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

back to my roots : (

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

Oii, como vai? Mais um capítulo fresquinho. Completamente sem revisão, então relevem os erros.

Capítulos anteriores: CAPÍTULO I / CAPÍTULO II / CAPÍTULO III / CAPÍTULO IV / CAPÍTULO V / CAPÍTULO VI / CAPÍTULO VII / CAPÍTULO VIII / CAPÍTULO IX / CAPÍTULO X / CAPÍTULO XI / CAPÍTULO XII / CAPÍTULO XIII / CAPÍTULO XIV / CAPÍTULO XV / CAPÍTULO XVI / CAPÍTULO XVII / CAPÍTULO XVIII / CAPÍTULO XIX / CAPÍTULO XX / CAPÍTULO XXI / CAPÍTULO XXII

— Você tem estado muito suscetível a... sugestões. Sou eu ou é algo geral?

— Só você. Acho que... eu confio em você.

— Me sinto honrado. — Percy disse sem nenhuma ironia, o tom de voz baixo e aveludado dando lugar a algo mais normal. — Eu tinha medo que isso acontecesse. Nunca vou abusar da confiança que você me dá.

— Eu sei disso. Nunca duvidei disso.

— É por isso que tenho que falar algo com você.

Essa não. Será que ele estava encrencado?

Nico observou Percy se levantar e pegar uma caixa que estava no pé da cama, um pouco maior que uma caixa de sapatos.

— O que é isso?

— É a surpresa que eu queria te mostrar.

Nico tinha até medo de olhar. O que poderia ser tão importante que Percy sentiu a necessidade de esconder do resto da família? Hesitando, Nico se manteve quieto, encostado contra a cabeceira da cama e esperou Percy se aproximar mais uma vez, se sentando a seu lado. 

— Estive pensando sobre o que você me disse, que eu não levo a sério o que você diz.

— Eu sei que você--

— Eu não terminei. — Percy nem mesmo faltou mais alto, porém seu tom de voz demandava obediência. E Nico já estava cansado de lutar contra seus instintos, então, Nico apenas se calou e prestou atenção em Percy.

O problema nisso era que Percy parecia culpado por alguma coisa, seu rosto se contorcendo numa careta. Nico continuou esperando, vendo Percy quase se remexendo de ansiedade. É claro, até Percy suspirar e olhar mais uma vez para ele, parecendo tão conformado quanto Nico.

— Eu não queria falar assim com você. — Percy enfim disse, tentando soar despreocupado.

— Eu não me importo. Se você me disser para fazer, eu vou. É algo natural pra mim, sabe?

— Nico. — Percy suspirou mais uma vez, parecendo cansado.

— Você poderia... apenas... fazer o que parece natural para você também? — Quando Percy levantou as sobrancelhas, parecendo descrente, Nico completou: — É só uma sugestão.

— Vou pensar sobre isso.

— Quer dizer, você sempre teve essa aura de... 

— Autoritário?

— É mais, tipo, você espera ser obedecido. E está tudo bem?

— Isso é uma pergunta ou afirmação?

— Depende de você. — Nico acabou dando de ombros, tentando fingir a calmaria que ele não sentia no momento.

— Você quer me dizer que eu posso ser autoritário o quando eu quiser que você vai me obedecer? Sem questionar?

— Hm... provavelmente? — A resposta certa era “com toda a certa”, mas isso seria humilhação demais para uma pessoa só.

— Mesmo? Até quando você não concorda?

— Eu acho que sim. — Nico deu de ombros novamente e desviou a olhar para longe de Percy. Na maioria das vezes era o que acontecia de qualquer jeito; ele não queria e no fim, Percy estava certo. Se ele tivesse escutado Percy no passado, poderia ter evitado muitas coisas.

— Bebê. — Então, ele ouviu o tom de voz de Percy mudar, se tornando mais suave e aveludada. 

Não era que ele tivesse uma vontade incontrolável de obedecer, era o conhecimento que ele seria muito bem recompensado se decidisse ser um bom garoto. E ele foi, imediatamente ao escutar aquela palavra. Percy o segurou pelo pescoço, o fazendo levantar a cabeça e o beijou, juntando suas línguas em um suspiro.

— Eu não quero que você se sinta preso ou que não tem alternativa. — Percy disse algum tempo depois, roçando os lábios junto aos seus.

— Eu não me sinto assim. Me sinto livre sabendo que você vai cuidar de mim.

— Você tem certeza?

— Eu confio em você.

— Tudo bem, então.

Percy se afastou de Nico o suficiente para olhar em seu rosto e sorriu, parecendo dessa vez estar contente, porém ainda o segurando pelo pescoço, possessivo e firme, ainda que sua voz permanecesse suave.

— É por isso que preciso te mostrar o que tem dentro dessa caixa.

Percy, então, o soltou e pegou a caixa mais uma vez, a colocando entre eles, no próprio colo. Percy a abriu, tirando o laço e a tampa, dando tempo de Nico examinar o conteúdo dentro dela.

— O... que é isso? — Sua voz saiu fraca e suas mãos tremeram, apoiadas no próprio colo.

Nico sabia perfeitamente o que aqueles objetos eram. Sabia exatamente o que eles significam, o problema é que seu cérebro se recusava a acreditar no que via. Por que logo agora? Depois de tanto tempo? Por isso permaneceu parado feito uma estátua, mal conseguindo respirar.

— Eu não te tratei como devia. Ignorei o que estava claro. — Percy disse, voltando a segurar em seu pescoço, o forçando a encará-lo. — Entendo por que você hesitou por tanto tempo, por que as vezes ainda hesita.

— Eu--

— Eu hesito pelo mesmo motivo. — Percy pareceu respirar fundo e tirou uma gargantilha de couro com pedras preciosas a enfeitando. — Quero que você saiba, estou comprometido e nunca mais vou fugir das minhas responsabilidades.

Nico achava que iria desmaiar. Percy estava o pedindo em casamento? Mais uma vez? Agora da forma que ele nunca esperava que fosse acontecer? Nico nem mesmo sabia o que dizer! Era obvio, não? Esperou esse por esse momento desde que colocou os olhos no garoto alto que parecia ter saído de um pornô clichê onde o cara mal iria fazer a mocinha se arrepender de andar sozinha pelas ruas desertas. Nada o preparou quando o momento enfim chegou, Percy segurou a gargantilha delicada entre os dedos, a levou a seu pescoço e a prendeu cuidadosamente, tento certeza que não estaria apertado demais.

Ele... ele não sabia... seria impressão sua ou... ah, não, Nico não estava enganado. Assim que a gargantilha se acomodou a sua pele, Percy envolveu o couro, colocando a mão ao redor de seu pescoço e tocou ao redor da gargantilha, massageando sua pele e admirando a joia. Entretanto, foi o olhar no rosto de Percy que roubou seu ar; Percy o olhava como se ele fosse... como se ele fosse--

— Meu. — Percy disse. — Agora você é meu.

Por que era tão difícil respirar? Por que Nico estava tremendo tanto?

— Eu...

— Eu sei. — Percy disse no tom mais condescendente que Nico já tinha ouvido, quase maldoso, quase zombador, mas ainda... suave, como se Percy falasse com alguém que fosse lento mentalmente. — Sem pressa. Eu mesmo nunca imaginei que iria fazer algo assim.

— Tão malvado. — Nico conseguiu balbuciar, Percy obviamente lhe dando tempo para absorver os fatos, ainda o segurando pelo pescoço, como se Nico fosse sua possessão e não um ser humano.

— Você não viu nada. Mas acho que ainda não estamos prontos para isso.

— Hmm... — Nico gemeu apenas em imaginar no que poderia acontecer. Será que ele já podia desmaiar? Seria muita humilhação?

Ele ouviu uma risadinha zombadora e então mãos estavam ao redor dele, massageando sua coluna e cabelos do jeito que ele mais gostava. No fim, Percy estava certo mais uma vez. Ele não estava pronto para nada disso. Se só uma coleira ao redor de seu pescoço o fez reagir assim, o que aconteceria quando... quando as coisas realmente acontecessem?

***

— Shhh... tudo bem. Eu não vou ser mal com você, hm?

— Mentiroso. — Sua voz falhou e Percy riu novamente, bem no pé de seu ouvido.

— Talvez um pouquinho. Eu sei que você gosta.

— Para! 

Percy estava certo, como sempre. Por algum motivo, Nico se viu rindo, batendo no braço de Percy que apenas riu mais, se divertindo com sua dor.

— Tá bom. Parei. Agora, vamos o que é importante. 

— Como o quê?

— Tem alguma coisa que eu devo saber? Limites fortes ou fracos? Algo que você não gosta de jeito nenhum?

— Oh. — Era uma boa pergunta.

Ele não tinha feito tantas coisas assim. Deixou alguns caras baterem em suas nádegas e algum bondage, mas tirando isso? Nada que fosse interessante. Quer dizer, teve aquela vez em que ele deixou que dois garotos usassem sua boca...

— Nico?

— Eu não sei. Nunca fiz nada muito diferente.

— Queria seria?

Agora Percy olhava pare ele parecendo que iria arrancar a verdade de Nico, ele querendo ou não.

— Hm... você sabe...

— Não. Eu não sei.

— Teve uma vez que uns garotos... que eu chupei uns garotos e... um cara usou o cinto em mim...

— E?

— Fui amarado também.

— Isso é tudo?

— Eu prometo. 

Na época tinha sido bem aventuresco, entretanto, se ele analisasse a noite passada, ninguém o tinha feito gozar daquela forma e o fazer flutuar por tanto tempo. Talvez fosse algo mais psicológico do que físico.

— Bebê. — E de novo, aquele tom de voz condescendente que o deixava puto da vida e fazia seu estomago se encher de borboletas voltava. — O que aqueles garotos no banheiro iam fazer com você é muito interessante do que isso. Tem certeza?

— Quem você pensa que eu sou? Uma puta para deixar qualquer um me usar?

Não! O que ele tinha acabado de falar? Nico até tinha medo de encarar Percy, mas ele fez mesmo assim. Devagar, virou a cabeça em direção a Percy e viu um brilho estranho em seus olhos, um sorriso de canto um tanto cruel.

— Esse é o jeito de falar com seu dono?

Nico não entendeu o que acontecia até escutar o som estalado e agudo, então, veio a ardência que o fez gemer, um lado de sua bunda queimando com o impacto.

— Me-- me desculpa. — Nico murmurou, baixinho, parecendo perder as forças, ainda sentado no colo de Percy.

— Eu entendo. Mas um bom garoto não fala assim com as pessoas, hm?

Nico acenou e Percy beijou seu rosto, massageando a pele levemente avermelhada.

— Agora, sobre o que estávamos falando?

— Limites?

— Sim. Tem algum que eu deva saber?

— Nada nojento? Ou... líquido.

— Eu nunca faria isso. Você é o meu bebê e eu só quero o que for o melhor.

— E você?

— Hm. Acho que bondage, nada que impeça eu de me mover. E garoto desobedientes e malcriados

— E sobre... garotos arteiros? — Nico tinha que ter certeza.

— Com tanto que você saiba das consequências.

— Oh.

Será que ele iria querer desapontar Percy a esse ponto? E que tal só um pouquinho?

— Eu sei o que você está pensando. Pode parar agora. Você só tem que pedir, não importa o que seja.

— Eu sei. É mais divertido assim.

— É melhor você não me testar, sim?

— Tão malvado. — Nico sabia que ele tão pouco era alguém fácil de se lidar. Ele podia ser mimado e distante, perdido no próprio mundo, e também podia ser imprevisível, fugindo de qualquer coisa que ele não gostasse sem deixar qualquer rastro. — Eu vou me comportar.

— Bom garoto.

— E as outras coisas dentro da caixa?

— É um assunto para outra hora. Agora, nós vamos deitar e ter uma longa soneca. As provas estão chegando e precisamos estar descansados, hm?

Percy beijou seu rosto e o colocou contra os travesseiros, se deitando a seu lado em seguida. Percy estava certo, com tudo o que aconteceu Nico não tinha estudado tudo o que precisava, então, infelizmente algumas horas seriam gastas em frente a uma pilha de livros.

***

Nico bocejou e se encostou contra as almofadas, sentindo o sol de fim de tarde atingir seu rosto. Quando ele menos percebeu faltava uma semana para o início das provas do meio do ano. Agora, eles estavam no jardim perto da piscina, mesas e almofadas para todos os lados, embora Percy e os amigos não estivessem tão interessado no cronograma de estudos que ele tinha criado. Percy, Tyson, Luke e Grover estavam na piscina enquanto ele, Silena e Clarisse, ocupavam uma mesa, com Chris plantado ao lado de Clarisse feito um bobo apaixonado mesmo depois de tantos anos. 

Se ele pudesse também estaria se divertindo, Nico podia pensar em várias coisas que gostaria de estar fazendo. Um exemplo disso, era a surpresa que ele tinha aguardado para Percy que ainda não tinha tido a oportunidade certa para fazer. Não que ele ainda precisasse surpreender Percy, porém, não seria legal se ele se esforçasse o tanto que Percy se esforçava?

Nico tinha que ser sincero. Não esperava que Percy fosse levar a sério essa coisa de dominador e submisso. A prova disso era a gargantilha em volta de seu pescoço e claro, o anel em seu dedo. Ele não podia deixar de tocar no pedaço de couro em sua pele, feito uma coleira, não o deixando esquecer dos últimos dias. Nada tinha realmente mudado, embora ele se sentisse diferente. Mais tranquilo de algum jeito. Seguro. Quer dizer, Percy agora não hesitava quando queria algo dele, o que era um ótimo desenvolvimento. A questão é que... as coisas eram quase como elas costumavam ser no passado, quando eles eram crianças e as coisas eram mais simples. Se ele ignorasse a ansiedade que costumava sentir e a falta de sexo, era como se tivessem evoluído o que eles já tinham. E ele gostava muito disso, lhe dava um conforto que gesto ou palavra alguma conseguiria.

— Nico, você está me ouvindo?

— Hm?

Era Clarisse, irritada com ele. Ela tinha os braços cruzados e revirava os olhos, impaciente.

— Se você vai fazer isso, é melhor você ir lá. Qual foi a última palavra que você leu?

Era uma boa pergunta.

— Desde quando você se tornou tão dependente dele? — Clarisse, insistiu, se levantando.

— Eu não sou dependente de ninguém. De onde você tirou isso?

— Você acha que engana alguém? Ele até te colocou numa coleira!

— Não sei do que você está falando. — Nico nem mesmo levantou a voz, e mesmo fosse verdade, ele estava feliz de finalmente ser encoleirado.

— Nico! Para de brincar com essa gargantilha e presta atenção!

Clarisse antou até ele, segurou em sua mão e o fez levantar junto com ela. E então, o empurou em direção a piscina.

— Vai lá. Não volte aqui até que você consiga se concentrar.

— Eu não s--

— O que está acontecendo aqui?

Bem que Nico tinha percebido o sol sumir. Era apenas Percy parado atras dele, fazendo sombra.

— Nico sente sua falta. Cuide disso.

Com isso, Clarisse se sentou nas almofadas mais uma vez e se encostou contra o peito de Cris que sorriu satisfeito, ambos voltando a seus livros.

Isso não era justo! Ele não tinha um peito firme para se encostar enquanto estudava. 

Nico se virou em direção a Percy, prestar a dizer exatamente isso a ele, parando antes que pudesse continuar. Nico se lembrava do que aconteceu nas outras vezes que tinha levantado a voz para Percy, e se ele fizesse isso agora Percy também não se reprimiria.

Nico sorriu, engolindo a indignação e olhou para Percy, esquecendo por um momento a raiva. Percy ainda pingava da água da piscina, tinha os cabelos jogados para trás e vestia uma sunga tão justa que não escondia nada. Não que Percy estivesse tentando. 

Ele abriu a boca, pensou melhor e disse:

— Você precisa usar algo tão pequeno?

Mas Percy já estava sorrindo, vindo o resto do caminho em sua direção. Ele abriu os braços e imediatamente Nico foi envolvido por ele, sendo puxado contra o peito de Percy e se molhando no processo. Isso também era injusto, nenhum garoto de dezessete anos deveria ser tão alto ou ter aqueles músculos.

— O que foi? Cansou de estudar? — Percy o levantou do chão, o fazendo enrolar as pernas em volta dele. E tudo o que Nico escutou foi “está na hora de ir para o quarto?”

— Percy! Você devia estar estudando comigo!

Oh, não! Nico pensou, mal tendo tempo de segurar nos ombros de Percy, sentindo o impacto que mesmo sobre o tecido dos shorts, o fez gemer.

— Eu sei, bebê. — Então, Percy o segurou pelo queixo e o fez encará-lo, o beijando suavemente, o fazendo esquecer que eles tinham uma plateia. — Nós estudamos bastante essa semana. Nunca estive mais preparado, hm? Que tal a gente descansar um pouco? Só nós dois?

Parecia uma pergunta, mas não era uma. No meio de assobios e gritos, Percy o levou para dentro da casa, subindo as escadas como se Nico não pesasse nada, o encarando bem de perto enquanto ia.

— Qual o problema?

Essa era a questão. Pela primeira vez em muito tempo Nico não tinha nenhuma preocupação que não fosse passar em suas provas. Então, ele não podia dizer que era um problema. Era a solução, de fato. Nico estava estranhando a facilidade que ele tinha em deixar tudo nas mãos de Percy e se manter em seu pequeno e perfeito mundo onde nada parecia ser capaz de afetá-lo se Percy quisesse assim. 

— Não é nada. — Ele enfim disse quando chegaram no quarto e Percy o colocou sentado na ponta da cama, se ajoelhando no chão entre suas pernas. — Está tudo bem? 

— É claro, bebê. Nunca estive melhor.

Isso era verdade. A cada dia que passava Percy tinha mais energia e vigor, e devagar, tomava conta de todas as decisões que se referia a ambos. Eles fariam uma viagem? Percy decidia para onde. O que eles comeriam de manhã? Geralmente seu prato estaria pronto antes dele ter que pedir. Quer dizer, era sempre o que Nico gostava e do jeito que ele mais gostava, cada decisão parecendo ser algo que Nico escolheria por si mesmo se tivesse a chance. Às vezes, era até melhor. Sinceramente? Era um fardo que ele com muita alegria estava feliz de se livrar. Entretanto, ele não queria que isso se tornasse um peso para Percy, algo que ele fazia por obrigação.

— Está tudo bem mesmo? Suas notas melhoraram?

Isso pareceu fazer Percy parar por um momento, o observando mais de perto. Percy não tentou sorrir, ele o segurou pela nuca e o abraçou apertado, fazendo algo em seu peito se aquietar.

— É sobre a nossa relação? Está sendo muito?

— Não, eu gosto. — Nico negou, o abraçando de volta tão forte quanto Percy havia o abraçado. — Eu me preocupo com você.

— Bem, não esquente essa sua cabecinha, mm? Está tudo sob controle. 

— Tem certeza?

Percy beijou seu pescoço e disse: 

— Contanto que você permita, vou cuidar de tudo.

— Você me trata tão bem. Ninguém fez tanto por mim quanto você faz.

— Acho bom. Espero que ninguém faça ou teremos um problema.

Nico queria rir. Ele também esperava que ninguém fizesse, porque se esse fosse o caso, signifaria que eles não estariam mais juntos. Ao invés de responder, Nico preferiu deixar que Percy decidisse os proximos passos; se seria sexo, um longo banho ou uma soneca no meio do dia, não importava para Nico. Se eles estivessem juntos, era o suficiente para ele.

***

No fim, eles tinham decidido por um banho na jacuzzi, um longo e relaxante banho onde Percy tinha massageado suas costas e feito a tensão que ele nem sabia que tinha, desaparecer como num passo de mágica. Percy estava sendo tão bom para ele que Nico finalmente havia achado a oportunidade perfeita para colocar seu plano em ação. 

Ele deixou que Percy o secasse dos pés à cabeça, como em qualquer dia, o carregasse até a cama e o beijasse antes de Percy se levantar e ir colocar as toalhas no cesto de roupas sujas. Nico aproveitou esse momento para pegar o pacote dentro do fundo de uma gaveta e entrou no closet, uma porta que ficava perto do guarda-roupa e que eles raramente usam. Felizmente, ele finalmente teria um uso. 

Rasgando a embalagem, Nico tirou as duas peças e as seguros entre os dedos, percebendo que talvez tenha comprado em um tamanho menor do que tinha planejado. O tecido era uma de seda deliciada e de cor rosa clarinha, parecendo ser tirada de um tule, porém bonita e feminina. Ele achava que Percy iria gostar, seria um contraste interessante contra sua pele. Bem, Nico não sabia até experimentar. Então, pegando a tanga, colocou os pés nos espaços certos e vestiu a parte de cima, sentindo a seda deslizar por sua pele.

Agora Nico sabia por que as mulheres gostam tanto desse tipo de lingerie, o tecido era tão macio e fino... era como se ele nem estivesse usando nada, mas, mesmo assim, estivesse sendo acariciado.

— Nico? Onde você está? — Ele escutou Percy o chamando. 

Era agora ou não, certo?

Nico nem mesmo pegou um roupão antes de abrir a porta do closet. Ele apenas arrumou a canga e caminhou para dentro do quarto, parando perto do batente da porta. Ele se sentiu um pouco ridículo com aquela roupa cheia de fru-fru? Sim. Porém, tudo valeu a pena no exato momento em que encontrou Percy no meio do cômodo, vendo a expressão no rosto de Percy ir de confuso para chocado e então, o puro prazer.

Ele andou o resto do caminho e parou em frente a Percy, decidido a ser o melhor dos submissos. Ele abaixou levemente a cabeça, mostrando respeito e colocou as mãos trás das costas, permitindo que Percy visse sua frente.

— Tão bonito. Tudo isso é pra mim? — Percy disse mais sério do que Nico esperava. Sua voz soando mais firme e grave, ainda sem tocar nele.

— Eu queria fazer uma surpresa. Você gostou?

Nico esperou pacientemente, segurando o folego. Isso era porque Percy não gostava de ser surpreendido. Eles nunca tinham conversado sobre essas coisas, mas no fundo Nico sabia que isso era verdade. Se Percy fosse surpreendido, quer dizer que ele não tinha o controle do que acontecia. Mas ainda assim, Nico queria ver a reação de Percy, talvez assim Percy não fosse tão cuidadoso com ele. Não o entendam mal, ele amava cada dia que passava ao lado de Percy, mas a... excitação não acontecia com tanta frequência como ele gostaria. Talvez isso fosse o que eles precisavam.

— Meu bebê está tentando me provocar, é isso?

— Está dando certo?

Nico espiou entre os cílios e viu um brilho estranhos nos olhos de Percy.

Nesses momentos as feições de Percy se transformavam completamente. De calmo ele se tornava sério e... e algo mais que era difícil definir. As vezes era brincalhão, e outras, maldoso, como se Percy se divertisse com sua angústia. Percy nunca perdia a calma, entretanto, era como se algo além disso viesse a superfície, algo que Percy escondia e que apenas se manifestava se provocado.

— Você quer descobrir?

Bem, Nico teria respondido se pudesse, se tivesse sido uma pergunta. Era mais um aviso, um comunicado do que estava prestes a acontecer. 

Ainda segurando o folego, Nico continuou a observar Percy, como ele parecia estar se preparando para fazer algo... tinha sido um erro? Quem ele devia ter avisado e-- Percy então se moveu. Apenas um passo para a frente e suas mãos quentes estavam sobre Nico, no pescoço, puxando sua cabeça para trás e em sua cintura, o mantendo no lugar. O que tinha sido uma boa ideia. Sem nenhuma roupa para cobri-lo, as sensações pareciam mais intensas, o fazendo estremecer dos pés à cabeça.

— Nós não conversamos sobre isso. Você sabe o que uma palavra de segurança é?

— Oh. — Ele sabia! Finalmente! Nico sabia e tinha esperado por esse momento. O problema era que ele se encontrava com dificuldade para falar. Então, acenou, se sentindo preso pelos olhos de Percy que o fitavam, intensos.

— Use suas palavras, bebê. — Nico sabia que o apelido devia suavizar o momento, mas ele só se sentia mais tenso, se preparando para o que estava prestes a acontecer.

— Eu-- eu tenho. Torta?

— Você tem certeza? — E agora tinha um certo tom de humor da voz de Percy, suas covinhas aparecendo.

— Na verdade, não. Sei como funciona, mas nunca usei uma antes. 

— Nunca? — Percy franziu a testa, parecendo nada contente. — Isso é muito irresponsável.

— Eu sei, mas… 

— Me diga.

— Eu não consigo falar muito, sabe? Durante.

Isso pareceu acender uma luz no rosto de Percy.

— Vamos manter isso em mente. Agora, deixa eu ver... quem comprou isso pra você? — Mas Percy estava sorrindo, deslizando as mãos por seu corpo. Ombros, costas, cintura, andando em volta dele e tocando em todos os lugares até chegar em sua bunda, acariciando suas nádegas e escorregando um dos dedos pelo fio da tanga em direção a sua entrada.

— Ah!

— Não era isso o que você queria? Eu devia usar o meu presente? Hmm?

E de novo, parecia uma pergunta, mas não era uma. Nico permaneceu como estava, com as mãos atrás das costas, e apenas se moveu quando Percy o segurou pelo braço, o guiando para a cama.

— Onde foi que você aprendeu essa posição, bebê? — Percy disse enquanto eles iam em direção a cama.

— Eu vi em um vídeo… 

— Você sabe o que isso significa?

Nico acenou, envergonhado demais para dizer.

— Eu quero ouvir.

— Servidão e obediência.

— É isso mesmo. — Percy disse, satisfeito. — Não precisa se apressar, tudo vai acontecer na hora certa. Quero que você relaxe, tudo bem?

Foi o que Nico fez. Deixou que Percy o colocasse sentado na ponta da cama e quando enfim Percy se aproximou, ele fechou os olhos e gemeu, sentindo seu corpo reagir livremente.

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Obrigada por ler. Nos vemos na proxima!

writing

Ultimate "Know Your Character Inside Out" Template

The ultimate template for creating a character, without losing your mind, while you're at it.

Character Background Template ... (open)

1. Name:

2. Age:

3. Gender & Pronouns:

4. Physical Appearance:

   - Hair color:

   - Eye color:

   - Height:

   - Build:

   - Distinguishing features (scars, tattoos, etc.):

5. Background and Upbringing:

   - Where were they born and raised?

   - What was their family structure like (parents, siblings)?

   - Describe their childhood environment and upbringing.

   - Were there any significant events or traumas in their past?

6. Education and Skills:

   - What level of education did they receive?

   - Did they excel in any particular subjects or skills?

   - Have they pursued any additional training or education since then?

7. Personality Traits:

   - Describe their personality in a few words.

   - What are their strengths and weaknesses?

   - How do they typically react under stress or pressure?

8. Motivations and Goals:

   - What are their short-term and long-term goals?

   - What drives them to pursue these goals?

   - Are there any fears or insecurities that motivate or hinder them?

9. Relationships:

   - Who are the most important people in their life?

   - How do they interact with family, friends, and acquaintances?

   - Do they have any romantic interests or significant relationships?

10. Past Experiences:

    - Have they faced any major challenges or setbacks in the past?

    - How have these experiences shaped their beliefs and values?

    - Have they experienced any significant losses or tragedies?

11. Worldview and Beliefs:

    - What are their core beliefs and values?

    - How do they view the world around them?

    - Are there any cultural, religious, or philosophical influences in their life?

12. Inner Conflict:

    - What internal struggles do they face?

    - Are there any unresolved issues from their past that continue to affect them?

    - How do these inner conflicts impact their decisions and actions?

13. Connection to Outer Conflict/Plot:

    - How does their personal journey intersect with the main plot or external conflict?

    - What stakes are involved for the character in the larger story?

    - How do their goals and motivations align (or conflict) with the central conflict?

(Shorter) Knowing Your Character Inside Out Checklist

Personality Traits:

   - Introverted/Extroverted

   - Optimistic/Pessimistic

   - Assertive/Passive

   - Empathetic/Self-centered

   - Logical/Emotional

   - Adventurous/Cautious

   - Honest/Dishonest

   - Ambitious/Content

Beliefs and Values:

   - Religious beliefs (if any)

   - Moral code

   - Political beliefs

   - Views on relationships

   - Attitude towards authority

Fears and Insecurities:

   - Common fears (spiders, heights, etc.)

   - Deep-seated insecurities (failure, rejection, etc.)

   - Traumatic experiences (if applicable)

Desires and Goals:

   - Short-term goals

   - Long-term aspirations

   - What motivates them to pursue these goals?

Strengths:

   - Intellectual strengths

   - Physical abilities

   - Emotional resilience

   - Social skills

   - Unique talents or abilities

Weaknesses:

   - Personal flaws

   - Areas of vulnerability

   - Bad habits

   - Limiting beliefs

Backstory:

    - Family background

    - Childhood experiences

    - Significant life events that shaped their identity

    - Education and career path

    - Previous relationships

-Josie

10 Things I Hate About You (1999) dir. Gil Junger

I know this is a terrible thing to say but I would give anything to see this like, as a bystander and not someone who's lost a loved one. Can you imagine

How to show emotions

Part IV

How to show bitterness

tightness around their eyes

pinched mouth

sour expression on their face

crossed arms

snorting angrily

turning their eyes upward

shaking their head

How to show hysteria

fast breathing

chest heaving

trembling of their hands

weak knees, giving in

tears flowing down their face uncontrollably

laughing while crying

not being able to stand still

How to show awe

tension leaving their body

shoulders dropping

standing still

opening mouth

slack jaw

not being able to speak correctly

slowed down breathing

wide eyes open

softening their gaze

staring unabashingly

How to show shame

vacant stare

looking down

turning their head away

cannot look at another person

putting their head into their hands

shaking their head

How to show being flustered

blushing

looking down

nervous smile

sharp intake of breath

quickening of breath

blinking rapidly

breaking eye contact

trying to busy their hands

playing with their hair

fidgeting with their fingers

opening mouth without speaking

Part I + Part II + Part III

If you like my blog and want to support me, you can buy me a coffee or become a member! And check out my Instagram! 🥰

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!

Suzanne Collins gripping my face with her hands: listen listen the first step to evil is dehumanisation, always, the second you start to see people as less than people no matter what they've done to you that's when you start heading down a path of selfish destruction and violence