Pjo Takes That Would Have Gottten Me Crucifed In 2014

some people think writers are so eloquent and good with words, but the reality is that we can sit there with our fingers on the keyboard going, “what’s the word for non-sunlight lighting? Like, fake lighting?” and for ten minutes, all our brain will supply is “unofficial”, and we know that’s not the right word, but it’s the only word we can come up with…until finally it’s like our face got smashed into a brick wall and we remember the word we want is “artificial”.

is this meme too old?

if you only want to write smutty drabbles, write smutty drabbles. if you don't want to write smut at all, don't write smut. if you want to write tropes that have been written 85838593929 times, write them. if you've already written a specific trope and want to write it again, do it. if you want to write for a character but feel like there's no demand for that character, do it anyway. don't feel pressured to reach a certain word count, don't feel pressured to stick to a posting schedule. you're literally doing this for FREE, in your free time. whatever YOU want your writing/fanfiction experience to be is valid - it doesn't have to be like everyone else's, and you don't have to cater to what you think people want 🫶🏻

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

Olha quem voltou nesse fim de semana? Consegui escrever mais um capítulo, completando mais de 10 mil palavras nessa semana! Agora eu entendo que diz que conseguie escrever uma história em um mês. Estou muito orgulhosa de mim mesma. Acho que reencontrei minha motivalção^^

Pra quem está perdido, esse é o quarto nesse semana. Então, vale a pena voltar alguns post e ler os capítulos. Mas não se preocupem, estou montado um blog melhor e logo ele estará no ar. Para quem estava com saudade tem um +18 na ultima cena, ok? Espero que vocês gostem, fiz o melhor para melhorar a escrita dessa vez.

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

Percy sentia que tinha voltado no tempo. Se lembrava como se fosse ontem, os longos dias tortuosos e os sussurros por onde quer que ele fosse; a vontade de sumir também estava ali, a desconexão com a realidade, como se ninguém fosse capaz de quebrar sua bolha de autoflagelo e depressão, sentindo o vazio que o atingia quando ele menos esperava, o sentimento de inadequação lhe dizendo que ele sempre seria aquele garoto solitário e violento que não merecia o que tinha ou o amor alheio. No fim, não importava o quanto ele se sentisse distante da realidade e despreparado para lidar com a vida, o tempo não esperava por ninguém; quando Percy piscou, eles já estavam no fim do primeiro bimestre do ano, o que o levava a aquele exato momento, mal conseguindo se focar no que estava bem em frente a seu rosto. Um teste surpresa, um pedaço de papel que lhe diria se ele tinha chances de passar nas primeiras avaliações.

— Per? — Nico sussurrou do seu lado, ainda escrevendo. — Você não estudou nada, estudou?

Alguém poderia culpá-lo? A culpa ainda o comia por dentro, o paralisando, lutando contra a ânsia de fazer exatamente o contrário do que sua consciência lhe pedia. Nico ficar perto dele vinte e quatro horas por dia não estava ajudando, o fazendo querer quebrar aquela bolha de angústia e ao mesmo tempo, tentado a ficar exatamente onde estava apenas para não ter que tomar alguma decisão. Ele ainda acordava no meio da noite tenso e sem se lembrar o porquê, sendo forçado a sair da cama para se acalmar ou tomar um ar fresco no rosto. Porque ele tinha que--

— Não se preocupe, a gente vai dar um jeito nisso. — Nico tocou em seu ombro e mostrou a ele um dos sorrisos mais doces que ele já tinha visto, o fazendo relaxar imediatamente e sentia que havia uma luz no fim do túnel. Ele observou Nico pegar ambas as suas folhas de respostas, andar até o professor e as entregar a ele, que sorriu todo charmoso para Nico.

Não, ele não iria por esse caminho. Era por isso que Percy tinha se metido nesses problemas. Estava comprometido, ele seria uma pessoa melhor nem que morresse tentando. Por isso, Percy guardou suas coisas na bolsa e respirou fundo, contando até trinta. 

1… 2… 3… 4… 5… 6… 7--

— Vamos? 

Percy olhou para cima e ali estava Nico, doce e sorridente, estendendo as mãos para ele. O medo de preocupar Nico era a única coisa o mantendo de pé no momento, se alguém lhe desse um peteleco Percy desmoronaria imediatamente; ele não conseguia aceitar o fato que… que no fim ele era o monstro que as pessoas o acusavam de ser. Se sentindo no automático, Percy pegou suas bolsas e segurou na mão que Nico oferecia, mal percebendo a expressão decepcionada no rosto do professor. Geralmente ele gostava dessa aula e não precisaria de muito para tirar uma nota alta, mas o que ele podia fazer se sua obsessão estava bem a seu lado, querendo sua atenção? O ruim era saber que ele se afundaria nessa obsessão se o mundo ao redor deles não estivesse pronto para lembrá-lo do equívoco que isso seria. Às vezes, Percy se perguntava se o que sentia era amor ou era apenas co-dependência, uma muleta para ajudá-lo a lidar com os problemas e traumas que nem o melhor psiquiatra poderia remediar.

— Tá tudo bem? Você precisa de um tempo?

Eles tinham se tornado mestres em criar barreiras que antes não estavam lá, barreiras inúteis e cruéis que só serviam para machucar a ambos. Se Percy fosse sincero, diria que era exatamente o que precisava, embora isso não faria nada melhorar. A saudade só aumentaria, a dor no peito se alastrava e ele sentimento ruim em seu estômago tomava mais força, o fazendo agir impulsivamente. O treino de basquete seria uma boa desculpa para esse tempo se o treinador não o tivesse proibido de praticar até que ele conseguisse se concentrar no jogo.

— Você quer vir comigo pra prática de banda? Nós vamos tocar no baile. 

Delicadamente, Nico segurou em seu braço com as duas mãos e beijou seu rosto, o fazendo esquecer de sua angústia interior por um momento e aquecendo o vazio em seu corpo. — Vamos, vai ser legal. Você pode participar se quiser.

— Eu não trouxe meu violão.

— O professor pode emprestar.

— Eu não sei… — Afinal, tinha um motivo dele não participar da prática em grupo.

— Andei pensando no que você disse… que eu não tenho muitos interesses. Você estava certo. 

— Eu estava? — Era bom saber que tinha feito algo de bom.

— Em Verona, eu saia com meus amigos, desenhava, tocava e cantava, escrevia e cozinhava todos os dias com minha nona e meus primos. Eu só… sinto que não preciso fazer todas essas coisas quando estou com você. Mas agora eu entendo o problema nisso.

Bem, esse era exatamente o problema. Eles eram um casal de obsessivos, compulsivos e obcecados um pelo outro. Era difícil enxergar o resto do mundo quando a pessoa que ele mais amava estava tão perto, mas que por esse motivo era tão errado querer essas coisas, e que suas vontades se tornavam tão intensas que tudo acabava ficando um tanto tóxico. Percy queria dizer tudo isso para Nico, mas se dissesse, iria incentivá-lo a permanecer junto com ele nessa bolha intensa e traumática que eles tinham criado.

— Que bom que você entende.

— Exatamente por isso, quero te mostrar uma coisa. Vem comigo?

Ele faria tudo o que Nico pedisse. Felizmente, Nico era bondoso demais para exigir algo dele, ou esse era o caso geralmente. Então, quando Nico pedia, Percy ficaria feliz em conceder. Ele segurou mais uma vez na mão Nico e eles foram em direção ao departamento de música, deixando que Nico o guiasse pela primeira vez na vida. Talvez fosse uma boa mudança para eles.

***

— Nico, onde você esteve esses dias? A gente não conseguiu te encontrar em lugar nenhum!

Percy agora se lembrava porque não gostava de vir nas práticas de banda. Porque, quem tinha se levantado e corrido em direção a eles era Lou Ellen, a defensora mais fervorosa dos indefesos e oprimidos, e de acordo com ela, Percy era um daqueles que oprimia outras pessoas.

Lou parou na frente deles e cruzou os braços, olhando de cima a baixo. Percy escolheu fingir que não tinha visto, essa era mais uma integrante do seu ex-fan clube. Ele pode ou não ter se envolvido com ela, ele pode ou não ter usado e depois jogado fora. Não era sua culpa se as pessoas colocavam expectativas nele quando Percy não havia lhes prometido nada, nem amor ou sequer amizade. No fim, as pessoas acreditavam no que elas quisessem, mas não seria ele que afagaria o ego delas.

— Já entendi. Porque você trouxe esse psicopata aqui? — Ela murmurou, como se tivesse comido algo azedo, e se virou para Nico. — Nico! A gente está atrasado. Você conseguiu a música?

— Melhor ainda, eu escrevi uma. — Nico, como o anjo que ele era, ignorou o que ela tinha dito e segurou firme em sua mão; Nico sabia muito bem o que Percy realmente gostaria de estar fazendo.

Imediatamente, o rosto de Lou Ellen se transformou em um piscar de olhos, de carrancuda para esfuziante.

— Perfeito! Você vai mostrar pra gente?

Lou não havia dado tempo para Nico responder, ela o puxou e Percy não teve alternativa senão os seguir para dentro do auditório de música onde menos de dez adolescentes os esperavam. Ele se lembrava em algum ponto do passado estar entre eles, ele devia ter o quê? Doze anos? Mas como a música sempre tinha sido algo que Nico gostava, Percy preferiu se concentrar em outras coisas, como esportes, algo que poderia lhe dar um futuro mais promissor.

Percy não disse nada e nem cumprimentou ninguém, ele seguiu Nico até o centro do palanque e observou de longe. Nico pegou um violão que a escola disponibilizava e se sentou no chão, onde as outras pessoas se aproximaram e sentaram em volta de Nico, olhando para ele com admiração e algo a mais que ele preferia não questionar. Sinceramente? Percy não poderia culpá-los, Nico ficava ainda mais bonito com um violão no colo e olhar de contemplação enquanto dedilhava algumas notas nos fios do violão, sua voz doce e aveludada vindo logo a seguir, ecoando pelo ambiente, palavras e notas que Percy não reconhecia, mas que também não se esforçava para prestar atenção em seus significados, preferindo deixar que a música o rodeasse feito uma doce carícia que insistia em ir embora apenas para deixá-lo pulsando e querendo mais.

Ele não resistiu, colocou suas bolsas em um canto da sala e se aproximou de Nico, sentando diretamente a seu lado e colocando uma de suas mãos nas costas de Nico. 

Nico meramente virou o rosto em sua direção e continuou cantando, talvez em um tom um pouco mais baixo, um pouco mais íntimo, como se aquelas palavras fossem destinadas para ele e a ninguém mais. Nico sorriu, tranquilo, e enfim quando a canção chegou a seu final, o som do violão ecoou por mais alguns momento, o fazendo acordar com seu final. Olhando somente para ele, Nico perguntou numa voz baixinha:

— Você gostou?

— Ficou muito bom. — Porque era verdade. Mesmo que ele não tenha prestado atenção nas palavras, a música por si mesma falava o suficiente. — Como ela se chama?

— Não há lugar como o lar.

As pessoas ao redor aplaudiram, roubando a atenção de Nico que agradeceu, fazendo algo dentro de Percy se enfurecer. Quem elas pensavam que eram!?

— Nico, a gente gravou. Tudo bem? — Lou disse de algum lugar na plateia. — Ficou perfeito. Posso compartilhar com os outros?

— Eu… já coloquei online? Posso colocar no grupo? — Nico disse incerto. Claro, Percy pensou, como se eles fossem negar quando as pessoas por ali pareciam adorá-lo.

— Isso é ótimo. — Lou disse de novo, animada.

— Excelente, Nico. Obrigada por compartilhar conosco algo tão pessoal. Podemos usá-la para um exercício? — Euterpe, a professora de música, o parabenizou. Quando Nico acenou, ela continuou. — Para a próxima aula quero que vocês criem um arranjo para a banda. Regravem a música e também tragam sugestões de outras canções para apresentarmos no baile.

Com isso o auditório explodiu em atividade, as pessoas se organizaram em dois ou três grupos enquanto os dois continuaram onde estavam, inclinados um na direção do outro, ainda com Nico segurando o violão e com Percy segurando na cintura de Nico.

— Você quer tocar?

Percy aceitou o instrumento quando Nico ofereceu para ele, embora ele tenha hesitado por um momento. Faziam um tempo que não segurava em um violão, tempo o suficiente para quase o fazer esquecer como posicionar os dedos. Mas é como dizem, tem coisas na vida que nunca se esquece e foi isso o que aconteceu quando a primeira nota soou, limpa e firme em seu dedos, os exercícios de dedilhado voltando com tudo, o fazendo lembrar das longas horas nesse mesmo auditório, uma das poucas coisas que o manteve em contato com a realidade quando Nico tinha ido embora. Uma das milhares muletas que ele carregava pela vida, mas que o mantinham em pé. Então, ele se deixou levar, abaixou a cabeça e permitiu relembrar, sentiu seus dedos voarem pelas cordas e permitiu que uma estranha calmaria o tomasse. E por longos minutos foi tudo o que ele escutou, sua respiração e a sequência de notas rápidas, isso é, até que sua sequência chegou ao fim e ele se viu abraçado por Nico.

— Isso foi muito bonito. Porque você não me disse que podia tocar desse jeito? — Nico disse calmamente, não como se exigisse algo e sim como se tivesse ganhado um presente valioso.

— Eu estava ocupado com o basquete. E com o drama adolescente.

Bem, Percy nunca foi muito bom com piadas. Então, ele não se surpreendeu com a atitude de Nico que apenas beijou em seu rosto e encostou a cabeça em seu ombro.

— Toca mais. Todos gostaram.

Todos? 

Percy olhou ao redor do auditório e viu que as pessoas de fato estavam o observando em silêncio sem o usual escárnio. E ele podia jurar que tinha menos pessoas na sala.

— O que você quer escutar?

— Uma balada romântica.

Foi o que ele fez, as notas saindo mais lentas e simples. Imagine sua surpresa ao ouvir as pessoas cantando com Nico, batendo palmas e se balançando. Bem, o que ele podia fazer? Talvez nem tudo estivesse perdido.

***

— Desculpa. — Percy disse, admitindo a derrota. Às vezes, ele se esquecia que Nico não podia adivinhar o que ele pensava e que se ele quisesse que o relacionamento deles funcionasse como deveria, Nico não era o único que precisava ser sincero.

— Você não fez nada errado.

Tinham se passado alguns dias, mas aquele momento na sala de música tinha ficado em sua mente. Percy sabia que tinha a tendência de se perder em seus próprios pensamentos, imaginando que o mundo inteiro estava contra ele, quando na verdade, ninguém se importava, fofocas eram passageiras, coisas que não teriam efeito algum em sua vida e nem todos tinham algo ruim para falar dele. Nico era o lembrete disso, que ele ainda tinha uma família, amigos e alguém que estaria do seu lado incondicionalmente.

Para retribuir todo o esforço que Nico estava fazendo, Percy tinha se sentado ao lado de Nico no sofá de casa e o abraçado bem forte, o puxando para seu colo. Ele o beijou também, mas não os selinhos inocentes que eles tinham se acostumado nas últimas semanas, e sim bocas abertas e línguas se entrelaçando, que fez Nico gemer, estatelado e surpreso entre seus braços.

— O que foi isso? — Nico arfou, ainda em seu colo, se segurando em seu pescoço.

— Obrigado por ser paciente.

Nico piscou lentamente para ele, suas maçãs do rosto coradas, respiração rápida, um volume óbvio em suas calças. Percy sabia que esse era Nico tentando raciocinar no meio da excitação que de forma repentina invadia seu cérebro.

— Você sabe que eu te amo, não sabe? 

— Eu sei.

— O sexo… ele não é importante. Você é o meu melhor amigo, meu companheiro.

— Nico.

— Eu poderia ficar sem sexo pelo resto da vida, mas eu nunca quero ficar sem você. Eu posso esperar.

— Eu sinto muito. — E Percy realmente sentia, principalmente vendo a frustração no rosto angelical de Nico, vendo que Nico estava pronto para implorar com o menor sinal positivo. 

A verdade é que o celibato não era para ele. Era uma tortura a cada dia que ele não tocava em Nico, tinha medo que se Percy se deixasse levar, voltaria aos mesmo habitos ruins. Embora ele venha se questionando se tudo aquilo era errado ou se estava tudo dentro de sua cabeça devido a culpa de não ter prestado mais atenção no que acontecia com Nico.

— Chega. Eu não quero te ver assim. Não quero ouvir que você sente muito e que vai mudar. Eu não que você mude, quer dizer… você não precisa fazer todas essas coisas. 

Nico estava quase fazendo um biquinho zangado, era lindo de se observar enquanto Nico tentava transmitir seriedade. Nico continuava tentando com tanto esforço ter certeza que ele estava bem que Percy sentia vontade de fazer alguma loucura; podia ser qualquer coisa. Mas o que ele realmente tinha vontade de fazer era jogar Nico na cama e fazê-lo esquecer a preocupação estampada em seu rosto. Talvez ele devesse? Só para ver se conseguia se controlar?

— Eu entendo. Não vou me desculpar de novo.

— Não vai? — Nico inclinou a cabeça para o lado, feito um cachorinho confuso, e isso fez Percy sorrir. Ele segurou Nico pelos cabelos e o beijou mais uma vez, sentindo Nico derreter contra seu peito.

— Você merece uma recompensa. Sabe porquê?

— Porque? — Nico gemeu, se remexendo em seu colo.

— Porque bons garotos merecem o melhor.

— Eu sou…? Um bom garoto?

— O melhor.

Percy sentia como se estivesse numa degustação do seu restaurante favorito. Ele olhou um momento para o rosto em fogo de Nico e se permitiu finalmente fazer o que queria. Lentamente, para ver o que Nico iria fazer, ele tirou sua mão da cintura de Nico e a levou para a virilha do garoto, o tocando delicadamente por cima da calça jeans. Feito uma flor, Nico afastou as pernas e tirou as mãos do caminho, levantando os olhos para onde as mãos de Percy estavam indo, gemendo suavemente quando ele finalmente cobriu seu membro por cima da roupa.

— Tudo bem se eu fizer isso? — Percy perguntou, parando seus movimentos.

— Sim, por favor. — E em seguida, como um pensamento atrasado, disse: — Obrigado!

— Hmm, bom garoto.

Então, como ele havia prometido, abriu o botão das calças de Nico e abaixou o viper, vendo o pequeno volume sobre a cueca. Ainda mais devagar ainda, Percy massageou o membro por alguns momentos e o puxou para fora da cueca. Ele não podia negar, Nico era lindo em todos os lugares; a pele morena, a voz doce, o corpo macio. Ali em baixo ele também era tudo isso, o membro que cabia em sua mão, a cabeça avermelhada e molhada bem na pontinha, os pelos ralos e bem aparados na base. Ele sentia vontade de devorá-lo e só para quando Nico virasse um possa de prazer sobre suas mãos, rendido a seus pés.

Mas, hoje não, hoje ele levaria tudo o mais calmamente que ele pudesse.

— Por favor! — Nico choramingou, lágrimas surgindo em seus olhos.

Percy fechou os olhos por um momento e se concentrou em sua respiração. Era aquela sensação pesada no fundo de seu estômago que o tomava novamente, aquela voz possessiva e controladora lhe dizendo que se Nico era seu e estava se oferecendo assim para ele, Percy poderia fazia o que bem entendesse.

— Está tudo bem, querido. — Percy murmurou, mal reconhecendo a própria voz, ouvindo Nico gemer. Ele hesitou apenas um momento para prestar atenção na reação de Nico. 

Ah, seu doce Nico. Ele o encarava com alguns olhos dilatados, implorando, demonstrando tanta confiança nele que Percy teve que se mexer. A mão que estava perto da virilha de Nico enfim encontrou seu caminho e envolveu o membro pulsante. Ele quase tinha esquecido a sensação de tocar em um lugar tão íntimo de outra pessoa. Percy testou as águas segurando em volta de Nico e depois roçou um de seus dedos na pontinha, recolhendo o pre-gozo e o trazendo para baixo, dedilhando a extensão para voltar a envolvê-lo por completo, aplicando um pouco de pressão.

— Assim? — Ele perguntou.

Bem, Nico não o respondeu exatamente, mas a forma que Nico estava apoiado contra seu peito, gemendo sem pudor, deveria ser um bom indício.

De repente, Percy se sentia curioso. Depois de tanto tempo sentia que tinha esquecido a forma do corpo de Nico. Ele usou sua outra mão e envolveu o baixo ventre de Nico, acariciando sua barriga. Subiu mais um pouco e encontrou seu abdômen, suas costelas e peito, tocando nos mamilos duros, onde ele se demorou por alguns instantes.

— Percy! — Ele ouviu Nico choramingar, se roçando contra ele.

— Eu sei. Estou te torturando. 

Mantendo Nico preso contra seu peito, costas contra ombros, Percy continuou sua exploração, indo para baixo e voltando a massagear entre as pernas de Nico.

— Será que você podia… mais para baixo? — Então, Nico murmurou, todo dócil e obediente.

— Aqui? — Seus dedos curiosos fizeram o que Nico pediu, passando pelos testículos e encontrando a entrada de Nico. Um leve toque lhe disse o que Nico queria.

— Você anda se divertindo sem mim, hmm?

— Eu não sabia se… quando… ah…

Bem, ele ainda estava curioso. Devagar, Percy roçou um de seus dedos e logo Nico se abriu feito uma flor. E mesmo a seco, seu dedo entrou, quase sem resistência, indo até o final. Percy podia apostar que enquanto ele tentava dar um tempo para Nico pensar, Nico estava se divertindo sem ele.

— É isso o que você fazia quando eu não estava olhando?

Ele tentou colocar outro dedo e o surpreendendo, o dedo entrou quase sem resistência novamente. Nico se curvou todo de uma forma que parecia dolorosa e gritou a pleno pulmões: — É tudo sua culpa! Eu tentei… tentei… não é a mesma coisa!

Ah, isso o fazia querer… não! Não hoje. Hoje, ele se conformaria em tocar e observar, quem sabe em alguns dias Percy se sentiria forte o suficiente para avançar. Então, ele fez o que Nico tão desesperadamente pedia para que ele visse. Observou o membro de Nico pulsar, sem nada o tocar, enquanto que continuava a massagear o interior dele, movendo seus dedos devagar ao redor, os abrindo muito delicadamente até encontrar o lugar certo. Nico gemeu longamente, curvando a coluna e como mágica, viu Nico expelindo, jato atrás de jato, sem tocar em qualquer outro lugar.

— Eu te odeio! — Nico grunhiu quando enfim desabou contra seu peito, uma expressão de exaustão e êxtase ainda estampado em suas feições.

Bem, Percy acreditava em Nico. Às vezes, ele também se odiava um pouco, principalmente quando tinha que se controlar dessa forma.

— Eu também te amo.

Percy continuou segurando Nico contra seu peito e só se moveu quando teve certeza que Nico não continuaria o odiando.

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

E então, divertido? Estou gostando bastante de abordar esse lado psicologico deles. Espero que o assunto não esteja muito pesado. Provavelmente na segunda tenha mais capitulos, se não tiver vai a versão em inglês.

Comentarios são sempre bem-vindos e me fazem escrever mais rapido ainda, o que se tornou verdade^^ Obrigada a todos que tiram um tempo para apoiar o blog.

I really need someone to have a friendship/romance with a greeting like 'Hi, my old friend' and that that person look and talk at me like Erik Lehnsherr does with Charles Xavier and think/do things for me like Nico di Angelo for Percy Jackson. (Just like a soulmate haha)

Canon scenes.

Percico (Percy's birthday in Sally's department) - Last chapter of «The Battle of the Labyrinth»

Cherik (Chess game in a Paris's coffee) - Last scene of «X-Men: Dark Phoenix»

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter XXII and Chapter XXIII

Hi! New chapter for you. Hope you like it!

Previous chapters: CHAPTER I / CHAPTER II / / CHAPTER III, CHAPTER IV e CHAPTER V / Chapter VI e Chapter VII / Chapter VIII e Chapter IX / Chapter X, Chapter XI, Chapter XII e Chapter XIII / Chapter XIV / Chapter XV / Chapter XVI e Chapter XVII / Chapter XVIII and Chapter XIX / Chapter XX and Chapter XXI

Chapter XXII

"You really don't want me to take you home?”

Nico denied it and hugged Percy tightly. They were outside the condominium, Percy insisting on taking him home.

"The children can't stay alone, Annabeth just left and--”

“Nico, let me decide about that, will you?”

He looked at Percy suspiciously and took a step back. Normally Nico would trust the man's judgment, but he was beginning to see that Percy wasn't as responsible or perfect as he thought, especially when it came to something Percy wanted, and in this case, that was Nico himself.

"I don't like it when you do that to them. Alice and Logan may be grown up, but they still need their family's attention.”

"I liked it better when you said yes to everything. It was much easier." Percy gave a small smile, apologizing with his eyes and raised his hands, in surrender, and said: "Don't be like that, Roberta is still at home.”

Roberta was the housekeeper, the one who kept the house in order, helped prepare food and had control over the children's routine. And honestly? She was more efficient at raising the children than he could ever be. So this was Nico making the most of the rest of the time he had around.

"Come on, don't be mad at me. Let me take you home. It's already past nine o'clock.”

"No, I'm not going to make you drive across town.”

"I want to, so I can see where you're living.”

"I knew there was a reason behind it." Nico couldn't help but feel like a bratty little kid. He crossed his arms and glared at him.

"Nico, please. I feel responsible for what happened. I just want to make sure you're safe.”

That's when Percy touched Nico's shoulder and with his other hand, gently held his chin, making him look at Percy more closely.

Ahg, Nico groaned and shifted restlessly, refusing to look away. He hated when Percy did that; those stormy green eyes and worried frown always had the same effect on him. In the end, Nico just sighed, knowing he would never win.

Percy opened the car door for him, satisfaction oozing from every pore as Nico jumped into the gigantic jeep.

"Satisfied, now?”

"I'll be when you tell me the address.”

Why did Percy have to be so childish? Or was it just him? Did it matter? Nico gave in and relaxed against the passenger seat, feeling that little bit more anxious, a good kind of anxious; the kind that makes you act and gives you an unknown but welcome pleasure. Thinking about it, the butterflies in the middle of his stomach only fluttered more when Percy smiled at him, starting the car, one of his hands coming to rest on his knee, not helping him in the least.

The worst part was that the gesture sounded almost respectful, with a certain degree of affection. He had only seen that kind of thing with couples, likeHades and Maria. Nico remembered when they still lived in Italy, Maria used to smile a lot more andHades still acted like his father;Hades often sought some contact with Maria, so on car trips it was common forHades to smile at Maria and place one of his hands on her knee, just like Percy did now. Nico wanted to question him, he wanted to ask what that gesture meant, he wanted to know what it meant to them. But even if he had an answer, it wouldn't be the right one. Percy already had a family and a career, while he had barely started his. What would happen when Nico spent more time working than at home? What if he had to travel far away? Nico couldn't let that happen to them, such a common story, but one that could define their future completely. It’s like, if he was already attached to the point of thinking about these things, what would become of the future?

"…ico … Nico.”

"Hm?”

"Are you okay? Where was that little head of yours?”

"I… it’s nothing. I just…”

He shrugged and looked down at Percy's hand that was still on his knee, as if that was exactly where it belonged.

"I…" For some strange reason, Nico felt his throat tighten, the words he wanted to say so badly trapped in uncertainty. He might not be sure of the future, but he also didn’t want to lose these moments with Percy. Each one was special, memories Nico would treasure for when things got tough.

"It's nothing. Really. I'm just tired.”

"Do you need a break?”

Nico shook his head, he had barely come back. He kept looking forward and placed his hands on the one in his knee, trying not to think about anything, just fingering the knuckles and veins in the strong arm that was three times bigger than his.

"Turn right. I live in the city center, near those historic buildings.”

It didn't take long and soon they were in front of the apartment, forcing Nico to take his cell phone out of his pocket and call Jason, letting him know he had arrived. In less than five minutes Jason appeared, only in shorts and flip-flops, his blond hair sticking out in every direction and with a not-so-friendly expression.

"Where were you? Thalia and I were waiting for you until late.”

"It's not what it looks like.”

“What did you expect? Do you know what time it is?” Jason scowled at Nico until he looked at Percy, finally seeming to wake up from his stupor. “And why is Percy Jackson with you?”

"Do you know him?" Nico had to ask, confused.

"Who doesn't? He's known for a lot of things around here.”

"Among the businessmen and upper class." This time, it was Percy who answered, grimacing. "It's a pleasure to meet you. You're Zeus's son, right? My father speaks highly of you.”

“That’s news to me,” Jason said in greeting, shaking the hand Percy offered.

"Hey, I want to know what these things are!”

Were they, by any chance, ignoring him?

"I wish you wouldn't talk about it." Again, Percy referred to Jason, as if they were best friends.

"I can't promise anything. It wouldn't be fair for you to know everything about Nico while Nico knows nothing about you.”

“How do you know that?” Percy asked, lifting his head, mocking Jason in a friendly way.

"No Jackson would let himself be so vulnerable. And if there's one thing I know, it's that you're the kind of people who like to be in control of everything.”

Nico didn’t know why, but he found himself smiling, a slow kind of smile that slowly spread until there was nothing left in its path. Because, it was a fact, Percy seemed to be that kind of person. Controlling and domineering, but not in a negative way? It was very confusing. Or maybe, he was already too invested to see the real danger.

"You're overreacting," Percy said.

"No, he's not." Nico replied.

He couldn't help himself. He grabbed Percy's arm and kissed him on the cheek, holding himself close until Percy turned to him, giving him all the attention Nico could possibly want.

"Are you scared? Too late for that, don't you think?" Nico murmured to Percy.

"Nico! I was a different person. What teenager doesn't do stupid things?”

"Me. I never did!”

"Exactly. You're an exception. You would never do that.”

"That, what, exactly?" Nico smiled even wider and leaned towards him, Percy looking uncomfortable, but seeming to be equally amused.

"Mm-rh." Jason cleared his throat and Nico turned to see what it was.

Jason watched him with a raised eyebrow, judging him as only he could. Oh, Nico could already see it; no one would sleep today, as this would be the length of his questioning.

"I think we better go in, it's very late.”

"That's right, sorry for keeping you guys. Jason, why don't you stop by the company and talk to Max? I'm sure he can help you.”

"Is that a bribe?”

"Only if it's working.”

Jason wasn't usually so friendly with strangers, but all he did was smile and pull Nico inside.

"I'll think about your case.”

Just like that, the gate slammed shut and he turned to see Percy still smiling as he was led down the stairs and then up the elevator.

***

"Gods! What took you so long! I have to wake up early tomorrow." Thalia greeted them at the apartment door, even less pleased than Jason had been.

"You won't believe it. Guess who came to bring Nico home?”

"The president?”

"Even better. Percy Jackson. Co-CEO, financial analyst, and one of the most handsome men and heir to one of the largest fortunes in the country.”

"I know who Percy Jackson is, Jason! Don't be ridiculous.”

"You know, but the question is: does Nico knows it?”

The two turned to Nico and he blushed. Okay, he admitted it. Nico wasn’t into these kind of things…

"Well, I… of course--”

"Nico! I'm so proud of you. You've grown so much!" Thalia ran up to Nico and pulled his cheeks until they looked like they were going to fall off.

"It’s not like that…”

"You have to tell me everything." Jason said, completing his torture. In the end, the two brothers dragged him to the couch and each of them sat next to him. All that was missing was the popcorn.

"It's nothing. It was supposed to be a temporary job through the agency. And he's not all that, just a father taking care of his children.”

"You liar! I saw how he looked at you and I've never seen you act like that with anyone!”

"Oh. My. God! I love weddings. When is it due?" Thalia said again.

"Can you guys stop?" Nico cringed at their stares and snorted. "I swear. I take care of his children and that's it.”

"I'll pretend to believe you." Thalia held his hand, pretending to be understanding. "But tell me, is he everything everyone says he is?”

"What… does everyone say?" He was even afraid to know.

"You know… hot in bed? Is he as dominant as everyone says? Bossy? Generous… monetarily?

"I…" He felt horrible thinking about these things, let alone talking about them, especially when Percy wasn’t there to defend himself. But they were his friends, weren’t they? Maybe if he talked to someone, things would become clearer.

"So?" Jason insisted, as curious as Thalia.

"He's… he's a very reserved person. At least in the beginning. Disciplined. Loyal.”

"And…?”

"And… we never… never got there, but… there are times when…" Nico put his feet up on the couch and buried his face between his legs. "…there are times when he hugs me in a way that… that makes me… oh! I don’t want to talk about it. I have a boyfriend! And he… he’s so…”

"Older?" Thalia finished for him.

"No! I mean, yes! He drives me crazy, in every possible way, and I love kids, they're so sweet. I feel like I'm going to explode!”

"That can't be true. How long have you known them? Two, three weeks?”

"That's enough for me! From the start I knew things would go wrong. How could it not be? After a month of dating, I knew I would never marry Will, so why can't it be true with Percy? And like, why? I feel this attraction, this magnetic thing that forces me to be around him and--”

"Shhh, it's okay. You don't have to decide anything right now. It's okay." Thalia said, trying to comfort him. "And Will? Have you talked to him? I know he's an idiot, but even he doesn't deserve to be betrayed.”

"That's the point!" Nico practically shouted. "We didn't even kiss, nothing at all! How can this be happening to me? Me, the most boring and proper person in the world? I've never even run over a red light!”

"Oh." Both brothers muttered, surprised.

"From what I saw, it seemed much more, intimate, you know?" Jason said quietly into the silence of the room.

"I don't understand. I've just started living without my parents. It's too early! I can't… I can't let anyone hold me back again!”

"Nico, you have to calm down. Come on, I'll get you a glass of water."

"No! I don't want water!" Nico got up from the couch and started pacing around the room, no longer anxious, now irritated. "It's so unfair! Because... because I want it, I feel that this time... this time it's the right person…”

When he realized this, Nico stopped walking around the room and looked at the brothers who were looking at him in surprise. He didn't even know what he was saying anymore. He sat on the floor, right there in the middle of the room, and took a deep breath. Yes, he felt lighter, but on the other hand, he felt even more conflicted. 

In theory, Nico knew what he should do, but his desire was different; it was that little voice that always got him into trouble. It screamed louder than his rationality, telling him that "what if this time it wouldn't be so bad to let himself live, just a little bit?"

In the end, it didn't matter how much they wanted to help him. This was a decision he needed to make on his own.

Chapter XXIII

Nico opened his eyes and for a moment he didn't know where he was. The alarm clock was ringing, it was six o'clock in the morning. He looked around and found it strange, peering through the crack in the window where the weak morning light was coming in. There was no view of trees and the countryside he loved so much, no, all he could see were the tall buildings and the noise of cars passing by on the avenue outside. He turned off that annoying noise, rubbed his eyes and only then could he remember.

It was true, Nico told himself. He wasn’t home. It had been a few weeks since he had packed his bags and snuck out without anyone seeing him, in the dead of night. He still hadn’t gotten used to it. It was the silence of voices and, at the same time, the endless noise of cars, the cozy nights and the support of friends, the understanding he hadn’t known he deserved before this. It was liberating to decide what he was going to do without having to look around for fear of disappointing someone. So, all that was left for Nico to do was get out of bed and face another day; he took a shower, brushed his teeth and put on the first clothes he found, barely looking where he was going, letting his feet carry him.

He stopped for a moment in front of the table and walked into the kitchen, staring at the glass in his hands, the water inside it moving as he stirred it slowly. Nico felt strangely empty; not sad, not angry and not happy at all. It was an absence of emotions that only made him feel relieved.

It must have been the new medication, or maybe it had been the explosion last night. Nico felt calm, calmer than he had ever felt before. He couldn’t be thankful enough for having Thalia and Jason in his life. They had stayed with him a little longer last night, had sat beside him on the living room floor, holding him tightly until his breathing had returned to normal and he had calmed down, though he had spent a long time staring at his hands.

He didn't know what was so important that made him look at them so much or why Jason and Thalia hadn't gone to their own rooms. Nico remembered asking them, feeling light and comfortable, even though he was sitting on that hard, cold wooden floor. The brothers looked at each other and out of the corner of his eye, Nico saw Thalia shrugging. They didn't answer him, they just got up, taking him with them and walked with him to his room, making him sit on the bed and lie down soon after, Jason covering him from chin to feet with the duvet. He had then sighed and closed his eyes, with them still looking at him and observing him with concern.

That was how Nico fell asleep, with their presence and the sound of the door closing as he finally lost consciousness. But now… now--

"Nico, how do you feel?”

Ah, it was Jason. His friend usually went out later than Nico. At that time, Jason would still be asleep, taking advantage of every extra second of sleep he could get. But not today. Today Jason was already up, wearing the same pants as the night before and a rock band t-shirt. He was offering Nico an extra large mug of black, unsweetened coffee, just the way he liked it first thing in the morning.

"Hm?" He asked, accepting the steaming mug. Nico placed the glass of water on the counter and inhaled the aroma of the freshly ground and filtered coffee, taking a big sip and not even realizing when he had burned his tongue.

"Did you sleep well?" Jason repeated.

Nico just smiled, almost feeling himself wake up, warmed by his concern. This was Jason, a full-time psychiatrist, but still in training. If he knew him well, he would have thought Jason would be a great professional. Jason cared more than he should have.

"Yes, thank you. And yes, I'm fine. I've already taken my medicine. And no, I don't feel any symptoms of a panic attack or shortness of breath." Nico said and took another sip of coffee, this time being careful not to burn his tongue. As for Jason, he grimaced and stopped in front of Nico, crossing his arms.

"I worry. I don't want to--”

"Jason, you know I love you. But you don't have to worry." Nico smiled at Jason again and drank the rest of his coffee, watching him blush. It had been a short while since they had reconnected, but he didn't remember Jason being so charming and handsome, a little clumsy, too. He thought he was spending too much time with Percy, but that kind of approach had its advantages. Jason stuttered and blushed more, raising his hands and pointing at Nico, his words trailing off and going nowhere.

"Really. I guess I needed to get it off my chest, you know? It's okay.”

"Nico, the way you acted before… so aggressive… it didn’t seem normal.”

"You know what? I think it was great! I've never felt so free, like nothing could stop me.”

"I know that, I know how difficult it is for you to express yourself. I want you to know that whenever you want, you can talk to me.”

"Jason, you're my best friend. I'm living in your house! Of course I know that. There are things I need to do on my own.”

“I understand that.” Jason repeated, coming around the table and looking at him closely, his bright blue eyes looking at him seriously. “It’s just… you look so small, so vulnerable that you feel like you’ll break with the slightest blow.”

"Jason--”

“I know you're not helpless, you showed that yesterday. You show me that every day that passes by. I want you to know that we're here, Thalia and I, we're here if you need us. How long are you going to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders alone?”

Nico snorted and pushed him lightly by the shoulders.

"Don't be so dramatic. I asked for help, didn't I? So why all the drama?”

"It’s Percy… I’ve never seen you react like this because of someone. With so much… passion.”

"Passion? So you think I'm in love? That I'm going to do crazy things?" He rolled his eyes and turned his back on Jason, going after his backpack. "I already left the house. What else could I do?”

"Something that will get you and Percy into trouble.”

Ah, and they say he's the innocent one, right? It was too late to think about that and it was Jason who didn't see reality.

Nico nodded at Jason, watching his friend’s disgruntled grimace, and picked up his bag. It was best if Jason didn’t know about this. The fewer people who noticed, the better.

***

"Bia, I'm fine. We'll see each other soon.”

"Nico Di Ângelo! Hazel had to go after you to find out what happened with you! What would it take for you to show up? Someone having an accident?" Bianca practically screamed on the other end of the line. "You even changed your cell phone number!”

"Okay, okay! I admit it, I needed some time, okay? I promise I'll visit.”

"You promise?”

“I Do.”

“When?”

"Errr… soon?”

"Nico!”

"I think… on the weekend? We can meet somewhere.”

"Oh." She told him, and on the other end of the line, he could hear her voice fading. "I thought… right. Will you ring me up? Papa is calling me.”

"I'll call you.”

"Remember, you promised.”

The line went dead and he looked at his cell phone, bringing a smile to his face. He confessed, he was being childish, the most selfish of all, petty, even. Seeing Hazel and now Bianca looking for him was all he needed; it was everything he never thought they would do. Nico could hardly believe that he mattered to the point that they would stop what they were doing to talk to him. The only thing missing wasHades showing up at his door.

Feeling his chest warm, Nico took the magnetic card out of his bag and when he was about to unlock the lock, someone grabbed his arm, pulling him under a nearby tree.

"Nico." Someone whispered, finally allowing him to see who this rude person was who had pulled him so hard.

"Not again!" He grumbled in anguish. Of course it was Will showing up uninvited, even taller and more muscular than before, his bright eyes making Nico’s stomach churn with revulsion. Maybe it was anger or anxiety, or maybe it was all of those things mixed together.

"I missed you, shorty." Nico felt hands wrap around him, making him take a step back, avoiding his embrace.

"Will, I was very clear with you.”

"Avoiding me and running away? I don't think so.”

"Will Solace!”

"What?" Will looked at him, finally seeming to pay attention.

"There is nothing between us anymore!”

"What is this? Are you going to throw away all those years because of sex? Because of a fantasy? I don't care. Now that you've had your fun, we can get down to business.”

"Will, I--”

"Look, I know how it is. Every man has the need to try new things, I don't blame you. But what do we have? It's forever.”

Nico was shocked, open-mouthed, astonished, dumbfounded. Will was confessing that he had cheated on him, right to his face?

"Will, I'm going to say it one more time: We're breaking up. We're already broken up. This between us is no longer possible. Do you understand?”

"Oh, come on! Is that what you're mad about? Because of a fuck? They're not important.”

"They? They? Do you realize what you're saying?" Nico paused for a moment and took a deep breath. "Will, you cheated on me. Do you understand? Look, I'm very tired. I hope to never see you again.”

He turned to leave, but again Will grabbed him by the arm, this time pinning him against a tree.

"Is this how you repay me for all these years? Everything I've done for you and your family?”

"I didn't ask you to do it." He replied. But Will was right, Nico didn't say or do anything to deny all the money the Solace family invested inHades's business, even so... he refused... he refused to feel bad about it! He was a child who would do whatever his father told him to do.

"You b--”

It was Will's turn to take a deep breath and calm down. When he spoke again, Will had a smile plastered on his face.

"Look, I know you're confused. There have been so many changes, right? I can wait, give you the time you need.”

"Will, I know about you and Lou. I know you were together before you even met me. How can you do this to me? To him? Don't you care at all?”

"He's just my friend, shorty. You're the only one for me.”

"You-- you're hopeless! If I go to your house now, will he be in your bed? Still sleeping? Or maybe on the couch, the place you both like so much, hm?”

"Did you… did you see?”

"Of course I saw it! I would have to be blind not to see it! Now, if you'll excuse me…”

"Nico, please. I love you. I promise that--”

"I've given you every chance and you keep doing the same things!”

"If you knew, why only now… oh! Is it because of that Percy? Do you think you have more options now? That he’ll stay with you? Someone useless who’s good for anything?" It was then that Will’s smile came back in full force, dimples and white teeth, making Nico's stomach churn even more. "Don’t be ridiculous. Someone like him would never stay with you. I bet he fucks you the way you never let me, doesn’t he? Does he satisfy you? Does he tell you what you want to hear? Have you no shame? A man his age playing house with you?”

Will shook his head and stepped closer.

"It would be horrible if the police got involved. What would happen if people found out that the famous Percy Jackson fucks underage boys?”

"You… you have no way of proving it.”

"That's true, but imagine people's reactions when they found out about the accusations?”

"I… I need some time to think.”

"Oh, of course you do, dear. As long as you want. While you're thinking, how about we go to the movies? This Friday?”

"I leave work late.”

"I know you can make an effort. I'll pick you up here at seven, okay?”

Will smiled once more at Nico and bent down until he was at his height, getting closer and closer and he… he couldn't do it; he turned his face just as Will's lips would touch his, kissing his face.

"It's okay, shorty. I can wait.”

Will touched Nico's hair, stroking it lovingly and stepped back, allowing him to see something that made his stomach turn even more. Percy was there, watching everything, much closer than Nico felt comfortable.

Thanks for reading!

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

Hi, how's everyone? I was happy to see the votes in the poll^^ it's a good way for us to communicate. One person voted for no more +18 scenes! Does that mean you like my plots and characters? (Because you know I only write AU) I feel honored, really, from the bottom of my heart. So I'll always try to say when I have these kinds of scenes.

Without further ado, thank you for following me along this story!

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

Nico didn't know what was happening to him. Or better yet, he did knew. The question was why.

"Baby." Percy said against his ear, digging his fingers into his hair for a brief moment that almost made him come. But too soon, Percy's hands traveled to his shoulders and down to his waist, stopping both their movements. "They will hear us.’’

Nico closed his mouth and tried to stifle the next moan, but he couldn't stop himself, rocking on Percy's lap and bending over him, and that’s what he didn't understand. Nico had never had sex with anyone like this before and suddenly, it was all he could think about. How could this be happening to him? The worst thing was that Percy was being a perfect gentleman. Or that was the case until Nico woke up the next morning. He'd gone to the bathroom and when he came back, Percy was still there, all stretched out on the bed, with nothing covering him... when had Percy gotten so tall or gotten those muscles? And those arms? Nico couldn't help himself, he went back to bed and... well, Nico would like to say that he had just watched Percy sleep.

Even though he felt sensitive from the night before and  had a headache from his hangover, Nico crawled across the bed and sat on Percy's waist, trying to be careful. This was so wrong, the talk of consent coming back with a vengeance. But maybe if he woke him up in an interesting way, Percy wouldn't be so angry with him. So, Nico did what he'd wanted to do for a long time, he put his hands on Percy's abdomen and slid them up, fingering the muscles and coming back down, feeling the hairs stand up against his fingers What would he have to do to get Percy to wake up? Maybe if he... Nico bent over Percy and reached up to sun-tanned face, feeling the beard that was beginning to grow, seeing a smile on Percy's wide lips.

"Per?" When Percy still refused to open his eyes, Nico continued his exploration. He massaged the broad chest and rubbed the erect nipples with his fingertips, watching them get hard.

It looked like he would have to do everything himself in the end, which was fine, it just gave him the courage to carry on. 

With gentle motions, Nico slid his ass down and found a bulge that hadn't been there five minutes ago. Should he? Nico knew it would hurt a bit, but he didn't want to look for the lube. It couldn't hurt that much, right? 

Testing the waters, Nico once again sat on Percy's lap, brought his hand behind him and found Percy's cock fully erect. Maybe he was a masochist, was the only explanation for the groan he let out when he forced himself against the resistance and the head passed through the tight entrance, sliding in much more easily than he had expected. Gods! The tip was so wet that he ended up finding the bottom faster than he expected. Nico thought he had screamed, he thought he had squeezed Percy's member inside him with all the strength he had. How could that translate into pleasure for his nerves, how?!

"You're going to hurt yourself." He heard Percy say in the background and felt hands squeeze his legs tightly. It was hard to concentrate on anything other than the member stretching him and the tremors of pleasure and pain that hit his senses. But... but everything would be all right, because a few moments later Nico felt warm hands caressing his back, the member pulling out of him and then wet fingers were massaging inside him for Percy's member to slide in him again, deep and delicious, reaching that place that until last night Nico hadn't known existed.

"What is it, hm? Why is my baby crying? Where does it hurt?’’

He denied it, shook his head, and let himself loosen. He put his arms around Percy's neck and relaxed, which made everything feel better. But Percy was still motionless there, breathing fast against his neck and holding him tightly around the waist. 

"Per... I need it.’’

"Doesn't it hurt? From last night?’’

Nico denied it once again, settling himself better on Percy's lap, making the member inside him hit the best spots with just that accidental movement.

"Please... I want you... I want you to... ah!’’

"Like that?" Percy asked and demonstrated again. He lifted Nico up by the waist and brought him down once more, meeting him halfway with a sharp thrust.

"They will hear us.’’

"Percy!’’

He thought he was really screaming now. It hurt! It hurt so much, and yet, he couldn't stop, feeling each of his muscles fall apart every time Percy's hips met his.

"You have to take responsibility for your actions, baby." Percy whispered in his ear. That was too much for him.

Whimpering and not knowing what his body wanted, Nico pushed Percy by the shoulder and crawled out of Percy's lap, moaning and sobbing, his legs failing him halfway, causing him to fall face-first into the pillows. Nico didn't understand what was happening to himself, he just... just... was going to explode at any moment if the world didn't make sense again. How could pain be so mixed with pleasure like that to make him delirious? Because the look on Percy's face could only be an illusion his mind was creating. It felt like... like he was the prey and Percy the predator.

"Where are you going?’’

"I... I don't know!’’

"Baby.’’

A shiver ran up his spine and made his legs shake. There was something in Percy's voice that made him freeze where he had fallen. What was happening to them? He couldn't look at Percy, he was afraid to see what he would find there, and he wanted to run away, but... but Nico didn't want to move and maybe find out what was scaring him so much. Either way, he was moving just the same, crawling across the huge bed towards... he didn't know, anywhere was fine. So why did he stop at the edge of the bed, still trembling and... and feeling an anticipation that he didn't know where it came from? The door was right in front of him, either the bathroom or the exit. If he felt so trapped, why wasn't he heading towards them?

Nico moaned in surprise when Percy's hand touched the middle of his back and gently slid up and down in one of the most comforting gestures Nico had ever experienced.

"Do you want to play?" Percy then asked, still not moving closer. "Or do you want to sleep some more? It's still early.’’

"I..  "Nico curled in on himself and hid his face in the pillow.

He didn't understand what was happening to him. Nothing made sense. He didn't want to be feeling these things and he didn't want to be that kind of person. Like, a few days ago he was fine with what was going on. So what was the problem?

"You can tell me.’’

"I want to cum." Nico admitted, his face buried against the pillow.

"Then look at me. Yes?’’

Nico denied it, curling up even more.

The bed around him rocked and then Percy was beside him, warm hands were on his spine along with lips that slid down the length of his back until they reached the curve of his buttocks, nibbling on them.

"Are you ready to talk?" Percy murmured against his skin.

When Nico denied him once again, Percy's lips moved down a little further and found his entrance, kissing the area gently. "Don't ever do that again. I don't want to see you hurt.’’

Nico had no other reaction than to shudder and moan against the pillows, feeling himself melt as Percy's tongue caressed a deeper place.

"Do you want me to touch your cock?’’

Nico denied it. All he did was deny it. What was going on!

"Do you want me to stop?’’

So, he denied it once again, surprising himself.

"Baby." Percy said in the most affable voice he'd ever heard and it made him feel strangely... happy, satisfied even.

"I want you... inside me.’’

"Really?" Now Percy sounded almost condescending, even ironic. Which made sense. They were doing exactly that until Nico had a panic attack.

"Tell me if it's too much.’’

All Nico could do was gasp, breathless from the sudden movement. The mattress sank slightly behind him and Percy tucked himself over his back. Hands encircled his waist, pulling him closer and fingers dug into his hair, strangely forcing him to inhale deeply. The funny thing was that Percy didn't even use much force, his head spinning, trying to come up with explanations for why this moment seemed so different from the others. What made him feel so distressed and so excited at the same time? At the moment, it didn't matter. Nico felt the head of Percy's member against his entrance once again and then everything in his vision blurred, his head clearing of any thoughts for a few moments. It was hard to describe. Nico didn't know if it was Percy's grip getting tighter and tighter on his skin, if it was Percy gasping against his ear or if even it was the decisive and forceful way Percy fucked him, slowly but with purpose with each short, well-placed thrust.

Maybe he just wanted Percy to keep him under control and tell him what to do next. Would he be forced to talk about it too? Before that could happen, Nico would rather run away and never come back. Or he would have, if Nico hadn't felt Percy's hands holding him against his broad chest, preventing him from moving too much.

"Everything's fine. With me, okay?" Percy held him between his arms and slowed down his movements, but it was too late. Something in the way Percy held him finally made Nico let go. Nico allowed Percy to continue holding him and shuddered for the next few minutes, relaxing against Percy's chest, feeling Percy go with him. 

"All right?" Percy said after a few moments when neither of them did anything to move.

"I'm not sure." That was the most sincere thing that had come out of his lips since he woke up.

***

"I'm not sure. "Nico said, still sunk against Percy's chest, finally feeling safe and at peace.

He felt so strange that Nico would never have the words to express it. What had changed in five minutes that made him feel so good now?

"Everything is fine. You were great." Percy still had one hand in his hair and the other on his waist, which was now massaging his belly and lower abdomen, gently rocking him.

"What's going on? I didn't... I didn't want to run.”

"I know you didn't’.’

"I just..’’

"It's okay if you let yourself feel it.’’

"Let me feel what?’’

"I've learned that sometimes our minds go to strange places. As if our body wanted one thing and our minds, another. So it's okay to feel, whatever it is.’’

"Since when do you know so much about feelings?’’

"I...looked for help.’’

"Psychological?’’

Percy nodded against his back and Nico had to turn around to see for himself, but Percy wasn't facing him; he was looking out of the window.

"When you left, I realized that it was bad to suffer so much for someone, that made me want to kill myself.’’

"Percy! I never wanted this to happen! Why didn't you tell me?’’

"You're not responsible for my actions, and I'm not responsible for yours. Or at least, that wasn't the case back then.’’ 

Then Percy gave a mischievous little smile and Nico rolled his eyes. Looks like they had a lot to talk about. 

"The point is that I couldn't ask you to come back and it wasn't fair to let depression sink me down. I did what Sally asked." Percy shrugged. "I went to the doctor. And even with help, I still missed you. I had no choice but to see you having fun and growing up without me.

"I... it wasn’t forever." Nico muttered, feeling like a monster. "It was supposed to be a few months, then a year. I didn't have the courage to face you again.’’

"What made you change your mind?’’

"A photo. Annabeth and you, sitting on your bed.’’

Nico watched as, in slow motion, the look of sadness turned to amusement and happiness, Percy hugging him tighter.

"Oh, if she only knew.’’

"Knew what?’’

"Annabeth did it on purpose, thinking she was going to hurt you. I think she did it, didn't she?’’

"Percy!" Now Percy was laughing for real, throwing himself backwards onto the bed and taking him with him, trapping him in a bear grip.

"Let me go!’’

"No, it's serious now. Do you want to talk about what happened?’’

"I don't think so.’’

"Aren't you even going to give me a clue? A pointer? Nothing at all?’’

Nico could even imagine the nightmare. If Percy knew what Nico really wanted... it would be the end of him.

"All right. I got it.’’

Percy stretched and put Nico against the pillows. Before getting up, he kissed Nico and smiled at him, turning around in bed. He opened a drawer on his side of the bed and took out a diary with a blue cover, similar to the one he had given Nico.

"I think I'll write after I've had a bath. It's relaxing, don't you think?" Percy put the diary on his side of the bed and kissed Nico once more, going to the bathroom inside the suite and closing the door.

Nico heard the sound of water falling on the floor and felt like the dumbest person in the world. His own diary was right next to him on the dresser and the last thing he wanted to do was write about his feelings. He felt forced and manipulated into doing something he didn't want to, but, after all, it was only fair; Percy had told him something deep and personal, which left him in the position of telling something just as personal. In the end, wasn't that what he wanted? For Percy to... tell him what to do? Nico just didn't think it would spill over into life outside of sex. But if Percy wanted to know, he'd make Percy regret it.

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So, how was it? The update came faster, didn't it? It's easier when the chapters are shorter. I hope you enjoyed it. Did Nico overdo it? I don't know. But I think he's a bit touch starved, you know? When you miss someone so much that being close to them overwhelms you. I think the same goes for Percy.

Any way, It was fun. I hope you are enjoying. I would like to know what you think about it. See you all next week!

I mainly ship Percico. But yes, I love Luke and Percy. Mostly because I saw the movie first. Than read the books. And just Luke and Percy as a ship is so angsty. And I love angst. And yes Luke would take one look at baby Percy from the show and want to adopt/kidnap them. They really look like Luke and Percy's kids

TV show Luke looks like a son of Poseidon!

Hypnotize you to write something in regard of this AU just please 🥺🥺🥺

This is getting so good. They really do look like a family. The implication that the older (S!Luke) takes after Percy and the younger (S!Percy. Damn we gotta come up with a better nickname or st bc this is getting confusing) takes after Luke in terms of appearance is just jadhsakjda 🥺🥺

The hilarious part would be when Luke sees Charlie, a split image of Percy, immediately adores him, until the kid opens his mouth and they start butting heads. Whereas on the other side of the room, Percy is peacefully talking with his show version all heart-felt and gentle. 🥺

Writer’s Guide to Unreliable Narrators

Unreliable narrators are narrators who intentionally or subconsciously mislead the reader with their own bias and lies. I love nothing more than a narrator who deceives me. There is something incredibly charged about not being able to rely on your guide through a story. So how can we write them?

Determine What Kind of Unreliable Narrator your Narrator is.

There are five kinds of unreliable narrator we see in fiction, each with their own way of leading the audience astray.

The Unstable: This narrator is usually an unstable character with problems with grasping reality or having trouble accepting it so they bend it to their own tastes. Example: Arthur Fleck in Joker & Amy Elliot Dunne in Gone Girl

The Exaggerator: the one who spins fanciful lies to embellish the facts of the story around them. Usually they embellish it in such a way to make themselves look good.

The Child: Though children can be a font of truth, they often have a way of muddling facts and being confused by certain aspects of the story they are not versed in. Example. Bran in A Song of Ice and Fire & Scout Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird

The Biased: The biased Narrator is usually an outsider. They enter the world with preconceptions of the world and/or characters around them. Usually they get disabused of their biases by story’s end but not always. Example Damen/Damianos of Akielos in The Captive Prince Trilogy

The Liar: The Liar is simply just a liar liar pants on fire. They twist the narrative and outwardly lie about their actions and the reactions of others. The liar is self-serving, usually narcissistic. Example Cersei Lannister from A Song of Ice and Fire.

How to Write Your Unreliable Narrator

The thing you must remember is that your audience immediately trusts your narrator, they have no other choice. It is a given. However, it is your job to break that trust.

Allow the narrator to outwardly lie. Let them spout half truths or full out lies in the narrative. The audience will take what your character says as the gosphel until slapped with a conflicting account or detail. It provides a wham to the story that becomes a turning point. Perhaps the best example of this is Amy Elliott Dunne in Gone Girl (I recommend). She introduces herself as a sweet housewife who loves her husband despite her fears over his temper. However, in the section of the book she narrates she quickly flips Nick’s account of the events leading up to her disappearance, turning the audience on their head so fast none of us have a chance.

Allow the character to mislead your audience with the absence of details. Your story is one big chain, omit a link and the thing is useless & subject to the questioning you want to draw out of the audience. For example, Daenerys Targaryen believes wholeheartedly that the house with the red door is in Braavos. However, she vividly remembers a lemon tree outside her window and sunsine. But lemon trees cannot grow Braavos and it is notoriously damp and cold. #lemongate

Speak to your audience through the events of the story, bypassing the narrator to get through to the audience. Sometimes the best reveal that the narrator cannot be trusted is showing the audience evidence that they are either not seeing what’s happening or they are ignoring it. For example in Captive Prince, it is almost explicitly suggested that the Regent molested his nephew Laurent as a child. If one ignores Damen’s narration, the signs are there to see from Laurent’s reaction to his Uncle’s presence and in some of Laurent’s words. Damen chalks this down to Laurent being a brat and the Regent just being a villain. He has to be told despite the audience realising or at least suspecting it from the second book onward.

Play off your secondary characters. Use the characters around your narrator to disprove their account if the story and completely flip the story on its head. Usually, I trust the secondary characters when it comes to Unreliable Narrators. For example, Cersei Lannister gets her own POV in a Feast of Crows. Up until this point she has been very mercurial in her reactions in the first few books, to the point where other characters and the audience are confused about who the real Cersei is: the shrewd polictian or the wine mom with way too much faith in herself and her spawn. In truth, Cersei is incredibly paranoid about those around her and she thinks herself the cleverest player in the game. However, from others such as Tyrion, Tywin, Littlefinger and the members of the Small Council (who yes, all have a touch of misgyny to their criticisms of Cersei but really most of their points have a point since she is mad as a box of frogs) we see that Cersei tends to make enemies out of allies, assume the worst in others and make political choices to spite others or to put her faith in those who offer her little more than flattery.

Something I made while dealing with my own stuff and hoping drawing this would pick me up somehow. Maybe it worked.

FT my cat. His name is Mischief