Auroraescritora - Aurora Escritora

Can’t you see the way his face lights up when he sees you?

1x02 || 2x03 || 3x04

Harry/ Draco: Secret.

WARNING: bruise, implied biting, rough sex .

Harry Potter Rec Fest 2023 - Three More Days ❄️

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I came across this article, and it got me thinking about neurodivergence and platonic relationships.

Bring on the Pigeons

Aromanticism, Aplatonicism, Neurodivergence and Me

Originally, I was going to call this post “Accepting that I was aro was a lot harder than accepting that I was ace, but not for the reasons

Like OP I'd heard of the term aplatonic, but I'd resisted applying the label to myself. It made me kind of uncomfortable, like a flickering light that I'd refused to look at or focus on. I'd think 'that can't be me, I want friends' then move on before I could think about it too much. Because deep down this term struck a chord. One that felt too much like saying 'I'm a bad person who doesn't like their friends'.

But I am bad at maintaining friendships. Not super great at making them either if I'm honest. Most of this can possible be explained by autism, and my struggle with friendships was the primary reason why I'd started suspecting that I might be autistic. (But am I really autistic though?)

I'd heard other autistics explaining how they kind of lack object permanence when it comes to people. Not that they literally don't think that someone doesn't exist when they don't see them, but that they don't think of them. This mirrors my own experience with friends. I don't think of them that often. And if I do and realise that I haven't spoken or seen them in a while, then actually contacting them for catch up takes a lot of energy and mental prep before hand. Phoning people makes me anxious, even for people I talk to all the time and know that I can talk to easily. It's a huge mental effort to go 'I'm going to call Sally today'. Even then I'll probably tidy my bedroom first, do the laundry, vacuum etc., then decide it's too late and put off calling her for another week.

Recently I came across the term 'relationship degradation mechanics' by twitter user Khoshtistic. They described it in terms of their ADHD, but it also describes my own experience perfectly. The term comes about from video games which have a friendship meter for NPCs which either fills up over time, or empties, depending on how often you interact with an NPC. I frequently forget about my friends (that faulty object permanence), I don't message them, call, or organise meet ups. There have been times when I've decided to message someone and then realised that the last time I interacted with them was a year ago. In those instances I often feel so guilty about it that I decide against messaging them completely. Why draw attention to it? When I do happen to catch up with a friend, months or years after I last saw them, I'm often surprised that our friendship bar has degraded. I expect things to be the same as when we last met up, but they aren't.

My partner is always messaging his friends. He is the polar opposite of me in many ways, but especially in this. If he hasn't seen his friends for a while he gets sad and upset about it. When I ask him how long it's been, he'll tell me that it's been ages. But how long is that? A couple weeks, he says. For him those couple of weeks span a millennia, for me that feels like yesterday.

This type of conversation is not uncommon for us:

Him: We haven't seen Sally and John in ages

Me: But we just saw them. Remember? we played board games

Him: That was 2 weeks ago!

Me: Exactly. Only 2 weeks ago.

We both have a very different understanding of time.

His relationship with friendships is informed by his ADHD in a very different way to mine. He worries that if he doesn't stay in contact with people constantly, then they'll think he hates them and subsequently decide that they hate him too. Rejection Sensitivity Disorder (RSD) is a bitch. I'm glad I don't have that, but sometimes I wish I cared a little more than I do.

He cares so much for his friends and what they think of him. Sometimes I feel like I'm not really friends with anyone, and that I'm only preforming friendship. Sometimes I feel like an unfeeling robot, and the ace/aro community often (unintentionally) amplifies that feeling. The uncaring aro or ace person is a common trope that the aspec community rails against, usually by saying that one can still have strong and intimate platonic relationships. However this is something that I don't have either. I'm ace, aro, and at the very least bad at friends. So what does that make me?

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!

Stop it! You're giving me ideas!

Imagining being Percy's children and asking your father about this certain man with whom your father cannot stand face to face, is always awkward despite having been acquainted for 10-20 years, doesn't know how to address, referring to him as 'friends' half of the time and 'it's complicated' in the rest. But also, who your father would rush to help and would rush to help your father and by association your family in kind. what a guy.

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

Hi, how are you? I managed to translate the chapter just in time.

The chapter was going to come out earlier, but because of the holiday in Brazil I've allowed myself to rest. I've definitely given up on having a posting schedule, but I'll try to update every week. So, just come by once a week, on Friday, because if I post something it'll be ready on Friday. And, like, consider the texts here as initial drafts, okay? I'm still in my creative phase, and I love putting sub-plots and other things in the middle of the main plot. If I followed my original plan, I would have finished the story by now. So, let's relax and have fun. Thanks for being here!

Not too many warnings apart from mental health, I hope you like it.

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

Nico put the pen down on the last page he had written and rested the diary next to his pillow, stretching his arms and neck. He had written more than he had intended. Well, Percy was in for a bit of a surprise when he read it. But in the end, Percy was right, writing had taken the pressure off his shoulders that Nico hadn't even known was there to begin with. It was a magical moment, as he put his thoughts down on paper, his mind felt light and empty, as if he was telling what was bothering him to someone who wouldn't judge him and wouldn't try to give him 'advice' he hadn't asked for.

Tired of waiting, Nico lay down on the bed and put his head on the pillow. Why was Percy doing taking so long? The next thing he knew, he had closed his eyes, opening them again to feel something soft slide over his body. It was a damp, warm towel that Percy was holding. Nico blinked slowly and then Percy's figure came into view, wet hair and bare chest, wearing only a towel as he gently cleaned his body.

"Would you like a bath?" Percy murmured, moving closer to him, making him sit against the edge of the bed. "I filled the tub for you.”

"I could." He shrugged, it seemed like a good idea. Nico rarely saw any reason to use the bathtub.

So Percy took him by the hand and led him into the bathroom, asking: 

"How do you feel?”

He didn't know. A slight burning that pulsed inside him, maybe? Muscle and mental fatigue? A relaxation he had never felt before? It was all of this together and more. In general? Nico felt good, or as good as possible, similar to when he hadn't run away to Italy yet, maybe even better, now that he didn't need to hide his feelings.

"I'm fine." Nico shrugged again.

"Do you remember our rules?”

Unfortunately, Nico remembered. Percy must have been referring to always being honest.

"I don't know." Nico said, trying to be as honest as he could. "It's all too new for me to have an opinion.”

"Nico.” 

He stopped and faced Percy, who now had his arms crossed.

"You have to stop this. Don't tell me what I want to hear”.

"What do you want me to say?”

"What you're really feeling. Does something hurt? Do you need anything?”

"Why are you always questioning me?”

"Because you're always trying to please me.”

"What's wrong with that?”

He looked at Percy, but Percy looked at him like he was going to explode. None of that happened, though. Percy took a deep breath, closed his eyes for a moment and when he opened them again, an aura of calm was present. It was one of those moments where Nico knew he wasn't going to win, no matter what he did. So he let Percy lead him to the bathtub and lathered him up slowly and leisurely.

"You don't see the problem with that? Do you?" Percy asked distractedly, his hands sliding down between Nico's legs.

"Things have always been like this.”

"That's why I didn't go after you.”

"I don't think I understand.”

"I discovered that I... can't control myself around you. I made you act this way. I put you in this perfect, unbreakable little box. No one should live like that, according to someone else's wishes.”

"That's not true, I've always been like that.”

"Really? It took you five years to say all those things to me. If you didn't feel comfortable telling me how you felt before, what does that mean?”

Nico turned to face Percy, who had a distant look on his face, and realized that this bothered Percy more than he thought.

"I don't like fighting. I prefer things to stay that way.”

"Like what?”

"No conflict and no drama. I don't want to have to think about every step of the way. I just want to be with you and... satisfy you. Isn't that enough?”

"I can't do that." Then Percy grabbed his face and slid his fingers to the back of his neck, massaging it slowly and making him relax even more. "How can I be sure I'm not hurting you or stopping you from doing other things?”

"That's the point, isn't it? You feel guilty about wanting the same things I do.”

"Nico, don't torture me.”

"I'm not." He didn't think he was. "When I don't want... this thing we have, you'll know. 

"How?”

"I'll run away. Not like today. But, like, as if my life depended on it.

"Nico!”

"You know, when people try to get close to me, I usually feel suffocated. But when it's you, I just feel free and safe, even if I'm scared.”

Nico thought he was losing his mind, looking like a lunatic on the edge of a cliff. But it was the pure truth, what he looked for in all those faces, wasn't the beauty or the deep green eyes, no, it was always that feeling of security and stability, the comfort that Percy's arms always gave him. For those things were hard to emulate; if only he could have found this somewhere else, Nico wouldn't have felt so controlled and conditioned to do those things that Percy criticized so much, even though Percy had never asked for them. In the end, he understood what Percy was trying to imply; things would only get worse from now on, and they would probably continue this game of cat and mouse for a long time until he gave in. What could Nico do if Percy was the only one who made him feel this way, so free and trapped at the same time?

"Nico." Now Percy's voice sounded all hoarse and firm.

Opps. He looked down and saw that his hand was in Percy's lap, on top of the towel, but in a very strategic place.

"Why can't you tell me what's bothering you?”

He denied it, not ready to say what he really thought to Percy. Although he knew Percy felt something similar or worse. Nico had seen how much Percy had tried to get over him with other people, before and after he went to Italy. So, deep down, arguing was pointless. They needed a consensus.

"This will lead to nothing. I suggest a truce." Nico said, instead of explaining himself.

"Truce? This is not a war.”

"So why all we do is fight and have sex? I'd much rather just have sex.”

This brought a little smile to the corner of Percy's lips.

"What do you suggest?”

"l will... trust you and do whatever you ask if you stop questioning me.”

Now, Percy just looked sad.

"I don't want you to feel bad and cornered. I just worry. I want you to be the best possible version of yourself.”

"What if I just want to be the Nico who wants to be with Percy and not have to argue?”

"That's fine. We can do it your way. You have to promise me that if it's not working, you'll tell me.”

"I promise.”

All Nico could do was hope for the best and try to keep his end of the bargain.

***

When they woke up again, the sun was high in the sky, the morning already giving way to afternoon at a milder temperature. They were still in bed, his head on Percy's shoulder and Percy's arms around his waist. Finally, the silence was lasting more than five minutes. They didn't need to do anything or be anywhere other than there, where they had chosen to be.

"Hungry?" Nico heard Percy say quietly, his voice hoarse with sleep.

"No.”

"Not at all? Sally will come here soon, to see if we're still alive.”

That would be funny. Nico could even imagine Sally opening the door and catching them in bed like that, naked and hugging. It would be great. 

With this thought haunting him, Nico disentangled himself from Percy and sat down on the bed, feeling slightly dizzy but content, stretching until he fell backwards, closing his eyes. Maybe he needed something to eat. When was the last time? Had he even eaten anything at the party or just drunk?

"Tired?”

Nico sighed and gave in, knowing that his peace was about to end. He lay on his side of the bed and stared at Percy, who didn't look happy at all.

"Not much.”

"You know, I think we should create a system.”

"I think--”

"Every time you lie to me you will be punished.”

"You said you wouldn't doubt me!”

"It's not a doubt when I know the truth, when I see you lying to me.”

"What do you want me to do?”

"Tell the truth or say nothing at all.”

"Oh.”

"Are you going to spend the rest of your life keeping quiet to please me?”

That was a good question. It was hard to go back into the darkness when you could see so much light.

"This isn't funny." He muttered, feeling something inside his chest spread.

"Yeah. Imagine how I feel watching you lower yourself, being less than you could be.”

"I don't do it all the time.”

"No?”

"Only with you.”

Then Nico saw Percy reach out and touch his face in a light caress.

"I hate what I did to you, what your father did.” 

"You didn't do anything." His father, on the other hand, was a different story.

"I molded you into this perfect person who is afraid of offending anyone.” 

"That's not true! I…”

"I want you to scream if you want. I want you to hit me, to curse me if you feel like it. To revolt. Demand it. I never want to see you so hurt again.”

Maybe Percy was right. But did he really have to do these things? Wasn't something he could see himself doing.

"Don't get me wrong. You don't have to. But if you want to, or one day do these things, it's okay and completely normal”.

"Normal? How can doing these things be normal?”

"Gods." Percy hugged him tighter and leaned his head on Nico’s shoulder. "You don't have to be perfect. Do you understand that?”

But if he's not perfect, no one will like him. How could Nico not be what he already was?

"It's all right." Percy said, but Nico had the impression that Percy was saying this to himself.

In the end, Nico chose to keep quiet. What he had to say wouldn't make any difference, and maybe Percy was right. If he had nothing good to say, he'd better keep his mouth shut.

***

"Gods, what has Percy done to you?!”

As soon as they got downstairs, Sally greeted them with a loving smile and tight hugs. That is, that's what happened until Sally saw the bruise on Nico's neck; a bruise that was actually a well-placed hickey. 

"Mom, you're exaggerating.”

Nico, poor thing, looked between them, trying to understand what was going on. And Percy, like a good Samaritan, helped him to understand it. As if on cue, Percy put his hand on Nico's neck and Nico moaned. Whether it was pain, surprise or pleasure, was hard to tell. Whatever it was, it made his heart race and something else wake.

"Oh." Nico then said, bringing his hand up to his neck. "I didn't realize. It’s very ugly?”

"I wouldn't say that.”

He heard laughter behind him, but preferred to concentrate on Nico, who was frowning sweetly and taking his cell phone out of his pocket, looking at himself in the reflection of the screen.

"Percy! What were you trying to do? Tear off a piece?”

"You are not the only one." Percy opened the first two buttons of his shirt and showed his set of marks, small nails and the shape of teeth that went down until they disappeared inside his shirt.

"I... I didn't do this! Did I?”

"And much more.” 

Percy couldn't help himself, he laughed and pulled Nico into a hug, kissing his cheek. But everything seemed to be fine, because as soon as Percy hugged him, Nico melted against his shoulder, hugging him back.

"It's all right. You can bite me all you want, I like it. "And the way things were going, Nico liked it too.

Percy heard a snort and turned to look at Sally, who didn’t seem all that happy about the display of... affection.”

"Percy Jackson! That's not how you treat people.”

"It was something mutual. And if you must know, Nico started it. You can ask Annabeth, she was the first to see. See here? It was the first." And, right at the nape of his neck, where his hair was starting to grow long, there was a mark that was beginning to fade.

Nico hid his face in his shoulder and Sally crossed her arms. And before another wave of complaints arrived, Percy hurried over:

"Permission to maim?" Nico nodded yes, too embarrassed to face the room full of witnesses, which didn't stop the cursing, laughter and protests.

"That's enough." Sally raised one of her hands to her face and turned to Nico, making him raise his face. "Are you all right, darling? How was the party? Better than old times, no?”

Immediately, Percy knew something was wrong. Suddenly, Nico opened his mouth, about to say something and then closed it, cowering against his arms. The worst part was seeing Nico raise his head and look at him, as if waiting for Percy's permission for something, keeping his lips sealed tightly. He heard another gasp and realized that everyone was waiting for Nico to answer. Grover, Tyson and Sally all found Nico's behavior strange.

All that was left for Percy to do was smile and lead Nico into the living room to sit with him on the sofa.

"What's going on, hm?”

But all Nico did was deny it and look down at his lap, refusing to face him. 

"Please.”

This made Nico look between his eyelashes at him and take a deep breath: "I thought about what you said last night.” 

"About not lying?”

"About keeping quiet.”

Something in Percy's chest tightened at that moment, and hoping it wasn't what he thought, he asked: "Why would you keep quiet?”

"You said that if I was going to lie, I should keep quiet, and since I have nothing important to say, I'll do as you say.”

Percy thought he had stopped breathing. 

He wasn't serious! Who would follow such a ridiculous order? He just wanted to make Nico respond in any way other than accepting everything without protest, he wanted to make him react and see what was going on. And instead, Nico decided to go along with it in the worst possible way?

"Baby, please. I was wrong. I just wanted you to react.”

"React how?”

"In any way you want." Percy then smiled, trying to encourage Nico. "Come on, you can shout at me. You can swear at me. I've done something very bad. I deserve punishment.”

"Punishment?" Nico tilted his head like a confused puppy and moved closer. He kissed him on the lips in a sweet, gentle kiss and touched his hair, smiling angelically. "That's it. Your punishment.”

Percy wanted to cry. Why did everything he said seem to come out backwards? Or maybe it was Nico doing the best he could.

"Are you punishing me or  comforting me?”

"If I choose the punishment, you have to accept it.”

Percy let himself go and hugged Nico tightly, hearing him sigh with pleasure.

"I don't deserve you. I just wanted you to feel free to express yourself. You've been kept quiet for so long that I'm afraid the same thing will happen now.”

"I know." Nico murmured softly, looking pleased.

"What you have to say is important, always will be.” 

"I thought that if I kept quiet I wouldn't have to measure my words.” 

"Don't make me cry.”

"You're so silly. "Nico finally said, the only sincere thing in all that. "I made that decision. I had all the freedom in the world, but at the end of the day, I still missed you and the way things were.” 

In the end, life was about decisions and consequences. He continued to hug Percy and understood, Percy was as lost as he was in all this confusion, he understood that it was a period of adaptation and soon everything would return to normal. Now, what that normal was, they both had no idea, since they had never had a common friendship. 

"I'm sorry." Nico said again. "I think it's a period of adjustment. I'll try not to take everything you say so seriously.”

"I'm very happy about that." The truth was that Percy was relieved, thanking all the gods and deities for finding someone so understanding, although he would have liked Nico to be more combative. 

Don't get him wrong, Nico was one of the most independent and responsible people he had ever met, but what Nico had in the way of independence, he also had in the way of emotional dependence. And sometimes that emotional dependence was too heavy for him to carry alone, although he was willing to carry it for the rest of his life if it guaranteed that Nico would stay in his life.

"So, are we okay?" Nico asked, raising his head and peeking at him shyly.

"Of course, baby. As long as you are.”

Nico seemed immediately reassured. And if that’s what Nico wanted, Percy would do his best to sort things out. Obviously, asking hadn't worked it, nor had talking or pressuring. The way would be to do things the traditional way. Not that he knew what he was doing in the past, but if it’d worked before, it would work now.

Smiling, like nothing had happened, he guided Nico back to the kitchen and sat down next to him at the table, discovering too late that everyone had overheard his conversation with Nico. What could he do? Nico's well-being was more important than the disapproving looks. He knew he would soon see the reprimand, and if making a mistake was necessary to put right what he had done, then so be it! Percy would never regret putting Nico first.

"Pancakes or eggs?”

"Pancakes." Nico answered him. So pancakes it was. 

This was nothing new. Nico's favorite foods were sweet, and the savory ones had a nostalgic feeling, from the time when Nico's mother was still alive. So, next to the pancakes and the chocolate topping, Percy placed a cheese croissant in Nico’s plate, along with a glass of juice and a cup of coffee.

It was incredible. It seemed as if nothing bad had happened ten minutes ago. Nico took the first gulp from his coffee cup and smiled like it was the happiest day of his life, diving into his sugary pancakes next. And just like that, as if by magic, the atmosphere was friendly again, Nico chatting animatedly with Sally, while he, Grover and Tyson watched, trembling for the next feast they would be forced to attend.

"Dude, thanks for letting me stay. My mom's back.”

"You can stay as long as you like, it's your house. Why don't you pack a bag and stay until graduation? It won't be long now.

"If a whole year isn't too much..." Both he and Grover shrugged and Grover punched his shoulder amiably, making them both smile. It was a good idea, especially when he and Nico left; his mother would be alone and Grover would always be a great company.

"Really! What are you still doing in that house?”

"Yeah! There'll always be a room for you." Tyson finally deigned to join in the conversation, usually preferring to stay away from the drama. "You already work for us, what does it takes to be part of the family?”

"Do you think working is smiling at customers and taking them to the right table when others can't?”

"Of course it is. You even wear a nice suit and comb your hair with gel." Tyson continued, all too happy to mock Grover, back to their natural routine.

"Shut up! That's not even a uniform. Juniper likes it..." Grover's last words sounded very low, as if he was embarrassed.

And well, who was Percy to interrupt such a sweet and happy moment?

He turned to his food and took the first bite of his eggs, soft and lightly salted, just the way he liked them, and took a sip of his strong coffee without sugar or milk, noticing that Nico had already finished eating and was looking at him with a little smile on his face.

"What is it, hm? Do you want more?”

"No. I like to see you happy and having fun with your friends. You didn't used to do that.”

"It's true. I told you I had problems, didn't I?”

"I didn’t take it seriously. You always seem so determined and confident.”

"That doesn't mean I was right.”

"Hm." Nico murmured, thoughtfully. "I never thought about it from that angle. I think everyone has something to hide. Some people just hide it better.”

"That's just it. The more things we hide, the better actors we are, no?" Percy couldn't help himself, Nico was being so sincere that he deserved a reward. He pulled Nico by the scruff of his neck and kissed him right there in front of everyone, a kiss meant for four walls.

"What was that?" Nico said as soon as he caught his breath.

"A reward for an obedient baby.”

Blushing from head to toe, Nico just looked at him, giving him a cute little peck, but not complaining. What could he do? If that was how Nico understood it, then that was how it would be from now on.

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So? I have the impression that Nico is becoming so dramatic… or is it Percy's view of him? Well, I think Nico thinks Percy is a bit dramatic too 🤣🤣🤣🤣 What's your opinion? Your comments help me to understand the weak points in the story so that I can rewrite it in the best way in the future.

Thanks for reading!

Diário #1

Eu sei... eu só... é tão difícil

Eu entendo. Não é fácil para mim também.

Não é?

Não. Desde cedo tive que aprender qual era meu lugar no mundo. E quando me recusei a obedecer, fui punido.

Como?

Isso agora não importa. Tudo o que você precisa saber é que não importa o que você tenha passado ou feito, sempre vou estar aqui para te escutar.