fast as they could. Nico’s jacket and shirt came first, then Percy did the same to himself, faster than Nico could keep up. He had gasped, feeling his legs go weak, because Percy was already there against his back, skin to skin, hugging him from behind, lips against his neck kissing him softly, going back and forth to the nape of his neck and finding his earlobe, nibbling, slowly, the big and warm hands touching his chest, descending, reaching his hips and finally massaging him over his jeans to open the button of his pants.

Nico still wasn't sure, he didn't know what was happening to him; one moment he wanted Percy touching him with all the strength of his being and the next, he wasn't sure of anything. Nico just knew that he wanted Percy to continue to hold him forever, but not to hurt or coerce him like other people had tried.

"What is it?” Percy said against the skin of his shoulder, placing one more kiss there that made him shiver, his body relaxing without his permission.

"I don't know. I…”

“Hm.” Percy murmured, moving slowly with him towards the bed. "Do you want to tell me something?"

Yes, he did. Nico wanted to say how he wasn't drunk enough to ignore his fears and that he had rejected anything sexual for more than one reason. But before they reached the bed, Percy stopped in his tracks and kissed her neck one more time.

“I know you're afraid. I know I lost control in the past. But you can trust me.”

“Per.” It had only been a kiss, a careless mistake in the past, and it seems that moment would haunt them for the rest of their lives. “It's not that. I…”

"So tell me. And I will give it to you. It doesn't matter what it is.”

Why was this so difficult?

“I…”

"Is it about your ex?"

"He… he…”

Percy stopped moving and even the air around them became still.

“What did he do to you?”

"Nothing!” Nico said anxious. "It’s nothing.”

“Nico.”

"I mean! Do you remember Jason, the friend I told you about? He stopped Will…”

That's when Percy turned him around to face him and gripped his shoulders tightly, his eyes wide and fierce looking at him as if Percy wanted to get the truth out of him that way.

"You lied to me. What else has this kid done, hm?”

“Percy!” He didn't want to believe that Percy was one of those people.

Percy grabbed him by the arms and threw him onto the bed, pinning his hands above his head.

"Answer me!”

"He… he tied me up and… and took my clothes off… and when… when he was about to… Jason came, hit Will and untied me! Happy now!?”

As soon as he said that, Percy released him and stopped touching him immediately. This surprised Nico, offended him and hurt him in equal measures. Was Percy disgusted with him knowing another man had touched him? Was that what it means?

Then the bed moved and Percy touched him gently on the shoulder.

“No, baby, don't cry. I'm very sorry.”

"You don’t love me anymore?” Nico asked and buried his face in the pillow, trying to hold back the sobs.

“No, that's impossible. I don’t want that--"

“I just…don't like being tied up and…” Another sob, “It was awful when he tried…tried to penetrate me and…”

“Shhh, it's okay. I promise I won't touch you.”

He couldn't take it anymore! That wasn't what Nico wanted.

Crying like a baby, he crawled over to where Percy was lying all tense and sat on his lap, hugging Percy tight around the neck.

"I want you to touch me! I want you to fuck me until I can't walk, but… it hurt so bad! I don't want it to hurt. I want only you to touch me! Only you to kiss me! Only you… ah!”

Nico whimpered and arched his back as Percy pulled him by his hair, bringing their faces close together.

“I should punish you. I should show you how a good boy should behave.”

“I’m--”

“I haven't finished. No matter who you fucked in Italy, you lied to me. Hid something important because of embarrassment? Just ‘cause some random boy deceived and humiliated you? What happened? I want the truth.”

"I'm telling the truth.” Nico turned his face away and shut up, he refused to talk. It wasn't Percy's business what he had done.

“It’s gonna be like this? Since when did you start lying to me?”

“I… I didn't lie about not liking it.”

"Did you agree to do something and regret it?"

Nico nodded, feeling his face heat up.

"You didn't trust him?"

He nodded again.

“I thought I was ready… and…” Nico shrugged. “Then Jason heard me scream and… strapped to the bed …he hit Will and Will was furious. Will came after me later but I didn't want to explain what had happened so I broke up with him and Will got even angrier.”

"So you played with the kid, dumped him and let people think this Will was the one to blame?"

"I didn't mean to do this, I just…”

“Nico.”

Percy knew him too well.

He hated it when Percy spoke to him like that, serious and rigid, all authoritative. He felt like a scolded and helpless little boy. Which made him see that he would do anything for Percy to forgive him. Then, taking a deep breath, Nico said:

"I’m really sorry. I would never do that to you.”

“You already did.” Percy said and looked at him steadily and hard, still holding him by the hair in a painful way that didn't really hurt. But Percy was right, he had done it, he had run away without an explanation, and he regretted it very day since then. If necessary, he would spend the rest of his life apologizing.

“How can I redeem myself?”

"I don't know.”

"Please. I’ll do anything.”

"Anything?” Then Percy smiled at him and let go of his hair, settling himself against the bedframe. “Take off your pants.”

Nico did as Percy asked. He got up, took off his pants, underwear and socks and went back to bed about to sit on Percy's lap when he was stopped.

Percy grabbed him by the shoulder and with the same smirk, he said, "On your stomach. On my lap.”

"I don't understand.”

“Soon you will.”

Still confused, Nico laid back against Percy's legs and waited.

Moments later, it all made sense.

First, he felt Percy arrange himself against the headboard of the bed, then, with one hand, Percy held his hair and with the other, slid down his back, reaching his ass.

"Are you still willing to go on?"

“Per?”

“I spoiled you a lot. Allowing you to do whatever you want.”

"I did not want to…”

"Will you obey?"

"Wait!”

“Last chance. Yes or no?”

He didn't know, okay!? It was a lot of pressure for him to handle. Is just, Nico always wanted to try that with Percy, but he didn't want it to like this, a punishment instead of fun.

“Nico?”

“I don't know.” Nico finally said, defeated. “I trust you.”

And then, mere seconds later, Percy's heavy hand cracked against his right cheek, drawing a muffled groan from him.

“You are enjoying this. I can’t believe it.” Two more came, one after the other and Nico couldn't help himself, he squirmed, rubbing one leg against the other, trying to hide the effect the spanking was having on him.

He heard Percy gasp and settle him in his lap, his jeans brushing against his exposed cock, and all he could do was to hold on to the bed to keep him from coming from the rough treatment.

“Are you ready to talk?” Percy's voice sounded low in his ears, making him shiver.

"I've already said everything I wanted to."

"Who else did this to you?"

Shit! How did Percy know?

Percy shifted sideways and this time the crack reverberated through the entire room, making him actually shout, arching his spine. When he didn't say anything, Percy continued, his hands hitting his skin and massaging the spot until he almost...almost...

"You told me to live my life! That's what I did!” Nico screamed this time, trying to control himself, squirming all over, feeling the pleasure come faster than he expected. Until Percy stopped suddenly, keeping him at peak ecstasy to end the spanking without warning.

“All I want is the truth, Nico.”

"What good will it do!?" he yelled again, frustrated, trying to obey.

"You think you can lie to me? The more you hide, the more I want to know.”

“Percy! I don’t want to talk about this!”

"Then, I guess you don’t want to come."

"You won't do this to me!"

"Want to bet?"

Percy grabbed him around the waist, turned him over on the bed and then had him sit on his lap, his cock exposed to the cold air of the room, holding him immobile with his ass burning against Percy's jeans.

“Percy!”

“I won't encourage that kind of attitude.”

"What attitude?"

“That's why I'm so jealous, you always do that. Flirting with everyone and ignoring the problem when it gets serious.”

"I don’t do this. Do I…?”

"You’ll drive me crazy!"

"I didn’t mean--"

"You never do! That’s the problem.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“Be sincere. Is it too much to ask?”

“I… I didn't know how to tell you. How could I say, ‘Look, Percy. Don’t get mad. I got needy and let some boys touch me in ways I'm ashamed to admit."

“It doesn't seem so difficult now.” Percy muttered, gripping him tighter around the waist. Nico even feared to know what would happen in the next few days. "Why do you do this to me?”

"I didn't want you to think that I… that I am…”

"A whore who offers herself to anyone who pays attention to you?"

Nico looked out the window and tried to hold whatever was struggling to break free from his chest.

“Nico, I don't care. You can be my sweet Nico and you can be this sensual being who likes to tease people. I'm sad that you felt the need to hide that part from me.”

"I didn’t want hide things from you. It just…”

"I know that you don’t. I never thought you were an angel. All I ask is honesty.”

“I know.”

“I don't want to hurt you, but I also don't want to treat you like a crystal. Don’t run away from me. I love you.”

“I love you too.” Nico said, relaxing against Percy's chest. "I promise I'll be the most honest person in the world."

***

Things seemed to have calmed down. Nico felt that the weight of the world had finally lifted off his back, he felt light and free, with nothing left to hide. That is, he hadn't told Percy everything that had happened, but Percy now knew everything, about his... about his libido that had surged in Percy's absence, and that now seemed to be on fire more than ever.

Nico thought he had made himself clear, didn't he? After all, he had shouted to anyone who would listen. Honestly, he was glad that after hearing all those things Percy was still by his side, right now, under the covers with him, hugging him around the waist and shoulders, keeping them glued to each other. His bottom still hurt and his eyes were puffy from crying. Don't get him wrong, he would be on his knees if it would improve his situation, Percy just wasn't in the mood. Percy had taken off the rest of the clothes he was wearing and had laid next to Nico on the bed, hugging him and then closed his eyes. And Nico, how had it turned out? Still aroused, even with the pain of the spanking and the humiliation of the confessions, trying to stay obediently still in Percy's arms.

For long hours he tried to do just that, obeying Percy's will. But no matter how hard he tried, Nico opened and closed his eyes from time to time, watching the hours pass by slowly and torturously, seen the sky change from dark shades to lighter ones.

He couldn't take it anymore! Touching the hand around his chest, Nico struggled and tried not to wake Percy as the grip around him tightened, Percy's arms pulling him back to his strong chest.

"Where do you think you're going?”

“I need… hum…””

"You need?”

Nico wanted to die, but before that fact came to fruition, he took one of Percy’s hands over his body and brought it to his groin.

“I understand.” Percy murmured, leaning closer.

It was okay, because Nico finally got what he wanted. Percy covered his entire groin, engulfing his cock and massaging it slowly, balls and phallus, squeezing him so good that in less than a minute he was erect, as if the previous conversation and spanking had never happened. It felt so perfect… why was it so good? Was it because Percy was touching him? Was more emotional than physical? Or it was the mid-morning intimacy making him feel light and carefree, but so vulnerable he wanted to hide under Percy's body?

“What do you need?” Percy whispered against his neck, his voice husky with sleep.

“Can you… can you fuck me?” Was he being clear enough this time?

“You only had to ask.

He moaned in frustration and hid his face in the pillow, anxious and feeling the humiliation of having to beg down his neck in the form of the blush that warmed him from head to toe.

The thing is, Nico finally had his request granted. Percy leaned him forward a little, spread his legs and immediately Nico felt wet fingirs rub softly and unhurriedly against his entrance.

Ah… he didn't know that gesture could be so relaxing and pleasurable, feeling Percy massaging it around long enough for the orifice to open and allow Percy's fingers to penetrate it, easily and without difficulty. Percy was opening him so carefully that when Nico less expected, he found himself lying on his belly and moaning with three fingers inside him, barely feeling Percy lay on his body. Because with a slight discomfort that immediately gave way to pleasure, Nico could only spread more his legs letting the head of Percy's cock came into contact with his entrance, penetrating him a with light pressure, feeling himself really open like a flower as Percy forced himself in a little more, his body weight helping him slide right in.

 "Am I hurting you? Am I going too fast?”

Nico stopped breathing for a moment, too many sensations at once frying his brain. He… he didn't know, he was too relaxed to determine if it was pure pleasure, if he had pain in the middle of it or if he even needed a break; Nico could barely lift his head off the pillow as far as understanding anything other than the need to come.

“Baby.” Percy sighed, finally leaning against his back, keeping their hips still, panting. " I need--"

“Hm.” Nico thought he'd moaned, that he was about to come. Was all he could thing about, how that couldn't be normal. It couldn’t.

“Talk to me.”

Then, Percy settled better between his legs and that slight friction inside was enough to make Nico groan, squeezing the cock inside him so good that Percy pulled his hair, a clear warning to behave.

“Per!”

Percy stopped again, trying to catch his breath, and Nico melted once more into the bed, searching for the right words to say what he needed.

“Per, I… I need… I need…”

“Let's do it this way. When you don't know what to say and want to go on, say 'thank you'. When it feels good and you still want to stop, say “Please”.

"What if… what if I don't like it?"

"Say stop and I'll stop."

It seemed easy enough, so why was there so much doubt? This was the moment he tended to wrap everything up. It was so intense that he couldn't go on, even when he used his favorite vibrator. But he didn't want to stop, he wanted to keep going and see where this went. Maybe he would allow Percy to move and pin him against the bed, just like Percy was doing, this way Nico could get to the end.

"So?” Percy murmured against his ear, holding him tight by his hair and waist.

“I… okay… thank you.”

"That's my boy. All polite and obedient.”

Nico… Nico wasn't going to let those words make him feel any further off the cliff than he already was. But when Percy stroked his hair and tugged at it, saying a quick “Good boy,” Nico couldn't ignore the reaction it elicited from him. He hid his face in the pillow at the same time a groan was ripping from him and Percy finally decided to move.

Tonight nothing was going as he expected and instead of Percy fucking him fast and hard, he felt first Percy rotate his hips, rolling inside him and then Percy push back, slow and nice, and going back to penetrate him even slower, making him arch his spine and groan like he had never moaned before, leaving no room for any other thoughts.

“Hmm.” Percy groaned, all hoarse, increasing in speed and depth as Nico's moans grew louder. "I knew you would be perfect. All soft and sweet. The perfect fit.”

“I… I… ah!”

“Hm?”

“Thank you!”

Nico thought he had screamed, that he had writhed so hard that he felt Percy grab him by the back of his neck and force his head into the pillow, telling him to breathe. But Nico couldn't, Percy had hit something inside him that made him black out for a moment; Nico was coming and coming, each time his cock spurt, a jolt of electricity shot through his body, but Percy was still inside him, hard and pulsing, so hot Nico didn't know how he hadn't been burned.

“It's okay, that It. I will take care of you.”

Nico felt fingers against his groin and on his cock, touching it gently. He moaned again, thinking he was going to die, feeling his orgasm stretching until he couldn't take it anymore:

“Please!” Then, he screamed once more, tears forcing out of his eyes, smothered with pleasure, “Please!”

“Good boy.” Percy groaned in his ear, his voice firm and low, feeling Percy's hips go as deep as possible and come inside him like Nico had never allowed anyone before.

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Like always, it's a pleasure seeing you all here. Thanks for reading!

Percy is mesmerized by deep sea creatures and Annabeth is... She's definitely not. Grover is also not. Sally says she's seen them before with a vague look of discomfort on her face. Estelle cries at the darkness and then again at the skin-tight face of a goblin shark. Paul sweats at the idea of going so deep into the dark ocean with only his stepson to protect him from the crushing water pressure.

But Nico likes them. He coos at every creepy face and traces sharp teeth and listens attentively as Percy babbles on and on about the fish and the bugs and the scavengers. He takes him to whale falls and shows him every intricate bit of the flourishing ecosystem. Nico holds sea cucumbers in his palms, and strokes the skin of a properly viewed blobfish, and watches with gentle awe as a blue whale swims above their heads. Percy's eyes cast a glow that his skin faintly matches in the deep dark depths, but Nico's born of shadows and darkness and can see just fine.

Percy gets it - the depths are not for everyone, his docked and land-side family included. They listen when he rambles, but up close and personal is pushing it the levels to which comfort is unavailable. But still.

It's nice to share this with someone.

if you write a strong character, let them fail.

if you write a selfless hero, let them get mad at people.

if you write a cold-hearted villain, make them cry.

if you write a brokenhearted victim, let them smile again.

if you write a bold leader, make them seek guidance.

if you write a confident genius, make them be wrong, or get stumped once in a while.

if you write a fighter or a warrior, let them lose a battle, but let them win the war.

if you write a character who loses everything, let them find something.

if you write a reluctant hero, give them a reason to fight.

credit:@aj-eddy

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

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

Espero que você gostem^^

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

Anteriormente:

— Meu bebê está com ciúmes, hm?

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

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

— Mas, Percy! Você prometeu!

— Eu não prometi nada.

— Seu mentir--

— Não vou repetir. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— É verdade?

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

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

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

— Por quê?

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

— Ela tentou te beijar, não foi?

— Como você sabe disso?

— Ela pode ter insinuado algo assim… 

Então esse era o problema.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— O que-- o que você está fazendo?

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

— Percy! 

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

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

— Per-cy!

— Vamos, é só uma palavrinha.

— Não!

— Você quer que eu pare?

— Percy!

— Por favor?

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

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

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

***

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

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

— Senhor. — Percy cumprimentou.

— Vejo que vocês finalmente se acertaram.

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

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

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

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

— Vejo que as coisas estão indo bem?

— Elas estão. Obrigado.

— Como Nico está?

— Muito bem. Melhor do que antes.

— Isso é bom. Continue assim.

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

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

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

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

— Ele perguntou como eu estava?

— Sim.

— Ridículo.

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

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

— Faz cócegas.

— Cócegas. Sei.

— Seu bobo.

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

— Não sei porque ainda me importo.

— Ele é seu pai.

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

— Eu sei.

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

— Shhh. Ele não vale sua preocupação.

— É tão frustrante!

— Nico.

— O quê foi? 

— Quer dançar comigo?

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

— Vamos dançar.

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

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

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

— Per-cy!

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

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

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

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

***

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

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

— Bebê.

— Hm?

— Está na hora de ir pra cama.

— Cama?

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

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

— Hmmm… Per.

— Shhh. Segura firme.

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

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

— Estamos quase lá. 

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

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

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

— Deuses, Nico! O quanto você bebeu?.

— Eu não estou bêbado! 

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

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

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

— Não, que eu te faria implorar.

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

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

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

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 VII

Oii, how are you doing? This was supposed to be a shorter chapter, then I decided to do something special towards the end. I hope you like it! See the end notes for more information.^^

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

"Pay attention!” Percy shouted and passed the ball to Chris Rodriguez, a tall boy with Hispanic traits. A great friend, but who was now getting on his nerves.

Okay, it wasn't Chris's fault. Percy wanted to end that practice soon and meet Nico who was waiting for him in the stands. Was he asking too much for time to go faster? Percy yelled again, this time watching Charles Beckendorf get distracted by his cheerleader girlfriend.

Damn, could anyone do anything right!?

"Dude, take it easy!" Grover came running up to him when Coach ended the practice earlier than usual. "Is your boy not taking care of you?"

Grover was right, Nico had taken good care of him. Percy had even relaxed after the act, but then he felt that anger rise to his head watching those people desire what was his. When Nico was lonely and helpless, nobody did anything, choosing to isolate him, but now that Nico had grown up and stood tall with those broad shoulders and intense black eyes, carrying his guitar around the corners, it was nearly impossible not to be enchanted by when he sang. It drove Percy mad, bringing out his worst side.

Percy admitted, he was going crazy, slow and steady, fighting anyone who tried to get close. That had to be the only reason Percy wanted people to stay away from Nico. It's just, it wasn't that different from before. Not that he tried to hide it, Percy purposely pushed people away and he knew it. Nico knew that too. Even the janitor knew. He wanted to feel bad for acting this way, impulsive and…so wrong. He thought that this Percy had stayed in the past and that he'd died with Nico's going away. God, he here he was, thinking he was such a grown-up now just because he didn't act that like that in such a long time. That is, until Nico came back and showed him that he was still the same insecure, jealous little boy.

“Per-cy! Earth to Percy. Anybody home?” Grover said and waved his hand in front of Percy’s face, seeing that now a group of boys had formed around them.

It was normal, after all he was the captain. This would be the moment when they usually had conversations about possible changes in the game strategy. Today was not one of those days, today he hadn't paid attention to anything, ball passes, the position of the players on the pitch or how many baskets were made.

"Sorry guys. You are dismissed.”

"Jackson, come on! Just tell us.” Luke said, walking up to him carefree and careless.

Percy took a deep breath and tried to focus.

"Tell you what?”

"You're not going to freak out again, are you?" Someone else spoke, though they all sounded the same to him.

"Who agrees with the sub-captain taking care of the team?" “Of course Luke said that since he was the sub-captain.

“Do what you want.”

Nothing mattered more than Nico. Calmly, he took the captain's armband off his arm and tossed it to whoever was closest, turning his back on them.

“I want to see how long you last.”

"Percy, come back here! I was kidding! Since when do you listen to what I say?”

But he didn't come back, he kept marching towards the exit, remembering to get his things near the locker room and only stopped when he found Nico at the bottom of the bleachers, oblivious to what was happening around him. Nico was sitting on the grass, his back against the foot of the bleacher structure, strumming his guitar and muttering something low in the most velvety, sweetest voice he had ever heard. Nico stopped playing and then turned towards the notebook in front of him to jot something down, all the while people’s around him watched in awe.

You know, nobody used to watch practice other than the cheerleaders, but here in the late afternoon sun and with the birds chirping, Nico had never looked so beautiful; head down and posture relaxed, giving him the impression that more and more the audience would multiply if this kept happening. Then… then that rage came rushing back and it was so sudden that he stopped before Nico could even notice him, Percy didn't want Nico to see that part of him.

He took a deep breath for long moments and only when he was sure he could control himself did he walk the rest of the way, stopping in front of Nico.

"Are you ready?” Percy asked Nico.

“Hm.” Nico nodded, lifting his hand from the guitar and stretching back. "Don't you have anything more to do? It's still three pm.”

"No, today I'm all yours."

That's when Nico lifted his head, looked at him through his lashes and smiled at him, all sweet and shy, taking him back to simpler times.

"Let's go, then?” He almost forgot about the people around, muttering farther away from them. It was enough for Nico to nod again while putting his things away and to finally hold Percy’s hands while they disappeared from sight of those insignificant people, who kept mumbling like noisy little insects.

He took Nico's backpack, helping him, while Nico took the guitar in the hand that wasn't occupied by his.

"New music?”

“The band practice will perform at the ball.”

"Are They?” Percy could already imagine how many fans Nico would get that night.

"Why didn't you tell me? I have never been to one.

“I wasn't planning on going.” Not since Nico got back, but now that Nico's mentioned the ball… "Do you want to go with me?"

“Mister Jackson! Are you asking me out? It’s a date?”

"Only if you want to be.”

Percy couldn't contain himself, Nico was laughing and joking with so much joy that it warmed his heart to the point that he had to stop halfway and kiss Nico until they were both breathless; on the lips, cheekbones, jaw and neck. He only stopped when Nico laughed so hard that tears welled up in his beautiful dark eyes.

"Then, it's a deal. Let's date.”

"You Moron.” Nico sighed, staring at him closely, and another impulse took him. Percy wiped the tears of laughter that still fell from Nico’s face and kissed him one more time, just to express how much he loved him.

"I'm serious. I'll even wear a suit. What do you think?”

"I think you're going to look real nice."

"I thought I already was.” Nico smiled again and Percy didn't even try to control himself this time. He hugged Nico around the waist and kissed him like last night, as if no one was watching, and only stopped when Nico moaned, high in the back of his throat, and pushed him away, shoving him without force by the chest.

“Per.” Nico whimpered, blinking slowly, almost moaning in frustration, but so softly Percy wanted to slam him against the wall and solve their problem right then and there. It would show who Nico belonged to.

What? No! He was not that person. He, no…

“Per?” He felt soft fingers against his face and blinked, trying to get those thoughts out of his head. Nico looked worried with a slight crease between his eyebrows. "Everyting’s fine?”

“Sure, it’s fine.”

Nico was right to run away from him. In the end, the danger wasn't in other people but in him, a sick and possessive little boy.

"Do you want something to eat? It's getting late.”

Percy just nodded, being pulled by Nico towards his car. He could feel the concern emanate from Nico, it was the way he spoke all softly and carefully, the affectionate touches on his arm or shoulder as if trying to comfort a little boy who had fallen and hurt his leg. And even knowing all this, Percy still didn't feel guilty. He wanted to. And no metter how many times he told himself exactly that, he understood perfectly well what he was doing; he let Nico comfort him, absorbing the attention Nico gave him like a sponge in the desert and it felt wonderfully good.

In the end, they ended up going back to that same restaurant Nico had loved so much, ordering another bottle of wine and all the pasta Nico could eat. Percy knew he should at least call his mother, knowing that at this point she should be worried about his absence, but Percy soon forgot about that. Content, he watched Nico eat heartily and drink more than half of the bottle of wine as if it were water, much less drunk than the last time. Percy didn't mind, because in reality he was exactly where he wanted to be, with Nico smiling at him and paying attention only to him.

***

Immediately, Nico knew something was wrong. Or rather, that they were falling into the same vices as before. To tell the truth, it was hard to worry about these things. Was a lot, especially when Percy was so close and smelled so good, those strong arms around him and the kisses that made him shiver. But he needed…needed…

"Beautiful.” Percy murmured against his lips, pulling him closer until there was no distance left between their bodies. They were still in the restaurant and that was not a proper attitude to have in a public place.

“Per. Stop it.”

“Hm? I don't-- I'm sorry.”

“We need to talk.”

That finally made Percy stop. Nico saw Percy take a deep breath and look at him very seriously. That made it even worse, the expression on Percy's face made him want to spread his legs and obey whatever Percy told him to do, and he knew exactly what Percy would order if they got carried away.

“We don't need to talk.” Percy said when he didn't say anything.

"We don’t?”

"I know everything. It is my behavior.”

"If you know…”

“I can't control myself.”

Hm… that was an evolution. He nodded and smiled, proud of Percy.

“I know it's not right.”

"And what else?”

“I'll try to do better.”

Nico let the air out and relaxed against the restaurant seat.

“Look, I don't really care.”

"No?” Now Percy looked genuinely confused.

“I know who you are and why you do these things. Maybe I'm to blame...”

"So what's the problem?”

“It affects your relationship with people. You're the captain and you're going to be the valedictorian. I don't want this… our relationship to destroy what you've worked for.”

“Nico." That's when he saw Percy widen his eyes and stare at him with a lost look.

“You know I didn't leave because of you, don't you?”

" I thought…”

“Per, you're not the problem, not even your habit of isolating us from others bothers me.”

"I am horrible person.”

"Me too. I… I encouraged you. When someone showed interest in you, I… I'm not proud of what I've done.”

"What did you do?” And where he thought he would see judgment, Percy showed him pure curiosity.

"Do you remember Rachel and the Stroll brothers? I do not want to talk about this. The problem here is that I… I didn't want sex and I didn't know how to say it to you, so I… I ran away and now… everything is worse!”

"Don’t say that. I promise that--"

“No, you don't understand! I missed you every day. I never want to go through that again. I… I… you will never get rid of me again! Are you listening to me! Never!” To prove his point, he pulled Percy by the jacket and kissed him, practically chattering their teeth.

"Baby.”

“No, that's not it. I mean, now you have no reason to let me screw things up.”

“Nico.” Percy said it so quietly and softly that he had to stop for a moment. “You're the best thing in my life. I love you, it's my fault you think that way.”

"It's not your fault. And I... I love you too.”

There, Nico had said what he needed to say. For some reason there was a tightness in his heart, a pressure in his chest that only Percy's touch could ease. He could barely think rationally, because none of it was rational. Not that possessiveness they both felt or that need to be close to each other. It couldn't be healthy. Or normal. How could other people live without feeling as loved and wanted as he did when he looked at Percy?

"Everything’s fine.” Percy said, beaming at him. “You belong to me and I belong to you. It may not be common, but why resist it?”

"Is it really fine?”

“Yeah, I promise. I'll do everything to make sure things work out this time. Do you trust me?”

"I do." How could he not trust when his body and soul soared with the simple touch of fingers against the back of his neck and wet lips against his?

“You don't have to worry, everything's under control.”

And Nico believed that.

With a relieved sigh, Nico allowed himself to be held and comforted. He would trust Percy to take care of everything, just like he always had.

***

Bonus Scene: I thought this chapter was too short, so I decided to bring a scene from the past. A short gift for you.

"Thank you for coming.” Percy Jackson opened the door and let her in.

Clarisse was immediately taken back, they weren't the best of friends and never would be. She couldn't explain it, Percy usually had an aura of someone who would step on anyone to get what he wanted… or rather, Percy was one of the most intimidating people she had ever met. Clarisse knew Percy used his height and strength to stand out, but it was more than that. Sincerely? She never thought she'd be invited to attend the ‘popular parties”, much less by the skinny, nerdy little boy who sat every class next to the psychopathic basketball captain. What embarrassed her the most was how overnight Percy's attitude had changed, from the bully to the politely respectful.

That’s why at this moment Clarisse was standing in front of Percy Jackson's door, hesitating to take the next step inside. You never knew what might be inside a psychopath's house. But finally, when it looked like none of them would give up, Percy held out his hand. However, he only took the platter of sandwiches and snacks from her hands when she offered it to him first.

“That's a lot.” he said, obviously trying hard to sound friendly.

"It’s nothing.” Actually, It wasn't, they had ordered it the day before. Maybe her mother overreacted.

The truth is, she wasn't sure what to bring. All Nico had said was for her to bring something and show up by noon. Usually she would stay well away from those kinds of people, but Annabeth had asked her to spy, so here she was, trying to be civil to the wildest person she'd ever met.

"Come in.” Was all he said before Percy turned and walked down the long hallway into the house.

She followed, surprised by the size of the living room. There was a large buffet table where Percy had set out the snacks, long comfy sofas, beanbags, a movie screen, and so much food she thought was impossible to eat, not to mention the tasteful furniture, the pastel decor, and a wonderful view of a well-tended garden and an Olympic sized swimming pool.

“Make yourself comfortable.” Without waiting, Percy disappeared up the stairs and into another hallway.

“He's just like that. You get used to it.”

Distracted, Clarisse jumped up scared to death, and looked toward the couch. It was Grover! Finally someone decent in this place.

"What's going on here? Where are the people at this party?”

"Party? It's more like a pajama night.”

"Pajama night?"

“Percy and Nico don't like making a fuss.”

“Hm?” She didn't understand anything.

“We get together to eat something and watch a movie. Sometimes to play something.”

"Is that what you rich people do?"

"No, but Percy and Nico like it that way."

"'Percy and Nico'?"

Are they an entity by any chance? A unique being?

That made Grover laugh. Sitting on the sofa, the boy held his stomach and threw his head back.

"You're more right than you think! I like you, I think you'll fit in very well with us.”

“Us? Who exactly? I'm not seeing anyone.”

"Guys, we've got company!" Grover put a hand over his mouth and yelled, creating an echo through the room. Miraculously, people began to come from all directions, down the stairs, and from every hallway or closed door.

“Clarisse, it's good to see you. How's the fencing going?

Silena was the first to approach. She had been his partner for years before she had to focus on school and cheerleading. Beckendorf was behind her, all serious and quiet. What Clarisse didn't expect to find was Luke and Thalia, Leo too. Not that it was surprising, they were all popular in their own way. She just didn't understand why Annabeth wasn't among them; she looked like someone who would fit right in.

"What brings you to our humble place?" Luke asked charmingly, strutting over to sit beside her. "I never thought I'd see you here."

“Nico invited me, so I came.” She shrugged. Maybe she was just curious to know how these people lived.

"Don't worry, soon you’ll be bored. You will see.”

As if on cue, Percy and Nico walked down the stairs, hand in hand and saying something so low that it would be impossible to hear from that distance. However, as soon as Nico saw her presence, he came to her and hugged her tight, saying, “I'm glad you came. Are you hungry?

"Maybe later.”

"Right." Nico smiled at her, holding her hands quickly and got up going towards Percy who had been watching everything with his arms crossed and with the most threatening expression she had ever seen. That is, all of that happened before Nico turned back to Percy, because in the next instant, Percy smiled, showing white teeth and pretty dimples, with so much love in his eyes and offering only kindness and happiness to Nico, that Clarisse thought Percy was two different people.

She had been there for five minutes and already thought it was social suicide to try to do anything to disrupt what was going on between the boys. And with each passing moment, he was more surprised. He saw in slow motion Percy receive Nico in his arms and squeeze him very hard and then kiss Nico's forehead, while Nico just smiled contentedly, practically swallowed by Percy's body. She had never seen such a brotherly gesture turn so sexual and possessive in mere seconds.

"This is normal? Nico need’s help?” she whispered to Grover and Luke who were beside her.

"Do you think he does?"

It was a good question. Almost disappearing behind Percy, he saw Nico drag Percy into the middle of the room and sit between the puffs, in front of a coffee table. Soon someone brought some plates of food close to them and everyone started to eat, even if the plates were closest to Nico. That is, almost everyone started to eat, Percy just watched the events unfold, seeming to survey what was happening around him with a satisfied look watching Nico eat with enthusiasm.

“Want more?” Percy asked Nico. And without waiting for an answer, he returned with a tray full of mini pizzas. “Your favorite.”

“Thank you, Per.” Nico smiled sweetly and his voice sounded even more loving, oozing honey, sugar and everything good in the world.

"I think I'm going to be sick."

Clarisse agreed with Luke, half mesmerized watching that domestic scene. Thankfully it was broken when Percy looked at them with a cynical smirk, saying:

“The bathroom is in the second door on the right.” However, Percy soon said, remembering to be a host, “Why don’t you get a plate. I don't want to have to throw food away.”

And since he said it so sweetly, why not?

Clarisse was the first to get up and go to the buffet table. She started with a piece of lemon cake and a glass of apple juice. She sat down next to Nico and this time, it didn't look like Percy was going to glare at him. Percy honestly seemed content to sit next to Nico and watch him eat with an enamored look on his face.

By the end of the night, watching the second movie and seeing Nico sleeping on Percy's shoulder in the greatest display of love she had ever seen, Clarisse came to a clear conclusion. She felt sorry for Annabeth and anyone who tried to stand in the way of Percy Jackson and his sweet, kind companion whose only innocent feature was his smile.

***

"Why so much food?" It was the big question of the night.

Clarisse noticed that as soon as one plate was emptied, another took its place, one tastier than the last. All she knew was that she couldn't take it anymore, and that she couldn't stop eating either.

“Percy's family owns a restaurant.”

"I know that. Everyone knows.”

“Consider us a group of testers." Nico told her, eating a candy that Clarisse didn't know what it was. “If we like it, it stays on the menu. If not, go under review.”

"The question is. Who did all this?”

“Me and Sally, Percy’s mom.” Nico shrugged and smiled when he saw Clarisse's reaction.

"You can cook?”

"Since a was little.”

“Aren't you rich?" When Nico looked at her, all confused, Clarisse added: “I mean, you don't have people for this?”

“I cook when I'm nervous or anxious. Or happy, too.”

"Seriously?”

“For us, food is a gesture of love.”

But Nico didn't say that looking at her, no. Nico had his hands in his lap and his face was flushed, watching Percy chat with a group of boys by the porch as they continued to talk by the coffee table.

 "A gesture of love?"

“I know Percy seems rude sometimes. It's just that he has a hard time trusting people.”

"And you?”

"I trust him.

"That’s pretty clear.”

“You know… we take care of our friends…”

"What does that mean?”

Nico smiled at her again, his black eyes twinkling as he took another bite of the candy. Soon Clarisse understood what was happening, Percy was walking towards them, all proud of himself. At first Clarisse didn't understand anything, and only realized the trap when a smaller boy appeared behind Percy. It was Chris, the boy she had seen in the halls and never had the courage to talk to him.

It was even funny. Percy pulled Chris forward and shoved the boy until he was in front of her, his face flushed with embarrassment.

“Clarisse, I want to introduce you to Chris Rodriguez.”

"We've seen each other around."

“That's great, isn't it?” Percy winked at her and guided Nico by the arm so quickly away that when she saw, she and Chris were alone. And since they were there… why not? She smiled at Chris, thinking that deep down Percy Jackson wasn't all that bad alter all.

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So, what did you think? I know the last scenes should be shorter, but I can't control myself. I also didn't want to do flashbacks, however they are so interesting that I will do some more. They will be a bit messy, nothing that will hinder the understanding of the story, but I will definitely have to revise their order within the chapters later.

I hope it was a good read. Suggestions and constructive comments are always welcome! I love to see your reation^^

Oh, I forgot to warn you, I hope that +18 scenes aren't too weird and that maybe the word count will exceed 50 thousand words, I'll try to control myself, but you know me. Wish me luck.

We will continue to post once a week.

Thanks for reading!

back to my roots : (

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977) dir. John Lounsbery and Wolfgang Reitherman

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

Oii, como vai? Desculpem a demora. Vou devagar, mas chego lá. A verdade é que esse capítulo é bem agridoce. Ele se passa no passado, mostrando mais um pouco do que aconteceu no início da relação de Nico e Percy. Espero que vocês gostem^^

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

Boa leitura!

— Você é engraçado. — Nico lhe disse.

— Você que é.

E feito um garoto da terceira série, coisa que ambos eram, riram novamente enquanto ouviam o sinal tocar. Percy nem tinha percebido que meia hora tinha se passado, o que era mais tempo do que ele costumava passar com seus velhos amigos nos últimos tempos. E o que isso dizia sobre ele, hm?

— A gente tem que ir. — Ele ouviu Nico dizer.

Eles realmente tinham. Com pressa, ajudou Nico a recolher as marmitas e o acompanhou para a próxima aula, descobrindo que Nico de fato estava na mesma sala que ele. Percy estava tão distraído em tentar se esconder que não via o que acontecia à sua volta? Bem, esse fato iria mudar a partir daquele instante.

***

Mais alguns dias tinham passado e com eles, Percy começava a prestar atenção à sua volta. 

Era estranho. 

Como Percy não tinha percebido a presença de Nico até aquele momento? Em qualquer direção que Percy olhasse, Nico estaria ali, em qualquer lugar ou hora do dia, também. Isso é, até que ambos fossem para suas respectivas casas, ensaios ou treinos, e ainda assim, Percy continuaria pensando em Nico; enquanto esperava seu irmão mais velho vir buscá-lo ou em casa ajudando a mãe cozinhar, provando novos pratos. Foi o que continuou acontecendo por um longo tempo, dias, semanas, meses até, era difícil ter uma noção de tempo quando as horas passavam tão rápido e os dias eram todos iguais. Sentia como se emergisse de um sono paralisante, algo que finalmente detinha sua atenção. Um dia ele notou que Nico sentava na frente da sala e bem perto da porta de saída. Em outro, Nico estava mais para o meio do cômodo e, então, o garotinho apareceu do seu lado, dividindo a carteira dupla com ele. Grover estava na carteira ao lado da sua com Júniper, Luke atrás dele com Thalia.

Percy olhou mais uma vez para Nico e o viu escrevendo algo em volta de um desenho, um elmo negro, a caligrafia tão bonita quanto os traços da figura. Percy queria perguntar desde quando eles sentavam juntos. Desde quando Nico fazia parte do grupo de seus amigos e desde quando ele se sentia tão confortável com a presença Nico, com a quietude que os atos de Nico traziam. Ao contrário disso, ele disse na voz mais baixinha possível:

— O que é isso?

— Hm? — Nico murmurou e olhou para ele, tão calmo como sempre. — Um design para uma novel. Não sei se vou terminá-la.

O mais estranho era que ele sabia exatamente sobre o que Nico falava, Percy tinha visto o rascunho da novel em um dos intervalos compartilhados com comida, e como tudo o que Nico fazia, era lindo e delicado, como se Nico colocasse uma parte de sua alma em cada coisa que tocasse com as mãos, fosse um pedaço de papel, arte, comida ou a tarefa de casa.

— Você devia. É lindo.

Nico não disse nada, ele apenas abaixou a cabeça e continuou rabiscando, seu rosto escondido por detrás dos cabelos compridos e negros que brilhavam ao refletir a luz do sol. Nico em seguida rabiscou uma espada e uma armadura, luvas de couro, uma coroa de rosas. Quanto mais ele via Nico desenhar, menos Percy entendia o que tanto prendia sua atenção. Talvez fossem as mãos magras, dedos longos e elegantes, talvez fosse a atitude concentrada de Nico ou ainda, fosse o corpo relaxado ao lado do seu, sua cabeça junto a de Nico, admirando os traçados suaves que revelavam tanta beleza.

— Muito bem, pessoal. Peguem seus livros. — A professora disse e do nada, parte da magia foi quebrada.

Os desenhos ainda estavam no caderno de Nico, tão bonitos quanto antes e eles ainda estavam colados um ao outro, inclinados sobre a carteira compartilhada. A diferença é que Nico tinha tencionado e olhado para cima em direção a Percy, como se Nico não tivesse prestado atenção ao que acontecia em volta dele até ouvir a voz da professora. Percy também percebeu algo, talvez ele estivesse muito perto de Nico, o abraçando pelos ombros feito uma prisão sem escapatória.

— Desculpa. — Mesmo com tudo isso em mente, Percy não faz nada para se afastar ou soltá-lo.

Se Percy achava que Nico era a coisa mais bonita que ele já tinha visto, nada se comprava em ver o rubor se espalhar no rosto de Nico, a pele morena tomando um tom mais quente, ao olhar e ao toque também, porque mesmo sobre as roupas, Percy podia sentir o calor emanar de Nico nos pontos onde eles se tocavam, nos ombros e nos quadris, quase fazendo Percy tocar naquele rosto delicado e bonito.

— … porto.

— O que foi?

— Eu não me importo. — Nico repetiu no mesmo tom baixo e discreto, logo em seguida se voltando para seu caderno, pegando os livros que eles iriam precisar.

Percy teve a impressão que Nico se importava, sim, porém, de um jeito… positivo. Viu o garotinho abrir o livro na página certa, se encostar no apoio da cadeira e contra seu braço e começar a ler enquanto a professora explicava o assunto, como se aquela cena fosse algo completamente comum. Isso fez Percy se perguntar mais uma vez: ele já havia feito isso com Nico? Desde quando eles eram tão próximos? Não era Annabeth que devia estar a seu lado? Quer dizer, eles nunca foram tão próximos ou agiram feito ele e Nico estava agindo, mas… desde quando ela sentava do outro lado da sala com Clarisse e Silena? Ele não devia se importar um pouco mais além de levemente estranhar o acontecimento? Ela era sua amiga, não era…? Percy não devia sentir falta dela? Então, por que só havia percebido a ausência de Annabeth agora?

— Está tudo bem? — Ele ouviu uma voz suave a seu lado, e então, a mão de Nico pousou sobre seu braço, Percy encontrando o semblante fincado em preocupação do amigo.

Percy respirou fundo, deixando seus ombros relaxarem e se viu sorrindo, algo dentro de seu peito se esquentando e pulsando, como se a faísca de um sentimento desconhecido dentro dele estivesse acordando.

— Está tudo ótimo. Maravilhoso. Incrível.

— Seu bobo. — Nico revirou os olhos e voltou a se encostar contra ele, continuando a ler o texto que a professora tinha pedido.

Bem, depois disso, Percy entendeu rápido o que acontecia; ou melhor, sua psiquiatra tinha lhe ajudado a entender. Nico não estava o perseguindo, mas de fato, Nico fazia o mesmo que ele; tentava viver uma vida discreta e longe dos olhares curiosos. Até ele com seus onze anos de vida admirava a imagem que Nico fazia, o garotinho se destacava tanto entre os outros alunos que Percy conseguia notar claramente a diferença. Cabelos lisos e ondulados, grossos, boca pequena e carnuda, intensos olhos negros, era um conjunto tão bonito que chegava a dar a Nico um ar andrógeno e feminino, embora fosse impossível confundir Nico com uma garota.

A questão era que Nico tinha encontrado os melhores lugares para se esconder, os mesmos que Percy tinha encontrado também. A sala de música, a floresta, as arquibancadas que ficavam perto das quadras de esporte mais afastadas das salas de aula.

Percy não podia se conter, dia após dia, se pegava fazendo os mesmos passos.

Além de passar seu tempo em sala de aula perto de Nico, sempre na hora dos intervalos, fosse durante o dia ou à tarde, ele se via andando e encontrando seu caminho para a familiar arquibancada com a familiar cabeleira ao canto mais distante tentando se esconder. Eles nunca combinavam em voz alta, era apenas algo que tinha se tornado rotina. Nico saia primeiro, Percy trocava algumas palavras com os amigos que tinham restado e então ele seguiria Nico; praticaria basquete durante alguns minutos na quarta coberta e em seguida, se sentaria ao lado de Nico, aceitando uma marmita recheada das coisas que ele mais amava, bolo e torta, suco de Mirtilo também, e às vezes, Nico o surpreenderia, batatas assadas ou panquecas; se Nico estivesse de bom humor uma lasanha ou algo italiano. Não importava o que fosse, Percy comeria cada grão e cada pedaço de comida de bom grado. Se Nico fazia para ele, o mínimo que ele podia fazer era retribuir comendo tudo. Mas parecia tão pouco em comparação com o que Nico fazia por ele… Percy queria compartilhar com Nico algo que fosse importante e valioso também. Mas o que poderia ser mais valioso do que compartilhar a comida que você mesmo fez com alguém?

— Os seus desenhos são muito bons. Onde você aprendeu?

Eles estavam mais uma vez nas arquibancadas, Percy ignorava a bola que ainda estava em suas mãos para ver Nico levar uma garfada de comida a boca, parando no meio do caminho com o garfo entre os lábios.

— Hm?

— Onde você aprendeu a desenhar?

— Ah, isso? — Então, Nico olhou para o próprio colo onde o caderno estava, e colocou sua marmita no chão. — Eu tinha muito tempo livre.

Percy não sabia se tinha entendido… mas Nico sorria para ele, parecendo ter entendido sua confusão.

— Eu não tenho amigos. Nunca tive. Imaginação era tudo o que restava.

— E eu sou o quê? Uma árvore?

— Não, você é um atleta popular e rico.

— Você tem razão. Eu tenho muitas riquezas, que tal você dividir comigo?

— O que você está dizendo? — Nico sorriu mais uma vez e Percy sentiu um palpitar no peito que não tinha nada a ver com a asma que ele tinha quando bebê.

— Minha mãe gosta de cozinhar.

— Isso não é óbvio? Quer dizer, ela tem um restaurante, não tem? — Nico disse e inclinou a cabeça para o lado, como se isso fosse fazê-lo entender o que Percy queria dizer com isso.

— Ela ia adorar a companhia.

— A gente… não tem um trabalho para terminar?

— Eu tenho bastante espaço em casa. Minha mãe não vai se importar.

— Você tem certeza? Eu nunca fui na casa de ninguém.

Isso só fez o peito de Percy se apertar mais ainda.

— Sempre tem a primeira vez, certo?

Nico olhou para ele, parecendo analisá-lo dos pés a cabeça e acabou dando de ombros.

— Vou confiar em você.

Naquela época Percy não sabia o porquê de tantas palpitações ou porque a sensação de alívio tinha o tomado de forma tão intensa. Mais tarde, ele reconheceria isso como o medo de ser rejeitado, e mesmo que ele não entendesse ainda, sabia que alguém tão doce, bonito e talentoso como Nico nunca o rejeitaria de forma tão rude. Desse jeito, eles terminaram de comer e seguiram para suas próximas aulas, combinando de se encontrar no portão principal após a última aula.

***

Percy admitia, tinha perdido mais tempo do que pretendia falando com a professora de literatura. Aparentemente, ele precisa se esforçar mais se quisesse ter um futuro naquele colégio. Ela brigou com ele, abordou cada coisinha errada que ele tinha feito, e ainda por cima passou tarefas extras para se certificar que seus erros seriam corrigidos. Percy saiu da sala de aula o mais rápido que pôde assim que viu as horas e correu pelos corredores em direção ao portão principal da escola. Quando chegou no lugar que ele e Nico tinham marcado, se lembrou porque Nico vivia se escondendo pelos cantos, o que fez Percy se lembrar porque ele também se escondia.

Eles já tinham vivido essa cena. Nico estava prensado contra a parede do muro ao lado de fora do portão e dois garotos o rodeavam, um deles segurando Nico pelo pescoço enquanto o outro olhava ao redor de forma suspeita. A diferença dessa vez era que uma multidão os observava e ninguém fazia nada para impedir o que estava prestes a acontecer. Percy se aproximou deles, fingindo ser mais um espectador, ouvindo murmúrios, enquanto um dos garotos falou:

— Quem vai te proteger agora, hein? Por sua culpa nossos amigos foram expulsos. Porque você não se coloca no seu lugar e--

— Que lugar seria esse?

Percy não conseguiu se segurar. Dessa vez, ele não queria explicações. Saiu do meio da multidão e quando viu estava cara a cara com os garotos, ou melhor, seu punho estava contra eles. A dor veio imediatamente, sentindo seus ossos se chocarem com o rosto daqueles garotos que por sinal eram mais velhos do que ele, mas que não eram páreo para Percy.

— É fácil mexer com pessoas menores que você, não é? Por que você não brinca com alguém do seu tamanho?

— Esse alguém seria você?

— O que você acha?

O silêncio se fez, silêncio esse que tinha se tornado comum não importava por onde Percy fosse. O nariz do garoto que ele tinha socado agora escorria rosto abaixo, o outro que tinha observado tudo chocado demais para reagir, pareceu acordar do transe. Esse seria o momento perfeito para eles revidarem, não? Bem, era o que as pessoas diziam, covardes logo desistem se encontram alguém que as combata. E foi o que eles fizeram, o garoto que tinha assistido seu amigo ser derrubado com um soco só, puxou o outro pelos braços, o ajudando a levantar e ambos cambalearam para dentro da multidão, fugindo com o rabo entre as pernas.

Percy os observou fugindo ao longe entre os carros e se virou para Nico que ainda estava encostado contra o muro, o canto de seus lábios avermelhados e em seus braços e pescoço, marcas de dedos e unhas. O pior era ver as lágrimas que não paravam de cair ou como Nico se encolhia, como se esperasse que outras pessoas fossem vir e fazer o mesmo com ele. Percy não pensou, se dando conta de que isso estava se tornando algo comum para eles, e Percy não gostava disso nenhum pouco, o fato de Nico ter que se esconder pelos cantos por causa do preconceito das pessoas. Foi até Nico e parou em frente a ele, oferecendo sua mão. Tinha aprendido da pior forma que tocar em alguém quando não se sente seguro ou quando estamos em choque era a pior coisa a fazer. Então, ele apenas ficou perto sem tocar em Nico, e tentou chamar a atenção dele:

— Nico. — Percy disse na voz mais suave possível.

— Não, eu… Percy? — Percy se segurou e tentou ser forte, Nico parecia estar reagindo a tudo pior do que na vez anterior.

— Desculpa. Eu não queria… eu estava te esperando… aí esses… esses garotos apareceram e…

Percy não sabia o que fazer. Sentiu seu coração quebrar quando Nico deu um passo em sua direção e abriu bem os olhos, suas pupilas desfocadas e molhadas, como se Nico estivesse acordando de um pesadelo, e segurou em suas mãos, tremendo e respirando rápido, ainda encolhido em si mesmo.

— Está tudo bem. Posso te abraçar?

— Me abraçar? Por que… porque você iria querer tocar alguém como eu?

— Parece que você precisa.

— Eu… preciso? — Então, Nico olhou para Percy com o olhar mais desolado e perdido que ele já havia visto.

— Nico. Está tudo bem. — Percy repetiu, se negando a aceitar o que aquelas pessoas estavam fazendo com Nico.

— Eu tenho… tenho que falar com Bianca, minha-- minha irmã.

— Nós vamos, depois que chegarmos na minha casa. Sim?

— Você promete?

— Eu prometo.

Então, como se uma chave tivesse sido virada, Nico segurou em seu braço e pegou suas bolsas do chão, dizendo: — Você deixou cair. — Simples assim, como se nada tivesse acontecido. Mas Nico ainda tremia, segurando mais firme em seu braço e entregando uma das bolsas para Percy, segurando a sua própria contra o peito na esperança de que a bolsa e Percy fossem protegê-lo.

Deuses! Como alguém podia fazer isso com um ser tão vulnerável e indefeso? O que Nico tinha feito para ser tratado dessa forma? Então, Percy olhou ao redor, reconhecendo aquelas pessoas. Alguns estavam na mesma classe que eles, outros Percy conhecia de passagem, e nenhum deles teve a decência de ajudar um colega sendo maltratado. Era por isso que diziam que ele era “rebelde” e se dependesse dele, as coisas continuariam exatamente como estavam.

— Você está pronto? — Percy disse quando viu que Nico começava a se acalmar.

— Hm. Obrigado.

Percy pegou a mochila do ombro de Nico, a colocou junto com a sua, e assim, guiou Nico pela mão entre os carros estacionados perto da escola, avistando uma caminhonete preta e familiar.

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Espero que vocês tenham se emocionado tanto quanto eu! Coitado do Nico. Por que eu sempre escrevo essas coisas? Juro que a próxima história o Nico vai ser a pessoa mais feliz e amada da face da terra.

Até a próxima. Até segunda tem a versão em inglês.

Fixo

SEJAM BEM-VINDOS!

Oii, como vai?

Você pode me chamar de Ana ou Aurora, meu pseudônimo. Escrevo fanfics Pernico/Nicercy e originais.  Aqui colocarei minhas ideias e histórias, trazendo o que eu puder de interessante para esse pequeno cantinho de criatividade.

MEUS SITES DE ESCRITA

> Spirit Fanfiction

> AO3

> Tapas

>Dreame (Uma das minhas histórias completas. Se você puder dê uma olhada^^)

>AO3

>SpiritFanfics

>Dicas de Escrita 

> Tumblr - Meu blog pessoal de escrita e dicas sobre escrita.

MEUS LINKS

Tudo o que eu escrever estará sob o link mywriting

Os posts sobre as dicas de escrita estarão sob o link aurora ajuda para escritores

Todos os posts reblogados não terão tags.

Agora que tiramos isso da frente, podemos começar!

Eu escrevo desde o início dos anos 2000 e já passei por milhares de fandons, porém escrevi para poucos. O primeiro em que escrevi foi o de Naruto, depois Supernatural por uns bons cinco anos e lá pelos anos 2010 Percy Jackson, lugar que não saí desde então.

A verdade é que eu escrevo originais com a imagem que eu tenho dos personagens de Percy Jackson, e como os aspectos dessas histórias não são completamente originais (apenas uns 85%) eu considero minhas histórias fanfiction. Por exemplo, sempre imagino Percy com quase dois metros de alta, cabelos castanhos e levemente clareado do sol, pele bronzeada e olhos verdes, a personalidade tende mais para o lado rebelde e ligeiramente obscura dependendo do enredo. Já o Nico é alguém que tem o exterior vulnerável e doce, mas que por dentro é o mais forte e inteligente, principalmente na parte mental. Imagino ele com cabelos lisos e ondulados, pretos, olhos negros, nariz fino e arrebitado e pele cor oliva-escura, não exatamente chegando a ser uma pele negra. Os enredos, também, são os mais variados. Já escrevi sobre máfia, vampiros, a/b/o e outros que eu nem me lembro mais.

A questão aqui é que encontrei no Percy e no Nico meus modelos perfeitos de personagens para escrever, eu confesso, também os modifiquei bastante durante os anos, suas personalidades e histórias de vidas, para se adequarem ao que eu precisar dependendo da história que eu estiver contando.

O que eu realmente quero dizer é: eu criei uma versão deles, com motivações e objetivos tão diferentes dos livros que eles na maioria das vezes são bem OCC e fora do caráter original, sabe? Embora eu tente manter a essência deles viva. Isso me permite criar mundos e enredos que do contrário eu não me sentiria inclinada a escrever.

Imagine dessa forma, eles são os meus brinquedos favoritos para brincar, mesmo que eu tenha milhares de outros tão bons ou até melhores; eles ainda são os meus favoritos e sou apegada a eles. Dessa forma, não espere que eu vá escrever enredos canon, são bem raros para mim. A razão disso? Bem... me sinto muito limitada e eu não quero lidar com Will Solace.

Sou Anti-solangêlo? Pode se dizer que sim. É simples, não gosto de personagens jogados e que aparecem miraculosamente para ser o par de um personagem só porque ele se tornou popular. Eu, como demisexual, não aceito o fato de não ter desenvolvimento em como um romance acontece. Bons exemplos de casais, Reyna e Percy já que eles têm um bom tempo para se conhecer em cenas, Percy e Rachel já que eles também passam um tempo juntos e não simplesmente começam a namorar, Percy e Annabeth, e até Annabeth e Reyna eu aceitaria já que elas passam um tempo juntas, mesmo que seja desconfiando uma da outra. É tudo o que eu tenho a falar sobre o assunto. Então, vocês não me verão escrever boas coisas sobre eles.

Já sobre o blog de dicas de escrita, é um projeto que tenho há cinco anos. Sou alguém que precisa aprender algo novo de vez em quanto, por isso fiz um blog de escrita criativa. Com o tempo ele foi se tornando algo mais parecido com um trabalho, então decidi movê-lo para um lugar que me permita uma remuneração por isso. Vocês estão convidados a participar dele também; logo teremos posts interessantes sobre como melhorar nossas histórias por lá.

Bem, é isso. Sou uma escritora lenta e por vezes metódica, não sei como lidar muito bem com o fandom, principalmente pela agressividade que eu costumava ver. Também não sei trabalhar com pedidos, sabe? Eu preciso seguir meus pensamentos e não o que as pessoas me pedem, o não me impede de tentar encaixar sugestões nos meus textos. Estou fazendo o meu melhor para me enturmar mais. Então, sugestões são sempre bem-vindas, porém o que me dá vida é receber feedback e comentários. Também quero avisar que ao encerrar das minhas histórias é provável que eu as transforme em originais, elas podendo ou não sair do ar quando chegar essa hora. Então, se divirtam e se vocês se sentirem a vontade, comentários me incentivará a escrever ainda mais.

Obrigada por ler!

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WELCOME!

Hi, how are you?

You can call me Ana or Aurora, my pseudonym. I write Pernico/Nicercy and original fanfics. Here  I will put my ideas and stories, bringing whatever I can of interest to this little corner of creativity.

MY WRITING

> Spirit Fanfiction

> AO3

> Tapas

>Dreame (One of my complete stories. Take a look if you can^^)

>AO3

>SpiritFanfics

>Writing Tips in Portuguese

> Tumblr - My personal writing blog and writing tips.

MY LINKS

Everything I write will be under the link mywriting

Posts about writing tips in portuguese will be under the link aurora ajuda para escritores

All reblogged posts will have no tags.

Now that we got that out of the way, we can get started!

I've been writing since the early 2000s and have been in thousands of fandoms, but I've written for very few. The first one I wrote for was Naruto, then Supernatural for a good five years and back in the 2010s for Percy Jackson, a place I haven't left since.

The truth is that I write originals with the imagery that I have of Percy Jackson's characters, and since aspects of those stories are not completely original (only about 85%) I consider my stories fanfiction. For example, I always imagine Percy as almost six feet tall, brown hair and slightly bleached from the sun, tanned skin and green eyes, the personality tends more towards the rebellious and slightly dark side, depending on the plot. Nico, on the other hand, is someone who has a vulnerable and sweet exterior, but who inside is the strongest and most intelligent, especially in the mental part. I imagine him with straight, wavy black hair, black eyes, a thin, upturned nose and dark olive-colored skin, not quite a black skin. The plots, too, are varied. I've written about mafia, vampires, a/b/o and others I can't even remember anymore.

The point here is that I found in Percy and Nico my perfect models of characters to write about, I confess, I also modified them a lot during the years, their personalities and life stories, to fit whatever I need depending on the story I'm telling.

What I really mean is: I've created a version of them, with motivations and goals so different from the books that they're mostly pretty OCC and out of the original character, you know? Though I try to keep their essence alive. This allows me to create worlds and plots that I otherwise wouldn't feel inclined to write.

Imagine it this way, they are my favorite toys to play with, even if I have thousands of others just as good or even better; they are still my favorites and I am attached to them. In that way, don't expect me to go writing canon plots, they are quite rare for me. The reason for that? Well… I feel very limited and I don't want to deal with Will Solace.

Am I anti-solangêlo? You could say that. It's simple, I don't like characters who miraculously appear and became the love interest of a character, and just because they became popular. I, as a demisexual, do not accept the fact that there is no development in how a romance happens. Good examples of couples, Reyna and Percy since they have a good time getting to know each other in scenes, Percy and Rachel since they also spend time together and don't just start dating, Percy and Annabeth, and even Annabeth and Reyna I would accept since they've spend time together, even if it is in distrusting each other. That's all I have to say on the subject. So you won't see me writhing nice things about them.

About the writing tips blog, it's a project I've had for five years (in Portuguese). I'm someone who needs to learn something new from time to time, so I made a creative writing blog. Eventually, it became more like a job, so I decided to move it to a place that allows me to get paid for it. You're invited to join it too; soon we'll have interesting posts on how to improve our stories there.

Well, that's it. I'm a slow and sometimes methodical writer, I don't know how to deal with fandom very well, mostly because of the aggressiveness I used to see. I also don't know how to work with requests, you know? I need to follow my thoughts and not what people ask me, which doesn't stop me from trying to fit suggestions into my texts. I'm doing my best to get along more with all of you. So, suggestions are always welcome, but what gives me life is receiving feedback and comments. I also want to let you know that when I finish my stories, I'll probably turn them into originals, and they may or may not go off the air when that time comes. So have fun and if you feel like it, comments will encourage me to write even more.

Thanks for reading!

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

Hi, how's everyone? I've had limited time to write, that's why the delay in the chapter. Things will get slower, but I'll do my best to deliver a chapter per week, even if it's on the weekend. So in this chapter things start to get more interesting. Just keep in mind that my characters are never perfect, okay? But I do try to make them likable.

Have a nice read!

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

Nico had a feeling he was doing something very wrong, like he was staining the picture Percy had of him. But they'd already touched like that, slept in the same bed naked, and now they walked down the halls, hand in hand, like the boyfriends he said they weren't, so what if... if he showed Percy how much he meant to him? Especially given the way Percy took care of him last night? Nico just wanted to return the gesture. Then, as one who wants nothing, he said::

"Per, I need to go to the bathroom."

Without waiting, Nico ignored the bell for the second period and took Percy by the hand, leading him towards the bathroom in the sports court area that would be empty at that time of day. Percy just tilted his head, all confused and followed him without question, while Nico tried to act normal so as not to spoil the surprise, thinking it was too innocent even for him, but honestly? He wanted Percy to see how nice it was to be cornered and without any warning.

Nico didn't give Percy much time to think at all. As soon as they entered the bathroom, he guided Percy to one of the cubicles, closed the door and put his hands on Percy's shoulders, pushing him back until Percy hit the wall with his back. Nico couldn't believe how much fun it was to see Percy's eyes widen and his breathing become faster when he hadn't even started yet.

And why waste more time? Looking into Percy's eyes, he let his hands slide down as he knelt between Percy's legs, Nico put his face over Percy's crotch and toched the place over the jeans, letting his mouth come closer, kissing the fabric that already it had a good noticeable bulge.

He looked up and smiled, but Percy didn't smile back. No, he was all tense, shoulders straight, jaw set, breathing fast and hands fisted at his sides. This used to happen in the past too when Nico pretended not to see and not to know what was going on; this was Percy horny and trying to hide it, trying so hard to be the nice, honorable boy everyone thought he was. I mean, Percy was the best, it was the high libido that Nico wasn't willing to deal with back then.

Well, now things had changed, or rather, evolved. What could he say? Nico admitted he was slow to do things that people his age were already experienced. By the time he'd found himself alone and regretting every decision that involved sex, particularly for not dealing well with Percy and…and kissing, it was too late. On the other side of the world and after the shock had worn off, he'd missed Percy so much that he'd wanted to go right back and tell him he was wrong, begging for forgiveness. In the end, his family thought it best for them to stay there for a while.

It didn't matter anymore, he rather focus on the moment, on the way Percy tried to control himself, all tense and anxious, trying not to touch him, but as Percy had promised, his friend wouldn't force him. Deep down, Percy was right; he would say one thing and do the opposite. Maybe he was just kneeling between Percy's legs because Percy said he wouldn't do it again, and Nico wanted to test how committed Percy was. Nico finally took his hands to the button on Percy's pants and unfastened it, about to unzip it down when Percy grabbed his hands.

"What are you doing?” Percy was practically accusing him and he was practically laughing in Percy's face, feeling vindicated for that morning on the stairs and with his sister.

"You don’t want to?”

“You said you wanted to take it slow.”

"Isn't this slow for you?"

“Nico!” Percy ground out through his teeth, keeping his voice low. “I'm trying and you're not helping.”

“I just wanted to make it up to you, you treated me so well last night…”

As he batted his eyelashes as innocently as he could manage, speaking all sweet and nice, Nico saw the moment Percy collapsed against the wall, his expression a mixture of frustration and anguish so intense that Nico couldn't take it, he rested his chin on Percy’s leg and laughed, giggling, letting his chuckles echo through the empty bathroom.

"I knew you would get back at me."

"Just a little.” Nico said between laughs. "But the offer is still on."

"It is?" Percy mumbled, now calmer and more in control, taking one of his hands to Nico's hair, stroking it gently. And Nico liked that a lot, the firm, confident voice and steady touch, how Percy made sure what was going on with him before letting his libido take over. That’s why Percy deserved a reward.

He finally lowered the zipper and slid his fingers inside Percy's underwear, searching until he found warm skin and the erect member, pulling it out, admiring the size and width, the warmth of him. Nico knew this was going to sound cliché, but…but it was big and long and heavy, and full of bulging veins and wet at the tip in a way that made him want to lick it until it was wet again.

"You don’t need to.” Nico heard in a whisper at the same time that Percy's hands came to the back of his neck, touching him slow and nice. Percy's voice was too close, making him see that Percy had leaned over him, and that he was now tugging by the roots os his hair, forcing Nico to face him before kissing his lips all sweet and soft, as if trying to seduce him: " You don't have to. Never. If you don’t want to.”

"I want.” If there’s one thing Nico learned in all this time away from Percy is exactly that, he liked it a lot, was the only thing he'd realy enjoyed before last night. But he wouldn't say that to Percy, too afraid to see Percy’s reaction. It was easier to act and let things happen.

Then, taking courage and still watching Percy's reaction, he held on the base and brought his lips to the head. He licked like an ice cream before sealing his lips around it, sucking, slow and tight, making sure his teeth were out of the way. Then, to test the walters, he made a slight pressure with his lips and slid down a little, bobbing his head even more slowly and finally hearing the first moan come from Percy, shuddering when Percy pulled his hair hard, forcing him to move away from his cock.

"Who taught you that?"

“I had a boyfriend, you know?

“You said you didn't have sex. And this is sex.”

"Yeah?”

“If someone is having pleasure and enjoying it, it's sex.”

“Hmm.” He murmured, licking his lips. Percy was even more attractive when he got all... intense.

Nico shouldn't think about those things, he knew he shouldn't. It wasn't his fault if Percy kept holding him by the hair like he belonged to Percy or if Percy kept staring at him with that fire in his eyes, like a caged animal wanting revenge. He felt like he needed psychological help, but in the meantime Nico could have fun, couldn't he?

"Are you going to fuck my mouth?"

“Wha-what?”

"Maybe you want--"

"Say no more!" Percy roared in frustration, moving closer to Nico’s face. " You want to kill me? What did I do to deserve this?”

“Per.”

“Where did my shy, innocent litlle boy go, hm?”

“He got lonely and decided to get company. But his company wasn’t very kind.”

Percy whimpered in frustration, seeming to grab onto the last threads of control he still had in, and kissed Nico again, this time tongue and all, holding him by the neck tight and strong. But that wasn't enough anymore, he wanted... Nico wanted to suck Percy until he felt cum go down his throat, and that's what he would have. When Percy finally let him breathe, he opened his mouth wide open, wetted his lips and slid them along the length of the Percy's cock, hearing a long groan and a thud somewhere near them; Nico opened his eyes to see what had happened, it was Percy who had punched the wall behind him and had his eyes squeezed shut and lips bitten, holding back his moans. Yes, he could feel Percy throbbing on his tongue, seeming to grow bigger even further. It was at that moment that Nico sighed and relaxed his face, allowing those last inches to reach the back of his throat.

He was willing to confess, he had choked, rushing things a litlle bit. It was all worth it when Percy threw back his head and grabbed hold of his hair again, guiding and moving his head. It was beautiful, was magical, to see the instant Percy grabbed him hard and when he least expected it, his mouth was being moved on that fat cock, over and over again, feeling Percy's balls hit his chin while he just he stood there, hands in his lap, watching the scene unfold and… ah… letting Percy control his body, pinned against the wall beside the toilet. Nico didn't even realize when Percy had come, founding himself swallowing around Percy, slow and leisurely, sniffling and floating, hearing Percy grunt only to be lifted suddenly by his hair and then by his waist; Percy was cleaning his face and holding him in the safety of his arms, touching him everywhere Percy could reach.

“Nico, baby?” Then, he was groaning himself when Percy opened his pants and found wetness there. Everywhere. "Did you come?"

He…he thought he had. It was something that had maybe happened once or twice before… but it didn't matter. Nico was floating and Percy held him back so he wouldn't go too far, as his lips came down against his once more, and again and again, until… Nico didn't know… well, until his feet touched the ground once again.

***

"All good?”

Now they were out of the bathroom, walking towards the cafeteria after splashing water on their faces and getting a peppermint candy. He wasn't proud, but they had lost a lot of time between waking up, talking to Bianca, driving to school and... going to the bathroom. His throat was still dry and heis lips swollen, his knees ached, and a phantom sensation lingered in Nico’s scalp where Percy had pulled. However, he couldn't control that nice feeling at the bottom of his stomach, content and satisfied, by what he saw. Percy, instead of holding his hand, clutched his waist, all possessive, staring down at anyone who looked at him for longer than three seconds. Nico had missed that too. And that made him a terrible person.

“Nico.”

“Hm?” He replied when Percy stopped in the middle of the hall, touching his face and making him look at him.

"I'm very sorry. I didn't want that to happen. It doesn't have to change anything between us.”

So that was it. Percy was really afraid he was going to run off to Italy like he had before.

“Per, I wanted to.”

To prove that everything was fine, he stood on hid tiptoe, wrapped his arms around Percy's neck and brought their lips together, letting his eyes close for a moment. Percy immediately wrapped his arms around his waist and kissed him back, all intense, nibbling his lips and tangling their tongues together, stealing his breath.

He heard a clearing of a throat and a hiss, but he didn't care, it was too late to worry about what people would say. Right now he needed to calm Percy down and let him know that everything was fine. Then, he released his lips and remained in Percy's arms, taking his hands to his friend's hair, trying to comfort him.

"Relax, all right? I was enjoying the moment.”

"Enjoying?” Percy repeated, frowning, perhaps squeezing him tighter still.

"I liked.” He shrugged, trying not to laugh or blush, as the crease in Percy's face deepened. "What's wrong with that?"

“If you like it that much, you didn't have to go that far.”

Nico almost rolled his eyes, he knew how jealous Percy could be and he knew how jealous he  himself could be back. It’d always been like this, the reason that really scared him and forced him to run away, showing him feelings he couldn't handle. He knew exactly what would happen if he came back, and here was the proof, the possessiveness personified. He knew he shouldn't, but he'd missed that too.

“Per.” Was all he’d said for a few moments and Percy ducked his head slightly, seeming to realize what he was doing. "I'm here now, aren't I? I promise it's everything I learned in Italy.”

It was a lie, of course. Even though he was technically still a virgin.

"Really? If that were true, you wouldn't have to promise me anything.” But that was enough for Percy to lose his murderous expression and his face softened into a sweet, if slightly suspicious look.

A little nice kiss followed, a brush of lips soft and wet, hands sliding around the back of his neck in an affectionate caress.

"I promise it won't happen again."

“Don't promise what you can't deliver." Nico said when finally the butterflies in his stomach calmed down and he added: "I don't care if it happens again.”

"Sorry.” Percy said in his usual tone, seeming back to normal.

Percy shrugged and finally took a step back, looking at Nico with a bright smile, only to lift one of his hands and smooth Nico's hair back, Percy's hands sliding to Nico's neck, and only then did Nico realize that Percy was massaging the side of his neck, because the area throbbed slightly.

"Hickey?"

Another thing that didn't surprise him. I mean, how could he not see? It wasn't the first time this had happened.

"Are you a dog?” Nico grumbled not really caring, the rest of his body wasn't much better. And how could he have the right to complain when he could see a hickey high up on Percy's chest where the shirt didn't hide the skin?

" Sorry.” Percy said once more, his smile widening.

Yeah, looks like nothing has changed.

"Do you want to eat something?”

Why not? He let Percy take his waist again and they both walked towards the canteen. Percy ordered for them, a juice, a milkshake and a piece of pie without asking for permission. Bianca would’ve been outraged if she saw how Percy hadn't even let him speak, as if he didn't have the ability to. The truth is, he would hardly have noticed this behavior if his ex hadn't done the same to him months ago. He had been offended at the time, finally starting to understand the problem, seeing what his former friends said. And now, watching Percy take the order and bring it to the table they were at... it was still hard to care when it came to Percy.

Apparently, a blindness came over him when he saw those green eyes and puppy smile.

"Aren't you hungry? Want something else?”

"No, thanks.”

He took the first bite and felt so happy to taste the same flavor, even if his happiness had another reason. Was this happiness so intense just because Percy did this for him?

“Eat slowly.”

"Yes, Dad. I’ll eat properly.”

Percy didn't look the least bit impressed by the joke. He grimaced and took the napkin, wiping the corner of Nico's mouth, saying, “Please.”

And Nico? He just smiled and continued eating contentedly, happy to know that nothing had changed; the care and concern still evident, only now sex had become part of their relationship, finally filling in what was missing.

"Thanks.” Nico said without thinking, watching Percy throw away his napkin. “I never said how grateful I am.”

“I don't want your gratitude.” Percy then glared at him, trying hard not to get all serious and spoil the happy mood. But he couldn't fool Nico.

"I know. I wanted you to know.”

"Then, what?”

“This between us has nothing to do with gratitude. But I’m grateful.”

Nico wanted to say more, wanted to say that he never wanted to hurt Percy and that he would never leave him again. Instead, Nico took Percy's hand and smiled at him. Immediately, the surrounding environment became light again and the world around them stopped spinning, in the midst of all that chaos creating a little place just for the two of them.

***

"Exactly who I was looking for!"

Nico blinked rapidly, looking away from Percy’s gaze, looking surprised by the interruption.

Percy sighed. Who else could it be? Grover and Luke, of course. It made no difference to Percy who got in their way, all he knew was that he regretted having friends like his. But he refused to let Nico walk away; keeping Nico's hand over his, he turned to his friends:

"What do you want?”

Hearing Nico laughing at him, he held Nico’s hand even more firmly, and he just didn't complain more because Nico moments later rested his head on Percy’s shoulder, all sweet, soft and innocent, his black eyes radiating happiness.

"Where were you? You missed a test.” Luke said.

"Are you going to the practice?" Grover added. Both had strange smiles on their faces.

" What?”

"Looks like mosquitoes bit you. Hard night?”

Percy just sighed, he was too tired for their little jokes.

"Percy, man! You disappeared! You don't answer your cell anymore?”

"Whatever.”

“Ohhhh it's one of those days.” Luke said, nodding, pretending to be thinking about something serious.

“No, it's one of those 'baby day'. Don't you remember?”

“No! Danger, danger! We better not get close.”

Luke took Grover's arm, and together they took three steps back, still facing them, as if they didn't want to turn their backs on a wild animal.

“You guys are unbelievable.” Percy muttered, trying not to let the memories remind him why these moments were called "baby days".

"We just wanted to know how you were going!" Grover yelled, already pulling away. “It's good to see you again, Nico.”

Luke nodded, smiling, still dragging Grover away.

"Baby days? What does that mean?” Nico said when they finally disappeared across the cafeteria, staring at him with a curious expression.

"It’s nothing.”

"Nothing?” Nico insisted. “Does this have to do with the days we used to stay at home without seeing anyone?”

"Maybe.”

Part of the time it had to do with the depression Nico was trying to hide, but other times, calm and happy, it had to do with him wanting Nico's attention all to himself. It was something they didn’t know at the time, Percy found out he had it too, a milder version, but regardeless, it still was depression.

"How cute. You even have a name for it.” Nico's voice was playful, so Percy thought it’s safe to put a hand on Nico's shoulder and pull him closer.

“It wasn't my idea.”

"I know. It’s funny.”

"What is funny?”

“Everyone but me saw what was going on.”

"When you say it like that, it sounds like I've played you." Percy said, taking off his chest what he'd been hiding for years.

“It wasn't exactly like that. Deep down, I knew.”

“You weren't ready.”

" I wasn’t.” Nico said in a final tone with his head still resting on Percy’s shoulder, meaning he didn't want to talk about it. Not that they needed to, as it was obvious. He knew Nico only said those things to reassure him. The truth was that Nico had shown himself to be much stronger and more independent than he was, and that if Nico said all those things it was to make him feel better, Percy could even imagine what else Nico had noticed and if those things had been why he needed to cross the ocean to feel safe.

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Thank you for reading! Your presence and your feedback make all the difference. Like, I'm thinking of turning this story into an original as soon as I finish it, so any constructive comments are very welcome.

See you next!

Nico: I've been seeing someone recently but I think who it is will upset you, so I don't know if I should tell you.

Hazel: Nico, we could never be upset with someone you choose to love. If they make you happy, that's all that matters.

Jason: Yeah, all we care for is your joy.

Nico: Okay, that's great, because it's Poseidon.

Hazel: Percy's dad? Neptune? The ocean? That guy?

Nico: Yeah.

Jason: You're dating the ocean? The thing that doesn't listen to anyone and also loves drowning people?

Nico: He doesn't love drowning people. He just doesn't like people thinking it's easy to sail across him.

Jason: Well, it's not. Because he likes to drown people.

Nico: I think you are putting too much of a Roman spin on this.

Hazel: We are not mermaids, Nico! We are land-dwellers. Except Jason, but, you know, even a bird needs to come down from the clouds sometime and what's he gonna rest on? The water? No! I got a boat one time to save the world and it sucked. Do not stay on this boat, Nico! Get back on dry land!

Nico: Once again, I think you're putting too much of a Roman emphasis on this. I am dating Poseidon. Not Neptune.

Hazel: It's the same person!

Nico: Not really. Neptune is way meaner.

Jason: How do you know that for sure?

Nico:

Jason: Oh my gods.

Hazel: Nico!

Nico: Look, let's forget that and focus on the part where I'm happy!

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

Oi, como vai! Enfim consegui escrever mais um pouco. Confesso que não ficou muito bom, mas eu tentei meu melhor. Sabe quando não sai como você quer não importa o quanto você tente? Pelo menos um pouco do plot avançou.

Espero que esteja aceitavel. Se não fosse por vocês confesso que já teria largado essa história, não porque eu não goste dela e sim porque depois de dois meses escrevendo algo a motivação vai embora. Tipo, eu tenho todo o plot e milhares de cenas, mas na hora de colocar na pagina fica chato porque eu já sei o que vai acontecer. Então, eu sou mais uma criadora/imaginadora do que uma escritora. Enfim, eu tento meu melhor e vou continuar tentando por vocês.

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

Boa leitura!

— Lindo. 

Nico ignorou Percy que estava deitado na cama e terminou de secar os cabelos com a toalha, os penteando para trás. Colocou a camiseta, a puxou para baixo e abotoou suas calças, puxou o zíper para cima e se olhou em frente ao espelho. 

Se fosse por ele teria ficado na cozinha, onde pertencia, e teria terminado de ajudar com os preparativos para a festa mais tarde. Infelizmente, logo depois do pedido de casamento, Sally havia o expulsado da cozinha, o empurrando para longe do fogão enquanto Percy tinha lhe pegado no colo e o carregado pelas escadas até que chegaram ao quarto de Percy. E sem escolha, ainda cheio de farinha pelas roupas, entrou no banheiro sem reclamar, tomando um longo banho na banheira para logo depois procurar por roupas que ainda o servisse. Aparentemente, Percy não tinha jogado fora as coisas que ele havia deixado para trás, como sua calça jeans preta favorita ou suas camisetas cheias de piadas e de super-heróis estampadas nelas, ou mesmo sua jaqueta de couro, roupa que sua mãe costumava usar antes do câncer a impedir de levantar da cama. 

Ele admitia que as camisetas que antes eram largas e chegavam a suas coxas, agora serviam perfeitamente bem, embora um pouco mais justas do que ele gostaria, contornando suas curvas não tão masculinas; tirando seus ombros largos e altura, o resto era bem… bem magro em algumas partes e delgadas em outras, impossível de não reparar naquelas roupas justas. Ele nem gostava de pensar sobre isso. Talvez fosse por isso que Percy adorava segurar em sua cintura.

— Desde quando você tem esses músculos, hm? — Percy voltou a perguntar com bom-humor.

Músculos? Ele não via muitos. E claro, Percy até poderia enganá-lo se fosse alguns anos atrás. Agora? Ele conseguia ouvir o puro ciúme por trás do riso.

— Eu não sei. Tive tempo livre na Itália.

De fato, a vida em Verona era bem mais fácil e descomplicada do que essa primeira semana de volta estava sendo. Quer dizer, quando Percy estava envolvido, problemas e emoções fortes eram garantidos. Ele nem sabia porque ainda se lamentava, as coisas sempre tinham sido assim.

— Não faça essa cara. Hoje é dia de comemorar. Ou pelo menos é de acordo com Sally.

— Claro. — Nico revirou os olhos e enfim colocou sua jaqueta, enfiando os pés dentro de seus tênis de cano alto que também tinha ficado dentro do guarda-roupa de Percy. Agora sim, Nico estava de volta no passado e com o look completo. Ele quase se sentia nostálgico; se não fosse a ansiedade e a auto dúvida constante, sentiria saudade daquela época. — Vamos.

— Espera. Comprei uma coisa pra você.

— Mais um presente? O que vai ser agora? Um carro?

— Você precisa de outro? — Mas Percy estava sorrindo. Nico observou ele se levantar e dar a volta na cama, abrindo a gaveta da cômoda ao lado da cama. — Não é nada muito caro.

— O que é isso? — Dessa vez, o objeto nas mãos de Percy despertou sua curiosidade. Ele conseguia ver o que era, a questão era que Percy nunca tinha lhe dado nada desse tipo, foi o que o fez se aproximar mais e pegar o diário das mãos de Percy, abrindo a capa rígida e negra de couro, encontrando páginas simples e pautadas, notando uma dedicatória no lado de dentro da capa: “Para que seus pensamentos e ideias nunca se percam”. — Per?

— Eu pensei sobre o que você disse… sobre não conseguir se expressar.

— Me expressar?

— Na cama. — Percy disse e então segurou em suas mãos sobre o diário, o fazendo encará-lo. — Sei como as coisas podem ser… assustadoras de vez em quando. Quero que esse diário seja uma forma da gente conversar sem precisar de todo aquele… drama.

Percy usou a palavra “drama”, mas para Nico era mais… “humilhação”.

— Você vai escrever também?

— É claro.

— E você vai… vai ler tudo? Tudo o que eu escrever?

— Se você quiser.

Nico parou por um momento e encarou Percy, seu noivo, o amor de sua vida, a pessoa que sempre o aceitou incondicionalmente. Percy parecia tão calmo e confiante, tão sincero… ninguém antes fez tanto esforço para tentar entendê-lo. 

— Não precisa ser sobre isso. — Percy voltou a dizer. — Você pode escrever sobre qualquer coisa. Ou algo que você queira que eu saiba.

— Qualquer coisa? De verdade?

— O que foi? — Então, Percy voltou a sorrir, despreocupado. — O que você ainda tem para esconder de mim?

Esse foi o momento que a mortificação o tomou. Nico desviou o olhar e encarou o diário que ambos ainda seguravam, as alianças brilhando em seus dedos. Se somente Percy soubesse… ele não sabia se era a melhor ou a pior das ideias que Percy já tinha sugerido.

— Olha, você não precisa se forçar. Vamos deixar o diário do lado da cama e se você sentir vontade, ele vai estar aqui. Tudo bem?

Percy sorriu mais uma vez para ele, pegou o diário de suas mãos e o colocou em cima da cômoda, há menos de um metro de distância deles. Mas esse era o problema, Nico já sentia vontade de folhear aquele caderno e escrever o que viesse à mente, como num exercício de escrita livre, só que mais estranho e constrangedor. Sentia vontade de escrever e deixar tudo sair como há anos não fazia.

— Não, eu quero! Me dá. — E feito uma criancinha, Nico esticou a mão e pegou o diário, o abraçando contra o peito, se sentindo satisfeito ao segurar mais uma vez naquele caderno de couro negro.

— Fico feliz de saber que você gostou. — E agindo feito o papai que ambos se negavam a admitir, mesmo que ambos tivessem a mesma idade, Percy o abraçou forte e beijou seus cabelos, dizendo: — Bom garoto.

É claro que isso teve o efeito esperado. Nico escondeu o rosto no ombro de Percy e gemeu mais uma vez, mortificado, se recriminando por se sentir tão bem e contente com aquelas palavras. Ou com o cuidado que Percy continuava demonstrando dia após dia.

***

Antes de irem para a festa, Nico guardou o diário junto com a caixinha das alianças agora vazia dentro da mochila e segurou na mão Percy, fazendo o peito de Percy se aquecer com o gesto distraído de Nico. Não era o gesto mais romântico ou afetivo que ele já tinha visto, mas Nico fazia tudo com tanto cuidado que ele tinha certeza de ter feito a escolha certa ao esperar até aquele momento. Sabia que essas atitudes, tanto quanto as dele ou de Nico, vinha de um lugar doloroso; da perda e do abandono, coisas que ambos sentiram na pele e que queriam evitar a todo custo. Por isso, cada momento que servisse para a próxima-los seria motivo para comemorar. Ainda não acreditava que finalmente tinha proposto para Nico. Eles iriam se casar! Houve uma época em que Percy pensou que nunca mais veria Nico, e quem dera que estariam tão contentes e felizes, mesmo que o garotinho escondesse por detrás de um biquinho zangado e o costumeiro mau-humor e insegurança. E quem era ele para julgar como outras pessoas se comportavam quando ele era o pior deles? Tudo o que Percy sabia é que tinha um plano e que faria tudo para executá-lo com maestria. Ele sorriu para Nico, segurou de volta na mão oferecida a ele e quando menos percebeu, um dos ajudantes de sua mãe o guiavam para a parte externa da casa onde mesas estavam dispostas no jardim e pessoas já andavam pela pista de dança improvisada ao lado de uma mesa de buffet divida em três fileiras organizadas por pratos doces, frios e quentes, e ali nem estava toda a comida que ele tinha visto na cozinha.

— Vocês exageraram dessa vez.

— Nada foi nada além do normal. — Nico deu de ombros.

— Claro. Eu queria--

— Nico! Finalmente consegui te encontrar!

Percy suspirou e se deu por vencido, agora que ele estavam no meio daquelas pessoas seria impossível ter a atenção de Nico só para ele. Como em câmera lenta, viu Clarisse se aproximar deles em passos apressados e pegar Nico em um abraço de urso, o puxando para longe dele.

— Até quando você ia me ignorar!

— Eu não estava te ignorando! — Nico gritou de volta, mas abraçou Clarisse tão forte como ela tinha feito, fechando os olhos com prazer.

— Por que você não me disse que tinha voltado? E quando isso aconteceu?

— Faz… cinco dias? Seis?

— Oposto que é culpa dele.

— Clar!

— Não venha com isso pra cima de mim. Eu quero saber tudo!

— Pra depois você contar para Annabeth? Não, muito obrigado.

— Isso é não verdade. Fiz isso uma vez e--

Parecia que não teria jeito. Percy deixou Nico com Clarisse, vendo as pessoas se aproximar do par barulhento e voltou para dentro da casa, encontrando sua mãe agora com um longo vestido preto e saltos altos, embora ela ainda andasse pela cozinha de um lado para o outro, dando ordens e verificando os fornos ainda em funcionamento.

— Mãe.

— Oh, Percy, querido. — Sua mãe veio em passos rápidos até ele e apertou suas bochechas, as beijando em seguida. — Você podia ter me contado antes. Não tive tempo de preparar nada.

— Também não tive tempo.

Esse foi o momento que Percy abraçou a mãe e se deixou relaxar.

— O que foi, querido?

— Acho que Nico não quer ficar comigo.

— Percy, isso não faz sentido. Por que você pensaria isso? — Então, sua mãe tocou em seu rosto novamente e encarou com afeto.

— Ele mudou. A gente parece brigar a cada passo do caminho, e agora ele tem tantos amigos e coisas para fazer…

— Percy. — Agora sua mãe parecia decepcionada. — Nós conversamos sobre isso. Você precisa de ajuda?

— Não. — Ele negou, se afastando. Não queria voltar para horas eternas no psiquiatra ou se entupir de remédios.

— Querido, Nico está crescendo e você devia também.

— Eu sei. É só que… ele está me dizendo tantas coisas… eu não sabia que ele se sentia assim.

— Isso é ótimo. Quer dizer que ele confia em você.

No fundo Percy sabia disso. Ele só queria que alguém lhe dissesse que tudo ficaria bem. Mas não era o que sua mãe estava fazendo, como sempre ela dizia o que ele precisava ouvir e não o que ele gostaria.

— O que eu devo fazer?

— Nada que você não queira.

— E se ele só se casar comigo por pressão?

— Percy! — Sally segurou em seus ombro e riu em sua cara. — Meu garotinho está crescendo tão rápido. Me lembro como você fugia de qualquer responsabilidade e agora aqui estamos nós, você se preocupando com o bem-estar de outra pessoa?

— Ma-nhe! Estou falando sério!

— Olha, pelo meu ponto de vista, nunca vi Nico tão feliz ou calmo. Ele não parece estar se forçando a nada.

— Ele disse que não queria namorar comigo e eu insisti! E se ele falou a verdade?

— Querido, nada disso é sua responsabilidade. Ele aceitou por vontade própria. Mesmo que você queira protegê-lo, é decisão de Nico. Ele aceitando ou não, ainda que no futuro ele decidir ir embora mais uma vez, não será sua culpa.

— Então, de quem é a culpa?

— Ninguém tem culpa. São coisas que acontecem e nós temos que aceitá-las. E sendo sincera? Já era tempo, não? Se você tivesse conversado com Nico, nada disso teria acontecido. 

— Você… você estragou a surpresa. Eu devia ter falado com ele sozinho.

— Exatamente, querido. Você não vê? Quanto menos você disser, mais Nico se afastará de você.

— Você acha mesmo?

— Acredite em mim. Sei tudo sobre relações fracassadas. Não crie distância entre vocês, sim?

— Eu nunca faria isso.

— Não? Se você não diz o que sente, Nico pode pensar que você não se importa. 

— Eu--

— Você conversou com ele nos últimos dias?

— Sim, mas--

— Como ele reagiu?

Percy queria revirar os olhos. Sua mãe estava certa, como sempre. Nico tinha sido sincero de volta. O pior era pensar que Nico tinha guardado tudo dentro do peito, pensando que Percy não iria aceitá-lo ou que Percy não se importava. Pelo menos o tempo perdido no psiquiatra tinha servido para algo.

— Você tem razão. — Percy admitiu, olhando ao redor para as pessoas que continuavam andando de um lado para outro. — Eu não queria admitir a derrota.

— Querido.

— Eu fiz Nico ir embora antes e não quero ser o culpado de novo. É tão ruim ter cuidado em não destruir as coisas de novo?

— É claro que não. Eu entendo.

— Entende mesmo? — Então, Percy voltou a encarar a mãe. — Se você entende, você pode ficar fora disso?

— Tudo bem, não vou me meter. Mas você devia prestar atenção quem são seus amigos.

— O que isso significa?

— Aquela sua amiga loira está na festa. Pensei que vocês não se falavam mais?

— Quem? Annabeth?

— Ela mesmo.

— Eu não convidei ela.

— Então, quem convidou? — Sally e Percy se encararam durante longos momentos não entendendo o que estava acontecendo até que Percy tem um estalo e dá as costas para a mãe, voltando para o lado de fora. No jardim, ele encontra uma cena que pensou que nunca fosse ver, Annabeth com seus longos cabelos prateados brilhando no sol parecendo furiosa e Nico, com as calça rasgadas e camiseta preta, a encarando como se ela fosse uma minhoca prestes a ser pisoteada.

***

— O que está acontecendo aqui?

Quando Percy menos viu estava parado no meio da multidão, vendo Annabeth e Nico se voltando para ele.

Como em um passe de mágica, o ambiente mudou. Nico veio para seu lado e se segurou em sua mão, abaixando a cabeça e a encostando em seu ombro como o garotinho mais obediente e comportado, enquanto que Annabeth ficou lá, de cabeça erguida, parecendo mais furiosa ainda com a demonstração de afeto.

— Não foi nada, Per. A gente estava conversando sobre os velhos tempos. Não é, Anne? — Nico sorriu, o abraçando pela cintura e de repente o silêncio se fez, até os garçons e ajudantes da cozinha ficando em silêncio.

— Você, por acaso, está bêbado?

— Eu? Nunca! — Ele olhou para Nico e Nico fez um biquinho fofo. — Eu nunca faria isso.

Para provar sua teoria, Percy se inclinou sobre Nico e o beijou ali mesmo. Dessa vez, Nico não pareceu nenhum pouco encabulado. O garotinho o agarrou forte pela nuca e se deixou ser beijado, abrindo a boca na demonstração mais sem vergonha de afeto.

— Meu bebê está com ciúmes, hm?

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

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

— Mas, Percy! Você prometeu!

— Eu não prometi nada.

— Seu mentir--

— Não vou repetir. 

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

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Obrigada por ler! Sua presença e comentario é sempre bem-vindo!^^

pjo takes that would have gottten me crucifed in 2014

okay, some of these probably aren't so bad but idk

rachel isn't that bad of a character. You guys just hated her because she "got in the way of percabeth

Octavian isn't that bad of a character. He was just really poorly written. If Rick gave him a sob story you guys would be falling at his knees.

Caleo sucks ass. The age gap is just rlly weird (not in a good way)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"No, it is not!”

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

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

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

"You--you!"

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

“Percy!”

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

"Don’t you dare! How old are you?”

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

"What got into you today, huh?"

"I'm happy. Don’t you?”

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

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

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

"We're not pretending… are we?"

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

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

"Everything changed. You went away.”

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

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

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

"For who? For me or for you?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

***

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

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

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

"In what?”

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

"Is this about us?"

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

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

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

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

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

"Percy, look--”

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

"You promise?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Sure, Nico.”

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

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

It was Bianca. Who else could it be?

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I did nothing.”

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

"Percy Jackson, what brings you here?"

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

"Are you serious this time?"

"Yes.”

"That’s nice.”

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

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

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

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

"I saw everything.”

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

“I need… I need to get my bag.”

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

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

"You look different.”

"As?”

“More…decided. Mature.”

“Some things happened.”

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

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

"Things?”

"Nothing much.”

Bianca raised her eyebrows and Percy surrendered.

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

"Do not tell me.”

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

“Sex?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"It's what I hope.”

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

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

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

Ahhhhhh eu disse que não ia voltar até agosto, mas consegui escrever e ficou tão fofinho que eu teve que compartilhar. Me desculpem os erros. Espero que você gostem!^^

Boa leitura!

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

PS: Vou voltar a escrever capítulos curtos até 3 mil palavras, assim me sinto menos pressão, mesmo que essa pressão seja eu mesma que coloco em mim. E se vocês acharem que esse capítulo foi apressado ou apareceu do nada, me desculpe! Não sei quando terá novo capítulo, provavelmente na semana que vem.

— Você está pronto? Não contei que a gente vinha. — Percy pegou em sua mão e o puxou para fora do carro.

Nico nem podia acreditar que estava de volta na casa onde suas melhores memórias foram feitas. Essa era a casa de sua infância, o lugar que ele tinha descoberto que o amor e carinho ainda eram possíveis depois que sua mãe morreu. Era o lugar que ele tinha descoberto que o amor podia vir em diversos tamanhos e formas e ser expressado de jeitos simples ou complicados.

— Talvez a gente devesse voltar depois?

— Ela vai adorar te ver. 

— Você tem certeza?

— Nico, essa é sua casa também. Sempre vai ser.

Nico teve que respirar fundo, parando em frente a porta de entrada. Ele se sentia tão culpado! Percy não foi a única pessoa que ele tinha deixado para trás. Sally também tinha sido uma delas. Sua segunda mãe, a pessoa que ele podia contar tudo depois de Percy, sempre oferecendo um abraço apertado e uma cozinha aberta a ele.

— Percy, eu--

— Shhh. — Percy apertou sua mão, sorriu para ele e enfim empurrou a porta da casa, o guiando para dentro. — Mãe! Chegamos!

Não demorou muito e logo ambos puderam ouvir o som de saltos pelo chão de granito branco, e aparecendo de uma das portas que Nico sabia dar na cozinha, Sally veio quase correndo e com tanta energia que por um momento Nico se viu no passado, na primeira vez que ele tinha entrado por aquela mesma porta, vendo a decoração simples, porém, elegante. Sofás cor creme, paredes num azul quase branco, puffs e cobertores espalhados pelo cômodo e uma grande televisão. O cheio era o mesmo, a mesma fragrância de comida recém-feita, açucarada e agridoce, o fazendo sorrir imediatamente.

— Nico, meu filho. — Foi tudo o que ouviu antes do ataque de Sally vir, braços magros e fortes o rodearam e cabelos longos e castanhos escuros caíram sobre ele, o perfume de Sally ainda era o mesmo. 

— Deuses, olha como você cresceu! E essas bochechas, hm? Tão bonito.

— Mãe!

— Percy, olhe para ele? Vocês já se resolveram? Espero que sim! Você sumiu por três dias! É o mínimo.

— Sally. — Nico finalmente disse, sorrindo, e se inclinou em direção a ela, recebendo mais um abraço de Sally com prazer.

— Não acredito que vou ter meu assistente de volta! Nosso cardápio sofreu muito com sua partida. Que tal discutirmos isso amanhã? Você vai ficar hoje conosco? Que pergunta! É claro que você vai ficar.

Sally segurou em sua mão, o puxando em direção a cozinha e Nico olhou para trás, vendo Percy dar de ombros. Ele sabia que agora demoraria para Sally se cansar dele. E como diz o ditado, “tal mãe, tal filho”, ou algo assim. E como não adiantava lutar contra nenhum dos Jackson, Nico se deixou ser levado por Sally, não que ele se importasse; era sempre divertido passar algumas horas na companhia de Sally Jackson, comida gostosa, conversa descontraída e um ombro amigo para desabafar.

***

Fazia tempo que Percy não andava pelas ruas do bairro. Elas não eram o que costumavam ser, pois de quietas e humildes, se tornaram cheias de prédios altos e carros barulhentos devido à linha de metrô localizada há poucos quarteirões de sua casa. O bom nisso tudo é que agora praticamente em cada esquina tinha uma loja ou mercado, ou até um shopping center. Exatamente o que ele estava procurando. Andando despreocupado, foi diretamente a uma loja de papelaria e logo encontrou o que procurava, um diário de couro escuro e de aparência delicada e bonita, exatamente como Nico. Ele pagou, deu uma volta pelo shopping e se viu parando em frente a uma relojoaria familiar, se lembrando de ter entrado naquele lugar anos atrás e comprado algo especial, mas nunca ter prosseguido com seu plano. Agora, algumas horas depois, voltava para casa. Imagina sua surpresa ao ver os ajudantes de sua mãe entrarem com sacolas atrás de sacolas com comida e panelas. Percy nem se surpreendia mais. Na verdade, era uma visão familiar, mas que ele não presenciava desde que Nico tinha ido embora, a casa cheia e o aroma de doces e salgados permeando o ar.

Bem, parecia que seu presente teria que esperar.

Sem ser visto, foi até seu quarto, deixou a sacola em cima da cama e abriu a primeira gaveta da cômoda, entrando os anéis que tinha comprado. Será que esse era o momento que vinha esperando? Afinal, eles já tinham deixado claro que se amavam, então, por que não dar o próximo passo? Tinha aprendido que o melhor a fazer era nunca assumir nada, e se não se expressasse, como Nico poderia saber? Percy mal podia esperar para ver a reação de Nico. Assim, trocando os anéis pelo diário, pegou a caixinha com as alianças e colocou o diário dentro da gaveta, se sentindo confiante. Saiu do quarto e foi em direção a cozinha quase trombando com uma garota que usava um avental do restaurante de sua mãe. Ela pediu desculpa e continuou apressada para fora da casa, sem a bajulação usual. Ele esperava que essa durasse mais do que as outras. O caso não era sua mãe ser uma chefe ruim, o problema é que a maioria das pessoas não tinha o mesmo entusiasmo que ela ou Nico tinham quando se tratava de culinária.

Percy enfim entrou na cozinha e se deparou com um banquete completo. Ele viu carnes assadas, fritas, cozidas, grãos e massas de vários tipos, sem contar os doces e comidas salgadas nem tão saudáveis.

— A gente vai ter um jantar de gala ou o quê? — Ele teve que perguntar assim que entrou na cozinha. Era até engraçado. Sally e Nico, além de vários ajudantes, cobertos de farinha e outras coisas que Percy não conseguia identificar, todos vestindo aventais idênticos e andando de um lado para o outro de uma forma tão organizada que pareciam formigas operárias.

— Você tem razão, querido! — Sua mãe exclamou. Ela limpou a mão em uma toalha, tão energética como ele não via há muito tempo, ou pelo menos não nesse nível de “criança que comeu muito açúcar” e o abraçou apertado para logo em seguida, voltar a andar pela cozinha checando o forno e vendo se tudo estava em ordem. — Chame seus amigos! Chame os amigos dos seus amigos. Não, melhor, também chame os pais dos seus amigos.

Ele não tinha certeza sobre isso. Será que se quer ainda tinha tantos amigos assim? Percy deu de ombros, prestes a fazer o que a mãe tinha pedido quando Nico apareceu em sua frente, tentando encontrar um lugar para colocar uma espécie de bolo esbranquiçado na mesa.

 — Eu te ajudo. 

Percy moveu algumas coisas ao redor e enfim achou um espaço, pegando a travessa das mãos de Nico e a colocando em cima da bancada.

— Aqui está meu bebê. Onde você se meteu?

— Eu não sou seu bebê.

— Não é?

Será que agora era um bom momento? Não importava como Nico estivesse vestido, com o uniforme da escola ou com suas calças justas, e mesmo agora com farinha dos pés a cabeça, Nico sempre seria a coisa mais bonita e fofa que Percy jamais encontraria, principalmente quanto tentava não se constranger pela demonstração de afeto em público. 

Percy colocou a mão no bolso, tocando na caixinha e observou por mais um momento, vendo Nico abaixar a cabeça, seus cabelos negros protegidos por uma redinha de cabelo permitindo que ele visse o rubor se espalhar com força na face de Nico, descendo pelo pescoço longo e elegante. Percy não se reprimiu, segurou na nuca de Nico e o puxou para perto, o beijou devagar e longamente, e só parou quando ouviu um gemido e o repentino silêncio que se seguiu; os murmúrios ao redor deles pararam e o barulho de panelas batendo também.

— Per. — Nico sussurrou numa voz quase inexistente e segurou em seu braço, seu rosto agora pegando fogo. Tão tímido e tão doce, ele pôde sentir o açúcar na língua de Nico e a doçura em seu toque suave. Mas quando ele achava que Nico iria se afastar, como ele comumente faria no passado, Nico apenas ficou ali, agarrado a seu braço e olhando para ele sem saber o que fazer. Talvez esse não fosse o momento indicado, porque, se com somente um beijo Nico tinha reagido assim, pego despreparado e todo ansioso, o que Nico faria se ele se ajoelhasse no meio da cozinha? Infelizmente quando isso acontecia, Nico não sabia o que fazer, o garotinho costumava congelar dos pés á cabeça. Era como se Nico não tivesse um script para tal situação e preferisse não fazer nada com medo de errar.

— Lindo. Me dá um abraço, hm?

Nico piscou lentamente e mordeu os lábios, parecendo indeciso. No fim, Nico fez o que Percy pediu. Colocou os braços ao redor da cintura de Percy e o abraçou forte por longos momentos, Percy o abraçando de volta e acariciando seus cabelos.

— Certo. — Percy levantou a cabeça e ainda abraçando Nico, olhou ao redor e encarou cada um dos ajudantes de sua mãe, o que teve o efeito desejado. 

Todos começaram a se mover como se fossem um e o ambiente voltou ao normal. Ele pensou em se desculpar para Nico, mas só o pensamento de Nico entender que beijá-lo na frente de outras pessoas era errado, embrulhava seu estômago. Nico era um ser bem perceptivo, e se ele entendesse que estava fazendo algo errado, nunca mais faria tal coisa, como na vez que eles estavam conversando com algumas pessoas, Nico riu muito alto e alguém o repreendeu, depois disso demorou meses para ele ver Nico sorrindo em público.

— O que você fez de gostoso?

— Já comeu bolo japonês? — Nico pareceu aliviado com a mudança de assunto e largou de sua cintura. Ele pegou na mão de Percy e o levou até um bolo leve e de textura esponjosa, diferente de tudo o que ele já tinha comido.

Nico cortou um pedaço e colocou em um prato para ele. Assim que levou uma garfada na boca, o bolo se desfez em sua língua, algo tão gostoso que Percy não sabia explicar, então ele apenas gemeu, fechando os olhos de prazer.

— Tão bom assim?

— Tudo o que meu bebê faz é exemplar.

— Obrigado.

Percy parou de comer e prestou atenção em Nico. De verdade, ele parou e o observou. Nico parecia feliz e contente em seu avental e roupa suja de farinha. Ele parecia um pequeno chefe de cozinha, orgulhoso de um trabalho bem feito.

— Eu vi num restaurante em Verona e quis tentar.

— Lindo.

— Você devia estudar culinária. — Dessa vez quem falou tinha sido Sally que estava terminando uma torta de chocolate, os observando discretamente. Ela se aproximou deles e colocou um de suas mãos sobre os ombros de Nico. — Você já pensou sobre isso?

***

— Você devia estudar culinária. Já pensou sobre isso?

Nico piscou lentamente, tentando se concentrar em qualquer coisa que não fosse o jeito que Percy olhava para ele, que quase perdeu o momento onde Sally se aproximou do canto onde eles estavam.

— Hm?

— Já se decidiu sobre a faculdade?

— Ah. — Nico olhou de canto de olho para Percy, mas se focou em Sally. — Eu não sei. Hades quer que eu faça administração.

— Por que não algo que você tenha talento? Como música e culinária? Artes?

— Eu… eu gostaria muito. Não sei se Hades iria permitir.

— Sabe, outro dia desses, esse senhor educado e simpático trouxe a família para jantar. Ele disse que o lugar onde ele trabalha tem um curso excelente de culinária. — Ele olhou bem para Sally, tentando desvendar o que isso significava. — Por que você não faz uma graduação dupla? Tenho o contato dele se você estiver interessado.

— E também fica perto de casa. — Percy completou.

Nico parou tudo e se apoiou na quina da bancada, tentando não criar expectativas.

— Eu não poderia.

— Querido, você não precisa se preocupar com os detalhes. Dê uma olhada, sim? Eu cuido de tudo. 

— Não, Sally. Você não precisa… eu nunca--

— Deixe disso. Dinheiro não é problema. — Então, Sally sorriu para ele toda radiante e o pegou desprevenido mais uma vez, o abraçando forte. — Não importa o que você escolha. Vamos te apoiar, agora e sempre. 

— Oh. — Foi tudo o que escapou de sua garganta, um som engasgado e abafado contra o ombro de Sally. Sua visão ficou embaçada e sua garganta se apertou, mas seu coração batia forte, um calor gostoso aquecendo seu peito, ao mesmo tempo em que as mãos de Percy o tocaram nos ombros, abraçando ele e a Sally de uma vez só.

— Mamãe está certa. Vamos te apoiar não importa o que aconteça, mesmo que eu tenha que ir para a Itália com você.

— Vocês planejaram isso? Me surpreender para não me deixar pensar sobre o assunto?

— Nico, é claro que não! — Sally exclamou toda energética e segurou em seus ombros, seus grandes olhos castanhos claros o acertando em cheio no meio do peito. — Percy fez alguns testes vocacionais e de aptidão ano passado e desde então estamos procurando as melhores opções. Você também tem que fazer, eles são bastante certeiros. Semana que vem parece bom? Ah, nós temos tanto a fazer!

E assim, como se conversar sobre seu futuro fosse algo corriqueiro, Sally continuou, voltando a bater com uma espátula algo em uma grande travessa de vidro.

— Então, está certo. Faculdade decidida. Teremos um casamento?

— Ca-casamento?

— É claro! Quanto mais cedo marcarmos a data, melhor! E uma casa? Vocês vão ficar perto da gente, certo? E… Percy ainda não falou com você?

Nico não sabia se estava pronto para um passo tão grande, ele ainda nem sabia se conseguiria terminar o colégio sem se auto destruir, quem dera um… um casamento.

— Mãe! — Percy resmungou. — Ela está brincando. Não escute o que ela diz.

Era Percy que dizia isso, mas seu olhar era intenso sobre ele, pensativo e analítico. E… talvez… talvez Sally não estivesse brincando, se fosse pela expressão decepcionada no rosto de Percy.

— Desde quando você vem planejando essas coisas?

— Desde que…

— Desde quando?

— Desde que entendi que acordar do seu lado todo dia era a melhor parte do meu dia.

Nico achava que tinha algo estranho em seus olhos, eles não paravam de lacrimejar. Devia ser sinusite, só podia. Sim, era isso. Talvez uma alergia.

— Você não vai dizer nada? — Percy insistiu, e de repente, o mundo sumia e só eles dois importavam; o som de panelas batendo e sussurros sumiram, e até os murmúrios apressados ao redor deles desapareceram.

— O que eu devia dizer? Você está me pedindo em casamento?

Esse era o melhor e o pior momento de sua vida. Percy sorriu para ele e colocou a mão dentro do bolso, tirando de lá uma caixinha em veludo delicada. E então, o pior veio, Percy se ajoelhou no chão cheio de farinha e açúcar, e abriu a tal caixinha, lhe mostrando que dentro havia dois anéis idênticos banhados a ouro e com um pequeno diamante no centro, um grande e o outro menor, com delicadas gravuras ao redor das alianças, os anéis tão delicados que Nico tinha medo de tocá-los.

— Você não pode estar falando sério!

— Eu comprei eles antes de você fugir para a Itália. Queria ter te contado antes. Tinha medo que isso fosse te afastar mais uma vez.

E sem pedir permissão, Percy segurou em sua mão e deslizou a menor das alianças em seu dedo anelar da mão direita.

— Esse anel é a prova do meu comprometimento e fidelidade a você. É a promessa que eu faço de sempre estar a seu lado e sempre dar o que você precisar e desejar. Não importa o que seja ou onde seja.

— Percy, para com isso! Agora mesmo! Você não quer isso. — Nico se afastou das mãos de Percy e tentou tirar o anel, se sentindo ansioso, mas não foi tirá-lo. Algo dentro dele o impediu.

— É claro que eu quero. Eu te amo. Quero passar o resto da minha vida com você. — Percy continuava sorrindo e continuava ajoelhado, como se pagasse por seus pecados em prece enamorada. Percy se arrastou de joelhos até estar novamente perto o suficiente para tocá-lo e ofereceu a caixinha a Nico, dizendo: — É sua vez de colocar em mim. Você aceita se casar comigo?

— Deuses! — Nico choramingou, aquele aperto no coração e quentura no peito se alastrando feito chamas infernais por suas veias. — Você vai se arrepender disso. Vai se arrepender tanto. Depois não me culpa pelo o que acontecer.

— Eu tomo toda a responsabilidade.

Fungando, Nico se ajoelhou também e fez o mesmo que Percy, colocou o anel no dedo anelar da mão direita de Percy e observou suas mãos juntas. Nem em seus sonhos mais selvagens Nico poderia imaginar algo assim.

— Satisfeito agora?

— E o meu beijo, hm?

Ainda se sentindo ansioso e trêmulo, Nico pulou no colo de Percy e o beijou com tudo o que ele tinha, sendo recebido pelos abraços fortes da pessoa que ele mais amava no mundo.

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Obrigada por ler! Sua presença é sempre um prazer.