Latest Posts by auroraescritora - Page 3

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

Sim, mais uma capítulo. Para compensar pela semana passada. Espero que vocês gostem.

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

Percy watched that boy and did nothing, he didn't move to give him what he deserved or try to call for help, he just witnessed that beautiful scene; Will at the foot of the stairs, fuming with rage while he hugged Nico tightly.

He rested his head on top of Nico's and in return, he heard Nico sigh softly, relaxing completely against Percy.

Even though he knew he shouldn't provoke people, it was something that was in his blood. He stroked Nico's back and then looked back at Will, smiling victoriously. He understood perfectly well what this would cause, it was obvious. If someone was touching what was his, as he was doing now, he would be furious too. And sure enough, Will came towards them, marching and huffing, Will puffed out his chest, preparing for battle, and stopped right in front of them, close enough for Percy to feel Will's rapid breathing on his face. Not pleasant.

"Let go of Nico, he doesn't belong to you!”

"Ohh!" Percy said, faking the happiness he didn't feel. "If he doesn't belong to me, does that mean he's yours?”

For real, that was a question that didn’t need an answer. Nico wasn’t someone’s thing. Anyway, that didn’t matter. The fact that was worth noting was that Nico gasped and pressed himself closer to him, hiding his face in his shoulder and muttering a “Please, someone kill me,” something Percy probably shouldn’t have heard. So he decided to ignore it.

"Let. Him. Go! Now!”

"What if I don't want to? You're going to scream some more, aren't you?" Percy shook his head, pretending to be disappointed and said: "You can curse me if you want. I promise to cry just for you. What do you think?”

“You fucking--!”

Percy peered over Nico's head at Will and nearly burst out laughing.

You know, it was pretty funny. A spoiled kid thinking that his angry puppy face pretending to be a fighting bull would scare anyone. And he thought he was the little wimp there. Live and learn, right? However, Will kept his promise, he came closer again and before Percy knew it, a punch was coming towards him, but because of the height difference it would hit Nico.

At the last moment, he turned around, putting Nico with his back to the wall and took another punch in his place, in the same spot where Hades had hit him. He barely felt the impact, but he knew that the next day the bruise would be much bigger than necessary.

"Per!" Nico gasped, seeming to come out of his stupor.

"It's okay, kitten." He smiled at Nico and stroked his long black hair. It didn't even hurt, he was sincere. But Nico didn't believe it. He raised his hand and massaged the place gently, making a cute grimace of sorrow.

"The skin is swollen. It even looks like a bump has formed!”

"It’s nothing. You don't need to--”

That was the moment when Hazel decided to appear, shaking the photo album and showing a specific page that they couldn't see from that direction.

"Percy, I found-- You again! What are you doing here?" She pointed at Will and crossed her arms.

Percy knew he liked her for a good reason.

"It's none of your business, Dwarf." Will said without paying attention to her.

Percy turned his head in time to see Will raising his fist once more, another punch coming his way.

"Is that so? Then, I'll call Lalá and Katty.”

Hazel whistled and two dogs appeared. They were two adult, trained German Shepherds.

"Bite." With a sweet smile on her face, was all Hazel said.

After that, everything happened very quickly. The dogs followed their owner's orders and went after Will, who ran away, disappearing faster than he had appeared.

***

"Percy, I found-- You! What are you doing here again?”

When Hazel appeared on the balcony was the moment he knew things were only going to get more complicated. She pointed at Will and crossed her arms, the photo album forgotten in her hands.

You know? That was the reason Will didn't come to their house anymore and that was also the reason they met at Will's work, hidden in some dark alley.

The truth was that things had been a bit strange between Will and his family ever since… well, ever since Will started acting so explosively. It wasn’t anyone’s fault, exactly, Will was too jealous, too bossy, sometimes it seemed like he was going to force him into something Nico didn’t want to do, and without him even realizing it. One moment they were talking and the next… they weren’t. Even though Will knew he wasn’t ready to take that step.

The thing was, Will used to be his friend, his first friend, and Nico didn't want to lose that friendship just because they weren't sexually compatible, even though Will insisted they were. He just... Nico just didn't feel that way about Will, maybe he never had. If it weren't for his father... it was hard to define if he ever loved Will or if it was the pressure from Hades putting everything on his shoulders; the problem was that Will was always there by his side, but maybe... maybe he shouldn't be anymore? Will definitely had other priorities now, like deciding who was the alpha male or marking his territory like a dog in heat.

"It's none of your business, Dwarf." Nico heard Will say, his voice sending shivers down his spine.

Nico didn't even want to see, he didn't want to hear either. Will spoke with so much anger, with so much hate... he didn't know who Will was anymore. The boy Nico knew was sweet and respectful, the best friend in the world. Now this mean, cruel and violent man? He had never heard Will speak like that to anyone, much less seen him raise his hand against anyone.

Shrinking against Percy's chest, Nico closed his eyes, ready to receive all the aggression that Will seemed to direct only at him.

"Is that so? Then I'll call Lalá and Katty.”

Hazel whistled and the two dogs appeared, the guard dogs that looked after their property, trained by Hades and Hazel since she was little.

"Bite." Hazel said and Nico relaxed, it was a relief not to have to deal with Will now.

Will ran away and finally Nico allowed himself to sigh and breathe, feeling safe with Percy around him.

"Nico, are you okay? What did he do?”

He looked to the side and there was the angel with black skin and golden eyes, she was so tall and so kind that most of the time Nico forgot that she was only eleven years old.

"It was nothing. You know, the usual.”

"If it were me, I would have already kicked his ass so hard that Will would never sit down again." She nodded, as though imagining the whole scene, and took Nico's hand, leading them inside the house.

Percy followed closely behind him, his hands guiding his back and making him feel good. That is, until they reached the dining room where everyone was still sitting, no one was drinking or eating like before, all of them looking at their forks or laps, avoiding looking at him, or almost; Hades was the exception. He had one of the most neutral expressions Nico had ever seen in his life.

"Come on, sit down. Finish eating.”

Nico looked at the plate and his stomach turned. The food must have gone cold and the wine made him want to vomit.

"No, thanks. I'll take Perc--”

"It was you? The one who called that boy here?" Hazel said, still standing at the entrance to the dining room. "Only you would do something like that.”

"Hazel, respect your father." Maria finally spoke. She muttered, standing up and walking around the table until she was in front of her daughter. "The important thing is that the problem has been solved.”

"Solved? What was solved? That man came in here again!”

“Hazel,” Hades murmured, scolding her. “You’re right. I talked to him. I thought Will had changed, that he was worried about Nico keeping him waiting last night. I didn’t ask him to come.”

"So, you admit it! You've been talking to him behind our backs!”

"Not exactly. Mr. Solace is the mayor, how could I not talk to them?”

"Is this all because of money? I don't believe it! Is that why Nico forces himself to put up with that daddy's boy son of a b****? Cause you would lose their political support? Ahg!" Hazel looked at her father in disgust and ran out of the room, but before she went, she turned around and said: "If you ever do that to me, I'll report you for mistreatment of minors. How could you do that to your own son?”

With that, Hazel ran up the stairs and from where they were, they could hear the door slam with a loud thud.

***

"Yeah, well…" He turned to Percy and ignored everything else, almost hiding back against the man's chest. Instead, he tried to smile and look apologetic. It probably didn't work. But he was surprised, Percy brought his hands to his face and wiped away the tears he hadn't even noticed were falling.

"No need to cry, it's okay.”

“I--”

"Really. It was my fault. You don't have to be sad about it. Hmm?" Percy smiled at him, showing that small smirk, and touched his hair, stroking it slowly, calming him with just a gentle gesture and sweet words.

Strangely reassured, Nico felt a weird sensation in the pit of his stomach and observed Percy's eyes, clear as the sea, firm and warm in his touch, determined, affectionate. He didn't know what to say, that gesture seemed more than a simple caress, its meaning expanding each time Percy did something like that; the gesture becoming more familiar and intimate than before. But Nico had promised, he wouldn't run away from his feelings. So he continued to look at him and let the moment drag on until the minutes passed and Will's memory slowly faded.

Percy just stood there with Nico, hugging him around the waist, massaging his hair and smiling at him.

“Are you okay?” Percy finally spoke, whispering close to his ear, like a secret.

Nico mumbled something back, something nonsensical. Percy smiled, his voice coming out in a deep cat-like purr, the laughter echoing through his chest and broad shoulders, making Nico feel it in his hands, still resting on Percy's shoulders.

"Do you want to come with me? I don't blame you. I would run away from here too if I could.”

Nico smiled at Percy. Yes, he found himself smiling. Nico smiled because it was the only thing to do at that moment, the only logical thing that would keep him sane; mostly, Nico smiled because that was the effect Percy had on him, even when the man acted like a jerk his reaction was to laugh, whether he was happy, angry or... something else, his reaction would always be that.

“I’ll walk you to the door?” Nico asked. He wouldn’t mind spending some more time with him. However, it was already dark and he didn’t want Percy to get home too late.

So Nico took him by the hand and led him along the path between the vegetations until they reached the wooden gate at the entrance to the property.

"Thanks for bearing with me. It was a fun night.”

"I bet." Nico muttered back.

Super fun.

Percy smiled at him and took a step back, preparing to leave when he stopped in his tracks and turned to Nico, now more sober.

"I was serious about you coming with me. For as long as you need.”

"I-- I can't. It wouldn't be..." The word Nico was looking for was "good" or "healthy," but what came out was something else. "...fair. You've done so much for me. I don't know how to thank you.”

"You don't have to. Never. I wouldn't ask for what you're not willing to give. And I don't expect you to give me anything back.”

Percy's response to his ears sounded ambiguous, with more meaning than he was ready to accept. So Nico just nodded and waited for Percy to walk away, looking down and feeling strangely disappointed, sensing that something was changing again and in such a short time. However, before Percy had completely walked away, Nico saw Percy coming back with hurried steps and… and he hadn't expected that.

Holding his breath, Nico saw Percy stop in front of him and... and hold his shoulder, watched those hands go up to his neck and stop there, firm and warm. It was then that Percy looked at him very closely and... and kissed his face, too close to his mouth and, at the same time, far away.

Percy pressed his mouth there for longer than necessary, massaging his hair, and slowly released him. Only then did Nico realize how possessive Percy's touch seemed, much more intense than the other times. Yes, this time Percy didn't smile, and neither did he do it. Percy looked at Nico as if memorizing his features and finally pulled away, hesitating.

"See you on Monday.”

Percy turned his back on him, got into his giant jeep and sped away. Before he knew it, Percy was long gone, leaving him with nothing but silence and his own thoughts, and maybe a little discomfort between his legs.

See you soon!

nobody warns you that writing makes you obsessed with hands. what are they doing? are they trembling? are they clenched? are they—

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Ah, but I have to tell him.”

“Bianca, I beg you!”

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

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

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

“Please.” Nico begged once more.

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

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

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

“One month. No, two--”

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

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

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

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

“No!” Nico said, defeated.

“Yes!” Hazel exclaimed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What… what was he doing?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“It's okay, we'll talk--”

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

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

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

“That's what you heard, old man.”

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

“Who do you think--”

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

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

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

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

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

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Nico? It's me, Percy.”

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

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

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

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

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

“Per…” Another hiccup and the first sniff.

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

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

“Do you want to talk?”

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

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

See you next time!

sorry for the vague-ish posts that aren’t inherently directed at anything nor are tethered to a single idea/fandom. I’ll probably post actual art later

So, hi! I really like your blog and i have a question: do you know some apps or "programs" (idk) for writers?

Hey, nonny! I’m glad you like the blog, and thanks for your question <3 

Here’s a huge list of some writing programs I found: 

FREE

FocusWriter

-designed to keep you focused and distraction-free

WriteMonkey

-writing and editing software to keep you focused

LibreOffice

-free alternative to Microsoft Office

Scribus

-formatting and publishing software

FreeMind

-mind-mapping and organizing program

Trello

-idea organization

Pocket

-pin pages to reference later

Twerds

-reminds you to write daily and tracks your writing

oTranscribe

-transcribes audio quickly and conveniently

Coffitivity

-a white noise player to help you focus

ZenPen

-minimalist writing software so you don’t get distracted

Power Thesaurus

-a crowdsourced thesaurus

Twinword Writer

-writing software with a built-in thesaurus

Cliché Finder

-finds the cliches in your writing

Calmly Writer

-an extremely simple interface to help you focus when writing

The Most Dangerous Writing App

-if you stop writing for more than about three seconds, it deletes everything you’ve written

PAID

Daily Page

-sends you a prompt every day to get you writing

ProWritingAid

-reviews and evaluates your writing for grammar and other mistakes

Blank Page

-a simple writing program that allows you to set goals for yourself

750 Words

-a writing interface that encourages you to write 750 words (about three pages) every day, and allows you to analyse your writing. my personal favourite. 

Ilys

-an interface where you can only see the last letter you wrote, to help cure writer’s block

I hope that helped you out! (Side note: most of the paid programs have free trials.) If you have another question, feel free to ask us! 

-Mod Gen

If you need advice on general writing or fanfiction, you should maybe ask us!

Comment on fanfics

A few days back on AO3 I found an unfinished, two chapter spideypool fanfic that was cute and had lots of potential and was also last updated two years ago. Two whole years! And it had only three comments, all of which on chapter one, none on chapter two. I enjoyed the fanfic, despite it being far, FAR from being finished and the chance of it ever updating again anytime soon was just about zero. So you know what I did?

I wrote a damn comment. On chapter two.

And I made sure that fucker was long and had a small theory of where I think the author would take the fanfic in the future. I let the person behind the fic know that I friggin LOVED the two chapters I got to read! That I would LOVE to see more! That I’d jump out of my skin in happiness and virtually hug them half to death if I saw that they updated it.

Let me remind you this fic wasn’t updated in two YEARS! I was the first to comment on it in a year. And the first to comment on chapter two! And you know what happened today?

I got a reply.

From the author of the fanfic. And the author said how I gave them life for a project they had loved (still did) and that they were now working on a third chapter. After two YEARS of not updating. Of not writing. And it makes me so friggin happy seeing what I did. What I caused.

With a single. Damn. Comment.

All that it took for me was to think a bit about what I wanted to tell the author and the comment it. All it took was one comment. And suddenly this person was inspired to continue a fanfic they had abandoned for TWO YEARS!!

I couldn’t be happier. I couldn’t be more proud.

Comment on people’s fanfics. No matter how few chapters there are. No matter how many years have passed since their last update. Comment. You like a fanfic? Comment on it. It’s that easy.

ShortStories - #1, #2 and #3

Hi, how are you? We have a new project! ShortStories, short stories starting at 500 words, something to keep me busy while I don't finish my other stories. I wasn't going to post them in English, but… why not? Here are the first few stories. The next story will be in the same text with the portuguese version.

There will be a new chapter on “Sitter's Love” later today.

ShortStory #1 - The payback (Cockhold+cheating)

For what seemed like the millionth time, he wriggled in his chair, trying to find a position that wasn't so uncomfortable. However, after almost two hours sitting in that wooden chair, he no longer had any hope of comfort. Will was in their bedroom, the place he and his husband shared. Well, not that night. And if Will were honest with himself, he could admit that Nico and he hadn't shared the same bed for many months.

Will was trying to be a good partner, trying to make amends for past mistakes, and that was the only reason he was in this situation. His surprise came when Nico, his husband of two years, discovered his betrayal. Or rather, informed him of it. The real surprise was knowing that Nico wanted Will to feel everything he had felt, and without a choice, Will agreed, of course. It was either that, or divorce, losing his best friend of the last twenty years.

Knowing that Nico wanted to pay him back was acceptable, but having to witness it in person was too much for him. Especially having to see a guy almost seven feet tall, holding Nico down and almost disappearing underneath him. Seeing Nico moaning like he had never moaned before was what was really unacceptable.

Will really didn't want to see it, he didn't even want to look in their direction. Although that was the deal. Will couldn't get up from that chair until Nico let him. But he couldn't help it, Nico moaned so loudly that Will had to look. And even from that distance, it was impossible not to notice the large, wet member, sliding in again and again, seeming to open Nico up even more with each movement, the small, delicate entrance now slightly swollen and pink, the legs spread wide and the spine curved, uninterrupted moans, almost grunts as the guy on top of Nico hinted that he wouldn't stop anytime soon, not until Nico begged for mercy.

Somehow, Nico still had time to mock him. For, every now and then, he would turn his head and look at Will, smiling as sweetly as ever, but moaning, as if this was the best day of his life, and say softly, “Now that you've seen how it's done, you can do it too.”

It made Will's heart leap, knowing that this wouldn't be the last time he'd see him having sex with this man in his house. Wiil loved him more than his sense of pride, and now that Nico had the power in their relationship, there was no stopping him.

And so it happened. Every weekend, Perseus came and used Nico as he pleased; he touched him, kissed him, fucked him and on one occasion, Percy put Nico over his lap and spanked him in front of him, the satisfied look on the man's face and Nico's sweet moans infuriating him a little more every minute. But if he had known that this was the beginning of the end, Will would have enjoyed his last moments, would have tried to convince Nico to stop.

From that day on, Perseus started going on dates with Nico, just the two of them, movies, dinners, romantic walks, motels.

How did he know that? The bills came in on his credit card, one bill more expensive than the next, descriptions indicating that they were traveling to neighboring towns or even plane tickets. But the times they were at home? He still heard the moans, Nico's crying, his sighs, and Perseus' laughter and grunts of pleasure. If that wasn't enough, he could hear them talking. Their future plans, what they were going to do for Nico's birthday and what clothes Nico should wear to the party Percy's mother was going to throw for him.

That was how Will had to put a stop to it, finding them on the sofa in the living room, Perseus on top of Nico, kissing him, his hands between Nico's legs, legs that were on Perseus' shoulder, three fingers moving deep inside Nico, only to see those fingers replaced by the member that Will admitted was bigger than his, entering slowly but sliding in smoothly, Nico closing his eyes and letting out another of those moans that would haunt him for the rest of his life.

There was nothing Will could do.

He left the living room and headed for his bedroom, sat at the foot of the bed and stared at the white wall next to his television, still listening to the moans, now the sounds of skin hitting skin intensifying and echoing around the apartment. All that remained was for him to call his lawyer.

Well, things happened faster than he thought they might. The following week, on a Tuesday, part of his furniture was gone along with all of Nico's things. The television that Nico loved so much, the sofa, some kitchen utensils and everything in Nico's room. He felt alone and couldn't blame anyone but himself.

ShortStory #2 - I know you want to (cheating + blowjob + babysitter)

“I know you want to.” Nico said, without even hesitating.

Kneeling at his feet and staring at him with the most innocent eyes Percy had ever seen, the boy who was old enough to be his son, rested his hands on his lap and moistened his lips, he opened his mouth and stuck out his tongue, inviting Percy to come closer to him.

How could Percy resist, faced with this vision that had been recurring in his darkest dreams, and that was now presented to him on a golden platter? How could he look away from that plump, red mouth, the long, elegant neck and the slender body that was finally exactly where Percy wanted it most? And since Nico was already on his knees in front of him, without Percy even having to ask, still looking at him with that deceptive expression of innocence and shyness, Percy wouldn't miss the opportunity he was being given.

Before he did anything stupid, Percy closed his eyes, trying to think through the fog of lust that was overtaking him. Gods! What was he doing? Or rather, what was he about to do? Percy never thought Nico would be capable of doing something like this, he was his sweet young babysitter, the little boy he had seen growing up, running around with the other children, always smiling at him and stopping in front of his house to talk to him. But now, the immaculate image of the little boy with the olive skin and deep black eyes was transformed, and all Percy wanted was to touch Nico, it was all he had wanted since Nico had started working for him and his wife, noticing how the shy little boy had become a man, handsome and tall, always helpful and available, no matter when he and his wife needed his babysitting services.

“Please, sir. I... I want... I know your wife doesn't touch you anymore. Please, I can show you that I'm better than her.”

Percy was beginning to suspect that Nico was right. Annabeth had no interest in sex, and he had no interest in having sex with her. That didn't make what was about to happen any better or right. Although he didn't need to worry about being caught, his wife wouldn't be back from her trip until next week, probably longer than that if he knew her, and his children were upstairs, sound asleep by now. If they acted quickly and were quiet, he was sure no one would know.

“Are you sure about this?” Percy couldn't help himself and reached out, touching Nico's face, soft and velvety, letting his fingers slide over Nico's cheekbones and then touching his lips, fingering the outline of them, which opened once more, Nico's tongue coming out and meeting his fingertips, sucking them leisurely, staring at him, as if challenging him.

Well, Nico hadn't used words, but the gesture was more than enough. Percy couldn't keep a sigh from escaping his mouth when he finally unzipped his pants, pulling his hard member out of his underwear. Percy massaged the length for a few moments before guiding it towards the lips that were still waiting for him, wet and open, Nico gasping slightly.

In the end, letting Nico wrap his member around those soft lips and suck on it for long minutes had been one of the easiest decisions of his life, and when he finally reached Nico's throat after a few moments, feeling him choke slightly, his second easiest decision came too; Percy grabbed Nico's hair and let himself go in and out, watching Nico's dark eyes water, fixed on him, while Nico, now with his lips relaxed around him, swallowed around Percy and touched his own member, small and wet, Percy feeling Nico shudder and moan, enraptured by the scene he was seeing. 

ShortStory #3 - Just married (fingering+orgasm denial+chastity)

Nico woke up that morning, slowly. First there were the soft rays of sunlight coming through the blinds, then, broad shoulders against his back, arms encircling his hips and finally, he felt fingers sliding between his legs, gentle, even if the feel of them left a rough, warm track by his exploration, briefly navigating over his tightly locked member and finally reaching his entrance, rubbing gently, making Nico shudder just at the delicate touch around the slightly wrinkled entrance, his muscles still relaxed from last night.

Nico responded immediately, and in the only way he could, the way Percy had taught him. He groaned against the pillows and remained exactly as he was, the way Percy had positioned him on the bed; lying on his side, facing the bedroom wall, legs slightly apart, relaxed against the sheets. In fact, this was one of the most comfortable positions for them. For Nico, it was the lack of any kind of discomfort or pain, for Percy, free and unimpeded access, no matter what Percy had planned for that moment.

He arched his back and gripped the pillow, trying to breathe slowly, feeling Percy's fingers finally apply a little more pressure, still without penetrating him, rubbing around and sliding in a little just to withdraw again with those circular movements around, although it was the right pressure and the perfect rhythm, driving him a little crazier with each movement.

But it was all right, because this was a special moment, the first day of the rest of their lives, their first day as a married couple. And after going the whole night without having an orgasm, months in fact, Percy had kept him locked up for the entire engagement period, as the proof of fidelity Percy had asked of him.

At first Nico hadn't seen a problem, they'd dated for three years, two months without cumming in the way he was used to didn't seem too difficult. What he soon discovered was that it meant not having an orgasm at all.

Nico admitted that their relationship had changed completely, but if he could be honest, they had just taken it a step further, as if they were testing the likelihood of their marriage actually working out.

It wasn't a surprise exactly, perhaps at most it was the consequence of what would happen sooner or later.

He had always been more... quiet and reserved, while Percy liked to take charge and do things his way, if possible, Percy would take matters into his own hands.

Deep down, it was the main reason that brought them together and kept them connected for so long; three years of dating and two months of engagement.

So, when Percy asked, Nico obeyed, discovering that cumming... wasn't even that important. Of course, that was the gateway to other things happening, things he didn't even hesitate to do, and only because he trusted Percy with all his heart, soul and body.

Still, Percy didn't need to torture him like that, in fact, he didn't need to torture him for two months straight, relentlessly and mercilessly, and no matter how much Nico begged, just once, just one orgasm, the key to the cage remained hidden or around Percy's neck, mocking him, even if Percy made up for it by always being around, asking for his opinion on something that in the end Percy would have the last word on, or by his touch that every day became more intense and permanent, like a mark becoming more visible and vibrant.

Nico swore, he was trying to be a good boy, just like Percy liked, the most obedient and the most patient, he swore, but... he felt something in his chest, something that squeezed his throat and choked him; he wanted to wait a little longer, he tried to hold this feeling inside, but he felt that he was about to cross a line, he would cross a limit that Nico didn't know he had and only realized when he first met Percy one Saturday morning in an expensive, gourmet diner, seeing a tall, smiling man flirting with the waitress.

He couldn't hold back the next moan, a gasping whimper that stole his breath when, finally, feeling himself tense up, Percy massaged around for a few more moments and inserted two fingers inside him. Nico felt his head spin for a moment and spread his legs wider, he loved to come while he was being penetrated, and he felt that feeling of completion come faster than ever.

As Percy's fingers went deeper and became more energetic, the more Nico lost control of his body. But this had never happened before, as if he was going to come even with the cage, a tight, suffocating piece of metal around his member that didn't even allow him to get hard, something that Nico had thought impossible until a few months ago. But then Percy stopped moving his fingers, pulling him even closer, as Nico prepared to finally explode, saying:

“I thought you were too tired to continue.”

“I'm sorry, I...” Nico didn't know what to do. Percy usually didn't ask questions that required him to actually think. The worst thing was that Percy didn't even sound mean or merciless, as he sometimes did; it was an almost curious, exploratory tone, as if Percy knew something he didn't and wanted Nico to find out for himself.

“I...” Nico didn't know what the right answer was. Usually, he would know. Percy wasn't even giving him a clue. Sometimes Nico felt bad about it, guilty for some reason, it was strange to feel that his opinion didn't matter and that his only duty was to fulfill his owner's wishes. He didn't even know why he was thinking about it now, things had always been like this, even though neither of them had expressed it in words, they were both comfortable and their relationship had worked that way from the start. So why, exactly when he was already married, were these thoughts haunting him?

When Nico didn't answer, Percy grabbed his hair and made him face Percy with a tug that brought stars to his eyes, making his mind go blank for a few moments and his thoughts quickly disappear.

“I asked you a question.” Percy whispered in his ear, hoarse and in control.

For a long moment, all Nico could do was close his eyes and whimper, confused.

“It's not that hard. I asked if you deserve it, not if you want it.”

“No, sir. I don't deserve it!”

“Hmm, that's right. You don't deserve it.”

Percy moved his fingers inside him again, and it felt even worse, somehow Nico felt himself becoming even more sensitive to Percy's touches, feeling those fingers opening him up again even more slowly than before, twisting and fingering around, one of his hands holding him around the waist, Percy's calm, contained breathing against his ear.

“I know you want to come, baby. That's better for you. You'll get used to it in a few more days. If you need to, just tell me and I'll make it all better. Isn't that nice, hm?”

Percy was right. He had never felt so much pleasure like he had in the last two months, and in fact, he felt so much pleasure that he thought he was going to explode with the need to come and to allow that pleasure to flow out of him.

Nico could still remember the first time he had come with Percy, it had been perfect, a sensation that seemed to come from deep inside him and emerge through his spine, long and intense, that left him satisfied like nothing else had ever been able to do. But now, it was the opposite, it was something that remained on the surface of his skin and that didn't let him think about anything other than Percy, his touch and his voice, when he would finally be allowed to feel that sensation again.

“Shh, don't cry. I promise it'll get better.”

He wasn't crying!

“Shhh, it's okay. See?”

Nico knew what was coming and yet he moaned, sobbing as if his mother had died a second time. Percy replaced his fingers with his member, rubbing the big head against his entrance, penetrating him on the first try. He... he really loved feeling Percy fill him like this, without warning or permission, making him take every inch until he couldn't go any deeper.

“There. My baby is so obedient. Just a little bit more, okay?”

“Hm?”

He thought he had moaned again, like a purr, something that made Percy laugh right next to his ear, for some reason embarrassing him, making the familiar feeling of humiliation crawl up his spine and lodge in his brain like a worm.

“That's perfect, baby. Just a little longer.”

Percy took hold of one of his legs and slipped one of his between Nico's thighs, changing the position, allowing for a deeper penetration.

“Are you ready?”

Ready for what?, Nico wanted to ask. That is, he would have if Percy had given him time.

At first Nico didn't understand what was happening, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Percy began to move, hitting that little spot that always made him tremble, but something seemed... seemed different. Percy let go of his legs and his hands slid up his thighs and towards his abdomen, massaging gently, making Nico understand that Percy was touching the very member that was inside Nico, making the bulge there more evident. However, what really surprised him was that Percy's other hand went up and up, past his nipples and stopped at his neck, his fingers holding him firmly there.

For a moment, Percy stopped moving and Nico felt like he had stopped breathing, and when he did nothing more than gasp, still feeling Percy's fingers around his neck, Percy started moving again. It felt good at first, Percy seeming to reach for his prostate with every movement and the hand around his neck comforting him in some twisted way, but then something changed, and he was moaning like he'd never moaned before; he'd swapped places with a rag doll who had only one duty, to moan and be obedient. The hand around his neck tightened, just a little, the member inside seemed to go deeper and hit him harder, drawing gasping sobs from him.

“Just a little bit more, baby.” Percy whispered in his ear, again and again, the sound of their bodies meeting insistently. With each word and each precise movement, Nico felt his mind emptying, felt Percy's fingers taking his air, until all that was left was the sound of Percy's voice against his ear and the sensation of eternal pleasure that transformed him into this rag doll with no life or will of his own.

“Look at that, baby.”

Percy grabbed his hair and turned his head in the right direction. Nico looked down at his own lap, at his member trapped by the cage that was now stuffed, and in the central hole, he could see what Percy could also see. He was cumming, or something close to it, with every movement of Percy's hips, a liquid overflowed from his member in weak jets between long intervals of seconds. Nico felt... felt his soul leaving his body with each of these jets, nothing reminiscent of an orgasm, but similar to the months trapped inside the cage, only now intense and painful, something that made him lose the rest of his sanity.

“Fuck, baby. I'm so proud. Fuck!”

Nico didn't understand exactly what was happening, only that he had to close his eyes to feel himself leaking a little more, while Percy held him tighter in his arms, finally sighing and stopping his movement, still inside Nico.

“I love you, baby.”

“I love you more.” Nico answered, because it was the one thing he had no doubt about.

So, what did you think? I even thought about continuing the third story, but then that would go against the purpose of the project. Maybe I can continue it in the future? Let me know what you think!

ShortStory #3 – Recém Casados (fingering+orgasm denial+chastity)

Oiiii, como vai? Calma que logo vem novos episódios na fics em andamento. Só que eu estava com vontade de escrever algo diferente, algo que eu ainda não me apeguei. E aqui está, 2 mil palavras. Não sei se é exatamente uma shortstory, mas espero que vocês gostem.

Nico acordou naquela manhã, lentamente. Primeiro foram os suaves raios de sol que escapavam pelas persianas, depois, ombros largos contra suas costas, braços que rodeavam seus quadris e então, sentiu dedos deslizarem entre suas pernas, gentis, ainda que a sensação deles deixasse um rastro áspero e quente em seu explorar, navegando brevemente por seu membro fortemente preso e enfim chegando a sua entrada, roçando suavemente, fazendo Nico estremecer apenas com o toque delicado ao redor da entrada levemente enrugada, seus músculos ainda relaxados da noite passada.

Nico respondeu imediatamente, e da única forma que ele poderia responder, do jeito que Percy havia lhe ensinado. Ele gemeu contra os travesseiros e permaneceu exatamente como estava, do jeito que Percy tinha o posicionado da cama; deitado de lado, encarando a parede do quarto, pernas ligeiramente afastadas, relaxado contra os lençóis. De fato, essa era uma das posições mais confortáveis para eles. Para Nico, era a falta de qualquer tipo de desconforto ou dor, para Percy, o acesso livre e desimpedido, não importava o que Percy tinha planejado para aquele momento.

Ele curvou as costas e agarrou o travesseiro, tentando respirar lentamente, sentindo os dedos de Percy finalmente aplicarem um pouco mais de pressão, ainda sem penetrá-lo, esfregando ao redor e deslizando um pouquinho para dentro para logo em seguida, voltar a se retirar com aqueles movimentos circulares ao redor, embora fosse a pressão certo e o ritmo perfeito, o enlouquecendo um pouco a mais a cada movimento.

Mas estava tudo bem, porque aquele era um momento especial, o primeiro dia do resto de suas vidas, o primeiro dia como casados. E depois de passar a noite inteira sem ter um orgasmo, na verdade, meses, Percy o mantendo preso durante o período de noivado inteiro, como uma prova de fidelidade que Percy havia pedido a ele. No começo Nico não tinha visto nenhum problema, eles tinham namorado durante três anos, dois meses sem gozar da forma que ele estava acostumado, não pareceu muito difícil. O que logo ele descobriu, ignificou não ter nenhum orgasmo.

Nico admitia que a relação deles tinham mudado completamente, mas se ele pudesse ser sincero, eles tinham apenas dado um passo a diante, como se estivessem testando a probabilidade do casamento deles realmente dar certo. Não foi uma surpresa exatamente, talvez no máximo fosse a consequência do que cedo ou tarde aconteceria. Ele sempre tinha sido mais... quieto e reservado, enquanto Percy gostava de tomar as rédeas da situação e fazer as coisas do jeito dele, se possível, Percy executaria tudo com as próprias mãos. Bem no fundo, foi o principal motivo que os uniu e os manteve juntos por tanto tempo; três anos de namoro e dois meses de noivado. Então, quando Percy pediu, Nico obedeceu, descobrindo que gozar... nem era tão importante assim. É claro que essa foi a porta de entrada para outras coisas aconteceram, coisas que ele nem mesmo hesitou em fazer, e só porque confiava em Percy, com toda sua alma, coração e corpo.

Ainda assim, Percy não precisava torturá-lo desse forma, de fato, ele não precisava o torturar por dois meses seguidos, implacável e impiedoso, e não importava o quanto Nico implorasse, só uma vez, só um orgasmo, a chave da gaiola permaneceu escondida ou ao redor do pescoço de Percy, zombando dele, mesmo que Percy compensasse por sempre estar por perto, pedindo a opinião dele em algo que no fim Percy daria a última palavra ou em seu toque que a cada dia se tornavam mais intensos e permanente, como se uma marca se tornasse mais visível e vibrante.

Nico jurava que estava tentando ser um bom garoto, exatamente como Percy gostava, o mais obediente e o mais paciente, ele jurava, mas... sentia algo em seu peito, algo que apertava sua garganta e o sufocava; ele queria esperar mais um pouco, tentava segurar essa sensação dentro de si, mas sentia que estava prestes a passar de limite, um limite que Nico não sabia que tinha e apenas se deu conta disso quando conheceu Percy em uma manhã de sábado em uma lanchonete gourmetizada e cara, vendo um homem alto e sorridente, flertando com a garçonete.

Ele não conseguiu conter o próximo gemido, um choramingo arfado que roubou seu ar quando, enfim, se sentindo ficar tenso, Percy massageou ao redor por mais alguns momentos e inseriu dois dedos dentro dele. Nico sentiu sua cabeça girar por momento e abriu mais as pernas, ele amava gozar enquanto estava sendo penetrado, e ele sentia aquela sensação de completude vir mais rápido do que nunca. Conforme os dedos de Percy se aprofundavam e se tornavam mais energéticos, mais Nico perdia o controle de seu corpo. Mas isso nunca tinha acontecido antes, como se ele fosse gozar mesmo com a gaiola, um pedaço de metal apertado e sufocante ao redor de seu membro que nem algo menos o permitia ficar ereto, algo que até alguns meses atras Nico pensava sem impossível. Mas, então, Percy parou de mover os dedos, o puxando para mais perto ainda, enquanto Nico se preparava para finalmente explodir, dizendo:

“Pensei que você estava muito cansado para continuar.”

“Sinto muito, eu..." Nico não sabia o que fazer. Geralmente Percy não fazia perguntas que exigissem que ele realmente respondesse. O pior é que Percy nem ao menos soava maldoso ou impiedoso, como as vezes ele fazia; era um tom quase curioso, exploratório, como Percy soubesse de algo que ele não sabia e queria que Nico descobrisse o que era por si mesmo.

"Eu..." Nico não sabia qual era a resposta certa. Geralmente, ele saberia. Nem mesmo uma pista Percy estava dando a ele. Às vezes, Nico se sentia mal com isso, culpado por algum motivo, era estranho sentir que sua opinião não tinha importância e que seu único dever era satisfazer os desejos de seu dono. Ele nem sabia por que estava pensando nisso agora, as coisas sempre tinham sido assim, ainda que nenhum deles tenha expressado em palavras, ambos estavam confortáveis e o relacionamento dele funcionou dessa forma desde o princípio. Então, porque, justamente quando ele já tinha se casado, esses pensamentos o assombravam?

Quando Nico não respondeu, Percy agarrou seus cabelos e o fez encará-lo com um puxão que trouxe estrelas a seus olhos, fazendo sua mente ficar em branco por alguns momentos e seus esses pensamentos desaparecerem rapidamente.

"Eu fiz uma pergunta." Percy murmurou ao pé de seu ouvido, rouco e no controle.

Por longos momento tudo o que Nico foi capaz de fazer foi fechar os olhos e choramingar, confuso.

"Não é tão difícil assim. Eu perguntei se você merece e não se você quer."

"Não, senhor. Eu não mereço!"

"Hmm, isso mesmo. Você não merece."

Percy voltou a mover os dedos dentro dele, e isso parecia ainda pior, de alguma forma Nico se sentia ficar ainda mais sensível aos toques de Percy, sentindo aqueles dedos voltarem a abri-los ainda mais devagar do que antes, girando e dedilhando ao redor, uma de suas mãos o segurando pela cintura, a respiração calma e contida de Percy contra seu ouvido.

"Sei que você quer gozar, bebê. Assim é melhor. Você vai se acostumar em mais alguns dias. Se precisar, é só me dizer que vou fazer tudo ficar melhor. Não é mais gostoso assim, hm?

Percy estava certo. Ele nunca havia sentido tanto prazer como nesses últimos dois meses, e de fato, ele sentia tanto prazer que achava que iria explodir com a necessidade de gozar e de permitir que esse prazer escorresse para fora dele.

Nico ainda podia se lembrar da primeira vez que gozou com Percy, tinha sido perfeito, uma sensação que pareceu vir do fundo seu corpo e emergir através de sua espinha, longo e intenso, que a deixou satisfeito como nada antes foi capaz de fazer. Mas, agora, era o contrário, era algo que permanecia na superfície de sua pele e que não o deixava pensar em nada que não fosse em Percy, em seu toque e sua voz, em quando ele finalmente seria permitido sentir essa sensação novamente.

"Shh, não chore. Eu prometo que vai melhorar."

Ele não estava chorando!

"Shhh, tudo bem. Viu?"

Nico sabia o que estava por vir e mesmo assim gemeu, soluçando como se sua mãe tivesse morrido uma segunda vez. Percy substituiu seus dedos por seu membro, roçando a cabeçona contra sua entrando, o penetrando na primeira tentativa. Ele... ele realmente amava sentir Percy o preencher assim, sem aviso ou permissão, o fazendo tomar cada centímetro até que não fosse possível ir mais fundo.

"Pronto. Meu bebê é tão obediente. Só mais um pouquinho, sim?"

"Hm?" Ele achava que tinha gemido de novo, parecido com um ronronar, algo que fez Percy rir bem ao pé de sua orelha, por algum motivo o constrangendo, fazendo a familiar sensação de humilhação subir por sua coluna e se alojar em seu cérebro, feito um verme.

"Assim, perfeito, bebê. Só mais um pouco."

Percy segurou em uma de suas pernas e enfiou uma das suas entre as coxas de Nico, mudando a posição, permitindo uma penetração mais profunda.

"Você está pronto?"

Pronto para o quê?, Nico queria ter perguntado. Isso é, ele teria se Percy tivesse lhe dado tempo.

No começo Nico não entendeu o que estava acontecendo, nada parecia fora do normal. Percy começou a se mover, acertando aquele lugarzinho que sempre o fazia estremecer, mas algo parecia... parecia diferente. Percy largou de suas pernas e suas mãos deslizaram por suas coxas, subindo e indo em direção a seu abdômen, massageando suavemente, fazendo Nico entender que Percy estava tocando o próprio membro que estava dentro dele Nico, fazendo o volume ali ficar mais evidente. Entretanto, o que realmente o surpreendeu foi ver que a outra mão de Percy subia e subia, passando por seus mamilos e parando em seu pescoço, seus dedos o segurando firme ali.

Por um momento, Percy parou de se mover e Nico sentir que tinha parado de respirar, e quando ele não fez mais nada do que arfar, ainda sentindo os dedos de Percy ao redor de seu pescoço, Percy voltou a se mover. Foi ao gostoso a princípio, Percy parecendo tentar alcançar sua próstata a cada movimento e a mão ao redor de seu pescoço o confortando de alguma forma distorcida, mas, então, alguma coisa mudou e ele estava gemendo como nunca tinha gemido antes; ele tinha trocado de lugar com uma boneca de panos que tinha apenas um dever, gemer e ser obediente. A mão ao redor de seu pescoço se apertou, só um pouquinho, o membro dentro pareceu ir mais fundo e acerta—lo com mais força, arrancando soluços arfados dele.

“Assim, só mais um pouquinho, bebê.” Percy sussurrou em seu ouvido, de novo e de novo, o barulho de seus corpos se encontrando insistentemente. A cada palavra e cada movimento certeiro, Nico sentia sua mente se esvaziando, sentia os dedos de Percy tirando seu ar, até que só restasse o som da voz de Percy contra seu ouvido e a sensação do eterno prazer que o transformava nessa boneca de panos sem vida ou vontades próprias.

“Olha pra isso, bebê.”

Percy segurou em seus cabelos e direcionou sua cabeça na direção certa. Nico olhava para o próprio colo, para seu membro preso pela gaiola que agora estava estufada, e no furo central, ele podia ver o que Percy também via. Ele estava gozando, ou algo que chegava perto disso, a cada movimento dos quadris de Percy, um líquido transbordava de seu membro em jatos fracos entre longos intervalos de segundos. Nico sentia... sentia sua alma abandonando seu corpo a cada um desses jatos, nada que lembrasse um orgasmo, porém, semelhante aos meses preso dentro da gaiola, só que agora intenso e doloroso, algo que o fez perder o resto da sanidade que ainda lhe restava.

“Porra, bebê. Estou tão orgulhoso. Porra!”

Nico não entendia exatamente o que estava acontecendo, apenas que ele teve que chegar os olhos se sentindo esvaziar mais um pouco, enquanto Percy o apertava mais em seus braços, enfim suspirando e parando de seu mover, ainda inserido dentro de Nico.

“Eu te amo, bebê.”

“Te amo mais.” Nico respondeu, porque era a única coisa que ele não tinha dúvida alguma.

E então, gostaram? Tudo isso para evitar de escrever as outras histórias porque não quero me despedir da "Não há lugar como o lar". De qualquer forma, me diverti e eu até poderia fazer uma continuação, mas é melhor me limitar as minhas WIPS. Até logo!

ShortStory #2 – Eu sei que você quer (traição+blowjob+babá)

Oii, como vai? Então.... vou precisar dar uma parada nas postagens para descansar. A boa notica é que em fevereiro estamos de volta. Eu também escrevi um shortstory para me desculpar. Espero que vocês gostem! 18+!

“Eu sei que você quer.” Nico disse, sem nem ao menos hesitar.

De joelhos a seus pés e o encarando com os olhos mais inocentes que Percy já tinha visto, o garoto que tinha idade para ser seu filho, repousou as mãos sobre o próprio colo e umedeceu os lábios, ele abriu a boca e colocou a língua para fora, convidando Percy a se aproximar dele.

Como Percy poderia resistir, justo diante dessa visão que vinha se repetindo em seus sonhos mais sombrios, e que agora se apresentava a ele numa bandeja de ouro? Como ele poderia desviar os olhos daquela boquinha avermelhada e carnuda, do pescoço longo e elegante, e do corpo esguio que finalmente estava exatamente onde Percy mais queria? E já que Nico já estava de joelhos a sua frente, sem Percy nem ter que pedir, ainda olhando para ele com aquela enganadora expressão de inocência e timidez, Percy não perderia a oportunidade que estava sendo dada a ele.

Antes de fazer alguma besteira, Percy fechou os olhos, tentando raciocinar sobre a nevoa de luxúria que o tomava. Deuses! O que ele estava fazendo? Ou melhor, o que estava prestes a fazer? Percy nunca pensou que Nico fosse capaz de fazer algo assim, ele era seu doce e jovem babá, o garotinho que ele viu crescer, correndo por aí com as outras crianças, sempre sorrindo para ele e parando em frente à sua casa para falar com ele. Mas, agora, a imagem imaculada do garotinho de pele oliva e profundos olhos negros se transformava, e tudo o que Percy queria era tocar em Nico, era tudo o que ele queria desde que Nico começou a trabalhar para ele e sua esposa, notando como o garotinho tímido tinha se tornado um homem, bonito e alto, sempre prestativo e disponível, não importava qual fosse o momento que ele e sua esposa precisariam de seus serviços como babá.

“Por favor, senhor. Eu... eu quero... sei que a sua esposa não te toca mais. Por favor, eu posso te mostrar que sou melhor do que ela.”

Percy começava a desconfiar que Nico estava certo. Annabeth não tinha interesse em sexo, ele não tinha interesse em ter sexo com ela. O que não tornava o que estava prestes a acontecer melhor ou certo. Embora ele não precisasse se preocupar em seu pego, sua esposa só voltaria de viagem na próxima semana, provavelmente demorasse mais tempo do que isso se ele a conhecesse, e seus filhos estavam no andar de cima, há essa hora dormindo profundamente. Se eles agissem rápido e fossem silenciosos, tinha certeza que ninguém saberia.

"Você tem certeza disso?" Percy não consegui evitar e estendeu a mão, tocando no rosto de Nico, macio e aveludado, deixando que seus dedos deslizassem pelas maçãs do rosto de Nico e então tocou seus lábios, dedilhando o contorno deles que se abriram mais uma vez, a língua de Nico saindo e se encontrando com a ponta de seus dedos, os chupando sem pressa, o encarando, como se o desafiasse.

Bem, Nico não tinha usado palavras, mas o gesto era mais do que suficiente. Percy não conseguiu evitar que um suspiro escapasse de sua boca quando enfim abriu o zíper de suas calças, puxando seu membro duro para fora de sua cueca. Percy massageou o falo durante alguns momentos antes de guiá-lo em direção aos lábios que ainda o esperavam molhado e abertos, Nico arfando levemente.

No fim, deixar que Nico envolvesse seu membro com aqueles lábios macios e o chupasse por longos minutos, tinha sido uma das decisões mais fáceis de sua vida, e quando ele finalmente alcançou a garganta de Nico depois de algumas momentos, o sentindo engasgar levemente, sua segunda decisão mais fácil também veio; Percy agarrou nos cabelos de Nico e se deixou levar naquele vai e vem, observando os olhos negros de Nico lacrimejarem, fixos nele, enquanto Nico, agora com os lábios relaxados ao redor dele, engolia ao redor de Percy e tocava o próprio membro, pequeno e molhado, Percy sentindo Nico estremecer e gemer, extasiado pela cena que via.

E então, educativo, não? Brincadeiras a parte, foi interessante, fazia tempo que eu não escrevia algo assim, então, valeu apena. Espero que você tenham se divertido.

Até logo!

WIPS in my notes app:

Do you want to know about my WIPS? You're talking to the right person! Because I hardly ever finish my stories (although I'm 10% short of finishing one). Now, I don't know about the titles being interesting. But here they are! (I'm die hard Percy/Nico writer)

Sitter's Love (A nanny that needs money for college, ends up falling in love with the dad of the kids)

There's Nothing Like home (A boy who retorns home, who is eternaly in love by his bestfried)

Secrets (A story in Portuguese about two boys who were raised in the same house as brothers, but who are definitely not)

Mandatory service (Story in Portuguese based on a world where everyone is either submissive or a dominant)

I could stay here forever, but I think it's just enough!🤣🤣🤣🤣

@perryjackpott @chubbybunny25 @lucemondlover

Help, I'm being bullied by the elderly--

tagged by @jellyfishjuliet

Rules: make a new post with the names of all the files in your wip folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, and then post a little snippet or tell them something about it! and then tag as many people as you have wips or close enough, idk, I'm not a cop

"Bury a Friend"

"A Light At The End"

"Prince of Witches"

"Checking In"

"Trinity: A Midsummer's Nightmare"

"No Return (Last Chapter Woo!)"

"Angel of Small Death" (Mature. I mean...cause yeah--)

i tag the following: @authenticaussie @shadowuserannie @paladin-of-nerd-fandom65 @zorilleerrant Woe! violence upon ye as well!

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter X, Chapter XI, Chapter XII e Chapter XIII

Hi, how are you? Today we have a few more chapters, over six thousand words. I hope you enjoy it.

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

Chapter X

A few chapters earlier…

“It’s the least I can do,” Percy said, forcing Nico to accept the money. He saw Nico’s face tighten, creating a cute grimace.

He couldn't help himself. Percy swore he tried to stay serious to show that his intentions were honest, but just looking at Nico made him smile. The little boy was so innocent that Percy almost couldn't resist the urge to pinch those cheeks that seemed to have a redder tone than normal.

No, that wasn't what he meant. No, it was about the money; the right thing to do was to replace what Nico had spent.

"Sir, I can't--”

“Actually, where did you buy that food? It must have been very expensive.”

Nico didn't answer him, he just took another step back and staggered. The boy closed his eyes and took a deep breath, probably not even realizing what he was doing, because while Nico was walking backwards he accidentally got closer to Percy, almost leaning against his chest. Nico crossed his arms and hesitated, tripping over his own feet.

"Nico? Are you okay?" He worried.

Giving up on respecting Nico's space, Percy grabbed him by the shoulders, keeping him standing, finding his attitude strange.

"I'm sorry. I have to go.”

"You're not even going to tell me where you bought the food?" 

And what was he sorry for?

"I… went… went to a restaurant… that sells homemade lunch boxes… in the city center.”

Percy paused for a moment, afraid to let him leave in this state, and asked, "Do you need a ride?"

Nico nodded, but he remained standing where he was. He didn't pull away from Percy for touching him without permission or blush, nor did he say a word. Nico didn't even seem to be breathing. It was when the boy collapsed in front of him that Percy's heart nearly jumped out of his throat. If it weren't for him being so close, Nico would have hit his head on the edge of the table.

“Dad!” Percy heard Alice scream and a whimper came from Logan. They rushed around the table and helped Nico sit in the chair, carefully supporting him against the back.

"Dad. Nico isn't breathing! He's not breathing!”

"Is he going to die?" Logan said and Percy for a moment didn't know what to do.

He tried to touch Nico's face, shook him gently, and even patted his pale cheek twice, but nothing happened. Nico remained motionless, passed out in his arms, growing a little paler than before, looking like he would stay that way. Then, in a flash, Percy remembered that Tyson, his younger brother, had had an asthma attack as a child; one of the few things that had helped was talking to him and encouraging him to breathe, calming him down, if Percy could.

"Stay calm, okay?" Percy told them and, contrary to what he wanted to do, he stood up with Nico and hugged him, keeping their chests together.

"Nico, pay attention to me. Can you hear me? Breathe with me.”

Percy grabbed the back of Nico's head and kept his back straight as he breathed as slowly as he could, trying to set an example. Nico looked like he was in pain, a grimace fixed on his face, but his mouth was open struggling to breathe. Relieved, Percy held Nico's neck up for better oxygenation and massaged his back, whispering softly so the boy wouldn't be startled. His skin was so cold and sweaty that Percy feared the worst. When Nico finally took a deep breath it was like a weight had been lifted off his back.

“Again." He said.

Nico obeyed like the good boy he was, taking a long breath and then letting it out even more slowly. Of course, it was at that moment when he thought the danger had passed that Nico just… relaxed, relaxed so much that his head rested on Percy's shoulder and his body leaned completely against his. Well, leaning wasn't the best word to describe it. It was more like collapsing, as if someone had cut the strings of a puppet and it had fallen, just like that, lifeless.

Percy held Nico’s face again and only then did he calm down, seeing that Nico was breathing normally and the grimace of pain had disappeared, replaced by one of happiness and contentment.

“Daddy, is he going to be okay?” Logan asked beside him once more, his childish voice sounding scared.

"Shhh… don't worry. Everything is okay now.”

***

“Do you feel better?” Percy sat up in bed with Nico and finally saw him opening his eyes. Nico seemed a little dazed and slow, looking around, but at least Nico was moving, leaning gently on his shoulder, his small hands around Percy’s neck, limp and lifeless.

Percy couldn't resist the temptation and touched Nico's face, turning him towards him. Nico didn't seem to mind the contact, and in fact, he lowered his face and rubbed himself against Percy's hand, like a needy kitten. The important thing was that it had worked, Nico was now looking at him and seemed more attentive, although he hadn't completely returned to normal yet. Percy adjusted him better and held his back, not letting him look away until Nico answered him.

"Hm." He finally said.

Well, it was more like a mutter, almost soundless. Nico looked tired, without the energy to even hold his head up. Percy wanted to ask if this was common, if he often fainted or had panic attacks. But right now, he just wanted Nico to be okay. Nothing else mattered.

"Do you need anything? Water? Pain medicine?”

Nico just blinked at Percy with those big black eyes and continued to stare at him. He licked his lips and settled himself on Percy's lap. Slowly. Distracted. Slow. He would say, even lazy.

Was that… a blush appearing on his face?

"I… I'm fine. I'm sorry. I have--”

"You don't need to explain yourself.”

“I want to.”

He nodded, letting Nico speak.

"When I was eight, I had a panic attack and was diagnosed with GAD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I'm always anxious, but I can usually control it without it interfering with my work. It's been years since that happened. I... I'm so sorry. Routine and feeling stable helps. I'm really sorry. I know I should have told you.”

"It's okay. It wasn't your fault.”

"No, it’s not that. I recently came off the meds. The doctor told me I would be able to control it. It’s just that…”

"What happened?" He asked curiously. Nico was like a box of surprises.

“I've been more nervous than usual. It's just... well... the change in routine…”

Percy understood exactly what he was talking about.

"I understand. I'm sorry if I caused this. It won't happen again.”

But wouldn't he? Percy worried about himself, that maybe he wouldn't be able to control himself, and about Nico, too. What if something happened while he was driving? What if it was when Nico was walking home alone? Did Nico have someone to look after him? Someone who would come to his rescue if he needed it? What if…

Percy snapped out of his thoughts when Logan and Alice entered the room. Logan was crying, his big green eyes puffy while Alice just watched attentively and quietly, both trying to smile at Nico.

Nico smiled back and he could finally breathe a little easier.

"Okay, you can rest now." He murmured when he saw that the children weren't going to say anything and Nico was almost falling asleep. "Do you have your cell phone? I'll let your family know.”

“Oh.” Nico said. He frowned, but soon raised his head.

Nico looked at Percy, stared at him closely, and then gave him the most beautiful, happiest smile Percy had ever seen.

"It's in my bag.”

And so, in the middle of the sentence, Nico closed his eyes and Percy felt as if something inside him was being stirred and rearranged in a way he didn't know was possible, but which seemed like a good change, even if painful.

Chapter XI

Percy placed Nico on the pillows, covered him with the blanket and stayed by his side for a few more moments until he was sure that the little boy was okay. Percy just watched him, his breathing calm and his face content, nestled against the sheets of his bed.

What was he doing? Why had he brought Nico to his room? Why did he keep acting so irresponsibly, like a teenager meeting his first crush? Percy knew it was a bad idea, he had known it from the moment he looked at that small, defenseless boy. Now he was sure, Nico really was defenseless, as vulnerable as a flower in the middle of a battlefield. He should--

"Daddy, is he okay?" It was Logan who asked once again. Apparently, Percy wasn't the only one who was getting attached.

No, really, he wondered: how had they become so attached to Nico in less than a week? How had this happen? Percy shook his head and decided, there was no point in thinking about such things now. It was too late.

He took the children's hands and smiled at them, leading them downstairs.

“Dad, what happened?” Alice said. She was quieter than usual, her voice almost a whisper, clutching her phone between her fingers like it could save her life.

“Nico has a disease,” Percy told her. “A type of intense anxiety. That’s why he’s so calm. If Nico gets too stressed, something like this could happen again.”

"Can anxiety do this to someone?" She asked.

"Yes. There are different levels of anxiety. Everyone has some, it's normal. When this anxiety prevents you from doing something or makes you feel sick, it is considered an illness.”

"Ah." It was Logan's turn to murmur. He had stopped crying and was now sitting on the couch with his legs up and his head resting on his knees, hugging himself.

"Do we have it too? Sometimes… I don’t feel so well." Alice confessed.

"Do you want to talk about it?”

She shrugged. 

“I mean, there’s so much to do, and exams coming up… I’ve got fencing and running, and all these exams piling up. It’s hard sometimes. I didn’t think it was anything unusual, you know? It’s always been like that. I feel like I’m going to explode sometimes.”

Percy looked at his daughter and once again felt useless. How had he never noticed this? And how had the subject only come up because their nanny had been sick? He… he was the worst father.

"It's okay, honey. We'll figure it out. Don't worry.”

He approached Alice and hugged her tightly, feeling a lump in his throat. She gasped slightly and hugged him back with all the strength an eleven-year-old could muster. Percy pulled Logan into the hug and they stayed like that for longer than they could count.

"I want you to know, you can tell me anything. It doesn't matter what it is.”

Percy heard a couple of sniffles and closed his eyes, trying to control himself. He promised himself that he would be a better father from that moment on.

***

"Come on, kids. You stay here. I'll be right back.”

And just to be sure, Percy gave each of them a tight hug before walking away. They had barely moved, watching a movie on television, but they hugged him back now with happy expressions after lunch and all the drama had passed.

He walked up the stairs, heading towards his room, and stopped in front of the door before going inside. These were the types of situations Percy least liked to face, the ones where he would be forced to be the adult one and ask the right questions. Straightening his spine and giving in, Percy couldn't prolong himself any longer than he already had; how much longer would Nico need to sleep? The morning had already passed and the afternoon was coming to an end with the sun setting on the horizon and he was still there, standing in the middle of the hallway like an idiot, avoiding what was of vital importance.

Percy pushed the bedroom door, which was half-open, and stepped inside, in his own room, where he definitely shouldn't have taken Nico to. He walked over to the bed and without making much noise, sat on the edge. Nico was there, of course he was. He was snoring softly on his back and holding the pillow against his chest, the blankets were thrown onto the floor and the lower part of his belly was exposed, making Percy notice the sparse hair that continued in a trail towards his pants... Percy closed his eyes for a moment and concentrated. He didn't understand why this boy affected him so much, to the point of awakening these feelings that he thought were buried, especially for someone so young that could be mistaken for his son.

Even knowing all this, Percy moved a little closer and placed his hand on Nico's head. First on his forehead, making sure he didn't have a fever and then, as a passing thought, he stroked his soft, long, slightly wavy black hair, combing it back so he could see his beautiful, flushed face. But Percy was a man of his word and before he could give in to temptation and do something he would regret, he moved away enough to avoid contact between them and called for Nico, touching him on the shoulder until Nico opened his eyes, heavily, as if he were going to fall asleep once more.

"I spoke to your parents.”

"Hm?" Nico murmured, blinking slowly. He rubbed his eyes and sat up in bed, staring straight ahead as if he saw nothing, and then the boy looked at him, his gaze a little lost. Something happened next, because Nico smiled at Percy, one of the sweetest expressions he had ever seen, Nico stretched out one of his hands until it rested on Percy's, which was resting on the bed.

"Thank you. With all my heart. I don't know how to thank you. You didn't have to.”

Percy swallowed and nodded. Okay. Nico was grateful and seemed to have recovered from his crisis. Was this the time to ask more questions? Try to provide some assistance? Take him to a doctor?

"You don't have to look at me like that. I promise I'm fine. It's the endorphins. My bad mood will come back soon. Don't worry.”

"Are you sure? Your mother sounded worried on the phone.”

"She worries too much. And I'm sorry about my dad.”

The fact was that Percy had not mentioned anything about the honorable Mr. Di Angelo. Let's just say it was better not to comment on him.

Nico shrugged and dragged himself out of bed, stretching and lounging as he went, as if he’d just taken a mid-afternoon nap. This time, he didn’t stagger. He searched for his discarded sneakers in the doorway of the room and turned to Percy, now looking uncertain.

“Everything is fine?”

He wanted to say yes, he wanted to pretend nothing had happened. But... what if the same thing happened again and he was the one causing these crises?

"Nico, sit with me. Please.”

"What? It was nothing.”

"I'm asking you.”

Nico huffed and his shoulders slumped forward. The important thing was that he did what Percy asked. Nico walked slowly over to him and sat on the bed, staring at him and paying attention.

“What happened today was very serious. Do you know that you stopped breathing? That you fainted and almost hit your head?”

"Well…" Nico looked away and stared at his own hands.

“Tell me.”

"It's happened a few times over the years. It was an accident. I forgot to meditate and then I ended up maybe a little bit tense and overwhelmed. Mentally. Psychologically. Sometimes… It's hard.”

It had been exactly what Alice had said, that it was difficult.

"Does meditation help?”

"Most of the time. It’s about self-knowledge and control. Not letting yourself be carried away by any emotions. It’s about accepting that we have limitations and trying to deal with problems instead of… running away from them.”

"So, that's it? You were running away?" Percy asked, curious.

"I'm not running away anymore." That's when Nico raised his head and looked him in the eyes, biting his lip. "I'm not going to do anything about it, but I'm not going to run away from it either.”

Hmm… was that really what he had heard? Nico was saying that…

Without really paying attention to what he was doing, Percy leaned towards Nico while Nico simply continued to stare at him, his dark eyes opening wider and his pupils dilating comically; Percy felt like laughing and teasing him just a little bit more… just…

“That’s not what I meant! I—I have a boyfriend!” Nico practically squeaked, though Percy could see Nico’s lips twitch in a suppressed smile, widening without his consent. “I mean that I’m not going to let these… these feelings control me anymore.”

Percy knew very well what those feelings were.

"If this happens again, what should I do?”

"Just… talk to me? Don’t let me get hurt? It worked well.”

“Just that?”

"You don't need to worry, it won't happen again. I mean... if you want to fire me, I'll understand.”

"It’s not necessary.”

Nico smiled at him and Percy finally let his tiredness get the best of him. He ruffled Nico's hair and stood up.

"Let's eat. Then I'll take you home.”

This way, Nico happily got up and followed him out of the room.

Chapter XII

"So, this is where you live?" Percy parked the car on the road and looked around.

From the driver's seat, he could see what Nico meant by living in the countryside. The property was surrounded by wide fences, full of trees that climbed high above the barbed wire that protected the perimeter of the property, and there was a large wooden gate that allowed a view of the land that stretched for miles.

“It’s no big deal,” Nico finally said, shrugging.

Percy watched him for a while and didn't want to accept it. He wasn't that kind of man, was he...? A man who was attracted to a boy who barely had a beard on his face? Because there he was, a man in the body of a teenager, so handsome that Nico almost seemed delicate, so vulnerable that Percy began to worry for his safety.

But there it was, he couldn't deny it, this was the sign Percy needed to see, the clearest indication that something between them had changed. 

It didn't take long for Percy to realize what was happening. He noticed it just as Nico was finishing his soup and was getting into the car. What was supposed to be a trivial joke, something to see how long Nico would continue to act like this responsible and honorable person, had become something he couldn't have predicted, because, in the end, the one who had lost was him.

Soon they were on the move. Nico had followed him down the stairs, eating while he and the children watched him closely, and just as he was leaving, Nico gave the children a tight hug as if he were saying goodbye. Then he grabbed his bag from the couch and when the children finally let go of him, he walked out of the house, Percy following closely behind, afraid that he would faint at any moment. 

Still, Percy couldn't quite pinpoint what had changed. The air around them had become lighter and, at the same time, static, with a soft electricity that emanated as the minutes passed by, something that made the hairs on his arms stand on end, forcing him to pay more attention to Nico, appreciating him in a way that had a certain... fantasy involved, he admitted, something forbidden that was so close that, if Percy really wanted, he just had to reach out and take what he desired.

Nico didn't act like he used to either, it was like he suddenly felt comfortable and didn't feel the need to fill the silence with idle conversations. The look he gave him when their eyes met the few times during the car ride was an obvious "I want you, but I'm taken." Nico didn't even try to hide it, his eyes said much more than his previous words could; which in turn made him anxious and positively physically uncomfortable. 

Percy refused to accept that. Someone having a crush on you was one thing, knowing that the possibility of it was real was another. It must be cosmic revenge, Nico doing to him what Percy had done first.

"Percy." Nico called his name and in the silence of the car, it sounded hoarse and low, something intimate, just to tease him a little more.

Percy stared at him, now paying all the attention he had to offer. Nico wasn't exactly smiling, it was more the way his eyes sparkled, as though he was hiding something behind them. His lips were also relaxed, almost showing his dimples.

"I think I have a solution for you.”

"Solution?" Did Nico have a cure for… this?

"Yes, a cook." Nico said amused.

"A cook?" He repeated.

This time, Nico actually smiled and shook his head.

"You know the restaurant where I bought the food? They always accept work. Are you interested? I have their phone number.”

"Ah." Percy muttered. He ended up smiling too, feeling ridiculous.

Nico picked up his bag from the floor of the car and took his cell phone out of it.

"I'll share their phone number. Tell them Nicollas recommended you.”

"Nicollas, is it? How charming.”

Nico blushed so beautifully that Percy was happy to know that he was still capable of causing that in him. Satisfied, he got out of the car, walked around it and helped Nico out, holding him by the waist and placing him on the ground, soon after hearing a soft thank you and a deep voice coming from inside the property.

"Nico Di Ângelo! Ah, he finally graces us with his presence.”

Percy looked at the gate and there stood a tall, muscular black man, no older than forty but who looked too young to be anyone's father. Percy only recognized him because of his rough, gruff voice, the same one he had heard on the phone and with the same Italian accent that Nico had. No, Percy was lying. Nico also had the same dark eyes, thin nose and full lips.

Percy immediately put a smile on his face and approached the gate, extending his hands in greeting:

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you.”

"It's a shame I can't say the same." Mr. Di Ângelo replied. He crossed his arms and stared at him without showing any sympathy. "Aren't you ashamed? He's old enough to be your son.”

“I think--”

“Papa! What are you saying!?” Nico practically screeched beside him. He ran forward and unlocked the gate, speaking very close to his father. Unfortunately, Percy could hear every word.

"He's my boss. He was kind enough to come to my rescue. Could you be a little more polite, please?”

"Nico. This is not the behavior I expect from you. I let you date the Solace boy, now, this… straniero? What are you thinking?”

"Papa!”

"You slept at his house!”

"He had an event and I ended up falling asleep! He wasn't even there!”

"Nico.”

"You don't believe me? Okay. But don't interfere in my life.”

"Listen here! As long as you live under my roof--”

"Really? Don't worry. Soon you won't have to worry anymore.”

"Who do you think you are, you brat!”

That's when Percy saw that things were getting out of hand. Mr. Di Ângelo raised his hand and Percy feared the worst. Before he could think straight, Percy moved and placed himself in the middle of them, being hit squarely in the right shoulder. If it weren't for Percy defending himself by raising his arm, he would have been punched right in the jaw.

"Mr. Di Ângelo. Calm down, nothing happened. I never--”

"I know very well what men like you want. Fancy cars and weak little boys. Something easy to manipulate, hm?”

The man then gave a wicked little laugh that not even he could have done better and marched into the property, leaving him and Nico open-mouthed because of his fury.

***

"What just happened?”

"Welcome to my life." Nico murmured absently. He was still staring at his father's back, watching him as the man disappeared down the dirt road and into the vegetation.

"Nico." Percy said, moved. Now Percy understood everything. He understood why Nico at that age was working instead of studying.

"Oh, did you hurt yourself? My father can be heavy-handed.”

Percy stopped and watched, feeling like he was just a spectator. He watched Nico reach out and touch his shoulder and arm, he saw the careful way Nico massaged the place, looking into his eyes, asking for permission, his expression saying how guilty he felt. He couldn't help it, Percy smiled at Nico's reaction and returned the caress, touching the little boy's black hair, thinking that although he was the injured one, Nico was the one who needed help. I mean, it wasn't even hurting. Much. Just a little.

"Ouch." It escaped before he could stop it when Nico's fingers brushed against the spot Mr. Di Ângelo had hit.

“I’m so sorry!” Nico hurried to apologize. He massaged more gently and the pain eased.

"It was nothing.”

"You should fire me! In less than a day I traumatized your children and got you beaten. What kind of professional am I?”

"Nico, really.”

"No, let's put some ice in there, okay? It'll be quick.”

So, leaving the car in the middle of the road, Nico took him by the hand and guided him to the huge house in the center of the property where Percy could hear more voices, sounds of chairs and instruments rumbling only to find a group of people standing outside it.

"Mamma!" Nico ran to where his mother was and knelt on the ground with her, hugging her tightly.

"Figlio mio! Mamma was so worried. Did they take good care of you? Let me see.”

Maria took off the thick gloves she used to work the soil and held him by his face, and only when she was sure that everything was okay did she let him go, smiling slightly, and very satisfied.

"Don't do that again, okay? Now, have you eaten? Have you had a good rest?”

"Mamma, stop it. Percy is the one who needs help.”

"Percy, hmm?" She asked with a smile, winking at Nico.

"My employer " Nico made it clear.

"What an employer, huh!”

"Mamma! Don't let Papa hear you.”

"That silly old man." Maria waved her hands in denial. "He never learns.”

Percy found that interaction funny and decided to approach them. The most incredible thing was that Maria Di Ângelo was not what he would expect from a mother who lived in the countryside. She was no more than thirty years old, with light brown skin tanned by the sun, honey-brown eyes and thin lips that were now stretched into a sweet smile, identical to the way Nico had smiled at him that same afternoon.

"Welcome. I'm glad Nico is making friends." He found those words strange, but accepted the greeting when she offered her hands. "I know it must have been a hassle to come all the way here. Thank you for taking care of him.”

"Mamma! I give up, you're incorrigible." Nico shook his head, denying it to himself, but with all the affection possible.

"And you." Nico said to him "Stay here, I'll get some ice.”

"Ice?" Maria said.

"It was a little accident--”

"Papa hit him. Can you believe it?" Nico said as he walked away, making him feel a little embarrassed, but enjoying himself more than he should in a situation like this. It was funny, it had been over a decade since he felt like he was going to meet the parents of a new girlfriend. Or boyfriend. Percy wasn't the prejudiced type.

Maria put her hand over her mouth and gasped. He had to laugh, it was exactly how Nico would act. Well, it was exactly how Nico had acted, all over the place and dramatic.

"I'm so sorry, Percy. I don't know how to apologize.”

"It's no problem. It was just a graze, nothing a good night's sleep can't cure.”

"You are very polite. Thank you for understanding. We want the best for Nico. I would like you to consider that.”

Consider… oh. Did they really think…?

"Ma'am, there's nothing to consider. I pay Nico to take care of my children.”

"Just that?" She placed her hands in her lap and looked down. "Nico is an impressionable boy. He never had many friends, you know? So when men, especially like you, show up…

“Ma’am.” Percy sighed, wearily. “Nico is too young. I would never… consider that.”

"I'm glad. As long as we can protect him, that's what we'll do. We're afraid that the worst will happen at college.”

“And what would that be?" He wanted to know.

"That I act like a slut." Percy heard Nico's voice coming from behind him and turned around. And indeed, Nico was carrying an ice pack in his hands. "Even though they know I have a boyfriend.”

“Hm.” Percy said, not commenting on it. Because at that moment, Nico didn’t seem like the innocent and shy or even vulnerable person that everyone thought he was. No, Percy could see someone who would be successful in the future, someone capable, someone who wouldn’t let anything get in his way.

He liked that.

"You want me to…" Nico showed him the ice pack and he understood.

Percy shrugged and, right there, in front of those people, took off his shirt and let Nico place the ice against the red spot on his shoulder that was starting to turn purple.

He gasped and Nico stared at him, his eyes wide and full of guilt.

“Sir…”

"I thought that had stayed in the past.”

"Percy. I'm really sorry.”

But Percy didn't feel it. How could Percy when Nico looked at him like that and touched his shoulder so gently? How could he be angry when those sweet eyes looked at him with such concern?

He heard someone clear their throat beside him, making him turn towards them. It was a little girl with curly hair the same shade as Maria and the same honey-colored eyes that lit up even more vividly under the sun's rays.

"Hi, I'm Hazel. And this is Bianca. And that's Thanatos." She smiled at Percy and indicated each person, each ranging from thirteen to thirty years old.

"Nice to meet you. "He said back, still distracted by Nico's hands that were now sliding the ice pack over his reddened skin, only now realizing that maybe they were too close.

Chapter XIII

“Nice to meet you,” Percy said. And him? Nico continued to run the ice over Percy’s broad shoulders, allowing himself to look. Maybe touch a little. What? Weren’t they so sure he was a whore? Nico was just trying to live up to their expectations.

Unfortunately, Nico had to pay attention to Hazel when she started talking and making conversation with Percy. Nico loved his sister, he really did. Hazel was his favorite person in the whole world, but Nico felt like if he didn't butt in, they'd even ask about the tenth generation of Percy's family. Nico knew he rarely brought people home, the only one being Will, so maybe they weren't so wrong after all?

It didn't matter, before the massacre could happen, Nico turned to his brothers, glaring at them.

"Yeah, everything's great. Now it's time for me to walk Percy to the door.”

"Nooo! We never have visitors. And no one is so--”

"Hazel!”

"I was going to say, generous.”

Hazel let out a soft chuckle, her eyes sparkling and he looked at Bianca, asking for help with his eyes. She shrugged, seeming to enjoy the show while Thanatos, his adoptive brother, just watched everything with a smirk on his lips.

"Percy has to stay for dinner! Dad even cooked.”

"I don't want to abuse the hospitality." Percy smiled at Hazel and something inside him turned, seeing them like this, so... comfortable with each other. Hazel practically hanging on to Percy's uninjured arm and Percy smiling, all charming, still holding the shirt in his hand.

He took a deep breath and opened his eyes again, seeing that Hazel was already dragging Percy into the house. His brothers followed them happily, of course, while his mother just laughed as happily as they did, still kneeling in the dirt, going back to making holes in the soil and throwing the seeds to fill the holes again.

In the end, Nico reluctantly followed them into the house. He followed them in, took off his shoes, and walked through the front door, leaving his bag by the foot of the door. The house was a compact but a spacious building, built in ancient times. From where he stood, he could see the entrance to the dining room, an open space that divided the living room, right in front of the exit door and next to the kitchen, with the bedrooms and most of the bathrooms located upstairs.

He didn't think much, he walked barefoot to the table where all his brothers and father sat and stopped in front of Percy. He barely paid attention to the smile on the man's face, he just took the shirt and the ice pack from his hands and went to get rid of them. He hung the shirt on the coat rack that was in a corner of the room and took the ice pack to the kitchen, putting more ice on it and returned to the room. He placed the ice pack on Percy's shoulder once more and then took his plate, putting pasta, meatballs and salad on it.

"Do you like wine?”

"Nico, it's not necessary--”

Nico wasn't really listening; of course Percy liked it, he had seen several types of drinks at Percy's house. He opened the bottle of dry wine that was on the table, poured a shot for Percy and in the other glass, he put some water, finally sitting down and making his own plate.

"Percy, do you need help? Let me…" He didn't even pay attention to what he was doing, he cut the meatballs for Percy and then, he heard a noise. Someone cleared their throat, breaking the silence that Nico didn't even realize was happening.

Nico looked up and put down his cutlery. Why were they looking at him like that? He was just helping, it had become a habit in the few days he had worked for Percy.

"Did I do something wrong?" Nico turned to Percy since it seemed like no one was going to tell him.

"Of course not, dear.”

It was his turn to remain silent, as the one who had answered him and called him “dear” had been Percy.

"I'm not your, dear.”

“That's what it looks like when you do these things.”

"Oh." So that was it?

However, Percy didn't speak to him in that ironic tone, it was more like he was trying to show Nico something without shocking him too much.

“But thank you." Percy finished.

Percy brought his hands to Nico's shoulders and squeezed gently, his smile sincere and small. Nico swallowed, of course, preferring to look at Percy rather than face his family watching them. Maybe inviting Percy in hadn't been such a good idea, maybe if he ran to his room he could escape the humiliation.

In slow motion, Nico watched Percy take the first bite of pasta to his lips and groan before swallowing, feeling something uncomfortable and warm take over his body. Fortunately, that was the moment Hades decided to interrupt the path his thoughts were taking.

"Percy Jackson, hmm? Why haven't I heard anything about you until now?”

So it was going to be like this? Straight to the point?

"I started working for him a week ago.”

Another silence fell and perhaps he was beginning to understand their reason.

"Did you know each other before?”

“No, sir,” Percy replied this time, his smile changing, becoming sharper.

No, gods! Don't say anything. Don't say anything. Don't say anything... was all Nico could think. Though he knew what was about to happen by the way Percy tilted his head, listening in disbelief to what came next:

"It must be our chemistry.”

Nico saw Hades' face turn red with fury while Hazel lowered her head, laughing discreetly. Bianca, unlike her, threw her head back and laughed like she had heard the best joke of all times.

"My little brother is finally learning. He even seems like a normal person. I'm so proud!" Bianca said happily and put her hand over her heart, her eyes tearing up from laughing so much. And Nico? All that was left was to cover his face and not burst into flames instantly.

***

"No, no! He's joking. Right?" Nico said as soon as he was sure he wouldn't die of embarrassment.

"Of course, Nico. We're just playing around.”

Someone help him, please!

"I'm sorry." It was Percy's turn to laugh. He grabbed Nico's shoulder again and didn't seem the least bit sorry, staring at him for a long moment.

Percy came closer and whispered so that no one but them could hear.

"I'm sorry. I promised I wouldn't do that again. Are you okay? I'll behave now, seriously.”

"Whatever." Nico sighed in defeat. "You always do that.”

"I won't do it anymore. It's just that you're so easy to tease. And your father is even easier, he's so hot-headed.”

"Could you please not bring me any more trouble? Could you?”

"I can. I promise. I'm really sorry.”

Percy then pulled away a little and caressed the back of Nico's neck, massaging the hair there and making him gasp softly. Nico didn't know where this gesture had come from, but he knew he shouldn't allow this to happen. Mainly because he knew Percy only did this to annoy Hades even more.

Well, that was the moment he realized his mistake; they were standing too close, whispering in each other's ears. How could Nico say that there was nothing between him and Percy when they were showing the exact opposite to his family? He had even… even taken Percy to meet them! It was like Nico was introducing his new boyfriend!

Trying to hide it, he moved away from Percy as if he had been shocked and looked at Hades. He was looking at him seriously, neither angry nor happy. There was something calculating, almost analytical in his gaze, as if his father was making up his mind, dissecting the information he had received.

"What do you do, again?”

"I am a researcher and have a master's degree from a federal university.”

"What exactly does that mean?”

"I develop theses, I do tests if necessary and I am a teacher.”

"Interesting. In what areas?”

"History, art, finance and administration.”

"Wow, that's so cool!" Hazel commented.

"So, you're a scholar. Does that make money?" Hades asked again.

"Not at first. My parents have a biophysics lab and a pharmacy. So I usually help them with the financial side.”

What was going on? His father was…

“Children?”

"Two. They love Nico.”

"Wife?”

"Technically, yes.”

W-what?

"Alright." Hades finally said.

"Everything okay? What was okay? Are you guys speaking in a language I don't understand? What's okay here?”

"Nico, I think Hades is deciding your future… again." Bianca said beside him.

"Percy Jackson!" He said through gritted teeth.

Percy just smiled at Nico and raised his hands, as if in surrender.

"Come on, don't be like that. You told me about yourself and introduced me to your family, the least I can do is tell you about mine.”

"Are you serious?”

"I am. It's no big deal. It's nice to know who's taking care of my kids. That way everyone knows what we're dealing with.”

Percy stood up, took a card out of his pocket and placed it on the table.

"In case you want to talk to me.”

This was shaping up to be one of the most awkward and embarrassing moments of Nico's life. But at least it seemed to lighten the mood. Hades relaxed back into his chair just in time for Maria to enter the room and everyone to start eating. It was like none of it had happened as the platters of food were passed around the table and more arrived from the kitchen.

Comments are welcome. See you next Monday!

a dream by the lake

happy 2025!!

Save a fanfic writer, leave comments on old fics

There is this a peculiar set of reasons and biases when it comes to NOT commenting on AO3.

They are all false, but here they are:

Do not comment on old fics

Do not comment on each chapter of a multichapter

Do not comment if the author left the fandom

Do not comment if the author doesn’t respond to comments

It can be summoned up as DO NOT ACT LIKE YOU ENJOYED THE WORK AND YOU LIKE THE AUTHOR.

It comes from the idea, that if you leave a comment on my old work, or leave too many comments, I will think you are strange, clingy, and gross.

Readers are imagining it as commenting on an old Facebook photo — only your granny and creepy strangers do that.

That is not the case with AO3.

Writers put their works there for long-term storage, and we expect, wish, and hope that you will like our works and tell us about it.

This all very interesting, not, but why should I care?

This has awful consequences.  Fanfic authors feel constant pressure to create more and crippling fear of being forgotten, useless, and being literally kicked away from fandom.

I’m online friends with a few great fandom authors, who wrote storied with thousands of kudos, but ALL of them at some point expressed this fear. Very talented people told me, “I’m not sure if I should have ‘writer’ in my bio. I didn’t post anything new in the last half of a year.”

Some young or entitled readers might say, “Hm, well, they are right. They should create MORE to be relevant. Isn’t that a good thing to push authors to write more?”

For better or worse, life doesn’t work like that. We are talking about real people, who go to real schools, have real jobs, families, and all the other important things outside the fandom. Some of them might push to create more from that fear, but most would only get more frustrated and depressed about the whole fanfic writing.

So, please, if you like the work comment on it.

Even if it’s old, even if it’s a multichapter, even if the author doesn’t have time and energy to interact. Especially in all those cases.

Encourage your authors, and show them your support.

More of Percy being pretty🌊

Happy New Years Babbys 🎉✨️

Commission I did for my friend Bobinthecomments

Writers should NOT feel guilty about:

Skipping a day of writing.

Not having a perfect first draft.

Partaking in sinister, arcane rituals for inspiration.

Working at their own pace.

Enlisting demons and/or helpful spirits to aid them with editing.

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter VIII e Chapter IX

Hi, how are you? Yes, I'm back. I know you're getting tired of me, but as I had a few chapters ready I decided to share them with you in advance. We'll probably have new chapters on Wednesday, because I'm trying to finish the new chapter of “There's nothing like home” (although it's going to take me a while to post it here, I still need to finish writing and revising it), but it'll come.

Anyway, I hope you will enjoy today's chapter. And if you can give feedback on the story, I'd love to hear from you, really, without judgment. This story isn't complete yet, so any suggestions or notes would be very beneficial.

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

Chapter VIII

Nico opened his eyes and sat up on the blankets, realizing that he wasn't in his single bed. There were no windows facing a huge tree, his computer wasn't in the corner of the room, and there weren't any loud voices reverberating through the house early in the morning. No, no way, that wasn't his room. Well, this one, painted in soft shades of gray and with a double-sized bed, wasn't his, and much less this calm that made him feel so peaceful and calm.

He… what had he done…? It was so confusing…

Oh! Now he remembered. Percy and his soft voice. A bowl of soup and another question that finally made sense. Yes, last night he had waited for Percy and fallen asleep without wanting to, even though Nico had sworn he would wait for the children to fall asleep so he could leave. Instead, he had a serious conversation with the man who didn't seem to take anything seriously, but who in fact hid his seriousness behind very well-disguised smiles.

Like, he knew that now. However, that hadn't been the case the day before when he'd followed Percy up the stairs and into the empty guest room. He barely remembered getting into the shower, that had been another thing he hadn't expected of himself. He felt like he should have done more than nod and obey. 

In the end, Nico couldn't help it, Percy had spoken to him so gently and affectionately that Nico found himself nodding. Vaguely, he remembered taking off his clothes once inside the suite Percy had shown him to, stepping into the bathroom and a while later hearing two soft knocks on the door. After that, Nico didn't know how the rest of the night had gone. He knew that at some point Percy had... gods! Was that right? He'd shown up naked and wet in front of his boss? While the man was handing him clean clothes? Nico couldn't even remember their reactions. It was all so hazy it was like Nico had been drinking himself into a stupor.

Thinking about it, it was better that he didn't remember any of it. Nico wasn't sure if it had really happened or if it had been a dream, especially the part where Percy looked at him from head to toe like he was going to attack at any moment, but since he didn't feel anything unusual, no pain or marks, then... then if he ignored what might or might not have happened, it was as if nothing had happened, right? So, wearing the same clothes he had slept in, he walked down the hallway and down the stairs, going straight to the kitchen where he found something strange and sweetly domestic; Percy Jackson wore a red apron and dark colored sweatpants as he walked barefoot across the cold kitchen floor,  plating four dishes. Bacon, eggs, and sausages. There was coffee and juice on the table. Jam, bread, croissants, and cake. A small improvised feast.

"I thought you didn't know how to cook.”

Nico didn't know why he had said that. Maybe it was because it all seemed like a dream, where he had a happy family that welcomed him on a nice, sunny Saturday morning and a... husband...? Wow... Nico was starting to think his fantasies were a little rushed. Or maybe his brain wasn't ready to wake up so early on a Saturday, much less was it prepared for this happy scene. Usually his family didn't eat together; his father was the first to wake up, getting up early, and his mother prepared the food. As people woke up, each one served themselves and went about their day without talking to anyone else. So, this... this wasn't at all what he expected.

"That's nothing! Everyone knows how to make an egg." Percy said excitedly, almost humming as he finished putting the sausages on everyone's plates. "Come on, sit with us.”

“I shouldn’t,” he muttered. Nico really shouldn’t. Percy made him feel like he was part of the family, and that was dangerous. Most of the time, Nico barely felt like he was part of his own family.

"Come on, I insist." Percy looked at him with that bright smile and he felt uncomfortable, for some reason it made a lump appear in his throat.

Nico lowered his head and thought about running upstairs, still remembering the night before, when he heard a chair scrape across the kitchen floor and a small hand touch his. To his surprise, he found Alice smiling as much or more than Percy himself, gently pulling him by the hand, guiding him to the chair next to where Percy sat. She didn't say anything else, just went back to her own place and continued eating calmly, the two children and the adult man acting like this was something normal to them.

"Did I miss something?" Nico muttered once more. He picked up the cup of coffee that was in front of his plate and almost groaned, now ready to wake up. It was the best coffee he had ever tasted.

"Dad's postdoc was accepted! And Mom is coming home today. We have to celebrate!”

"Yes, yes! Mom promised we would go out today! Everyone together!" Logan finished for his sister, almost jumping in the high chair.

Nico smiled at them, still with the cup against his lips, and looked at Percy, tempted to ask what had happened last night, noticing how his smile had diminished a fraction. The children might not have noticed, but he had seen several of his smiles and could see it clearly. Which was pretty crazy, he had known him for less than forty hours and already knew what those smiles meant? Nico must have been very tired, delirious, due to this mountain of emotions that this strangely affectionate and at the same time, fragmented family, made him feel. Yeah, it must have all been his imagination.

“That's very good." He said after a while, when he realized they were waiting for an answer. "I'll finally be able to meet her.”

"That you will." It was Percy's turn to mutter darkly.

“Should I worry?" He said it unintentionally, just as a joke, and of course, even the children understood it because they let out little giggles between bites of scrambled eggs.

"You're damn right." Nico heard that and turned to Percy trying to figure out if he was serious. And when he found out that was the case, well… Percy distracted him as always. His clear eyes, his mouth curved in a smile and his handsome face made him forget what he had asked.

The good thing about all this is that Percy had shrugged, as if he didn't have any problems in the world, and said:

"Don't worry, dear. I'll protect you." Right after he winked at him.

And as always, even though he felt himself blushing, Nico pretended that nothing had happened. He drank the rest of the coffee in his cup while the children laughed happily. Now, whether they laughed with him or at him was another question.

Chapter IX

“No, seriously now,” Percy told him, his tone changing to something more neutral. “Annabeth can be a little demanding. Don’t take anything she says seriously, and don’t do anything she asks.”

"Um… okay? I guess?" He said, shrugging.

Nico had already realized how things worked around here. The children were happy with every bit of attention, Annabeth Chase was the absent wife and Percy was the provider of the house, something quite simple in his opinion. So, he didn't see any reason for so much drama.

He looked at the plate seeing that two pieces of toast had magically appeared on it and looked back at Percy.

"I guess I'll go then.”

“You usually eat more in the morning,” Percy said, ignoring him, and pushed the plate closer to Nico.

"Me? No, I don't.”

"But you could. And what are you running from? She doesn't bite. At most Annabeth might say a few not-so-kind words.”

“Really, I've been away from home for too long. I need to--”

“Nonsense.”

Percy didn't understand. He felt something strange... something that was going up his back and stopping halfway down his throat, something that hadn't happened in months. Nico needed to get up and move, needed to bring back any sense of normalcy he could find, because staying here, in that friendly and calm environment, was far from what Nico was used to. He had to--

Nico dragged his chair back, unable to hold it any longer, and Percy stood up with him, holding him loosely by the arm, nothing that really held him in place, but for some reason that gentle gesture made him gasp, made him even more anxious, impatient, as though his skin wanted to escape from his body along with his lungs. He tried to do what his psychiatrist suggested and stopped in the middle of the next movement, in the exact place where Percy was holding him, less than a step away from the chair where he had previously sat; did he want to escape? Yes, but curiosity won, keeping him trapped in that kitchen to find out what Percy's next motive would be.

Percy handed him the container with the food from the day before and Nico held it in his hands, feeling a little confused. That is, until he saw that on top of it there was a note and a hundred dollar bill. He turned the jar in his hand and read the message that said: “Thanks for the food” only to turn to Percy and for the first time look him straight in the eye, without hesitation. Percy made him feel guilty. Vulnerable. Important. It was like Nico was cheating on the boyfriend who should have been waiting for him all night. And he didn't even have the guts to tell him; he hadn't even remembered during all this time that Will could have been worried. His mother too. And his sisters?

"What is this?" Nico asked even though he didn't care, feeling a little out of it. Airy. Light.

"What do you think it is?”

"I can't accept it.”

“You will. I don’t accept refunds.” Percy smiled at him. Percy… Percy was actually smiling again. A smile so beautiful that this time Nico knew he was being teased or mocked. No, Percy Jackson was flirting with him.

"W-what?”

"You bought us food and then made more food. It's the least I can do to repay you.”

"Sir, I can't--”

Nico shook his head. It was all wrong. Everything!

“Actually, where did you buy that food? It must have been expensive.”

That was when Nico closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He counted to five very slowly and opened them again, just like the doctor had taught him. Maybe he shouldn't have stopped taking his medication. And as discreetly as he could, he moved his hands that were starting to shake and crossed them behind his back so they wouldn't notice. If he could just leave, maybe everything would be okay. Nico hated this. Why was he so nervous if Percy was just asking about the restaurant? It was no big deal. So what if the man wanted to give him money? These situations shouldn't do this to Nico. If he remembered that he was in control, everything would be okay. That's it. He was in control. He--

"Nico? Are you okay?" He felt Percy's hands on his shoulders and let out a breath, not even realizing he had stopped breathing.

"I'm sorry. I have to go.”

"You're not even going to tell me where you bought the food?”

"I… went… went to a restaurant… that sells homemade lunch boxes… in the city center.”

"Do you need a ride?”

He waved, accepting the ride, but didn't move; Nico wasn't even breathing, trying to act normal. He felt paralyzed, as if someone had chained him up and thrown him into the depths of the sea. He felt himself getting heavy and his vision was starting to get blurry, preventing him from seeing anything in front of him. He... he...

"Nico, pay attention to me. Can you hear me? Breathe with me.”

He took a deep breath and let it out, this time feeling the weight in his chest ease.

“Again.”

Nico took another deep breath and then his head fell forward, so light and empty that he found himself collapsing, feeling so good that the world finally made sense again. However, he didn't end up on the floor or face down on the table as he expected, no, now that things were back to normal he noticed that something firm and stable was holding him upright, giving him exactly what he needed. It was... it was Percy's chest breathing next to his, guiding his breathing, it was his head resting on the man's shoulder and it was the large hands that caressed his back over his shirt. Nico couldn't deny it, he felt warm once again, like a breath of air that brought heat, allowing his blood to warm up again and circulate through his body.

“Daddy, is he going to be okay?” Nico heard Logan ask, his childish voice sounding scared.

"Shhh… don’t worry.”

Now, who Percy was saying this to, he didn't know. The good news was that Nico didn't feel uncomfortable around them and that, in fact, their voices full of affection and care were like a balm to his lonely soul.

***

“Do you feel better?” Percy asked in a low, hoarse whisper.

They were still standing. Percy's arms were wrapped around his waist and Nico felt the world slowly spin as he leaned against his boss's broad shoulders, his head resting against his neck, and even from this awkward angle Nico could feel Percy's worry radiating around them.

Nico couldn't help but notice, Percy was looking at him very closely and touching his face so carefully, his features so worried, that Nico just let himself be carried away by the feeling that warmed his chest and allowed him to breathe a little easier. He watched as Percy kept trying to make him react, calling his name and touching his neck, keeping him safe in his arms. It was then that Percy finally made a decision, and only when Percy was sure that Nico wouldn't faint, he picked him up and didn't wait any longer; the man held his legs, lifting them off the floor and then supported his back so that he wouldn't slip away from his arms. 

In this way, they moved through the house, Nico seeing the white marble floor and the stairs behind him, and Percy going with him through a long hallway. They passed the windows that let the midday sun enter the hallway and then into the room that Percy was carrying him into.

The world spun for a moment, the sun softening as they entered the room, allowing Nico to close his eyes and the sway of Percy's footsteps to lull him gently. Then Percy lowered himself and sat with him on the bed, making him lean against a soft surface and sigh, feeling Percy support him against his broad chest.

“Hm,” Nico remembered muttering back. He always felt a little spacey and high the moment the seizures went away, but in the best way possible. He owed him an explanation, right? Yeah, he did.

"Do you need anything? Water? Pain medicine?”

Nico could barely hear Percy's voice, the low, whispered timbre always distracted him. Percy used such a soft, gentle tone that it seemed to caress his soul, so husky and velvety, so softly at the foot of his ear that if they weren't so close to each other, Nico wouldn't hear anything. And his eyes, they were so beautiful, all intense and fixed on him. Hmm... yes, Percy was still holding him and he had his arms around the man's neck. Should Nico do that? Hmm... he didn't know, he just understood that his chest was resting against his shoulder and that Percy's hands were holding his head, keeping him comfortable.

He blinked slowly and stared into Percy's now serious eyes. So steady. They gave him so much confidence that Nico knew he was safe. Ah, maybe he shouldn't be so comfortable, at times like these his body kind of... acted without his consent.

"I… I'm fine. I'm sorry. I… I have--

“You don’t need to explain yourself,” Percy told him, as serious as ever, looking uninterested. Or maybe Percy was just shocked. It was understandable.

“I do.” When Percy just nodded, he continued, “When I was eight, I had a panic attack and was diagnosed with GAD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I’m always anxious, but I can usually control it without it interfering with my work. It’s been years since that happened. I… I’m so sorry. Routine and feeling stable helps. I’m really sorry. I know I should have told you.”

"It's okay. It wasn't your fault.”

"No, it’s not that. I recently came off the meds. The doctor told me I would be able to control it. It’s just that…”

"What is it?" Percy told him softly.

“I've been more nervous than usual. It's just... well... the change in routine…”

He said it was a change of routine, but they both knew it was more than that.

“I see,” Percy said again. “I’m sorry if I caused this. It won’t happen again.”

It probably meant he wouldn't lose his job, right? Because Percy paid really well.

It was Nico's turn to nod. He looked down at Percy's hand that was now on his shoulder and the other one that was resting on his knee. For some reason, at that moment he didn't feel nervous. In fact, it was the complete opposite. Nico was numb, feeling so good that any guilt or discomfort about being in this situation had dissipated. Or maybe he trusted him, because Percy was showing him that this trust could be placed in him.

Nico continued to stare at Percy's hand and then a blond head entered his field of vision. It was Logan, he was crying, his big green eyes puffy while Alice just watched attentively and quietly, both trying to smile at him. Nico smiled back and then everything seemed to get lighter, almost making him close his eyes.

"Okay, you can rest now. Do you have your cell phone? I'll let your family know.”

“Oh,” he muttered. It was true. Nico hadn’t told them. Looking up and finding himself smiling at Percy, Nico thanked him. “It’s in my bag.”

Before Percy could say anything, Nico finally let his eyes close. He felt Percy tucking him back into the pillows and heard footsteps leaving the room, but it was okay; in less than a few seconds everything went black and sleep took him away.

Until next time!

Premissa - A promessa da história

Olá, como vão todos? Damos início ao nosso canto criativo! E por que não começar com o que realmente importa? Ao invés de dar sugestões de como iniciar nossas histórias com ideias específicas, como tropes ou prompts (ideias para enredo), achei mais sábio preparar o terreno e já compartilhar com vocês formas de pensar em nossos enredos e tramas. A forma mais eficaz para isso é definir alguns conceitos, como a premissa narrativa.

Você já ouviu sobre isso ou é algo que foge ao entendimento? Nos próximos posts veremos o que ela significa, seus significados e outros conceitos irmãos à premissa.

Bem, eu gosto de pensar na premissa como a promessa que nós, escritores, fazemos no início da história. Mas, o que afinal significa isso, essa promessa? É uma daquelas coisas que ficam implícitas na história, mas que só o escritor presta atenção. É claro que se você não cumprir esse requisito, no fim do seu livro seu leitor vai perceber alguma coisa ou se sentir insatisfeito com tal fim. Falando claramente, você terá fracassado no desenvolvimento do seu enredo.

Dessa forma, a promessa da história nada mais é que cumprir o principal objetivo narrativo e de desenvolvimento de personagem que geralmente é dado no início da história.

Por exemplo, em “O senhor dos anéis”, qual seria a principal promessa do livro/filme?

Para mim, é sobre um personagem que é incumbido de destruir um anel, que se por um acaso do destino ele não conseguir cumprir tal tarefa, pode ser o fim do mundo como ele é conhecido, certo? Agora, imagine se o personagem morresse no meio do caminho ou se o vilão conseguisse pegar o anel, de forma definitiva, o que aconteceria? Tenho certeza que a história teria um fim prematuro e insatisfatório, porque o que foi prometido lá no início, que o Frodo seria o nosso herói se tornou falso.

Quero frisar que:

Precisamos ver a jornada desse personagem se desenrolar, se ele conseguirá vencer esse desafio não é tão importante desde que a história cumpra a promessa feita anteriormente.

Porque, sejamos francos, geralmente fica implícito desde o início que o personagem conseguirá chegar no destino final, ou pelo menos é o que o leitor espera, e, talvez, esse seja o problema quando dizemos que não gostamos de um livro, a expectativa contida nele.

Se eu dissesse que já vi isso milhões de vezes, você se surpreenderia? Sabe quando você está lendo um livro e de repente, parece que tudo mudou? Se tornando uma história completamente diferente? Essa é a pior quebra de expectativa. Às vezes, ela é boa, e às vezes, é ruim. Na maioria das vezes os leitores não aceitam bem esse fato. Em séries de TV, um bom exemplo é TeenWolf, que conta a história sobre um adolescente que é mordido por um lobisomem e acaba se tornando um. As duas primeiras temporadas são boas porque elas contam uma história que faz sentido e seguem uma linha de raciocínio lógico, além de cumprir o que prometeu desde o início, mas já na terceira temporada a história muda radicalmente, entram novos personagens quase sem explicação nenhuma e uma enxurrada de enredos soltos são inseridos na história ao invés de continuar desenvolvendo o que a história vinha prometendo desde o primeiro episódio.

Já em livro, a série do “Percy Jackson” tem muita quebra de expectativa de forma negativa. Eu poderia passar o resto da semana dando motivos para explicar a quebra de expectativa nesses livros, mas a mais aparente é a mudança de tom e enxurrada de personagens que aparecem no início da segunda série.

E por que eu digo isso? Bem, se formos analisar que se passam poucos meses, desde que os acontecimentos do último livro se sucederam, não é muito convincente e não cumpre a promessa feita no início da primeira série, que seria de acompanhar a vida de Percy jackson, o filho de Poseidon. Mas é claro que o autor decide ir por outro caminho, ele decide iniciar a segunda série, regressando poucos meses após a guerra contra os Titãs, e ao invés de explorar como esse mundo ficaria com os efeitos da guerra, não, mil personagens novos e histórias que ninguém está interessado em ler são colocados no enredo, sendo que esses personagens são mal desenvolvidos e mal há tempo para que possamos conhecê-los durante a história.

Sabe quando você está fazendo as malas para uma viagem, mas tem que sentar em cima dela para tentar fechar a mala estufada de roupas? É assim que eu me sinto com essa série. O escritor ignorou metade dos personagens que ele tinha criado anteriormente, criando novos que só parecem um amontoado de coisas mal desenvolvidas. O pior é que a partir daí a história só piora, se tornando uma leitura lenta e arrastada, com algumas exceções durante o caminho. E sabe quais são essas exceções? É quando o autor resolve trazer de volta os personagens que ele já tinha desenvolvido no passado, com isso trazendo junto as promessas que ele tinha feito lá no início.

Já, um bom exemplo de promessa bem feita é a série do “Harry Potter”, desde o início sabíamos que ele tinha um objetivo concreto em mente e sabíamos qual era a promessa: sobreviver e matar Voldermort. Outra série que eu considero ter uma promessa bem desenvolvida, porém de narração arrastada, é Naruto, pois todas as promessas são cumpridas, a de se tornar Hokage e de salvar o amigo.

Então, aqui fica um questionamento: será que vale a pena trazer muitas coisas para a história se isso irá prejudicar o andamento dela e negará todas as expectativas empregadas em seu início? Porque uma coisa é uma história divertida e cheia de personagens interessantes e outra é uma história transbordando de inadequações e coisas que não fazem sentido para aquele enredo.

Conclusão

A premissa é o fio condutor de nossas histórias, a promessa que fazemos no início de qualquer narração. Ela é o guia que nos dirá se nosso enredo cumpriu seu objetivo principal.

Desafio do dia

Para esse post eu gostaria de deixar um pequeno desafio. Pegue um livro, algum que você esteja lendo ou um dos seus favoritos e tente encontrar a premissa. Você consegue identificar a premissa central da história? Nos conte nos comentários! No próximo post daremos continuidade ao assunto.

AMOR DE BABÁ - Nico!Babá, Percy!Professor - Capítulo III, Capítulo IV, Capítulo V, Capítulo VI, Capítulo VII

Olá, como vai? Então... eu acabei esquecendo de atualizar a versão em português. Aqui está todos os capítulos atrasados. Mil desculpas!

Boa leitura!

Capítulo III

— A culpa não é sua. Entre.

Sr. Jackson deu espaço para Nico entrar e fechou a porta, logo em seguida caminhou para dentro da casa, o guiando pela câmara de entrada.

Nico tentou seguir pelo cômodo na velocidade do homem, mas teve que parar por um momento. A primeira coisa que viu foi o branco em seu tom mais puro, vendo que conforme ele andava e seus olhos percorriam o saguão, o branco se misturava a outras tonalidades mais claras e neutras. As paredes também eram brancas e os móveis eram de uma cor igualmente clara, neve pálida, que contrastavam com os quadros bonitos no qual ele nunca poderia reconhecer seu real valor mesmo que o pagassem, decoravam tais paredes intercaladas por grandes janelas que iam até o chão em pontos estratégicos; tudo era tão imaculado, tão limpo e claro que ele teve medo de dar um passo à frente e sujar alguma coisa.

Ele piscou, e se perguntou o que mais iria encontrar naquele lugar. Por isso, com o maior cuidado possível, Nico pisou no tapete branquíssimo que se estendia por toda a entrada e andou o mais rápido que pôde tentando alcançar Sr. Jackson que já lhe esperava na entrada para a sala de estar.

E como todo o resto, o chão daquela casa também era de um granito branco que reluzia quase lhe cegando. Ele tinha mencionado a grande escada em caracol que levava ao andar de cima? Era lindo, algo saído de algum conto de fadas. Nico podia muito bem imaginar uma princesa descendo por aqueles degraus claros e lustrados. Ele escutou um pigarro e enfim desviou o olhar da escada vendo que havia duas portas à direita e uma a esquerda, e o cômodo que ele pensava ser uma pequena sala de estar se abriu ampla mais à direita, bem iluminada pelas grandes janelas que também havia ali mostrando o jardim bem cuidado, mais paredes brancas, sofás creme, uma mesinha de centro e uma televisão de setenta polegadas presa a parede.

Feito um idiota, ele continuou andando enquanto olhava para os lados e sem querer tropeçou no fim do tapete, parando no início da sala de estar. Já o Sr. Jackson, tinha andado a passos confiantes pelo longo corredor, lhe esperando, parecendo a cada minuto mais impaciente agora parado no meio da sala.

— Entre. Por favor. — Sr. Jackson lhe disse tão sério quanto antes.

Por algum motivo que Nico não podia explicar, ele se sentia em conflito, embora… embora soubesse ser um tipo diferente de conflito. Era uma sensação engraçada no pé do estômago que fazia os pelos em sua nuca se arrepiarem, como se… podia parecer ridículo, mas ele sentia ter entrado em uma armadilha de forma que se pisasse em falso seria devorado. Ele admitia, tinha atração por um tipo específico de homem. Alto, forte e… decidido. 

Bem, ele não sabia se “decidido” era a palavra certa, mas Nico gostava de acreditar nisso. Ele não sabia, talvez fosse toda aquela pele à mostra, a forma que o homem seminu estava parado no meio do cômodo como se não tivesse nada a esconder, a forma que o Sr. Jackson parecia usar sua altura para exigir… exigir algo dele. Também era o jeito que aqueles olhos que brilhavam intensos pareciam o espreitar, contidos, atentos, tentando comunicar algo que Nico se negava em compreender.

Também poderia ser aquele lugar gigante e deserto que lhe dava essa impressão de sufocamento, como se ele fosse minúsculo e a vastidão branca fosse engoli-lo naquela casa que parecia ser a perfeita prisão feita de ouro. Ou ainda pior, poderia ser algo inédito, algo que Nico recusaria até o fim por puro senso de moral; ele odiava essa sensação que subia por sua coluna e lhe deixava mais confuso, pois, não era justo, ele estava irritado com o homem há menos de dez minutos! E agora, bem… Nico não conseguia esconder, era algo que vinha a ele naturalmente; essa sexualidade que ele tentava enterrar o máximo que pudesse e que era óbvio se Nico pudesse comparar, era a semelhança na postura desse homem que o encarava dos pés à cabeça tão intensamente que lhe deixava desconfortável e ao mesmo tempo com vontade.

Mas tudo estava bem, Nico podia admitir isso para si mesmo. O único motivo de hesitar tanto era a lembrança do que havia acontecido ontem, era exatamente por conhecer pessoas como esse homem, autoritário e confiante, como se fosse óbvio que os outros viviam para atender seus desejos, que ele tinha perdido o emprego. Nico não queria que acontecesse a mesma coisa tão rápido. Ou que acontecesse algo pior.

Ah, por que ele não escutou sua intuição e foi embora quando pôde? Quer dizer… ninguém o obrigava a estar ali, certo? Sr. Jackson apenas tinha segurado a porta, lhe dando passagem e andado para dentro da casa. Talvez um pouco com a cabeça empinada? Talvez se colocando mais ereto do que antes como se… como se estivesse estufando o peito? E só talvez… só talvez ele pudesse ver um brilho meio sinistro naqueles olhos que por algum motivo Nico não conseguia desviar a atenção… Não, devia ser coisa da ansiedade que gostava de lhe pregar peças.

Nico respirou fundo e fez o seu melhor para se convencer, ele fazia esse sacrifício apenas pelo dinheiro. 

Ele inspirou profundamente, mais uma vez, e deixou o ar sair, dando o primeiro passo para dentro da sala. Depois deu mais um e parou na frente do Sr. Jackson que o encarou por mais uns segundos, seu rosto ilegível, braços cruzados em frente ao peito, parado no meio do cômodo com as pernas afastadas. Era difícil impedir seus olhos de seguir a direção natural das coisas.

— Me siga.

Sem esperar por Nico, Sr. Jackson andou a passos largos em direção aos sofás na sala de estar e se sentou pesadamente contra uma das milhares de poltronas que enfeitavam o cômodo, o forçando a ir atrás dele.

— Não vou enrolar. Minha esposa viaja a maior parte do tempo e eu cuido das crianças. Sou pesquisador e não tenho tempo a perder. Elas têm uma rotina. Você deve acordá-la às sete em ponto, trocar elas, me ajudar com o café da manhã, levá-las para a escola, buscá-las, ajudá-las com o dever de casa, mantê-las entretidas até a hora de ir dormir e dar banho nelas no fim do dia. Durante o resto do tempo, eu não me importo com o que você faz. Se você fica aqui ou em outro lugar, não é da minha conta.

— Hmm… tudo bem? — Nico disse meio confuso, a irritação voltando a subir por seus nervos. — O senhor vai estar presente em algum momento? Ou devo fazer alguma coisa a mais?

— E o que seria isso?

O homem finalmente sorriu para Nico, mas era algo tão zombador e cínico que ele quase se levantou da cadeira para dar um soco nele.

— Olha, eu não sei o que você faz na casa das outras pessoas, mas aqui você vai fazer o que foi contratado para fazer. Cuidar das crianças e arrumar a bagunça que elas fizerem. Duzentos reais por dia é o suficiente?

— Duzentos reais? — Nico disse, surpreso. Isso era o dobro do que ele esperava.

— Duzentos reais mais transporte e almoço. Você está livre para comer ou fazer o que quiser.

Sr. Jackson deu mais um sorrisinho na direção de Nico e se espreguiçou lentamente ao se levantar, Nico observando cada movimento com mais atenção do que o necessário, ainda levemente confuso e se negando a corar. O pior era saber que ele era tão óbvio, não conseguindo evitar o constrangimento.

— Não se preocupe. Acontece com todo mundo. — Sr. Jackson piscou para Nico e enfim se afastou, mas não sem antes falar: — Subindo as escadas, estou no primeiro quarto à direita. As crianças devem ser acordadas em vinte minutos.

Nico acenou meio zonzo e viu a silhueta dos ombros largos de seu mais novo chefe desaparecer escadas acima.

Capítulo IV

Nico se virou no sofá, se apoiando de costas e colocou a mão sobre os olhos. Piscou devagar e sentiu a claridade do começo do dia cegá-lo, feito uma flecha que acertava o alvo. Quando os abriu novamente, viu que o sol já brilhava forte em todo o cômodo, banhando as paredes frias e brancas com os raios cálidos do amanhecer, iluminando e aquecendo o lugar que antes parecia tão ausente de vida ou de calor. 

Ele piscou mais uma vez, tentando despregar as pálpebras e coçou os olhos, a visão clareando conforme Nico se acostumava com a luz da manhã. Olhou ao redor e enfim se lembrou de onde estava, se inclinando para a frente em busca de seu celular. Tateou a mesa de centro e os bolsos de sua calça até que uma imagem que ele não esperava ver se fez nítida; tudo o que Nico conseguia enxergar eram olhos verdes azulados, tão intensos quanto o mar em dias chuvosos junto a um nariz fino e lábios bonitos, abertos em um sorriso mais bonito ainda, embora ele sentisse que esse sorriso não indicasse boas notícias.

Em um pulo que fez seu coração disparar, Nico se lançou para fora do sofá bem no momento em que o despertador tocou lhe avisando que a hora de acordar as crianças havia chegado. Decidido a recuperar o controle da situação, ele deu alguns passos para trás e colocou certa distância entre ele e o homem que se inclinava sobre o sofá, insistindo em lhe perturbar e que agora sorria em sua direção, lábios bonitos se alargando e o prazer no rosto bronzeado deixando claro que a diversão estava longe de acabar.

Ainda meio sonolento e com a face em fogo, se sentindo como se observasse a própria vida por uma lente desfocada, viu quando o Sr. Jackson endireitou a coluna e ainda sorrindo, se aproximou dele. O homem parou na frente dele, colocou uma das mãos sobre os ombros de Nico e o encarou no que parecia ser algo amigável. Porém, dessa vez, Nico pôde notar que o Sr. Jackson tinha se dignado a usar roupas e até tinha penteado os cabelos que agora estavam jogados para trás, permitindo que ele percebesse o quanto o homem realmente era bonito. Barra feita, dentes brancos e sorriso de canto, parecendo tão charmoso que por um momento Nico se esqueceu de onde estava.

Se Nico dissesse que algo tinha lhe possuído e controlado sua mente, alguém acreditaria? Pois, foi o que aconteceu. Em câmera lenta, ele se viu levantando a própria mão e segurando nos dedos que repousavam sobre seus ombros, os encarando meio sem ver nada e sem acreditar. Dedos sobre dedos, sua palma curvada sobre a dele, observando como ambas as mãos, juntas e de tonalidades tão diferentes, se encaixavam tão bem que por um momento Nico apenas se permitiu observar. Ele ouviu um pigarro e apenas assim voltou sua atenção para o Sr. Jackson; seus olhos verdes, rosto bonito e sorriso cordial finalmente o fazendo perceber que o silêncio durava por mais tempo do que o normal.

Esse era um fato que ele não podia negar, Percy Jackson podia ser estranhamente irritante e agradável ao mesmo tempo, mas ele era uma das pessoas mais bonitas que Nico tinha conhecido, mesmo que seu rosto tivesse uma forma levemente arredondada e agora estivesse usando óculos de grau, sem se esquecer do sorriso mais doce que já tinha visto.

— Noite difícil?

— …algo assim. — Nico disse sem ter certeza. A cada momento que se passava mais a confusão crescia em Nico o deixando… desconfortável, o fazendo sentir aquela sensaçãozinha que agora saia de seu estômago e passava por sua coluna, provocando um rastro de calor e arrepios, algo além do que ele estava disposto a admitir.

A verdade era que Nico não conseguia evitar, a voz do Sr. Jackson soava tão rouca e tão aveludada que ele não pôde suprimir outro arrepio e tão pouco pôde evitar a forma que suas mãos agarraram mais firme as dele. Em contrapartida, Percy Jackson não parecia estar atrás. O aperto em seu ombro era tão forte e decidido que a atenção de Nico foi imediatamente para o que o homem falava, lhe fazendo prestar atenção em sua boca, em como seus lábios se moviam, em sua língua que veio para fora e molhou os lábios levemente secos, Nico pouco a pouco se sentindo enlouquecer a cada segundo em que passava perto daquele homem; numa hora, Sr. Jackson parecia que ia lhe expulsar da casa e na outra, eles eram os melhores amigos. Nico não se sentia confortável com nada disso, incomodado com a mudança repentina do homem. Isso lhe deixava inseguro e incerto de como agir.

Percebendo o que acontecia, Nico se soltou dele e deu outro passo para trás.

— Senhor, se você pudesse--

— Não, é minha culpa. Não me expressei direito. — Sr. Jackson levantou a outra mão e quando viu que Nico se afastava novamente, a abaixou e continuou num tom de voz bem mais suave, mantendo seus olhos intensos sobre os de Nico. — A gente pode começar de novo?

Nico sentiu um tipo diferente de calor subir por sua coluna, ele abriu a boca para xingá-lo de doido bipolar quando parou no meio do que ia dizer. Sim, Nico se calou. Ele se calou porque Sr. Jackson continuava olhando para ele como se Nico fosse a única coisa digna de atenção, ele se calou principalmente porque Sr. Jackson sorria novamente, um sorriso pequeno e bonito, mas tão sincero que tinha lhe acertado completamente e com força total, lhe fazendo perceber que ele estava mais encrencado do que pensava.

Quer saber? Nico não sabia o que estava acontecendo consigo mesmo ou com esse homem, ou o porquê dessa súbita mudança de comportamento. E ele nem queria saber. Será que Nico devia ir embora ou…

— Eu juro, estou sendo sincero. Me desculpe por antes. A última babá que ela arrumou não deixou a melhor das impressões, entende?

— Ela?

— Annabeth Chase, minha esposa? A pessoa que te contratou? Não importa, ela fez isso de propósito.

— Eu entendo se o senhor--

— Não, eu insisto. — Percy Jackson disse, soando mais… firme do que antes. — Vamos ver o que acontece até o fim do dia. Veja isso como um experimento, sim?

E assim, o assunto se encerrava. Sr. Jackson acenou para Nico, endireitou a coluna e se virou, indicando o caminho. Ele andou a passos largos na direção apontada e subiu os lances de escada, percorrendo um longo corredor que dava no quarto das crianças.

Ainda meio zonzo com tantas mudanças de humor, Nico não teve escolha senão segui-lo praticamente correndo para alcançá-lo. Ele subiu os degraus de dois em dois e, já arfando, alcançou o Sr. Jackson no andar superior.

— Eu pensei… que o senhor… não fosse participar?

— Eu não estava falando sério. Vou estar presente sempre que possível. Então, relaxe. Não sou esse tipo de pai.

Por algum motivo, Nico sentia que Sr. Jackson continuava zombando dele mesmo que o deboche não fosse óbvio. Do mesmo modo, ele o seguiu mais uma vez para dentro do quarto, sendo recebido por duas crianças que já estavam acordadas. Elas correram até o pai, gargalhando, e cada uma delas segurou em uma das pernas do homem, a felicidade delas sincera e contagiante, logo o fazendo esquecer do que havia acabado de acontecer.

Capítulo V

Percy tentou segurar a risada e deu as costas para Nico, subindo as escadas, no fundo tentado a continuar e ver até onde poderia provocar Nico. Ele gostava de pensar que não era tão sádico assim. Na maior parte do tempo fazia o seu melhor para ser um bom pai e se mantinha fiel à imagem de Annabeth. Querendo ou não, no papel, eles ainda estavam casados, mesmo que Annabeth não fizesse o mesmo esforço que ele, e no momento, Percy tentava especialmente ser um bom anfitrião; era visível que Nico era um bom garoto, paciente e respeitoso quando ele não o tratava da mesma forma, mas era tão fácil provocar aquele garotinho… quando menos viu, estavam perto demais, Percy se divertindo mais ainda enquanto tentava se controlar e esconder o divertimento por trás de uma carranca.

Tudo bem, ele era o culpado nessa história, Percy admitia, estava testando o garoto. Nico parecia bonzinho demais e jovem demais para estar trabalhando, era como ver uma criança cuidar de outras crianças, além do fato dele não saber nada sobre o garoto. Não podia ser possível, aquela carinha bonitinha e toda inocente não devia passar dos quinze, talvez dezesseis anos. Ele era tão magrinho que Percy temia que as crianças sem querer o quebrassem no meio quando fossem brincar. E mesmo sabendo que iria se arrepender, Percy subiu o resto das escadas e abriu a porta, sendo recebido por seus pequenos anjinhos arteiros que lhe abraçaram forte antes de voltar a seus afazeres.

— Papai, Papai! Onde você estava? A gente tá atrasado! — o pequeno Logan gritou de sua cama, colocando os sapatos e já vestido. Ele era um doce, inocente e bem-comportado, sempre tentando fazer o certo. Isso também tinha a ver com o fato de Logan odiar chegar atrasado.

— Kelly não veio hoje? — Alice perguntou de maneira bem mais calma, quase distraída, lendo algo em seu celular enquanto se esparramava na cama.

— Ela teve que se ausentar. Nico ficará com a gente hoje. O que vocês acham disso?

— Mais uma foi embora? — Alice disse.

— Eu não gostava dela mesmo. — Logan falou. Ele sorriu para seus sapatos, satisfeito com um trabalho bem feito e deu de ombros. — Ela não sabia brincar, ficava o dia todo no telefone.

— Eu sei, querido. Com sorte, o Sr. Nico vai ser diferente. Vocês querem conhecê-lo?

Obedientes, as crianças interromperam o que faziam e se levantaram da cama, cada uma parando de cada lado de Percy e enfim avistando a pessoa parada atrás do pai. Com suas colunas retas e olhares curiosos, esperaram pacientes quando Percy enfim saiu da frente delas, permitindo que elas o vissem. E Nico que em todo esse tempo tinha estado encostado ao batente da porta e permanecido observando a interação entre ele e as crianças, deixou que um sorriso tomasse conta de seu rosto.

Percy viu Nico dar um passo para dentro do quarto, se aproximando delas, e continuou observando de longe, tão curioso quanto elas olhavam para Nico.

— Crianças, o que dizemos quando conhecemos pessoas novas?

— É um prazer te conhecer! — Logan disse todo animado, seus olhos chegando a brilhar quando se encontraram com os de Nico.

— Espero que você dure mais do que um mês. — Foi a vez de Alice murmurar. Logo em seguida, ela desviou o olhar para o celular e fingiu que nada estava acontecendo. 

Percy entendia perfeitamente, era a forma que Alice tinha para se proteger; ela iria ignorar o problema até que ele desaparecesse ou até que alguém o resolvesse para ela. Porque, de fato, ele já tinha perdido a conta de quantas pessoas tinha contratado nos últimos anos.

— O prazer é todo meu. — Nico disse, o tom de sua voz o surpreendendo.

Percy não podia negar, aquele tom era algo bem mais amoroso e amável do que Nico tinha usado com ele. Isso o surpreendeu ainda mais quando, ao contrário do que ele pensava, Nico se ajoelhou até ficar na altura das crianças e segurou nas mãos delas, sorrindo gentilmente enquanto falava: — Espero que a gente possa se divertir.

— Você vai me levar pra escola? As babás sempre fazem isso. — Logan falou.

— Vai ajudar a gente com o dever de casa? — Alice completou.

— Sim, vamos fazer isso e muito mais.

— Você não devia estar na escola? Quantos anos você tem? — Alice voltou a dizer, parecendo desconfiada.

— Eu tenho vinte. E você?

— Onze. Meu irmãozinho tem sete.

— É verdade! O papai vinte e nove. Mamãe, trinta e um! — Logan falou animado como num jogo. Quem falasse mais rápido, ganhava.

— É muito bom saber. — Nico sorriu e Percy não pôde deixar de sorrir junto.

Ele bagunçou os cabelos de Logan e sentou na cama enquanto continuava a observar a forma leve e fácil que Nico falava com as crianças.

— Você… estuda? — Alice perguntou.

— Não, estou juntando dinheiro para pagar a faculdade.

— Você mora na cidade? — Foi a vez de Logan.

Percy viu Nico sorrir ainda mais, um sorriso tão aberto e angelical que ele tentou disfarçar o interesse enquanto Nico continuava respondendo às crianças sem hesitar. “Não, eu moro mais para o interior, há uma hora da cidade. Sim, tenho quatro irmãos, duas garotas e dois garotos. E sim, tenho namorado”.

— Por que tantas perguntas? — Nico perguntou depois de um tempo.

— Estamos ajudando o papai! — Logan contou a ele, sentado ao lado de Nico no chão junto com a irmã.

— Quando a gente pergunta, as pessoas mentem menos. — Alice acenou, confirmando.

— Quem já mentiu?

— A última babá. Uma mulher de vinte e cinco anos.

Percy sentiu vontade de se estapear e sair dali de fininho bem no momento em que Nico se virou para ele e levantou a sobrancelha, claramente lhe questionando quanto a isso. Ele deu de ombros, fingindo que não sabia de nada e se ajeitou na cama, disfarçando com o celular na mão como se ele lesse algo muito importante. Nico se voltou para as crianças, mais uma vez prestando atenção no que elas diziam, mas… é… Percy podia ver um leve rubor subindo pelo pescoço de Nico, parando em suas altas maçãs do rosto, dando a Nico uma tonalidade ligeiramente mais escura.

— Acho que por hoje foi o suficiente. Quem está pronto para ir para a escola?

Surpreendentemente, não era Percy quem tinha dito isso. Tinha sido o próprio Nico, já entrando em modo de cuidador infanto-juvenil. Tudo pareceu tão natural que Percy se pegou acatando a ordem de Nico. Ambos ajudaram as crianças a pegarem as bolsas, livros e garrafas de água, cada uma delas pegando nas mãos de Nico e o puxando para a porta de entrada, descendo as escadas e parando na câmara de entrada.

Se sentindo satisfeito, entregou as chaves do carro nas mãos de Nico e disse: “Divirta-se!”

— Você não deveria…?

— Você não sabe dirigir?

— Não é isso!

— Então, está resolvido. É o Jeep preto.

Sendo arrastado pelas crianças, Nico fez uma careta engraçada para Percy e ele se viu novamente os seguindo enquanto as crianças continuavam a arrastar Nico pela casa. Eles deram a volta na casa, passaram pelo jardim, e atrás dela onde havia um longo jardim estavam os carros, um conversível que Percy tinha ganhado de presente em seu aniversário de dezoito anos e um Jeep, um monstro de quatro portas com rodas que ele amava dirigir, quase mais alto do que ele próprio.

Percy indicou o carro para Nico e prestando atenção no rosto de Nico, se sentiu ainda mais satisfeito. Nico parou no lugar e ficou um tempo admirando o carro, seus olhos bem abertos com uma expressão tão surpresa que o deixava ainda mais bonitinho.

 Nico balançou a cabeça e olhou para ele, parecendo vencido pelo cansaço.

— Vamos, destrave o carro. — Nico fez, é claro. Nico apertou o botão e assim que o alarme foi desativado, Percy abriu a porta para ele e então pegou as crianças, as colocando no banco de trás e ajeitando o cinto de segurança para elas.

— Você consegue subir?

Nico acenou, deu um impulso para frente e caiu de cara no banco do motorista, todo desajeitado. Percy teve o impulso de o ajudar, mas como Nico não tinha reagido bem antes quando ele tocou no ombro dele, Percy parou antes que Nico interpretasse aquilo de forma errada. 

É, parece que ele teria que comprar outro carro para eles. Um… que fosse mais rebaixado? Era uma boa ideia.

Percy enfim bateu a porta do carro, acenou para eles e só entrou para dentro da casa quando Nico de fato mostrou saber dirigir, continuou observando o carro se afastar até que Nico fez uma baliza para completar o retorno em direção à saída. Parece que as coisas seriam mais interessantes do que Percy pensava.

Capítulo VI

— Sem correr, por favor. — Nico murmurou sabendo que as crianças já estavam muito longe para escutarem.

Felizmente o dia tinha passado sem muitos problemas. Depois daquela apresentação calorosa, ele tinha deixado as crianças na escola e sem nada para fazer lhe restou voltar para a casa do Sr. Jackson. Foi apenas quando Nico se viu parado na ampla sala de estar que encontrou um bilhete em cima da mesinha de centro:

“Nico, preciso que você cuide das crianças essa noite. Pago horas extras. Espero que você não tenha problemas. Desculpe o aviso tardio. Estarei em casa até as 17hs se você tiver alguma pergunta.

Percy Jackson.”

Percy Jackson só podia estar brincando com ele, certo? Era seu primeiro dia e o cara já pensava que ia o fazer de escravo? Que família mais estranha! Pelo jeito, Percy Jackson era do tipo que ficava preso no quarto por horas e a misteriosa senhora Annabeth Chase era pior ainda, ela nunca estava em casa e ainda por cima parecia praticar abandono maternal. Era até engraçado, ela o contratava e nem estava em casa para explicar as coisas enquanto que ele tinha que aguentar o marido bipolar dela? Mas estava tudo bem, como sempre. Iria ficar, de qualquer forma.

O problema real apareceu quando Nico foi para a cozinha naquela tarde em busca do almoço se deparando com uma geladeira cheia de comida, sim, porém toda a comida ali estava crua. Ou estragada. De fato, parecia que ninguém abria aquela geladeira há meses. E já que ele estava ali, por que não?

Respirando fundo e se sentindo meio enjoado, Nico enfiou a cara dentro da geladeira e começou a tirar tudo o que tinha cheiro ou aparência suspeita, hortaliças, verduras, legumes e até um pedaço de carne que parecia ter uma coloração diferenciada. No fim, deu um saco de lixo gigante, cheio até a boca que exalava um odor fétido, havendo muito pouca coisa que poderia ser usada. Ele tinha algumas possibilidades, é claro; ou passava a tarde fazendo uma sopa, ou poderia comprar comida. E como Nico era o único que iria comer, ele achou melhor comprar alguma coisa por enquanto. Dessa forma, ele pegou novamente as chaves do carro e saiu antes que ficasse tarde demais. Na volta trouxe um pouco de arroz cozido, legumes, carne assada e uma saladona que poderia ser dividida com mais três pessoas. O bom era que ele tinha chegado bem há tempo do almoço, quase passando das treze horas.

Foi assim que Nico passou sua primeira tarde na casa dos Chase-Jackson, lendo um livro sobre literatura, comendo devagar e depois explorando o resto da casa, ele até achou uma piscina no quintal mais à direita da propriedade enquanto esperava pacientemente até que a hora de pegar as crianças chegasse. E quando essa hora finalmente chegou, ele pegou as chaves do carro, se lembrando da comida que tinha sobrado na geladeira e bem embalada em seus potes. Então, Nico decidiu, o Sr. Jackson também merecia um pouco de comida; quer dizer, o homem não podia ficar o dia inteiro dentro do quarto sem comer, podia?

Ele fez um prato caprichado para o chefe, bateu na porta e colocou o prato com a bandeja no chão. Sem olhar para trás, se virou e desceu escadas indo direto para fora da casa em direção ao carro, felizmente chegando à escola das crianças antes delas saírem. Não demorou muito e veio aquele mar de estudantes, todos apressados para irem embora. 

Quando menos viu, Nico foi atacado por mãos e braços que se fincaram nele de uma forma que não seria possível se soltar.

— Você veio!

— Eu não devia? — Perguntou confuso a Logan.

— As babás sempre chegam atrasadas. — Alice completou a fala do irmão. — É chato ficar aqui esperando. Será que é tão difícil chegar na hora, sabe?

— Eu entendo. Comigo vocês não precisam esperar.

Contentes, as crianças seguraram em sua mão e andaram com ele até o carro, com a ajuda dele se sentaram no banco de trás sem parar de falar; até Alice que naquela manhã pareceu ser quieta agora gesticulava e contava de seu dia. Nico fez o melhor para prestar atenção no que elas diziam e acenar nas horas certas, preferindo prestar atenção ao dirigir pela cidade, logo entrando no condomínio. E Agora? Agora ele tentava acompanhar o ritmo delas. No momento em que chegaram em casa, Nico as ajudou a sair do carro e logo que elas se viram livres, lhe deram um abraço apertado cada uma e ambos correram pelo jardim, já subindo pela pequena varanda e passando pela porta da frente.

E, ele, num rompante de energia correu atrás das crianças, levando consigo suas mochilas e lancheiras, ouvindo elas conversarem dentro da cozinha, essa cena o fazendo lembrar que elas não teriam nada para comer.

— Nico! Nico! Estou com fome! — Ele ouviu uma delas gritar.

— Você sabe cozinhar? — A outra completou.

Admitindo a derrota, parecia que Nico no fim das contas teria que cozinhar, não?

Ele colocou a bolsa deles e as chaves do carro perto da mesa da sala de estar e andou em direção à cozinha até entrar nela; Nico já se arrependia de não ter pedido mais comida. Por mais que quisesse fugir de mais interrogatórios, ele não teve escolha. As crianças tinham sorte de serem tão fofas. O bom era que depois de passar parte da tarde limpando a geladeira, Nico sabia exatamente onde encontrar tudo o que precisava; legumes, temperos e verduras, indo direto ao armário e pegando uma panela. Ele a encheu com água e a colocou no fogo, tentando disfarçar de frente para o fogão, simulando que estava ocupado apenas para não ter que encarar esse suplício.

E sinceramente? Ele já estava ficando cansado disso.

— Nicoooo… onde você aprendeu a fazer isso?

— Foi seu papai que te ensinou?

Ele já disse que estava cansado disso? Nico sabia como crianças podiam ser curiosas e ter mil perguntas. Mas isso ia além de pura curiosidade, era a obra de um ser feito inteiramente de crueldade. Entretanto, algo o fez parar no meio do caminho em direção a geladeira. Ele se virou em direção a Logan e viu como o garotinho mostrava a maior expressão de inocência que ele já tinha visto. Seus olhos verdes-azulados iguais aos do pai e cabelos loiros devendo ter herdado da mãe, cintilavam como raios de sol que reluziam intensamente em sua direção. Sim, Nico não pôde mais ignorá-lo. Parou o que fazia e levantou a cabeça, a última pergunta lhe pegando de surpresa.

Nico sorriu e em seguida abriu a geladeira, tirando todos os legumes que precisaria; batatas, cenouras, alho, cebola e coentro. Alguns pimentões também e chuchu para tornar tudo mais saudável.

— Por que o meu pai? — Nico teve que perguntar. A pergunta era específica demais para ser coincidência.

— Papai ensina tudo pra gente! — Logan disse. Seu rosto expressivo, orgulhoso de contar isso para ele.

— E sua mãe?

— Ela nunca fica em casa. — Dessa vez foi Alice que respondeu, desviando a atenção do celular que ela segurava. Alice deu de ombros e voltou a seu aparelho, embora ele soubesse que Alice prestava até mais atenção que Logan.

— Ah. — Ele disse. Pelo menos isso parece ter freado a sequência de perguntas intermináveis que eles insistiam em disparar.

— Você gosta da sua mãe? — Alice perguntou.

Nico olhou pelo canto dos cílios e viu que dessa vez não era o tipo de pergunta para arrancar informações dele.

— Ela é uma das melhores pessoas que eu conheço. Me ensinou a cozinhar e a estudar. Cuidar da casa e dos meus irmãos.

— E seu pai? — Logan quis saber.

— Ele… ele fez o melhor que pôde. Me ensinou a cuidar da terra e a ter respeito por todas as coisas vivas. Mas ele pode ser violento quando provocado.

— Que nem a mamãe e o papai?

— Logan! — Alice o repreendeu. Ela colocou a mão na boca do irmão e tentou sorrir para Nico.

— Entendo. — Nico disse depois de um tempo, sabendo exatamente o que Logan queria dizer com isso. Quando o silêncio se tornou desconfortável, completou: — Esse vai ser um segredo só nosso.

Felizmente após essa revelação as perguntas pararam completamente. Nico voltou para o fogão e vendo que a água estava quase fervendo, descascou rapidamente os legumes. Fritou o alho e a cebola, juntou com os pimentões e colocou tudo no panelão, esperando que a mistura cozinhasse adequadamente e o caldo engrossasse um pouco. Lidar com crianças era sempre estranho e apesar dessas crianças terem tudo o que qualquer pessoa poderia querer, se sentia mal por elas. Elas pareciam tão solitárias e conformadas com isso, como se fosse tudo o que poderiam ter, o fazendo lembrar de sua própria infância. Agora ele sabia que poderia ter muito mais se quisesse, sentindo o impulso de mostrar que eles podiam ter isso e muito mais também.

Só tinha um detalhe, ele não era o pai deles e não cabia a ele se meter no que não era de sua conta; Nico tinha que se lembrar disso, sabia que o Sr. Jackson era o responsável por todas essas perguntas que as crianças insistiam em lhe fazer e ele não tinha o direito de descontar nelas ou influenciá-las dessa forma. Assim, enquanto a sopa não ficava pronta, Nico foi até a mesa, sorriu para Logan e Alice e se aproximou até estar na altura deles, beijando cada um nos cabelos, tentando passar tranquilidade e afeto.

— Então, o que vocês querem fazer? Dever de casa?

— Vamos jogar 10 perguntas!

Logan não tinha jeito, ele sempre seria o filho do papai.

— Boa tentativa. — Ele apertou o nariz de Logan e Logan gargalhou, tentando afastar as mãos de Nico. — Vamos, vai ser rápido. Você não precisa de ajuda? Vou fazer com você.

— Vai mesmo? Papai nem sempre tem tempo…

— Certo. Se levante. Você também, Alice.

— Eu não sou uma criancinha que precisa de ajuda.

— Ei! — Logan, reclamou, cruzando os braços.

— Sem exceções. — Foi tudo o que ele disse antes de abaixar o fogo e se encaminhar para fora da cozinha.

Logan foi saltitando atrás dele e, a Alice, só restou revirar os olhos e os seguir até a sala de estar onde eles espalharam os cadernos e livros sobre a mesa de centro enquanto Nico os fiscalizava. Foi estranhamente agradável, as crianças fizeram todo o dever de casa e ainda tiveram tempo para assistir um pouco de televisão antes de voltarem para a cozinha.

No fim, a sopa tinha ficado melhor do que Nico se lembrava, a receita de sua nona nunca falhava ou era o que ela costumava lhe dizer. Ele foi até o fogão, o desligou e inspirou o aroma apetitoso e fragrante, levou a panela até o centro da mesa, colocou três pratos na mesa e serviu porções generosas. Sentia que deveria esperar pelo dono da casa, entretanto, como o Sr. Jackson já devia ter saído, seriam apenas ele, as crianças e o sofá confortável na sala de estar. O que ele não se importava; a companhia delas sempre seria melhor do que a daquele homem que ficava o tempo o encarando, seu olhar inquisitivo fazendo algo dentro de Nico se remexer inquietamente. Sua pele esquentava e a base da sua nuca formigava por horas. Então, essa ansiedade, diferente de qualquer outra, lhe tomava de uma forma que o forçava a levantar ou fazer algo útil com as mãos. Por isso, tardes como essas fazia bem para seu coração, sua ansiedade se mantinha em níveis normais e ele podia relaxar mesmo que em meio as milhões de perguntas que aqueles pestinhas insistiam em fazer.

— Nossa! Isso tá tão gostoso!

— Está mesmo. — Alice concordou com Logan. Ela assoprou devagar e tomou mais uma colherada, gemendo de prazer.

 Nico sorriu satisfeito com o elogio. Era bom saber que alguém ainda gostava do que ele fazia.

Capítulo VII

— Nico? Nico? Está na hora de ir pra cama. — Nico escutou alguém chamar por ele na forma de um sussurro ao pé de seu ouvido. Na verdade, fazia tempo que qualquer pessoa usava aquele tom de voz com ele, algo cuidadoso e gentil, suave, tentando acordá-lo sem assustá-lo. Então, a mão de alguém tocou em seu ombro, pesada, porém reconfortante ao deslizar e pousar sobre suas costas, o movendo e o ajudando a levantar delicadamente do sofá.

Nico abriu os olhos devagar e dessa vez não reagiu como ele próprio esperava. Era o sr. Jackson, é claro, em um terno negro de grife e cheirando tão bem que Nico se viu inclinando em direção ao homem, observando os cabelos escuros penteados para atrás e a barba que já crescia ralinha pinicar as pontas de seus dedos.

Como ele sabia disso? Bem… talvez ele tenha tocado no rosto do Sr. Jackson, dedilhando a pele enquanto tentava se sentar e encarar quem lhe chamava. E talvez, ele tenha mantido sua mão ali um pouco mais do que o necessário, apenas um pequeno erro de percurso, vocês entendem, certo? Era só isso. O bom disso tudo era que o Sr. Jackson pareceu não se importar; ele sorriu para Nico e estendeu a mão para que ele pudesse levantar, lhe guiando pelo meio das costas enquanto andavam pela casa. E Nico, com a maior cara de paisagem que foi capaz de fazer, enfim sentou direito no sofá e o seguiu, fazendo seu melhor para fingir que nada estava acontecendo. Agora, porque esse homem vivia lhe pegando nessa situação, Nico não sabia explicar.

— Cama? — Nico murmurou enfim. Ele coçou os olhos e tentou pensar em que cama seria essa.

— Já são duas horas da manhã. Me desculpe, a reunião durou mais do que eu pretendia. E obrigado pela comida.

— Ah… então eu… eu acho que vou indo.

— Não, você pode usar o quarto de hóspedes. Por favor.

Sr. Jackson não deu nenhuma outra desculpa ou tentou explicar porque Nico devia dormir ali. Não, o homem apenas afirmou como se fosse obvio que ele iria obedecer. E pronto, simples assim, as coisas estavam resolvidas. Nico pensou em discutir, em dizer que eles não deveriam fazer isso, mas… mas ele sabia que as coisas seriam mais fáceis se ele apenas aceitasse e já que Nico não tinha direito de escolha, deu de ombros; afinal, o que de mal poderia ter em dormir uma noite fora de casa? “Isso. Não tem problema”, ele voltou a pensar. Nico teria que acordar cedo e estar ali às sete, então… só dessa vez… só dessa… não tinha problema. Certo?

Sentindo o corpo mole, deixou que o Sr. Jackson o segurasse pelos ombros e continuasse a lhe guiar pela casa.

— Você está com fome? — Sr Jackson perguntou a ele.

Nico piscou devagar, tentando pensar e se virou para ele, vendo o sorriso do homem retornando com força total.

Ah, era verdade! Ele tinha se esquecido.

— Eu fiz sopa.

— Você fez sopa? — Sr. Jackson repetiu, como se para ter certeza.

— Está na geladeira.

Tudo bem, essa nem era uma situação tão estranha assim, certo? Devia ser comum jantar com seu chefe…? Nico balançou a cabeça e decidido a não fazer mais nada impróprio, se sentou perto da bancada da cozinha, enquanto ainda sorrindo o Sr. Jackson andou até a geladeira, a abrindo. E lá dentro, como Nico havia dito, tinha um vasilhame gigante cheio de sopa de legumes e um com o resto da comida que ele havia comprado. 

Sr. Jackson claramente surpreso, pegou o contêiner e o abriu, inspirando o aroma.

— Isso são legumes de verdade? — Sr. Jackson pergunta mais surpreso ainda, percebendo que não era o tipo de sopa instantânea.

— Não é assim que se faz sopa? O senhor sabe que não tinha comida para as crianças? — Murmurou incerto.

— Nah. Temos comida congelada.

— Ah. — Nico disse. 

Sua vontade era dizer que comida congelada era horrível e nada saudável. Mas é claro que ele não disse o que pensava. Ao invés disso, observou o homem tirar um pouco da sopa, colocar em um prato fundo, o levar ao micro-ondas e depois se sentar de frente para ele, dando a primeira colherada. Quando Nico diz isso, ele não está brincando; Sr. Jackson fechou os olhos de uma forma contente e gemeu tão alto que ele parecia ter alcançado o paraíso.

— Sr. Di Ângelo , quem diria! Você é cheio de surpresas. O que mais você pode fazer?

E não é que a pergunta soava… estranhamente dúbia? Nico sentiu o sono se dissipando mais rápido que um foguete enquanto seu rosto pegava fogo. Ele não podia evitar, era algo físico, sentia a pele esquentando e suando e seu coração disparando por algum motivo. Não era sua culpa se o Sr. Jackson olhava daquele jeito para ele, o sorriso do homem parecendo… ligeiramente diferente.

— Qualquer coisa. Comida, sobremesas e massas. Minha mãe… — Ele engoliu em seco e pigarreou, sentindo a garganta se fechar por algum motivo que não podia entender. — Ela aprendeu com a mãe dela. E como minhas irmãs não se interessam… gosto de passar meu tempo ajudando ela.

Ele deu de ombros, não era algo tão incomum assim. A diferença era que ele preferia ficar em casa enquanto outras crianças corriam pelos campos brincando.

— Quantos anos você tem mesmo?

Foi o exato momento em que Nico percebeu que o questionário retornava com força total.

— Eu queria falar sobre isso com o senhor.

— Por favor, me chame de Percy.

— Certo, Percy. Será que você podia parar com esses interrogatórios? —  Nico falou com a maior seriedade que pôde. Endireitou a coluna, colocou as mãos em cima da bancada e completou, para não parecer muito rude: — Por gentileza. Se o senhor quiser saber de alguma coisa, é só me dizer. Não tenho nada a esconder.

O encarando de frente, Sr. Jackson, quer dizer, Percy, colocou a colher sob o prato e se inclinou para perto dele, ficando um pouco perto demais.

— O que foi? — Nico teve que perguntar.

— Tudo bem. Vou pedir que as crianças parem. Mas você tem que ser sincero comigo.

— Certo…?

Ele viu Percy respirar fundo e não pôde acreditar no que escutou em seguida:

— Como você encontrou o anúncio? Você estuda? O que pretende fazer no futuro? Como tem tanto jeito com crianças? Quantos anos você tem? De onde sua família vem? E sobre--

— O-o quê? Espera aí! Eles não te deram essas informações?

— Me dar informações? Eu nem sei quem são eles!

— Oh. — Agora ele entendia.

— Eu não tive escolha! A garota que limpava a casa pediu demissão, logo depois da babá ser despedida. Eu não tive escolha mesmo. Você sabe como é difícil cuidar de crian…

Nico colocou o braço no balcão e apoiou a cabeça nele, observando meio fora do ar Percy bufar irritado, tentando não rir na cara do homem e só quando teve certeza que Percy tinha terminado, respondeu:

— Então… tenho vinte anos. Estudo direito na faculdade comunitária aos fins de semana e trabalho durante a semana para pagar minha faculdade desde os dezessete.

— Oh. — Foi a vez de Percy murmurar.

— Minha família é da Itália, viemos para cá quando meu avô paterno morreu há alguns anos e como meu pai não tem irmãos, ele tomou responsabilidade pelos negócios da família.

— Ele não devia pagar sua faculdade? — Percy disse.

— Nós… a gente não se dá muito bem. Ele acha que fazer direito é perda de tempo.

— Vejo que você gosta de crianças…

 Nico deu de ombros mais uma vez.

— Eu ajudava minha mãe em casa. Crianças são… puras e elas não mentem. São melhores companhias que muitos adultos.

Depois disso… Nico não tinha certeza de mais nada. Sr Jackson, quer dizer, Percy, continuou tomando sua sopa enquanto que Nico apenas ficou ali pensando que, no fim, Percy tinha um motivo para agir daquela forma, esperando por Percy terminar seu jantar. Ele sabia que não precisava esperar e até sabia onde ficava o quarto, Nico só… só não queria se mexer, sentindo aquela sonolência retornar. Era mais interessante ficar onde estava, sentindo o sono voltar minuto por minuto a ele, parecendo quase hipnótico o movimento que Percy fazia com a colher, a levantando e baixando, até que o prato estava vazio e Percy tinha se escorado no assento do a cadeira.

— Você sabe que amanhã é sábado, não sabe?

— É? — Ele tinha esquecido completamente.

— E nessa casa ninguém acorda cedo no fim de semana.

— Hmm.

— Então, se você quiser tomar um banho e dormir até o meio-dia…

— Oh. Certo.

Nico parou de olhar para as mãos de Percy e levou a vista para seus olhos em seguida. Ele estava confuso… Percy estava lhe convidando como um hóspede? O homem parecia tão diferente de antes que parecia ser uma pessoa totalmente mudada. Nico não sabia se gostava disso, dessa mudança rápida, e ainda continuava sem saber se era correto uma pessoa que prestava um serviço dormir na casa de seu empregador.

— Eu não tenho roupas.

— Vou te emprestar algumas. Olha, não posso te deixar sair uma hora dessas. Então, seja um bom garoto e me obedeça, sim?

Assim, Percy se levantou, lavou o próprio prato e na saída o puxou pela mão. Nico se viu sem escolha além de segui-lo feito um cachorrinho sonolento, como se fosse guiado pela coleira, todo obediente e sem dizer uma palavra sequer.

Obrigada por ler!

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

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

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

Chapter VI 

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

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

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

Percy Jackson.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You came!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And honestly? He was already getting tired of this.

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

"Did your daddy teach you?”

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

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

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

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

"And your mother?”

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

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

"Do you like your mother?" Alice asked.

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

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

"And your father?" Logan wanted to know.

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

"Like mom and dad?”

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

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

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

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

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

"Let's play 10 questions!”

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

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

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

"Okay. Stand up. You too, Alice.”

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

"Hey!"Logan complained, crossing his arms.

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

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

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

"Wow! This is so delicious!”

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

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

Chapter VII 

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

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

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

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

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

"Ah… then I… I think I’ll go.”

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

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

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

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

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

Oh, it was true! He had forgotten.

"I made soup.”

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

"It's in the fridge.”

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

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

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

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

"Nah. We have frozen food.”

"Ah." Nico said.

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

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

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

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

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

"How old are you again?”

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

"I wanted to talk to you about this.”

"Please, call me Percy.”

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

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

"What is it?" Nico had to ask.

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

"Right…?”

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

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

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

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

"Oh." Now he understood.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I see you like children…”

Nico shrugged again.

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

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

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

“Is that so?" He had completely forgotten.

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

"Hmm.”

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

"Oh. Right.”

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

"I have no clean clothes.”

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

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

Thanks for your support!

i found this image to be quite inspirational, thus i wish to share it. you don't have to make something phenomenal much less rather something exceptional. you must first put it out there and tweak things later because you cannot build off of something you put nothing into. some day you'll regret never putting yourself out there.

create beautiful, wonderful things.

~ m.n.

LET ME LIVE MY SAD GAY LIFE WITHOUT FUELING IT (/j please keep us percico fed)

Eat up 🌊☠️

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter III, Chapter IV, Chapter V

Hey. Here are the chapters, three in one go! I got too lazy to do them one at a time, I hate these monetization book platforms that force me to chop up the chapters. I think I'll give up on them, they annoy me to no end. Anyway, I think the next chapters are going to be much longer.

I hope you enjoy it.

Chapter III

"It's not your fault. Come in.”

Mr. Jackson made room for Nico to enter and closed the door, then walked into the house, guiding him through the entrance chamber.

Nico tried to move through the room at the man's speed, but he had to stop for a moment. The first thing he saw was white in its purest tone, seeing that as he walked and his eyes roamed the hall, the white mixed with other lighter and more neutral tones. The walls were white too and the furniture was had an equally light color, pale snow, which contrasted with the beautiful paintings in which he would never be able to recognize their real value even if he were paid to do it, decorating those walls interspersed with large windows that went all the way to the floor in strategic points; everything was so immaculate, so clean and bright that he was afraid to take a step forward and get something dirty.

He blinked, looking around and wondering what else he would find in that place. So, with the greatest care possible, Nico stepped on the very white carpet that stretched across the entire entrance and walked as fast as he could trying to reach Mr. Jackson who was already waiting for him at the entrance to the living room.

And like everything else, the floor of that house was also made of a white granite that shone almost blindingly. Had he mentioned the large spiral staircase that led to the upper floor? It was beautiful, something out of a fairy tale. Nico could very well imagine a princess descending those bright, polished steps. He heard a cough and finally looked away from the staircase, seeing that there were two doors on the right and one on the left, and the room that he thought was a small living room opened up wider to the right, well lit by the large windows that were also there, showing the well-kept garden, more white walls, cream sofas, a coffee table and a big tv mounted on the wall.

Like an idiot, he kept walking while looking around and accidentally tripped over the end of the carpet, stopping at the beginning of the living room. Mr. Jackson, on the other hand, had walked confidently down the long hallway, waiting for him, looking more impatient with each passing minute now standing in the middle of the room.

"Come in. Please." Mr. Jackson told him as seriously as before.

For some reason Nico couldn't explain, he felt conflicted, though... though he knew it was a different kind of conflict. It was a funny feeling in the pit of his stomach that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up, as if... it might sound ridiculous, but he felt like he'd walked into a trap where if he stepped wrong he'd be devoured. He admitted it, he was attracted to a specific type of man. Tall, strong, and... determined.

Well, he didn't know if "decided" was the right word, but Nico liked to believe that. He didn't know, maybe it was all that skin on show, the way the half-naked man was standing in the middle of the room as if he had nothing to hide, the way Mr. Jackson seemed to use his height to demand... demand something from him. It was also the way those eyes that shone intensely seemed to stalk him, restrained, attentive, trying to communicate something that Nico refused to understand.

It could also be that giant, deserted place that gave him this feeling of being suffocated, as if he were tiny and the white vastness was going to swallow him in that house that seemed to be the perfect prison made of gold. Or even worse, it could be something unprecedented, something that Nico would refuse until the end out of pure moral sense; he hated this feeling that climbed up his spine and made him even more confused, because it wasn't fair, he had been irritated with the man less than ten minutes ago! And now, well... Nico couldn't hide it, it was something that came to him naturally; this sexuality that he tried to bury as much as he could and that was obvious if Nico could compare, was the similarity in the posture of this man who stared at him from head to toe so intensely that it made him uncomfortable and at the same time eager.

But everything was fine, Nico could admit that to himself. The only reason he hesitated so much was the memory of what had happened yesterday, it was exactly because he knew people like this man, authoritative and confident, as if it was obvious that others lived to fulfill his desires, that he had lost his job. Nico didn't want the same thing to happen so soon. Or for something worse to happen.

Ah, why didn't he listen to his intuition and leave when he could? I mean... no one was forcing him to be there, right? Mr. Jackson had just held the door, letting him pass and walked into the house. Maybe with his head held a little high? Maybe standing up straighter than before as if... as if he were puffing out his chest? And just maybe... just maybe he could see a sinister glint in those eyes that for some reason Nico couldn't look away from ... No, it must have been the anxiety that liked to play tricks on him.

Nico took a deep breath and did his best to convince himself, he was only making this sacrifice for the money.

He took another deep breath and let it out, taking the first step into the room. Then he took another step and stopped in front of Mr. Jackson, who stared at him for a few more seconds, his face unreadable, arms crossed in front of his chest, standing in the middle of the room with his legs apart. It was hard to keep his eyes from following the natural direction of things.

"Follow me.”

Without waiting for Nico, Mr. Jackson strode towards the sofas in the living room and sat down heavily against one of the thousands of armchairs that decorated the room, forcing Nico to follow him.

"I won’t beat around the bush. My wife travels most of the time and I take care of the kids. I’m a researcher and I don’t have time to waste. They have a routine. You’re supposed to wake them up at seven sharp, get them changed, help me with breakfast, take them to school, pick them up, help them with their homework, keep them entertained until bedtime, and bathe them at the end of the day. The rest of the time, I don’t care what you do. Whether you stay here or somewhere else is none of my business.”

"Hmm… okay?" Nico said, a little confused, irritation rising again in his nerves. "Will you be present at some point? Or should I do something else?”

"And what would that be?”

The man finally smiled at Nico, but it was so mocking and cynical that he almost got up from his chair to punch him.

"Look, I don't know what you do in other people's houses, but here you're going to do what you were hired to do. Take care of the children and clean up the mess they make. Is two hundred a day enough?”

"Two hundred?" Nico said, surprised. That was double what he expected.

"Two hundred plus transportation and lunch. You are free to eat or do whatever you want.”

Mr. Jackson gave Nico another small smile and slowly stretched as he stood up, Nico watching every movement more closely than necessary, still slightly confused and refusing to blush. The worst part was knowing that he was so obvious, unable to avoid the embarrassment.

"Don't worry. It happens to everyone. "Mr. Jackson winked at Nico and finally walked away, but not before saying: "Up the stairs, I'm in the first room on the right. The children should be woken up in twenty minutes.

Nico waved dazedly and watched the broad-shouldered silhouette of his newest boss disappear up the stairs.

Chapter IV

Nico turned on the couch, leaning back against it and placed his hand over his eyes. He blinked slowly and felt the early morning light blind him, like an arrow hitting its target. When he opened his eyes again, he saw that the sun was already shining brightly throughout the room, bathing the cold, white walls with the warm rays of dawn, illuminating and warming the place that had previously seemed so devoid of life or warmth.

He blinked once more, trying to pry his eyelids apart and rubbed his eyes, his vision clearing as Nico got used to the morning light. He looked around and finally remembered where he was, leaning forward in search of his cell phone. He felt around the coffee table and his pants pockets until an image he hadn't expected to see became clear; all Nico could see were blue-green eyes, as intense as the sea on a rainy day, along with a thin nose and pretty lips, open in an even prettier smile, although he felt that this smile didn't indicate good news.

In a leap that made his heart race, Nico threw himself off the couch just as the alarm clock rang, telling him it was time to wake the children. Determined to regain control of the situation, he took a few steps back and put some distance between himself and the man who was leaning over the couch, insisting on disturbing him and who was now smiling at him, his pretty lips widening and the pleasure on his tanned face making it clear that the fun was far from over.

Still half asleep and with his face burning, feeling as if he were observing his own life through a blurred lens, Nico saw when Mr. Jackson straightened his spine and, still smiling, approached him. The man stopped in front of him, placed one of his hands on Nico's shoulders and looked at him in what seemed to be a friendly way. However, this time, Nico could see that Mr. Jackson had deigned to wear clothes and had even combed his hair, which was now thrown back, allowing him to see how handsome the man really was. With a clean-cut face, white teeth and a smirk, he looked so charming that for a moment Nico forgot where he was.

If Nico said that something had possessed him and controlled his mind, would anyone believe him? Well, that's what happened. In slow motion, he found himself raising his own hand and holding the fingers that rested on his shoulders, staring at them, half-seeing and half-disbelieving. Fingers over fingers, his palm curved over his, observing how both hands, together and of such different tones, fit so well that for a moment Nico just allowed himself to watch. He heard a throat clearing and only then turned his attention to Mr. Jackson; his green eyes, handsome face and friendly smile finally making him realize that the silence had lasted longer than usual.

That was a fact he couldn't deny, Percy Jackson could be strangely annoying and nice at the same time, but he was one of the most beautiful people Nico had ever met, even though his face had a slightly rounded shape and he was now wearing glasses, not forgetting the sweetest smile he had ever seen.

"Rough night?”

"…something like that." Nico said, unsure. With each passing moment, Nico's confusion grew, making him… uncomfortable, making him feel that little sensation crawling out of his stomach, running down his spine, causing a trail of heat and shivers, something beyond what he was willing to admit.

The truth was that Nico couldn't help it, Mr. Jackson's voice sounded so hoarse and so velvety that he couldn't suppress another shiver, Nico couldn't help the way his hands gripped his tighter. In return, Percy Jackson didn't seem to be behind. The grip on his shoulder was so strong and determined that Nico's attention went immediately to what the man was saying, making him pay attention to his mouth, to how his lips moved, to his tongue that came out and wet his slightly dry lips, Nico little by little feeling himself going crazy with every second he spent near that man; one moment, Mr. Jackson seemed like he was going to kick him out of the house and the next, they were the best of friends. Nico didn't feel comfortable with any of this, bothered by the man's sudden change. It made him insecure and uncertain of how to act.

Realizing what was happening, Nico let go of him and took another step back.

"Sir, if you could--”

"No, it's my fault. I didn't express myself properly." Mr. Jackson raised his other hand and when he saw Nico moving away again, he lowered it and continued in a much softer tone of voice, keeping his intense eyes on Nico's. "Can we start over?”

Nico felt a different kind of heat rise up his spine, he opened his mouth to call him a bipolar lunatic when he stopped in the middle of what he was going to say. Yes, Nico shut up. He shut up because Mr. Jackson kept looking at him as if Nico was the only thing worthy of attention, he shut up mainly because Mr. Jackson smiled again, a small and beautiful smile, but so sincere that it had hit him completely and with full force, making him realize that he was in more trouble than he thought.

You know what? Nico didn't know what was happening to himself or to this man, or why this sudden change in behavior. And he didn't even want to know. Should Nico leave or…

"I swear, I'm being sincere. I'm sorry about before. The last nanny she got didn't leave the best impression, you know?”

“She?”

"Annabeth Chase, my wife? The one who hired you? It doesn't matter, she did it on purpose.”

"I understand if you--”

“No, I insist,” Percy Jackson said, sounding more… firm than before. “Let’s see what happens by the end of the day. Think of it as an experiment, okay?”

And so, the matter was concluded. Mr. Jackson nodded to Nico, straightened his spine and turned, indicating the way. He strode in the direction indicated and climbed the flights of stairs, walking down a long hallway that led to the children's room.

Still a little dizzy from so many mood swings, Nico had no choice but to follow him, practically running to catch up with him. He took the stairs two at a time and, already panting, reached Mr. Jackson on the upper floor.

"I thought… that you… wouldn't be involved?”

"I wasn't serious. I'll be there whenever I can. So relax. I'm not that kind of father.”

For some reason, Nico felt that Mr. Jackson was still mocking him even though the mockery wasn't obvious. In the same way, he followed him once more into the room, being greeted by two children who were already awake. They ran to their father, laughing, and each of them held one of the man's legs, their happiness sincere and contagious, soon making him forget what had just happened.

Chapter V

Percy tried to hold back his laughter and turned his back on Nico, going up the stairs, deep down tempted to continue and see how far he could tease Nico. He liked to think he wasn't that sadistic. Most of the time he did his best to be a good father and stayed true to Annabeth's image. Like it or not, on paper, they were still married, even if Annabeth didn't make the same effort as him, and at the moment, Percy was especially trying to be a good host; it was clear that Nico was a good boy, patient and respectful when he didn't treat him the same way, but it was so easy to tease that little boy... before he knew it, they were too close, Percy having even more fun while trying to control himself and hide his amusement behind a frown.

Okay, he was the one to blame in this story, Percy admitted, he was testing the boy. Nico seemed too nice and too young to be working, it was like watching a child taking care of other children, besides the fact that he didn't know anything about the boy. It couldn't be possible, that cute and innocent little face couldn't be more than fifteen, maybe sixteen years old. He was so skinny that Percy was afraid that the children would accidentally break him in half when they went to play. And even though he knew he would regret it, Percy went up the rest of the stairs and opened the door, being greeted by his mischievous little angels who hugged him tightly before returning to their tasks.

"Daddy, Daddy! Where have you been? We 're late!" Little Logan shouted from his bed, putting on his shoes and already dressed. He was sweet, innocent and well-behaved, always trying to do the right thing. This also had to do with the fact that Logan hated being late.

"Kelly didn't come today?" Alice asked in a much calmer, almost distracted way, reading something on her cell phone while sprawled on the bed.

"She had to leave. Nico will stay with us today. What do you think about that?”

"Another one left?" Alice said.

“I didn’t like her at all,” Logan said. He smiled at his shoes, satisfied with a job well done, and shrugged. “She didn’t know how to play and was on the phone all day.”

"I know, dear. Hopefully, Mr. Nico will be different. Do you want to meet him?”

Obediently, the children stopped what they were doing and got up from the bed, each one stopping on either side of Percy and finally seeing the person standing behind their father. With their straight spines and curious looks, they waited patiently when Percy finally moved out of their way, allowing them to see him. And Nico, who had been leaning against the doorframe all this time and watching the interaction between him and the children, let a smile take over his face.

Percy saw Nico take a step into the room, approaching them, and continued watching from afar, as curious as they looked at Nico.

"Kids, what do we say when we meet new people?

"It's a pleasure to meet you! "Logan said excitedly, his eyes shining when they met Nico's.

"I hope you last longer than a month." It was Alice's turn to mutter. Soon after, she looked away at her cell phone and pretended nothing was happening.

Percy understood perfectly, it was Alice's way of protecting herself; she would ignore the problem until it went away or until someone solved it for her. Because, in fact, he had already lost count of how many people he had hired in the last few years.

“The pleasure is all mine,” Nico said, the tone of his voice surprising him.

Percy couldn't deny it, that tone was something much more loving and kind than Nico had used with him. This surprised him even more when, contrary to what he thought, Nico knelt down to the children's height and held their hands, smiling gently as he said: "I hope we can have fun.”

"Are you going to take me to school? The sitters always do that." Logan said.

"Are you going to help us with our homework?"Alice added.

"Yes, we will do that and much more.”

“Shouldn't you be in school? How old are you?" Alice said again, looking suspicious.

"I'm twenty. And you?”

"Eleven. My little brother is seven.”

"It's true! Daddy's twenty-nine. Mommy, thirty-one!" Logan spoke excitedly, as if in a game. Whoever spoke the fastest won.

"That's very good to know." Nico smiled and Percy couldn't help but smile along.

Percy ruffled Logan's hair and sat on the bed as he continued to watch the light and easy way Nico spoke to the children.

"Do you… study?" Alice asked.

"No, I'm saving money to pay for college.”

"Do you live in the city?" It was Logan's turn.

Percy saw Nico smile even wider, a smile so wide and angelic that he tried to hide his interest as Nico continued to answer the children without hesitation. “No, I live further inland, an hour away from the city. Yes, I have four brothers, two girls and two boys. And yes, I have a boyfriend.”

"Why so many questions?" Nico asked after a while.

"We're helping daddy!" Logan told him, sitting next to Nico on the floor with his sister.

"When we ask, people lie less." Alice nodded, confirming.

"Who has lied?”

"The last nanny. A woman of twenty-five.”

Percy felt like slapping himself and sneaking out of there just as Nico turned to him and raised an eyebrow, clearly questioning him about it. He shrugged, pretending he didn't know anything and settled back in bed, pretending with his cell phone in his hand as if he was reading something very important. Nico turned back to the children, once again paying attention to what they were saying, but... yeah... Percy could see a slight blush creeping up Nico's neck, stopping at his high cheekbones, giving Nico a slightly darker hue.

"I think that's enough for today. Who's ready to go to school?”

Surprisingly, it wasn't Percy who had said it. It had been Nico himself, already in full caretaker mode. It all felt so natural that Percy found himself following Nico's order. They both helped the children pick up their bags, books, and water bottles, each of them taking Nico's hands and pulling him toward the front door, down the stairs, and into the entrance hall.

Feeling satisfied, he handed the car keys to Nico and said, “Have fun!”

"Shouldn't you…?”

"You don't know how to drive?”

“It's not that!”

"So, it's settled. It's the black Jeep.”

Being dragged along by the kids, Nico made a funny face at Percy and he found himself following them again as the kids continued to drag Nico around the house. They went around the house, past the garden, and behind it where there was a long garden were the cars, a convertible that Percy had gotten for his eighteenth birthday and a Jeep, a four-door monster with wheels that he loved to drive, almost taller than himself.

Percy pointed out the car to Nico and, paying attention to Nico's face, felt even more satisfied. Nico stopped in place and spent a while admiring the car, his eyes wide open with such a surprised expression that it made him even cuter.

Nico shook his head and looked at him, looking overcome with fatigue.

"Come on, unlock the car." Nico did, of course. Nico pressed the button and as soon as the alarm was deactivated, Percy opened the door for him and then picked up the children, placing them in the backseat and adjusting the seat belts for them.

"Can you climb up?”

Nico waved, pushed himself forward, and fell face first into the driver's seat, all awkward. Percy had the urge to help him, but since Nico hadn't reacted well when he'd touched his shoulder earlier, Percy stopped before Nico could interpret it the wrong way.

Yeah, looks like he'd have to buy them another car. One that was... lower? That was a good idea.

Percy finally slammed the car door, waved to them and only went inside the house when Nico actually showed that he knew how to drive. Percy continued to watch the car drive away until Nico parallel park to complete the return towards the exit. It seemed that things would be more interesting than Percy thought.

I hope it was a good read. Suggestions or comments are always welcome.

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

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

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

Chapter XXVIII

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

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

Nico whimpered once more and wiggled in his lap.

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

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

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

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

"Take off your clothes." Percy repeated.

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

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

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

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

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

"Do you know why we are here?”

"Did I... embarrass you?”

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

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

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

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

"Are you ready?”

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

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

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

"I was a bad boy.”

"And what else?”

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

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

"It's okay, baby. I'll help you.”

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

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

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

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

“Then...?”

"It's about trust.”

"Oh.”

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

"I trust you." Nico muttered, embarrassed.

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

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

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

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

"I don't doubt it! Ah!”

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

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

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

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

“I’m sorry!”

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

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

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

 ***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"That's it. Like that?”

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

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

"It's okay. I'm here.”

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

"Good boy. So obedient.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Eat.”

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

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

"My baby deserves the best.”

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

Chapter XXIX

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

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

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

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

"Baby?" Percy called again.

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

"I need you to come back to me.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Always?”

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

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

"Like what?”

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

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

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

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well, rest wasn't the right word.

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

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

Chapter XXX

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

***

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

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

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

"He’s sleeping.”

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

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

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

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

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

"Hey! Who's your son here?”

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

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

***

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

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

"Are you feeling better?”

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

"Hmm... does my baby want to play?”

“I don't know.”

"You're still wearing the collar.”

"Oh.

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

"Take it off for me?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

"It can be whatever we want.”

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

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

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

"Then we don't do it.”

"Sure.”

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

“I don’t know.”

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

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

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

***

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

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

"Per? Aren't you going to eat?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Olá, como tudo bem? Esse é o primeiro post do projeto "Escrevendo histórias". Serão posts semanais, as quintas ou nas sextas. Espero que eles possam te inspirar!

Aurora Ajuda para Escritores, o inicio

Oii, como vai? Como prometido, hoje começamos a "Ajuda para escritores". Eu entendo se você não estiver interessado nesse tipo de conteúdo. Assim, vamos usar a tag Aurora Ajuda para Escritores, e se você costumava acompanhar o blog @desafiodeescritadiario, vai reconhecer vários dos posts que surgirão por aqui.

Com isso em mente, tentei lembrar dos primeiros artigos que li sobre o assunto ou o que de fato me ajudou nesse fase inicial. Ai me lembrei que minhas primeiras histórias nem chegaram a ser colocadas no papel e elas sequer se pareciam com histórias.

É verdade que para mim escrever sempre esteve ligado a fanfiction, pois nunca tinha passado pela minha cabeça que escrever era algo possível fora da alta literatura, isso é, uma arte que permite nos expressar livremente ao invés de nos colocar em caixinhas pré-definidas. Hoje eu entendo que quando entrei em contato com as fanfics, no começo dos anos 2000, o acesso á escrita era bem limitado, e divulgação sobre o assunto era ainda mais, mesmo que tenha sido incrível presenciar o começo e o desenvolvimento das fanfics no Brasil, lembro que o fandom do Harry Potter já era bem formado e de Supernatural estava começando a se expandir.

O que eu realmente quero dizer é que as fanfics foram um incentivador melhor do que qualquer livro ou professor poderia fazer, e foi lendo centenas de Fanfics que eu iniciei na arte de escrever. Entretanto, depois de um tempo mergulhada nesse mundo, senti a falta de algo a mais, algo que fosse mais concreto e que me permitisse ampliar meu conhecimento sobre narrativas. Foi aí que minha vontade de aprender se tornou a cede de conhecimento, me forçando a aprender técnicas de escrita e me aprofundar melhor na criação de personagens, que eu tenho que admitir, lutei muito contra. Só que eu gostei tanto de desenvolver personalidades que esse acabou se tornando meu foco de escrita e que fez, devagar, ir me afastando de textos mais canon, num ponto de vista de escritora, porque no leitora, eu devoro tudo o que aparecer, desde que seja bem escrito.

Assim, ao invés de me focar no enredo, decidi me focar nos personagens, seu psicológico, vontades, falhas e história de vida, e como o enredo poderia afetar diretamente meus personagens. A partir de hoje, é como levaremos esse projeto, tentaremos desenvolver todos os aspectos que envolvem uma boa narrativa, porém, de forma bem estrutura e levemente técnica, também tentando trazer discussões sobre o tema. Sempre vou tentar usar a linguagem mais simples possível para uma assimilação mais facilitada, e se possível vou usar exemplos práticos.

Para começarmos, gostaria de compartilhar a forma simples que eu conheço para estruturar uma história:

Elementos da Narrativa

Esse é um jeito de montar uma cena ou capítulo da forma mais descomplicada que eu já vi. Ela também pode ser usada para organizar a historia como um todo, porque esse sistema te faz pensar sobre o enredo em sua completude.

Ela é composta de:

• Cena – o que se vai narrar (O quê?)

• Tempo – quando o fato ocorreu (Quando?)

• Lugar – onde o fato se deu (Onde?)

• Personagens – quem participou ou observou o ocorrido (Com quem?)

• Causa – motivo que determinou a ocorrência (Por quê?)

• Modo – como se deu o fato (Como?)

• Consequências – Geralmente provoca determinado desfecho.

Sim, esse é um jeito simplificado de ver os elementos da narrativa. Logo teremos posts que nos ajudaram a mergulharmos mais afundo no estudo da narrativa

Se você quiser se adiantar e ler os próximos posts, temos um Patreon para as dias, contando com mais de 40 posts sobre dicas de escrita e Prompts Criativos. Por lá temos posts toda segunda e quinta.

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está criando Ajuda e Dicas de Escrita

Antes de encerrarmos esse post gostaria de saber qual seu nível de escrita. Assim, posso trazer assuntos que agradem a todos. E claro, se você quiser saber algo de especifico, vou ficar feliz de receber sua ask.

Espero que esse post tenha sido útil e até a próxima.

SO HERE IS THE WHOLE STORY (SO FAR).

I am on my knees begging you to reblog this post and to stop reblogging the original ones I sent out yesterday. This is the complete account with all the most recent info; the other one is just sending people down senselessly panicked avenues that no longer lead anywhere.

IN SHORT

Cliff Weitzman, CEO of Speechify and (aspiring?) voice actor, used AI to scrape thousands of popular, finished works off AO3 to list them on his own for-profit website and in his attached app. He did this without getting any kind of permission from the authors of said work or informing AO3. Obviously.

When fandom at large was made aware of his theft and started pushing back, Weitzman issued a non-apology on the original social media posts—using 

his dyslexia; 

his intent to implement a tip-system for the plagiarized authors; and 

a sudden willingness to take down the work of every author who saw my original social media posts and emailed him individually with a ‘valid’ claim,

as reasons we should allow him to continue monetizing fanwork for his own financial gain.

When we less-than-kindly refused, he took down his ‘apologies’ as well as his website (allegedly—it’s possible that our complaints to his web host, the deluge of emails he received or the unanticipated traffic brought it down, since there wasn’t any sort of official statement made about it), and when it came back up several hours later, all of the work formerly listed in the fan fiction category was no longer there. 

THE TAKEAWAYS

1. Cliff Weitzman (aka Ofek Weitzman) is a scumbag with no qualms about taking fanwork without permission, feeding it to AI and monetizing it for his own financial gain; 

2. Fandom can really get things done when it wants to, and 

3. Our fanworks appear to be hidden, but they’re NOT DELETED from Weitzman’s servers, and independently published, original works are still listed without the authors' permission. We need to hold this man responsible for his theft, keep an eye on both his current and future endeavors, and take action immediately when he crosses the line again. 

THE TIMELINE, THE DETAILS, THE SCREENSHOTS (behind the cut)

Sunday night, December 22nd 2024, I noticed an influx in visitors to my fic You & Me & Holiday Wine. When I searched the title online, hoping to find out where they came from, a new listing popped up (third one down, no less):

This listing is still up today, by the way, though now when you follow the link to word-stream, it just brings you to the main site. (Also, to be clear, this was not the cause for the influx of traffic to my fic; word-stream did not link back to the original work anywhere.)

I followed the link to word-stream, where to my horror Y&M&HW was listed in its entirety—though, beyond the first half of the first chapter, behind a paywall—along with a link promising to take me—through an app downloadable on the Apple Store—to an AI-narrated audiobook version. When I searched word-stream itself for my ao3 handle I found both of my multi-chapter fics were listed this way:

Because the tags on my fics (which included genres* and characters, but never the original IPs**) weren’t working, I put ‘Kara Danvers’ into the search bar and discovered that many more supercorp fics (Supergirl TV fandom, Kara Danvers/Lena Luthor pairing) were listed.

I went looking online for any mention of word-stream and AI plagiarism (the covers—as well as the ridiculously inflated number of reviews and ratings—made it immediately obvious that AI fuckery was involved), but found almost nothing: only one single Reddit post had been made, and it received (at that time) only a handful of upvotes and no advice. 

I decided to make a tumblr post to bring the supercorp fandom up to speed about the theft. I draw as well as write for fandom and I’ve only ever had to deal with art theft—which has a clear set of steps to take depending on where said art was reposted—and I was at a loss regarding where to start in this situation.

After my post went up I remembered Project Copy Knight, which is worth commending for the work they’ve done to get fic stolen from AO3 taken down from monetized AI 'audiobook’ YouTube accounts. I reached out to @echoekhi, asking if they’d heard of this site and whether they could advise me on how to get our works taken down.

While waiting for a reply I looked into Copy Knight’s methods and decided to contact OTW’s legal department:

And then I went to bed.

By morning, tumblr friends @makicarn and @fazedlight as well as a very helpful tumblr anon had seen my post and done some very productive sleuthing:

@echoekhi had also gotten back to me, advising me, as expected, to contact the OTW. So I decided to sit tight until I got a response from them.

That response came only an hour or so later: 

Which was 100% understandable, but still disappointing—I doubted a handful of individual takedown requests would accomplish much, and I wasn’t eager to share my given name and personal information with Cliff Weitzman himself, which is unavoidable if you want to file a DMCA.

I decided to take it to Reddit, hoping it would gain traction in the wider fanfic community, considering so many fandoms were affected. My Reddit posts (with the updates at the bottom as they were emerging) can be found here and here.

A helpful Reddit user posted a guide on how users could go about filing a DMCA against word-stream here (to wobbly-at-best results)

A different helpful Reddit user signed up to access insight into word-streams pricing. Comment is here.

Smells unbelievably scammy, right? In addition to those audacious prices—though in all fairness any amount of money would be audacious considering every work listed is accessible elsewhere for free—my dyscalculia is screaming silently at the sight of that completely unnecessary amount of intentionally obscured numbers.

Speaking of which! As soon as the post on r/AO3—and, as a result, my original tumblr post—began taking off properly, sometime around 1 pm, jumpscare! A notification that a tumblr account named @cliffweitzman had commented on my post, and I got a bit mad about the gist of his message :

Fortunately he caught plenty of flack in the comments from other users (truly you should check out the comment section, it is extremely gratifying and people are making tremendously good points), in response to which, of course, he first tried to both reiterate and renegotiate his point in a second, longer comment (which I didn’t screenshot in time so I’m sorry for the crappy notification email formatting):

which he then proceeded to also post to Reddit (this is another Reddit user’s screenshot, I didn’t see it at all, the notifications were moving too fast for me to follow by then)

... where he got a roughly equal amount of righteously furious replies. (Check downthread, they're still there, all the way at the bottom.)

After which Cliff went ahead & deleted his messages altogether. 

It’s not entirely clear whether his account was suspended by Reddit soon after or whether he deleted it himself, but considering his tumblr account is still intact, I assume it’s the former. He made a handful of sock puppet accounts to play around with for a while, both on Reddit and Tumblr, only one of which I have a screenshot of, but since they all say roughly the same thing, you’re not missing much:

And then word-stream started throwing a DNS error.

That lasted for a good number of hours, which was unfortunately right around the time that a lot of authors first heard about the situation and started asking me individually how to find out whether their work was stolen too. I do not have that information and I am unclear on the perimeters Weitzman set for his AI scraper, so this is all conjecture: it LOOKS like the fics that were lifted had three things in common:

They were completed works;

They had over several thousand kudos on AO3; and

They were written by authors who had actively posted or updated work over the past year.

If anyone knows more about these perimeters or has info that counters my observation, please let me know!

I finally thought to check/alert evil Twitter during this time, and found out that the news was doing the rounds there already. I made a quick thread summarizing everything that had happened just in case. You can find it here.

I went to Bluesky too, where fandom was doing all the heavy lifting for me already, so I just reskeeted, as you do, and carried on.

Sometime in the very early evening, word-stream went back up—but the fan fiction category was nowhere to be seen. Tentative joy and celebration!***

That’s when several users—the ones who had signed up for accounts to gain intel and had accessed their own fics that way—reported that their work could still be accessed through their history. Relevant Reddit post here.

Sooo—

We’re obviously not done. The fanwork that was stolen by Weitzman may be inaccessible through his website right now, but they aren’t actually gone. And the fact that Weitzman wasn’t willing to get rid of them altogether means he still has plans for them. 

This was my final edit on my Reddit post before turning off notifications, and it's pretty much where my head will be at for at least the foreseeable future:

Please feel free to add info in the comments, make your own posts, take whatever action you want to take to protect your work. I only beg you—seriously, I’m on my knees here—to not give up like I saw a handful of people express the urge to do. Keep sharing your creative work and remain vigilant and stay active to make sure we can continue to do so freely. Visit your favorite fics, and the ones you’ve kept in your ‘marked for later’ lists but never made time to read, and leave kudos, leave comments, support your fandom creatives, celebrate podficcers and support AO3. We created this place and it’s our responsibility to keep it alive and thriving for as long as we possibly can.

Also FUCK generative AI. It has NO place in fandom spaces.

THE 'SMALL' PRINT (some of it in all caps):

*Weitzman knew what he was doing and can NOT claim ignorance. One, it’s pretty basic kindergarten stuff that you don’t steal some other kid’s art project and present it as your own only to act surprised when they protest and then tell the victim that they should have told you sooner that they didn’t want their project stolen. And two, he was very careful never to list the IPs these fanworks were based on, so it’s clear he was at least familiar enough with the legalities to not get himself in hot water with corporate lawyers. Fucking over fans, though, he figured he could get away with that. 

**A note about the AI that Weitzman used to steal our work: it’s even greasier than it looks at first glance. It’s not just the method he used to lift works off AO3 and then regurgitate onto his own website and app. Looking beyond the untold horrors of his AI-generated cover ‘art’, in many cases these covers attempt to depict something from the fics in question that can’t be gleaned from their summaries alone. In addition, my fics (and I assume the others, as well) were listed with generated genres; tags that did not appear anywhere in or on my fic on AO3 and were sometimes scarily accurate and sometimes way off the mark. I remember You & Me & Holiday Wine had ‘found family’ (100% correct, but not tagged by me as such) and I believe The Shape of Soup was listed as, among others, ‘enemies to friends to lovers’ and ‘love triangle’ (both wildly inaccurate). Even worse, not all the fic listed (as authors on Reddit pointed out) came with their original summaries at all. Often the entire summary was AI-generated. All of these things make it very clear that it was an all-encompassing scrape—not only were our fics stolen, they were also fed word-for-word into the AI Weitzman used and then analyzed to suit Weitzman’s needs. This means our work was literally fed to this AI to basically do with whatever its other users want, including (one assumes) text generation. 

***Fan fiction appears to have been made (largely) inaccessible on word-stream at this time, but I’m hearing from several authors that their original, independently published work, which is listed at places like Kindle Unlimited, DOES still appear in word-stream’s search engine. This obviously hurts writers, especially independent ones, who depend on these works for income and, as a rule, don’t have a huge budget or a legal team with oceans of time to fight these battles for them. If you consider yourself an author in the broader sense, beyond merely existing online as a fandom author, beyond concerns that your own work is immediately at risk, DO NOT STOP MAKING NOISE ABOUT THIS.

Again, please, please PLEASE reblog this post instead of the one I sent originally. All the information is here, and it's driving me nuts to see the old ones are still passed around, sending people on wild goose chases.

Thank you all so much.