Human Derek Is Too Shy To Come ;)

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter XXIX and Chapter XXX

Hi, how are you all? I hope you like today's chapter!

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 and Chapter XXIII / Chapter XXIV, Chapter XXV and Chapter XXVI / Chapter XXVII and Chapter XXVIII

Chapter XXIX

Nico had never felt so uncomfortable in his entire life.

Before he knew it, he was climbing the stairs with the children pulling him by the hand, and, guided by them, he entered Percy's room. They placed the suit he would wear on top of the huge double bed and ran out, closing the door as they fled down the stairs.

He had never noticed how wide and spacious Percy's room was. There was a large window that let in plenty of light, the walls were a light cream color, and the sheets were a dark gray. At one end of the room was a floor-to-ceiling mirrored wardrobe, and at the other end, a bookshelf as tall as the wardrobe, filled with books and notebooks. However, what caught his attention the most was the enormous king-size bed that took up most of the room, although there was a table at the back with a laptop on top of it.

Now, Nico was trying to fix his tie, a dark gray, matching the color of his suit, overlaid with a cream-colored, almost white shirt. He looked in the mirror to adjust it and let it go, only to see the piece of cloth fall limp and lifeless around his neck.

"I don't think it should be like this." He muttered, defeated.

"Yeah, you're right.”

Typical. Nico looked at his reflection in the mirror and there was Percy behind him, his hands going around and circling his neck, squeezing and massaging it gently before moving to put the tie in the right place and untying the knot Nico had did, the most cliché scene of all possible clichés.

"That's not how you do it. You tuck the tie in, then cross it and--”

Yeah, Nico didn't hear a single word Percy was saying. He had missed him so much that... he just knew that the sound of Percy's voice lulled him and made something inside him calm down, taking him to a peaceful, beautiful, carefree place.

"There you go. See? It's not that difficult.”

He nodded, pretending to pay attention. But it seemed Nico hadn't fooled anyone.

Percy turned him around to face him and grabbed Nico by the shoulders, making Nico look at him closely.

"What's wrong?" Percy told him.

"Do I really need to go? And this outfit? It's a bit too much.”

“No, it's suitable for a suitable man.”

"I'm a man now?" So why did he feel like a little boy wearing a costume?

“You’re going to college and living alone, aren’t you?” Percy watched him for a moment and then smiled, seeming to approve of the outfit. “Obey and be a good boy, hmm? Now, your hair.”

And when had Percy picked up the comb and hair gel?

"Don't make that face. Just this once.”

Percy ran his fingers through Nico's hair and combed it, took some gel, applied a thin layer and with the comb, he stretched it back, doing the same motion until not a single hair was out of place.

"Now we're talking. Perfect and beautiful. Look at that. So charming.”

Nico had the urge to say “stop it”, but he bit his tongue before the words could come out. He didn’t want another accident to happen. The blush came anyway, how could it not? Percy held him by the chin and studied his features, running his fingers over the apple of his cheek and slowly moving down, brushing against the hairs that were beginning to grow there.

"Did you know your beard is growing?" Percy moved closer and continued to brush his fingers along the top of his neck.

"I forgot to take it off. " Nico replied in a somewhat numb voice. Maybe he should rethink that thing about not asking him to stop.

"Hmm… I like that. It makes you look more mature.”

"I know." Nico murmured.

This was so damn weird! Why did Percy have to do and say these things? No one but Percy acted this way around him.

Percy blinked slowly and seemed to realize what he was doing. He took a step back, looked once more at the clothes Nico was wearing, and nodded in satisfaction.

"Great, everything is in place." Percy spun around, looking around the room and finally found what he was looking for. His keys and wallet were on top of the cabinet next to the bed. “By the way, have you found a place to live yet? If you need one, I have an apartment less than fifteen minutes away from the Arts and History Department building. It's very big.”

"You know I can't accept it." Nico finally felt himself returning to normal. He also looked around and found his own cell phone on the bed.

"Why not? No one has used it for years. You would be doing me a favor, you would only have to pay for water and electricity. See? It wouldn't be free.”

That's what he says now, for Percy to change his mind wouldn't cost much.

"Percy." Nico snorted and walked out of the room.

"Okay! I just offered. Did you find anything?”

"I don't know. There's an apartment on the college campus. It seems nice.”

"Yeah, they're great. It's a good choice. I mean, they're not exactly as spacious as my apartment would be, but they're decent.”

Deciding to ignore the comment, Nico walked down the stairs with Percy right behind him, breathing down his neck.

"Is it a new perfume? I like it.”

Nico gave in. He sighed and walked the rest of the way down the stairs, like Percy wasn't even there. The kids squealed excitedly, telling him how handsome he looked. They both grabbed his hands and pulled him into the car. Percy followed, of course, calm and unhurried, Nico got in the driver's seat while the kids pulled him into the back, the two of them talking breathlessly during the drive to the Jackson senior residence.

***

As soon as they stopped in front of the Jackson mansion, the driver got out of the car and ran to open the door, offering his hand for Nico to get out of the car.

Hm… it was the first time someone had run to come and serve him, making him a little uncomfortable if Nico dared to say so. It was okay, because soon after Percy went around the other side of the vehicle and stood beside him, the children followed them, both holding his hands, distracting him from what was happening. As much as they tried, Nico couldn't help it, he looked around and saw how the people stopped everything they were doing to watch them walk down the red carpet towards the reception door.

It was at this moment that the flashes started, loud voices asking questions and microphones being pointed in his direction.

"It's okay." Nico heard Percy's voice and then, everything felt better. He only had time to look at Percy and see his serious look.

Percy moved forward and the sea of reporters parted, as though Percy's presence alone was warning enough, creating a passage that had previously been blocked.

Nico would say that some of them even looked scared.

"Don’t worry, it always happens. They try to take pictures and Daddy never lets them." Alice told him, all delicate in her light blue dress and hair tied in a high bun.

"It's fun to watch them try." Logan finished, smiling like he was watching a comedy movie. It was unbelievable how every day that passed he looked more like Percy in the way he acted, even though his appearance resembled Annabeth almost completely.

“Logan, behave yourself,” Percy said from beside them. Logan immediately straightened his spine and lost his smile, looking like a little prince in his black suit and red tie. As for Percy, he didn’t even need to comment. Wherever he went, he drew attention, no matter if he was wearing a designer suit or worn jeans.

“Let’s go.” Nico obeyed without thinking. Percy placed one of his hands on the small of his back and guided them forward, following the large oak double doors and the wide marble stairs that led them to the ballroom. He didn’t need to say that he felt strange, right? Out of place in this place? He was being thrown to the lions and Percy hadn’t even had the courage to tell him? What kind of person did that? So, before they entered the part where the party was taking place, he murmured to Percy:

"Is there something I need to know?”

"Like what? Which fork to use?”

"Do I need to know that?”

Percy then looked at him and smiled, transforming into the Percy he knew.

"Don't worry about it. Even if you eat with your hands, they wouldn't have the nerve to say anything.”

"Percy! Why am I here?”

"Why? I told you, they want to see--”

"Don't lie to me!" Nico stopped in the middle of the way and grabbed Percy's arm, the children stopped along with him, pretending they were hearing anything.

"Come on, Nico. It's nothing special.”

"If you don't tell me, I'm leaving now!”

"I already said--”

"Daddy wants Grandpa and Grandma to meet you." Logan whispered softly and then, he knew, Logan wasn't lying. Because Percy crossed his arms and glared at his son, saying "you traitor", but soon smiled again.

"Is this revenge? Was dinner with my parents that bad?”

"What? No. I just wanted to…”

"What? What did you want this time?”

"I wanted you to meet my family and feel welcome. You don't have to stay away from the children because of me.”

"I never-- oh." Nico then realized, Percy was talking about the future.

"Do you want me to see the kids when I go to college?”

"Why not?" Percy shrugged. "It's less than an hour away.”

"Okay." Nico sighed in defeat. "If you’re up to anything else…”

"I promise. And I keep all my promises.”

Sure… Nico decided to believe him this time. He held the children’s hands once more and Percy pushed open the door to the hall, and just like that, they entered, more than a hundred pairs of eyes staring at them with interest.

Chapter XXX

Less than five minutes into the place, Nico's head was already hurting. He had shaken hands with ten people, been introduced to at least twenty, and had three glasses of champagne. At least the canapés and seafood were comforting. And of course, as soon as they stepped into the room, the children had run to the table where they would sit during dinner, but him? Oh, he was forced to walk through the room with Percy hugging him tightly around the waist.

Usually, Nico wouldn't care, not at all, now imagine the entire room judging him as if he were a fly that only served to bother them?

"Percy, I think I should take care of the kids…”

"Why?" Percy said as he waved to some people who passed by them. Percy then leaned down and whispered in his ear: "Don't you like it?”

“People are staring,” Nico muttered, looking down at his shoes.

"Let them look. How could they not? Someone as beautiful as you?" Percy gently touched Nico's face, lifting his head with just one finger. "Never look away, they're the ones who don't deserve your attention.”

Nico hated it when Percy did that, as though he were a... a possession that Percy had every right to show off wherever he decided to go. It had happened at his parents' house and now it was happening again. The worst part was that deep down, he liked it, liked it much more than was acceptable. Much more than he would like to admit. So he took a deep breath and let go of Percy, taking a step back. Which didn't seem to make any difference, Percy insisted and took his hand, this time keeping his grip soft and loose.

"I promise it won’t take long. Do you trust me?" Nico just nodded and let Percy lead him further into the center of the room where an orchestra played and people danced, gliding in their sparkling dresses and well-tailored suits.

They walked a little further and right next to a platform, a man and a woman in their fifties were smiling at the guests who were greeting them. Nico didn't need much to know that they were Percy's parents. The woman's smile was identical to Percy's, easy and light, while the jaw, nose and eyes all came from the man who was as tall as Percy, almost two meters tall. As soon as Percy saw them, he walked faster towards them and opened his arms, welcoming his mother in a warm hug, saying something that made her smile, perhaps a little forced. But that could just be a wrong impression. Nico couldn't be sure.

"Miss Sally Jackson!" Now, speaking louder, Percy said and looked his mother up and down. "He certainly doesn't deserve you.”

"Percy." Delicately, Sally Jackson patted her son on the shoulder and smiled at him, so radiant that for a moment Nico forgot they were in front of so many spectators. But... something felt strange... It was such a perfect scene... "Be a good boy, will you?”

Sally pinched Percy's cheek and everyone around laughed. Nico was no different, and melting inside, he continued to watch that scene.

"Percy Jackson! What are you doing?" A firm voice shouted, plunging the happy atmosphere into shadows.

"What do you think, old man? Do I need to explain?”

"Have more respect, you--”

Then Percy approached his father and pulled him to a far corner. From where Nico was standing he could see Mr. Jackson gesturing angrily while Percy looked at his father with indifference and irritation, as tense as he had ever seen him before.

"Ah, you must be Nico, right?" Sally approached him, her heels making a soft click as she walked.

Sally stood in front of him, her face round and gentle, still smiling, like she was happy to see him. For a moment Nico could see Percy mirrored in her, but soon the mirage was gone; Sally was so delicate and elegant that the comparison quickly fell apart.

"Do you know who I am?”

"Of course. Percy always talks about you.”

"Does he?”

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

In disbelief, Nico watched in slow motion as Sally Jackson, one of the most influential and wealthy women in the entire country, gently took his hands and squeezed them affectionately.

"We have to thank you for everything you've done for us. The kids are doing so well and Percy finally seems to be taking an interest in the family business.”

"Hmm… I’m happy for you?”

"Yes, it's a reason to celebrate. I'm sorry we couldn't meet earlier.”

"No, you don't need to--”

"Come on, you're very important to us. But look, we must look to the future.”

“I think so…?”

"Don't be shy. You're going to be a lawyer, aren't you? Are you planning on being a judge or maybe a district attorney? If you need help, we can make sure everything goes on the right track.”

“Madam--”

"Call me Sally, will you? Now that you're joining the family, we must do what's appropriate. I hope you understand.”

Nico paused for a moment, too shocked to say another word, and stared at Sally Jackson, wondering if he had heard correctly.

"I-- I'm sorry. I don't know what you're talking about.”

"Oh! I thought you and Percy were dating? He talks about you in such a serious way. It's really sweet.”

"I… I don't know. I mean-- we don't have anything. I'm just the kids' babysitter.”

"Just the babysitter?" She said and finally let go of his hands, bringing her own to her face. "I feel more at ease this way. I hope you can understand, people expect us to have a certain level of education and good taste. But if one day something unplanned happens, I hope you can meet the expectations that our family demands.”

Nico blinked, squinted for a moment, and when he opened them, he realized it wasn't a dream. No, Sally Jackson was still standing in front of him, still smiling and staring at him, as if waiting for an answer.

“I…”

"Do you understand the gravity of the situation, Nico?" Sally told him seriously.

"I understand." He finally murmured.

"I hope we can see each other soon, you have a bright future ahead of you." Sally held his hands once more and then let them go, just as Percy marched towards them.

Nico didn’t think he’d ever seen Percy like this. His shoulders were hunched back, his chest puffed out, and he had such a murderous expression on his face that Nico was afraid someone was going to get hurt. He looked over to where Percy had been standing thirty seconds ago, and maybe that was the case, Poseidon, he… well, Nico wouldn’t feel safe if it was just him and Poseidon Jackson in a room together.

"Der?" He asked, turning to Percy, ignoring everything else. "Is everything okay?”

"Don't worry." Percy said that same sentence for the third time that day.

Percy just grabbed him by the wrist, pulling him gently and Nico sighed in relief, holding on to Percy's arm with both hands. They stopped at the table where the children were, finding Annabeth sitting next to them with a woman of Latin descent and long black hair next to her.

"Can you take care of the kids today?" Percy said to Annabeth without beating around the bush.

"Good evening to you too. How is the family going?”

“Yes or no?”

"Alright. No need to growl.”

Nico just… he felt himself relax, strangely. Something had changed between them; between Percy and Annabeth, between him and Percy and between him and Annabeth.

"I feel sorry for you." Annabeth addressed him. "See what I had to put up with? Sally is much worse than Poseidon and she already attacked, I would be careful.”

"What did she tell you?" Percy asked, he seemed to be shaking with anger.

"Just… some things about the future… and expectations. I think she’s already planning the wedding.”

“That’s very good,” Annabeth said, and the woman next to her agreed. “But once you fall into her clutches, there’s no escape.”

“Did you escape?” Nico found himself asking.

"No. Maybe in the future?”

"Enough of this! I'm going to--” Percy left the sentence half-finished and turned around, already marching towards his mother.

"Der, please." Even Nico was surprised. He found himself holding his wrist like Percy had done to him, staring at him closely, ready to beg if necessary.

Percy stared back at him, studying him for long moments until Percy nodded and let out a breath.

"You didn't deserve this, I didn't think they would act like this. You were right." Percy then smiled and stroked Nico's hair. "I guess I just wish I didn't have to hide things.”

Nico wanted to ask, “Hide what?” but he was tired. He hugged Percy tightly until he was sure Percy wouldn’t run after his parents and held his hand. Looking at the children who were watching everything silently, Nico said to them: "We’ll talk tomorrow. How about a farewell lunch?”

They nodded, looking relieved, and Percy led them out of the room. And if the car ride had turned into one of the most uncomfortable thirty minutes of Nico’s life, no one but him needed to know that.

So, how was today's chapter? We're finally finishing the first narrative arc! There are only two chapters left, which will be posted next week. I'm going to take a break for two or three weeks, but we'll be back soon.

See you soon.

I need inspiration. Thank you!

Been kinda obsessed with them kissing each other

Can't afford art school?

After seeing post like this 👇

And this gem 👇

As well as countless of others from the AI generator community. Just talking about how "inaccessible art" is, I decided why not show how wrong these guys are while also helping anyone who actually wants to learn.

Here is the first one ART TEACHERS! There are plenty online and in places like youtube.

📺Here is my list:

Proko (Free)

Marc Brunet (Free but he does have other classes for a cheap price. Use to work for Blizzard)

Aaron Rutten (free)

BoroCG (free)

Jesse J. Jones (free, talks about animating)

Jesus Conde (free)

Mohammed Agbadi (free, he gives some advice in some videos and talks about art)

Ross Draws (free, he does have other classes for a good price)

SamDoesArts (free, gives good advice and critiques)

Drawfee Show (free, they do give some good advice and great inspiration)

The Art of Aaron Blaise ( useful tips for digital art and animation. Was an animator for Disney)

Bobby Chiu ( useful tips and interviews with artist who are in the industry or making a living as artist)

Second part BOOKS, I have collected some books that have helped me and might help others.

📚Here is my list:

The "how to draw manga" series produced by Graphic-sha. These are for manga artist but they give great advice and information.

"Creating characters with personality" by Tom Bancroft. A great book that can help not just people who draw cartoons but also realistic ones. As it helps you with facial ques and how to make a character interesting.

"Albinus on anatomy" by Robert Beverly Hale and Terence Coyle. Great book to help someone learn basic anatomy.

"Artistic Anatomy" by Dr. Paul Richer and Robert Beverly Hale. A good book if you want to go further in-depth with anatomy.

"Directing the story" by Francis Glebas. A good book if you want to Story board or make comics.

"Animal Anatomy for Artists" by Eliot Goldfinger. A good book for if you want to draw animals or creatures.

"Constructive Anatomy: with almost 500 illustrations" by George B. Bridgman. A great book to help you block out shadows in your figures and see them in a more 3 diamantine way.

"Dynamic Anatomy: Revised and expand" by Burne Hogarth. A book that shows how to block out shapes and easily understand what you are looking out. When it comes to human subjects.

"An Atlas of animal anatomy for artist" by W. Ellenberger and H. Dittrich and H. Baum. This is another good one for people who want to draw animals or creatures.

Etherington Brothers, they make books and have a free blog with art tips.

As for Supplies, I recommend starting out cheap, buying Pencils and art paper at dollar tree or 5 below. For digital art, I recommend not starting with a screen art drawing tablet as they are more expensive.

For the Best art Tablet I recommend either Xp-pen, Bamboo or Huion. Some can range from about 40$ to the thousands.

💻As for art programs here is a list of Free to pay.

Clip Studio paint ( you can choose to pay once or sub and get updates)

Procreate ( pay once for $9.99)

Blender (for 3D modules/sculpting, ect Free)

PaintTool SAI (pay but has a 31 day free trail)

Krita (Free)

mypaint (free)

FireAlpaca (free)

Libresprite (free, for pixel art)

Those are the ones I can recall.

So do with this information as you will but as you can tell there are ways to learn how to become an artist, without breaking the bank. The only thing that might be stopping YOU from using any of these things, is YOU.

I have made time to learn to draw and many artist have too. Either in-between working two jobs or taking care of your family and a job or regular school and chores. YOU just have to take the time or use some time management, it really doesn't take long to practice for like an hour or less. YOU also don't have to do it every day, just once or three times a week is fine.

Hope this was helpful and have a great day.

Maybe you’ve met the right person, but you’re just not ready to fall in love.

Unknown (via perfectfeelings)

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter XVI e Chapter XVII

As I promised, here are two chapters. If you see any mistakes, like wrong names, let me know! As this was an original story, I may have made some mistakes.

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

Percy turned his back on Nico, got into his giant jeep and drove away. Before he knew it, Percy was far away, leaving him with only silence and his own thoughts, watching until the car disappeared into the horizon and only when he had no choice, Nico resigned himself to going back inside the house, walking slowly, questioning the life he led.

He was starting to wonder, was that house even his anymore? Nico didn't feel safe in it, he didn't feel like it was his home, nor was his room a safe place anymore; Nico no longer had the key of his door’s room, not since his father had discovered that he wouldn't be doing agronomy in college like Hades had planned and that, in fact, he was almost ready to leave and go in another direction. However, the high point was when Hades practically sold him in exchange for support and investment in the family business. In the end, Hazel was right and that was his job in that family, to keep Will calm, happy and in control, so that his father would be sure that the mayor would remain happy. Everyone won, right?

Sure. Except him, of course.

With those encouraging thoughts, Nico walked the rest of the way to the front of the house and climbed the set of the porch steps, entering through the front door.

As soon as he stepped inside, he saw that shadows had already formed against the walls. He only needed the door to close for the rest of the room to fall into total darkness, leaving him with only the moonlight for illumination, but that didn't bother him. He kept walking and watched his shoes, walking without looking where he was going, having already memorized every corner of that path. Ten steps forward, three to the left and five ahead to reach the dining room.

"We need to talk." Hades's voice sounded shrill in the silence of the room.

Do you know what scared him the most? That silence is what Nico had always feared. It was Hades with his hard, judgmental looks, was those quiet moments before the storm came, and it was that giant house that always seemed so empty of life; that was what it did to him; it haunted him, made him think Nico would never escape that horror movie of a small town and the claustrophobic places. Because, that was how he would end up, a small boy, in a small place, in a small family and in a small life. He would probably end up like one of those story endings too; he would work for his father until his last days and marry whoever Hades told him to, obeying like the perfect son, right? That was supposed to be his future?

He was so tired…

"I don’t think so. I think our conversation is over." Nico heard himself saying, still looking at his feet. Why was he still trying? Why did he care what that man would think? That wasn’t his responsibility, none of it was. It wasn’t pampering Will Solace, the mayor, or worrying about the family’s business; Nico didn’t need any of that.

Nico nodded to himself, and he was so exhausted that he didn't care about Hades's angry grunt. Or the chair scraping across the floor, or even the heavy footsteps coming towards him. Nico only raised his head when Hades was too close to ignore, feeling empty and hollow.

After all, what could Hades do? Hurt him again?

Nico was already more than injured.

"How dare you to defy me!" Hades raised his fist and punched the table, which shook with the force of the blow.

Nico barely reacted, he looked at his father's hand on the tablecloth and tried to remember why he should care.

It was all so meaningless that he just continued to watch it.

"I'm tired, Hades." Nico said, defeated. It was the first time he had called him that. Hades was no longer his father, his Papa. He had stopped being that a long time ago.

Nico barely heard the people in the room gasp, which didn't stop them from slowly approaching the two. However, his focus was on Hades, the one Nico blamed for all of this. He needed to blame someone, because if Hades wasn't the one to blame, it meant that he was the reason for all of this mess.

"I'm sorry. I can't do what you want anymore. I-- I tried... I... I'm not challenging you, I just... haven't I done enough?”

Silence fell again, it seemed like no one was breathing. He even tried to see Hades's reaction; his vision was blurry and it was hard to breathe, his chest was constricting as if someone was crushing him, but... but he was calm, he was so calm that it seemed like Nico was watching everything like a spectator; for the first time in a long time he felt like nothing could affect him anymore. It was strange, the tears rolled down his face and his hands were shaking, and he didn't know if it was from relief or sadness; the tears simply overflowed from within him.

Nico blinked and a few more tears rolled down his face. He finally allowed himself to cry for the first time in his life.

"Can you forgive me? I need to do this." Nico tried again. He knew it would be in vain, because with Hades there was only one way to do things, either it was the way he wanted it or it wasn't. Nico accepted that, he accepted that it was the end for them.

It was… it was okay, he had done everything he could. A gentle voice was saying in the back of his mind. He nodded once more, to himself and to what he knew was coming next. When nothing happened and Hades just kept looking at him with that neutral expression, Nico… Nico just let himself breathe and started walking. One step at a time; one to avoid Hades’s still figure, another to get past the table, and a few more to climb the stairs. He looked at them and put his right foot up, then his left, and dragged himself up them, one at a time, until he reached the star’s end and walked a few steps into his room.

Nico left the door open. There was no point in him closing it when he couldn’t lock it, and sat down on the bed. He kept staring at his shoes. He needed a new pair. Maybe new jeans too. Maybe a new bed or… or a new Nico. It sounded good. Anything was better than being the same old Nico Di Ângelo.

He wished he could just be… Nico. Nicollas.

"Oh, my baby." He heard someone saying, someone entering the room, someone hugging him tightly and sitting with him on the bed. He recognized that smell, it was Bianca, her long wavy hair falling over his shoulder, covering him like a protective shield. Nico should have heard what she told him, Bianca had warned him so many times. He should have listened.

"Bia." He murmured, unable to hear his own voice. " I didn't want to.”

"I know, dear. With the Solace family, that's all it could have been. You don't have to try anymore.”

"I don't need to?" He didn't know that.

"Of course not. It was your choice from the beginning. We will support you.”

He knew the choice was his, Nico wanted to tell her that. And that was exactly why he had no choice. How could he do anything when he knew what the consequences would be?

"Don't worry. This is his problem. It's high time Hades acted like a man.”

"That's right. We're gonna kick that son of a daddy's ass if he comes back here!”  Hazel said somewhere near them.

Nico knew he could count on them. He closed his eyes and let himself relax like he hadn't done in a long time.

Chapter XVII

"See you on Monday.”

Percy looked at Nico's sad face once more and was tempted to throw him over his shoulders and run away with him.

He wanted to say that everything was going to be okay, that all it took was one word and Nico would never have to deal with those people again. But before the words could come out, he did what anyone in his place would do; he controlled himself and walked to the car that was parked a few feet away. Or rather, he marched, sprinting down the road and doing his best not to look back or go back to Nico.

Percy just stopped walking when he got into the driver's seat and sped away from there.

Shit! What was he thinking! Why did he keep doing this? He shouldn't have let himself get carried away, but he couldn't help himself. Nico reminded him of his teenage years, of those days in college where he was free to do whatever he wanted; Nico made him act like a child again, defying older people who had an image of authority and harassing anyone he felt like. What could he say? After all, Percy was what Nico had accused him of without even having to use words; a billionaire, a womanizer, and with a superiority complex.

He wasn’t like that anymore, that person stayed in the past; now Percy was a centered and responsible individual, he wasn't the type to cheat even if his illustrious wife didn't think the same. But what if Nico needed help? What if Hades tried something against Nico? About Will, he had no doubts. Was it safe to leave Nico among those people? Who would defend him when the next punch came? 

No! Percy couldn't think about that. He didn't even know those people and he barely knew who Nico was. He didn't... Shit! He shouldn't have left Nico alone. Frustrated, he slammed on the brake and let his head fall against the steering wheel, the horn making a loud sound. WHAT. WAS. HE. THINKING! Nico wasn't his at all and if Nico had survived in that place without him for all this time, he could keep going. Right?

Sure.

Really… what if Nico couldn’t? He looked so defeated, so fragile… cases of anxiety could cause worse even more damage, like suicide or depression, couldn’t they? What if Nico… No! He couldn’t think about that, he couldn’t! Percy should have dragged Nico out of there when he had the chance, he knew that if he insisted just a little longer Nico would have accepted, but… he admited, okay! He wanted Nico to come of his own free will and not because some guy he had just met had asked him to. However, Percy could offer help, couldn’t he? Just one more time?

He took his cell phone out of his pocket and looked for Nico's contact, thank goodness he had given it to him in that conversation in the kitchen before the panic attack. Percy pressed the message icon and typed:

“Is everything okay? I hope things haven’t gotten worse. The offer still stands. Whenever you need it.”

Was it too direct? Too blunt? Too sincere? Too intimate? It didn’t matter. He pressed send and put the phone back in his pocket, starting the car once more. He sent a message, and at the moment, it was all he could do. Was the right thing to do. Otherwise, he would just be another one of those people demanding something when it was clear Nico wasn’t willing to give it.

With this depressing thought, Percy drove the rest of the afternoon and early evening, still not knowing what to do, but doing what he could in this situation.

He walked through the entrance of the condominium and finally arrived home, exhaustion overcoming him as soon as he stepped out of the car. It seemed like so much had happened and so much time had passed, even though it couldn't have been more than five or six hours since breakfast. He walked around the house and up the steps to the porch only to be greeted by two pairs of tight hugs.

The children grabbed him by the waist and smiled at him, all happy. Of course, that wasn't enough. Annabeth Chase, his dignified wife, was sitting on the sofa in the living room with a drawing in her hand; on it were them: Logan, Alice, Nico and Percy. A normal, happy family.

"Daddy, Daddy! Mommy got here early." Logan said looking at him, still with his arms around his waist.

“He told her everything about Nico,” Alice warned, perceptive as always.

“It’s okay,” he said to the children. Or maybe he said it to himself, trying to convince himself of it.

So the three of them walked the rest of the way to the living room, sitting on the couch opposite where Annabeth was.

"Oh, Percy. Did you make it back home? I thought you were too busy to care about your kids.”

"I called a babysitter before I left.”

Percy didn't even bother explaining since the kids should have told her what happened.

"You know what's even more amazing? It seems like you replaced the nanny I hired without telling me." Annabeth stood up, smoothing her dress and crossing her arms. Her eyes analyzed him from head to toe, demanding and cold.

Ah, it seems like she was preparing to fight, even her voice changed intonation.

"Children, it's time for bed, yes? Go ahead and go upstairs." He gave each of them a kiss and watched Alice take Logan's hand, leading him upstairs.

Percy waited long enough for the children to disappear down the hallway and turned to her:

"What are you doing here? This is not our agreement.”

"Guess what? I missed you, sweetheart." She smiled and blew a kiss in his direction, sitting back down, her eyes sparkling as she studied him. Annabeth tossed her long platinum hair to one side of her shoulder, exposing part of her chest and neck, showing the swell of her breasts against the tight dress.

There was a time when Percy would do anything for her, but now all that was left were threats and conversations to see who was the strongest one.

"Annabeth!”

"You still haven't answered me.”

"If you must know, he's the person you hired.”

"Is he? From what Logan said, you two seem pretty close.”

He felt the need to roll his eyes like a teenager and ended up resigning himself to his torture. It’s like they say, if you can't beat them, join them. That's exactly what he did, he sat down next to her and closed his eyes for a moment.

"He's a good kid. He just needs help." Percy said finally.

"Don't you tell me?”

"His family is worse than mine and yours combined.”

"Is that all? Do you want to help him?”

"Unlike you, I'm not a traitor." Feeling Annabeth approaching, Percy opened his eyes again, looking at her head on. "Speaking of which, when are you going to sign the divorce papers?”

"Divorce? Things are great as they are. Why ruin something that is going so well?" Then she looked him in the eyes and placed her hands on his shoulders, sliding them down in a caress that only disgusted him.

"Annabeth." Percy said, turning away from her. "What are you doing here?”

"Hmm, I love it when you talk rough. We could--”

"We could nothing. There's only one reason why you came back.”

"Okay!" She told him. Annabeth got up from the couch and went to the suitcases that were still in the entrance hall and came back soon after, handing him an invitation to the Palace Hotel, one of the most exquisite party rooms in the city. "I need your help. I have this party... it's important to me.”

"They always are. Are you trying to use me again?”

"Look, I would go with Heyna, but these people are traditional. If they see you with me, it will make things move much faster. Think about it this way, the sooner you agree, the sooner I'll leave. Doesn't that sound like a good deal?”

"A good deal? You've got to be kidding me.”

Percy brought his hand to his face and rubbed it, he was too tired to deal with her.

"Come on, Percy. Just this once.”

"I won't do anything until you sign the papers.”

"Percy, you know I can't do this.”

"You can't? Are you sure? I have enough evidence to annul the marriage for adultery. Is that what you want?”

"You're lying, you would never do that! What about the children? Are you gonna do that to them?”

"They’re already grown up. They don't need you. I don't need you. And if you don't want to accept it, I'll be forced to use force. Who will lose more? Me, a university professor, or a socialite architect? Can you imagine the gossip magazines? I can.”

He stood up, tired of it, and turned his back on her, not caring if Annabeth would get hurt or not. But of course she wouldn't give up that easily, right?

"I… I’ll sign it. After the party, if you’ll come with me. The kids need to go too.”

Percy turned to her and studied her angelic face. If he hadn't known the venom behind that vulnerable expression, Percy might have believed it. He would have believed it before he found out what Annabeth was doing on these business trips. And with who.

"Okay, but this is the last time. If you don't keep your end of the deal, I can't be held responsible for the consequences.”

With that, he turned his back on Annabeth and walked up the stairs, finding the children at the top of them, their little faces sad and tearful.

"Shhh… it's okay. Who wants to hear a story?" Logan and Alice sniffed, but held their hands and together, they entered the room.

Thanks for reading!

AMOR DE BABÁ - Nico!Babá, Percy!Professor - Capítulo I

Olá, sejam bem-vindos a nossa história.

Quando comecei a escrever essa história, planejava fazer algo simples e que me permitisse explorar uma fantasia que eu sempre tive, o professor e o aprendiz, aproveitei para jogar no meio alguns tropes, como babá, found family, namorados abusivos, parentes mais abusivos ainda e uma dinâmica D/s discreta.

Sinto que seria interessante dar alguns avisos logo no começo. Nessa história não haverá sexo entre menores de idade, embora tenha certo desiquilíbrio mental devido à idade deles, e também desiquilíbrio socioeconômico, mas que com o tempo vai desaparecer completamente. No momento tenho pronto umas 100 mil palavras, com a promessa de dobrar esse valor. Pelo menos 150 mil a gente chega.

Se você quiser saber mais detalhes, veja aqui no índice da história. Espero que vocês possam me acompanhar nessa jornada.

Aquele não era um dos melhores dias na vida de Nico. De fato, não era a melhor semana, mês ou ano.

— Nico. — O gerente do lugar onde trabalhava disse assim que o viu se aproximar da porta de entrada. 

Esse era o momento que Nico mais temia a cada manhã desde que começou a trabalhar naquele lugar. 

Andrew McMillan se aproximou dele a passos despreocupados e parou em sua frente, o cumprimentando todo feliz e animado. O gerente tinha o cabelo penteado para trás, pele alva e olhos negros que sempre reviravam seu estômago. Nico não poderia dizer que o homem era feio, porque de fato, ele era um dos homens mais bonitos que já tinha visto. Mas tinha algo nele, algo por detrás daqueles olhos escuros e calculistas, que o fazia repensar cada palavra que saia da boca daquele homem, buscando o duplo sentido que sempre vinha, cedo ou tarde.

O gerente o olhou de cima a baixo, vitorioso, o fitando com maldade, olhos esses que faiscavam a cada segundo que se passava, em que nenhum dos dois dizia nada.

“É, era hoje”, Nico pensou. 

Seus ombros caíram e ele suspirou, conformado com seu destino. Andrew pareceu ficar ainda mais feliz enquanto anotava algo em sua prancheta. 

Sorrindo mais aberto ainda para ele, Andrew voltou a examinar Nico como se ele fosse um espécime misterioso, o apreciando daquela forma que fazia Nico se sentir desconfortável, algo que somente esse gerente conseguiu fazer em seus poucos anos de vida. E mesmo que fosse uma máscara, Nico não deixaria Andrew saber como esses olhares o faziam querer vomitar, como sua ansiedade aumentava conforme eles continuavam parados no meio da calçada, principalmente por saber que ninguém viria em seu socorro.

Isso só poderia significar uma coisa. 

— Senhor, posso explicar tudo. Eu--

— O ônibus atrasou? Ficou preso no trânsito? — Andrew balançou a cabeça, fingindo pesar e tocou em seu ombro, fazendo Nico paralisar em repulsa, sentindo um medo que ele não sabia de onde vinha. — Dessa vez, não há nada que eu possa fazer por você.

— Por favor, eu preciso desse emprego! 

— Estou do seu lado, você sabe disso, Nico. Mas regras são regras. Essa já é a quinta vez esse mês. 

— Não tem nada que você possa fazer? 

 Nico se arrependeu de perguntar assim que as palavras saíram de sua boca. 

— Talvez haja, mas não sei… — Andrew cruzou os braços e se aproximou de Nico, como se fosse contar um segredo a ele. — Isso requer um sacrifício. Você está disposto a isso? 

— Ah. — Nico murmurou, dando um passo para trás. 

Não era a primeira vez que Andrew falava uma coisa dessas. A questão é que Nico nunca havia levado a sério nenhuma dessas… sugestões, mas agora que ele estava ali, não sabia se iria querer continuar em lugar como aquele, mesmo que pudesse ou precisasse muito. 

— Sinto muito, Nico. — Andrew disse, sua voz soando piedosa e gentil, para logo em seguida acrescentar: — Não podemos nos esquecer de passar no RH, certo?

Nico não sabia o que tinha mudado naquela manhã. Ele tinha acordado cedo, tomando banho, pegado sua mochila do encosto da porta de seu quarto e andado pelos corredores de sua casa, silenciosamente para não acordar ninguém. Tinha pegado o ônibus lotado no mesmo horário e enfrentado uma hora de viagem até chegar ao seu emprego atual, um restaurante que dizia ser gourmet, mas que, na verdade, era uma imitação híbrida desses restaurantes de comida rápida; hambúrgueres, sanduíches, milkshakes e pizzas de todos os sabores. E como em todos os outros dias, ele havia descido do ônibus bem em cima da hora e corrido para o digníssimo estabelecimento em que trabalhava. 

É claro que seu gerente o esperava na entrada, como todos os outros dias. Ele tinha espiado para dentro do lugar e viu que eles já haviam aberto todas as portas, limpando as mesas e colocado as cadeiras nos lugares, podendo ouvir o barulho das pessoas já trabalhando em seus postos. 

Assim, meio confuso, porém, aceitando seu destino, Nico seguiu Andrew pelo restaurante naquela estranha caminhada da vergonha. Não seria a primeira vez que algo assim aconteceria, o rodízio de trabalhadores sendo bem grande por ali. Ainda assim, a maioria das pessoas o olharam com sorrisinhos tão maldosos quanto o de Andrew, e os outros, que o encaravam com uma pena sincera, ele sentiria falta. Tirando isso, todo o resto podia se explodir se dependesse dele. 

Nico levantou a cabeça, segurou firme em sua bolsa e foi para os fundos do restaurante onde ficava a contabilidade. Ele podia estar indo embora, mas Andrew se arrependeria por abusar de seu poder.

***

— Cara, eu não acredito que você fez isso! Meu pequeno herói. — Will disse, abrindo um sorriso enorme.

Nico não sabia por quanto tempo aguentaria isso. 

Will olhou para ele de cima a baixo e o abraçou bem forte depois de apertar suas bochechas até que elas adormeceram de tão doloridas, o jeito do namorado se tornando tão energético que Nico pensou que elas fossem se distender e cair no chão, flácidas. Um beijo veio em seguida, doce e suave em seu rosto, outro no queixo, descendo devagar com aquelas pequenas bitoquinhas que só serviam para deixá-lo mais irritado.

— Will, para com isso! E eu não sou pequeno. Como um metro e setenta e nove pode ser pequeno?

Nico fechou os olhos por um momento e inspirou profundamente, ele apenas precisava respirar. 

Geralmente não se importaria de Will estar tão perto, até gostava quando Will lhe tocava daquela maneira um pouco sexual demais, porém, nada que ultrapasse o que ele se sentia confortável em fazer. Hoje não era um desses dias; hoje essas carícias suaves o sufocavam, lhe fazendo sentir preso dentro de uma caixa que não havia escapatória ou buracos onde o ar pudesse entrar. Will o asfixiava, o estrangulando naquele cuidado que o namorado insistia em oferecer quando Nico não havia pedido por isso.

Ele respirou fundo e desviou dos lábios de Will, o empurrando pelo ombro. Deu uma mochilada em Will, seguido de um soco no ombro do namorado. Sim, Will, seu namorado corpulento e idiota apenas riu, o rosto quadrado e gentil lhe irritando um pouco mais a cada segundo. Se não bastasse ter passado duas horas na delegacia e ser questionado como se fosse ele quem tivesse cometido o crime, teve que ficar uma hora extra no escritório do RH negando os “bônus” e “benefícios” em troca de “confidencialidade”. Um tempo depois, quando foi liberado do interrogatório, Sr. Jones, dono daquela franquia, fez de tudo para que ele não prestasse queixa, ainda mais quando viu que as câmeras que ficavam na porta do restaurante haviam gravado tudo em áudio e vídeo, tendo provas suficientes para acusar o gerente de abuso de poder e assédio sexual.

Sinceramente? Nico sabia que não daria em nada e que o processo demoraria para ser julgado e, ao mesmo tempo, sabia que tinha que fazer aquilo; todas aquelas tardes tendo que ouvir as piadinhas que, no fundo, eram sinceras demais, precisavam ser denunciadas. Sem perder tempo e se sentindo muito vingado, Nico fez a única coisa que podia, pegou o celular e fez a denúncia. Logo viaturas bloquearam a frente do estabelecimento e os empregados foram dispensados, enquanto que o Sr. Jones e companhia foram processados por danos morais e abuso de poder. Agora, se ele ganharia o caso era algo a se ver no futuro quando a decisão judicial fosse tomada. 

O problema real apareceu quando Nico foi solto do interrogatório. Sem dinheiro para o almoço e com a passagem do ônibus contada, decidiu que continuar com seu dia como se nada tivesse acontecido era a melhor das táticas. Se arrastando pelas ruas ao sair da delegacia, Nico caminhou as poucas quadras se forçando a visitar Will no centro comunitário, exatamente como ele sempre fazia naquela hora do dia; Nico se encontraria com Will na hora do almoço, o único momento onde Will estava livre para falar com ele e depois iria para casa procurar por outro emprego até que tivesse o suficiente para pagar os custos da faculdade.

Nico virou a esquina e continuou seu caminho, distraído e tão chateado pelas últimas horas que mal percebeu o que acontecia. Quando viu, mãos lhe puxaram pelas costas e o arrastaram para um beco ali perto enquanto alguém o prensava contra a parede e uma boca se colocava sobre a dele sem sua permissão. E de tão aflito só percebeu que era Will quando deu um soco no estômago dele e um chute bem-dado em sua virilha.

— Will Solace! — Nico arfou surpreso, irritado, enfurecido. Embora Nico admitisse que estava um pouco traumatizado com toda aquela experiência, aquele não era o momento ou o lugar certo para fazer esse tipo de coisa. Também admitia que não estava no seu melhor momento, Nico poderia matar alguém se lhe dessem a motivação certa.

Will não pareceu ligar para o que ele falava. Gemendo ofegante, Will se aproximou de Nico e o segurou pela cintura, falando: — Isso não se faz com um homem, baixinho.

Então, dessa vez, se sentindo culpado e um pouco temeroso pelo que Will poderia fazer, ou pior, temendo que Will dissesse algo para seu pai, Nico deixou que Will continuasse. Will o levantou um pouco do chão e ele automaticamente enrolou os braços e pernas ao redor de Will. 

Will… ele… Will não gostava de ser contrariado, sabe? Se as coisas não saíssem exatamente como Will queria, algo podia explodir ou ser lançado pelos ares. Nico preferia evitar esse tipo de discussão. Ou outros tipos de reações. Não seria a primeira vez que eles brigariam pela ausência de sexo ou pela ausência de Nico no geral. Ele não estava pronto e Will estava. Ele não queria se casar e Will já tinha comprado as alianças. Nico definitivamente não queria morar junto com ele enquanto Will tinha comprado uma casa com direito a berçário e tudo mais o que eles poderiam precisar na visão deturpada de Will. Nico nem sabia se queria esse tipo de responsabilidade, mas, ainda assim, esse era ele fazendo uma forcinha pelos pais e por todos os outros que pensavam que logo o casório aconteceria. E talvez… só talvez… não fosse tão ruim assim ter um namorado bonito e gostoso que estava disposto a ficar com alguém tão chato e… antiquado feito ele. Apesar de saber dos erros de Will, ignorando as pessoas que Will ficava por trás de suas costas, ele não se importava contanto que todos continuassem satisfeitos.

Nico ficava se perguntando… quem é que namorava por três anos e não queria fazer sexo? Ou não se importava com traições?

Ele não conseguia explicar, havia algo nisso tudo… algo entre eles que não parecia… certo. Quer dizer, o problema deveria ser ele, não? Will lhe traía porque Nico não conseguia dar aquele último passo, não importava quantas vezes Will tentasse; Nico sempre desistia no momento final. Apenas parecia… errado, como se Nico estivesse prestes a cometer o maior erro de sua vida.

Nico sentiu um arrepio estranho e incômodo subir por sua coluna quando Will o segurou com mais força do que o costume e o puxou firme pelos cabelos, sussurrando em seu ouvido:

— Senti tanto a sua falta, baixinho. Onde você esteve que não atendeu o celular?

Ah, talvez ele não estivesse tão desconfortável assim… quer dizer, Will era sempre gentil demais, sabe? Tão cuidadoso, e esse cuidado todo fazia com que Nico se sentisse um fraco, como se ele fosse quebrar em mil pedaços a qualquer momento, e Nico não gostava disso nenhum pouco. Mas quando Will perdia o controle? O tocando com força e com vontade, sem medo de lhe machucar como se, na verdade, ele quisesse o ferir, mas só um pouquinho, apenas para deixar uma marca nele, exatamente como Will fazia agora…? Era outra história. Era nessas horas que Nico diria sim se Will lhe pedisse. O fato era que se Will tinha que se forçar a ser bonzinho para tratá-lo bem… Nico não queria viver com alguém que no fundo fingia ser algo que não era. Não importava o motivo.

— Você está me escutando? — Nico ouviu novamente uma voz suave ao pé de seu ouvido. Ele se sentiu arrepiar e desistiu de tentar raciocinar.

Nico queria dizer que não fez de propósito. Ele queria ter respondido à mensagem e as ligações de Will e mesmo que ele quisesse ter contado tudo o que tinha acontecido imediatamente, não teria conseguido, estava no meio de um interrogatório policial; não que a resposta para isso parecesse ser importante no momento, não para Will. Ele voltou a beijar Nico como se esse fosse o único objetivo de sua vida e todo o ar ou pensamentos fugiram para fora da cabeça de ambos.

Aquilo… aquilo era tão errado, bem no meio da rua onde qualquer um que passasse poderia vê-los… Nico se remexeu e tentou falar, sentindo o ar abandonar seu corpo, desconfortável por outra razão. Bem, talvez ele tenha gemido baixinho, Nico não saberia dizer, tentado se afastar de Will só para ser puxado de volta contra sua vontade.

— Qual é o problema? — Will disse entre suspiros e mordiscadas, a língua dele voltando para dentro da boca de Nico, massageando a sua e se movendo daquela forma que Nico mais gostava, o fazendo relaxar mais um pouco, apenas o suficiente para Will abaixar o zíper das suas calças.

E de novo, ele não tinha o direito de escolha. Will enfiou os dedos dentro da cueca de Nico, o fazendo arfar. Entretanto, esse foi o momento onde Nico ouviu algo, um som estridente que o fez abrir os olhos e perceber o que estavam fazendo. Nico então desviou a boca dos lábios de Will, o empurrou pelos ombros e colocou as pernas no chão enquanto fechava o zíper das próprias calças, procurando pelo celular que tocava. Ele definitivamente deveria ter ido para casa em vez de ir até ali há duas quadras do centro comunitário onde crianças e adolescentes vinham em busca de ajuda.

Bem, costumes eram difíceis de serem quebrados.

Nico enfim se abaixou, abriu o zíper da mochila e encontrou o maldito celular que estava no fundo de um bolso estreito.

— Nico Di Ângelo? Temos uma vaga para você. — Alguém falou imediatamente, mal lhe deixando atender a ligação.

Era Caren da agência de empregos, sua voz seca e mal-humorada podia ser reconhecida em qualquer lugar. Mal-educada e rude, soava aguda a seus ouvidos.

— Claro. Sobre o que seria?

— Cuidar de duas crianças durante o dia. Com horas extras e direitos trabalhistas.

Com toda certeza seria melhor do que o último emprego. Nisso Nico podia confiar.

— Pra quando?

— Amanhã às 7h.

— Tudo bem. Devo usar uniforme?

— Não, apenas apareça no horário.

Assim, o telefone foi desligado na cara dele e Will que estava a seu lado encostado na parede riu, o tocando no rosto e lhe beijando agora suavemente.

— Parece que nossa diversão acabou.

— Você não viu nada. Sabe o que aconteceu hoje? — Will levantou as sobrancelhas e se inclinou em direção a Nico, curioso, o que lhe deixou muito aliviado. Ele amava Will, mas não estava no clima para beijo nenhum.

Então, o que vocês acharam? Desinteressante? Devo excluir essas cenas?

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

O que é isso? O terceiro capítulo da semana? É um milagre! Nessa semana vocês realmente podem me chamar de escritora, porque eu escrevi muitoooooo.

Agora, falando serio. A vontade de escrever já está virando obsessão, então vamos ver até onde ela dura. E claro, peço desculpas pela baixa na qualidade do texto. É isso o que acontecesse quando se escreve muito em pouco tempo, por isso revisão e edição é tão importante. E tipo, sinto muito pelo drama! Eu já disse que escrita é minha terapia? Não é literal, são coisas que eu vejo, vivo e sinto tudo misturado. Acho que é isso o que eles chamam de "estilo de escrita".

O capítulo é pequeno, mas de qualquer forma, espero que você gostem.^^

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

— Obrigado. — Ele acabou dizendo quando a família o abraçou em conjunto, Sally quase chorando enquanto Grover e Tyson tinham uma expressão séria e neutra no rosto, o fazendo se lembrar quando Percy estava tentando se controlar para não destruir o que visse pelo caminho.

Ele também gostava disso, sabendo que poderia contar com a família inteira. E já que ele estava sendo sincero, por que não continuar?

— Eu não via Hades há anos, ele não é importante. Será que é necessário tanto trabalho por causa dele? Eu estava pensando em algo mais eficaz.

—  O que você precisar, querido. — Dessa vez, foi Sally quem disse, se já se recompondo; a mãe dando espaço para a mulher de negócios.

— Eu estava pensando em emancipação. — Quando ninguém disse nada, Nico preferiu fechar os olhos e continuar falando. — Hades tem o controle das posses da minha mãe e como filho único, eu só teria acesso a isso com vinte e um anos. Se eu apressar esse processo, posso tentar recuperar o que é meu antes que Hades destrua tudo.

— Não entendo, Hades não pode mexer nesse dinheiro sem a permissão da justiça. — Tyson disse, confuso.

— Esse é o problema. Minha mãe tinha ações e outros ativos que Hades tem acesso. Grande parte do que ele tem vem da minha mãe.

— Você está nos dizendo que quem era rica era sua mãe e não Hades? — Agora era Percy quem parecia inconformado.

— Hades costumava ser um gerente de banco. Ela se apaixonou e eu nasci. Na verdade, Bianca é minha meia irmã. Meu avô é um grande fazendeiro, sabe? Mamãe costumava ajudá-lo antes de Hades aparecer.

— Nossa. — Grover murmurou. — Seu pai é filho da puta.

— Ele é. Eu não me sentia seguro em contar isso para ninguém, mas agora que ele não pode me machucar é o momento de recuperar tudo o que ele tirou de mim.

— Nós vamos ajudar. Tyson vai começar os preparativos.

— Será que a gente pode pegar ele de surpresa? Tentar recuperar a herança da minha mãe e fazer a emancipação juntos? Eu não quero dar tempo para ele revidar.

— É claro. É uma ótima ideia. — Tyson disse com um estranho brilho no olhar. — Ele nem vai perceber quando a gente pegar ele. Eu prometo.

— Tudo bem. Eu confio em você. Se a emancipação não der certo, vocês podem ser meus guardiões? Nunca mais quero voltar para aquela casa.

— Você tem nossa palavra. — Sally tocou em seu ombro, sorrindo para ele com lágrimas nos olhos. — Vamos destruir esse homem, nem que seja à força.  

— Vocês não precisam prometer. Eu só… não quero ficar sob o controle dele. Não sei o que pode acontecer.

— Bianca está bem morando com ele?

— Ele nunca tratou Bianca como me trata.

— Oh, querido. — Sally disse e o abraçou forte, ainda com Percy o segurando pela cintura. 

Ele se negava a chorar, se negava a dar a Hades esse gostinho, se negava a continuar sob o controle daquele homem. Enquanto ele estava em Verona com seus avós, primos e tios, Hades não teve a coragem de se aproximar. Mas agora que nenhum outro adulto era responsável por ele, Hades pensava que poderia mandar nele. Bem, Nico iria provar para aquele homem e devolver um gostinho do que Hades havia feito com ele.

— Eu estou bem. Tudo isso ficou no passado. Eu só quero o que é meu.

— Nós sabemos. — Percy finalmente disse, saindo de seu estupor. — Eu vou cuidar de você.

Nico sabia disso, Percy estava dizendo essas palavras com tanta frequência que ele estava começando a acreditar. Talvez eles realmente tivessem uma chance de se casar no futuro e construir uma família somente deles, longe de toda essa confusão e dor. Talvez se ele se comportasse e fizesse tudo do jeito certo, ele se libertaria desse pesadelo, dessas pessoas que pareciam decididas a torturá-lo.

***

Depois disso as coisas pareceram se acalmar, porém, de uma forma delicada.

Ele disse que deveria ter ficado calado desde o início, não disse? Nico não entendia exatamente o que estava acontecendo, mas suspeitava de algo. Percy estava se distanciando dele, como se estivesse afrouxando a guia de sua coleira para ver até onde ele iria sem supervisão. Ou talvez, fosse apenas o que ele sentia. Talvez Percy estivesse dando um espaço para ele, um tempo para ele entender o que acontecia e dar o próximo passo. Onde Percy estava de seu lado em todos os momentos do dia, agora outra pessoa o substituiria sem ele nem perceber. Era estranho, nas poucas vezes que ele se pegava sozinho e conseguia pensar, o efeito do que Percy queria se tornava o contrário. Esse tempo sozinho o fazia pensar na vida e nas possibilidades que o futuro guardava para ele. Isso o assustava, a incerteza, vendo que teria que tomar as rédeas da própria vida se quisesse viver confortavelmente, quando, na realidade, tudo o que ele desejava era que alguém viesse e lhe dissesse qual era o caminho certo a tomar.

Aquela tarde não seria diferente, o fazendo se perder na sucessão dos dias, dias agradáveis e com pessoas que se importavam, mas sem o prazer que ele tinha se acostumado a receber. Será que alguns dias era o suficiente para Percy se convencer? Ele estava se comportando como era esperado dele? Nico estava tão cansado que apenas se levantou da cama e saiu andando pela casa. Ele encontrou Sally na cozinha, negando o convite para cozinhar com ela. Encontrou Tyson na sala de estudos e ele ofereceu para atualizá-lo sobre o caso de Hades, e mais uma vez negou, passando por Grover que estava na sala de estar e indo direto para a área externa da casa, o único lugar que Percy poderia estar. E lá Nico o encontrou, nadando em velocidade rápida na piscina, para cima e para baixo, e quando Nico finalmente se aproximou o suficiente para ver melhor a figura de Percy, ele permaneceu em silêncio, se perguntando se era uma boa ideia quebrar sua rotina auto-imposta. E se esse fosse o futuro deles e Nico apenas estivesse atrasando e lutando contra o que não tinha jeito? Se vendo em um beco sem saída, Nico se sentou em uma das espreguiçadeiras e continuou observando Percy nadar furiosamente, parecendo que tentava descontar toda sua frustração na água.

Agora, não faltava muito. Se Nico ainda estivesse seguindo o script deles, em poucos minutos Percy sairia da piscina e iria em busca dele. Percy o abraçaria e sorriria para ele, sendo todo carinhoso e eles passariam o resto da tarde e parte da noite fazendo qualquer coisa que não fosse o que eles queriam estar fazendo. Ele estava tão cansado de tudo isso que nem se surpreendeu quando Percy saiu da piscina, como se alguém o estivesse perseguindo, quase passando direto por ele. Nico sentia vontade de rir, isso era tão ridículo; Percy era ridículo e ele também era ridículo. O que eles estavam esperando? O trauma e tristeza desaparecem para que eles pudessem continuar com a vida deles? Que talvez com tempo e paciente Nico seria uma pessoa normal e equilibrada mentalmente? O mais engraçado foi ver Percy voltando de ré e parando ao lado de sua cadeira, sorrindo encabulado para ele. E o que Nico fez? Ele sorriu de volta, era a única coisa racional a se fazer em uma situação que não fazia nenhum sentido.

— Ei, lindo. O que você faz aqui sozinho? — Percy perguntou e se agachou, ficando em sua altura e o encarando bem de perto.

— Senti sua falta. 

— É?

— Eu queria saber onde você estava.

— Eu estou aqui, como sempre.

Nico queria dizer que era uma mentira. Percy podia estar ali, mas não estava do seu lado.

— O que está acontecendo com a gente? — Ele perguntou, se sentindo mais cansado a cada momento que se passava.

— Não está acontecendo nada. — Percy disse e sorriu para ele, o tocando suavemente no rosto. E esse era o problema, nada acontecia e ele precisava que algo acontecesse imediatamente, ou ele iria enlouquecer por completo.

Nico quase se deixou levar pela carícia platônica, quase deixou que o sorriso calmo de Percy o enganasse.

— Eu… eu fiz algo errado?

— Isso nunca seria possível.

— Você não gosta mais de mim?

— Nico. — Percy disse na voz mais calma que ele já tinha ouvido. — Acho que a gente devia desacelerar.

— Mais do que isso?

— Eu… — Então a máscara de tranquilidade no rosto de Percy se quebrou. — Eu abusei de você. Eu nunca perguntei porque você não falava com seu pai. Nunca questionei porque você chorava e tremia quando pensava que ninguém estava vendo. Eu preciso de espaço. Pensei que seria bom para você também.

— Eu não preciso de espaço. Eu preciso de você.

Nico não hesitou, ele se jogou no colo de Percy e o abraçou bem apertado, sentindo um nó na garganta se formar.

— Nico. Eu… eu me sinto culpado. Eu sou apenas mais um que quer abusar de você. — O importante era que Percy o abraçou de volta, bem apertado, o segurando pela nuca e sussurrando em seu ouvido. — Eu quero te ver aos meus pés e quero te ver obedecendo tudo o que eu mandar. Quero que você olhe só para mim e pense só em mim. Você acha que isso é diferente do que Hades estava fazendo com você?

— Eu não me importo. — Pronto, ele tinha dito. — Eu quero fazer tudo isso por você.

— Nico, por favor.

— Eu estou cansado. Por que eu não posso ter o que eu quero? Por que é tão errado estar sob o controle de outra pessoa?

Ele ouviu Percy gemer e antes que pudesse reagir, Percy o puxou pelos cabelos e o fez encará-lo, seus olhos verdes em chamas, como se Percy estivesse prestes a devorá-lo ali mesmo.

— Você vai me matar. Você sabe disso? Eu estou tentando cuidar de você. Estou fazendo o que é melhor para você.

— Eu quero não o melhor, eu só quero não me sentir tão miserável o tempo todo. Você pode fazer a dor passar?

Percy olhou por um longo momento para ele, parecendo que iria desmoronar a qualquer instante, mas finalmente sua vontade foi atendida; Percy encostou os lábios dele contra os seus e ficou assim por alguns momentos, o permitindo sentir o calor e o toque que ele tanto tinha sentido falta. E de repente, era o suficiente para Nico. Não era o sexo que ele sentia falta, era o calor do corpo de Percy sobre o dele, o afeto, toque atencioso, o liberar da tensão, a conexão que ele não havia encontrado em nenhum outro lugar.

Infelizmente, o momento foi quebrado algum tempo depois. As mãos de Percy continuaram sobre sua pele e ele ainda estava sentado no colo de Percy, eles ainda se encaravam como se o outro fosse sumir se eles desviassem a atenção.

— Eu nunca quis que você se sentisse assim. — Percy enfim disse, engolindo em seco. — Eu me sinto um monstro. Eu vou-- eu vou superar isso, eu só preciso de um tempo.

— A gente precisa ficar longe? Eu não quero aprender sobre advocacia com Tyson ou sobre esportes com Grover, eu nem mesmo quero aprender novas receitas com Sally. Prometo que não vou te incomodar.

— Como você pode fazer isso comigo? — Foi tudo o que Percy disse antes de enfiar o rosto em seu pescoço e Nico sentir lágrimas atingirem sua pele, os braços de Percy se apertando ao redor de sua cintura.

— Oh.

Talvez não tenha sido uma boa ideia encurralar Percy no final das contas. Nico se convenceu disso quando ouviu o primeiro soluço. Por que tudo o que ele fazia dava errado? Com o peito apertado, Nico puxou Percy para cima e deitou com ele na espreguiçadeira. Ele obedeceria aos desejos de Percy e daria o espaço que ele precisava.

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Então, está muito ruim? Qualquer feedback é bem-vindo, nem que seja para me cobrar alguma coisa. Vou adorar ver vocês por aqui. E só para avisar, a versão em inglês vai vir assim que minha inspiração esvaziar um pouco e infelizmente a qualidade vai continuar duvidosa até que isso aconteça; quanto mais tempo eu passo revisando ou traduzindo, menos palavras eu escrevo e mais a evolução da história se atrasa. Espero que vocês entendam. E obrigada desde já!

Nico and Percy

Okay so I’ve received a lot of asks about Nico and Percy and how Percy treated Nico and someone else sent me a link to a post that had more stuff.

90% of the stuff I’ve seen is either inaccurate or taken out of context.

Lets start with the choking scene.

This scene happened right after Nico lied to Percy to trick him into coming to see Hades so that Nico could learn more about his mom. They were meant to go to the Styx in order to give Percy the Achilles Curse so they had a chance at winning the war. This resulted in Percy being locked up by Hades.

Nico did not intend for this to happen, but he did knowingly lie to Percy. Percy understandably did not trust Nico after that.

The mountain of darkness loomed above me. A foot the size of Yankee Stadium was about to smash me when a voice hissed: ‘Percy!’

I lunged out blindly. Before I was fully awake, I had Nico pinned to the floor of the cell with the edge of my sword at his throat.

‘Want – to – rescue,’ he choked.

Anger woke me up fast. ‘Oh, yeah? And why should I trust you?’

‘No – choice?’ he gagged.

I wished he hadn’t said something logical like that. I let him go. (The Last Olympian page 60).

As you can see, the initial action was taken before Percy was even awake. After he was awake, and got through his initial anger at the betrayal with Nico’s comment, he released Nico and they escaped.

He acknowledged silently later that he didn’t trust Nico anymore and Nico was aware that his actions meant he wasn’t trusted.

So the choking scene: not Percy being unreasonably cruel to Nico.

Threats is another common thing I see people bring up and… I’m genuinely baffled by that one. The closest I can think of is the scene I quoted above? But that doesn’t seem to fit? Anyone want to quote some threats Percy made to Nico? Because I don’t know any.

Next up! The claims that Percy said they should leave Nico to suffocate. Funnily enough he actually says the opposite, multiple times.

Percy stared at his jelly donut. He had a rocky history with Nico di Angelo. The guy had once tricked him into visiting Hades’s palace, and Percy had ended up in a cell. But most of the time, Nico sided with the good guys. He certainly didn’t deserve slow suffocation in a bronze jar, and Percy couldn’t stand seeing Hazel in pain.

“We’ll rescue him,” he promised her. “We have to. The prophecy says he holds the key to endless death.”

Is this first time kind? Not necessarily. But it’s certainly not saying to leave Nico. For multiple reasons, he didn’t deserve, Percy didn’t want Hazel to hurt, and (what he says outloud) Nico is an important figure in the war.

Percy also makes a comment later when they feared they’d be too late

The vision zoomed in again. Inside the jar, Nico di Angelo was curled in a ball, no longer moving, all the pomegranate seeds eaten.

“We’re too late,” Jason said.

“No,” Percy said. “No, I can’t believe that. Maybe he’s gone into a deeper trance to buy time. We have to hurry.”

Funny, this doesn’t sound like someone advocating to leave Nico to die. In fact it sounds like someone almost desperate to save him, or at least hoping strongly that they’ll succeed.

Interestingly there were comments about leaving Nico, but not from Percy. They came from Jason and Leo.

“Uh…” Leo shifted in his chair. “One thing. The giants are expecting us to do this, right? So we’re walking into a trap?”

Hazel looked at Leo like he’d made a rude gesture. “We have no choice!”

“Don’t get me wrong, Hazel. It’s just that your brother, Nico… he knew about bothcamps, right?”

“Well, yes,” Hazel said.

“He’s been going back and forth,” Leo said, “and he didn’t tell either side.” Jason sat forward, his expression grim. “You’re wondering if we can trust the guy. So am I.”

Hazel shot to her feet. “I don’t believe this. He’s my brother. He brought me back from the Underworld, and you don’t want to help him?”

Frank put his hand on her shoulder. “Nobody’s saying that.” He glared at Leo. “Nobody had better be saying that.”

Leo blinked. “Look, guys. All I mean is—”

“Hazel,” Jason said. “Leo is raising a fair point. I remember Nico from Camp Jupiter. Now I find out he also visited Camp Half-Blood. That does strike me as… well, a little shady. Do we really know where his loyalties lie? We just have to be careful.” (Mark of Athena page 125)

How interesting that they’re the ones making comments about leaving Nico…

Next of course I’ve heard the wonder bread brought up? And I had to key word search wonder bread in the books to figure out what that was about and it appears to be a single thought Percy had while they were trying to rescue Nico.

Nico started to crawl away, groaning. Percy wanted him to move faster and to groan less. He considered throwing his Wonder bread at him. (Mark of Athena page 357)

Percy did not actually throw the bread for anyone wondering, and I hardly see how the panicking thought of trying to get them all out of there and keep Nico from being noticed by the people he was escaping from is even something for you to hold against him.

Finally the thing I hear the most, Percy calling Nico creepy and spreading rumors.

Creepy is used in MoA 5 times, in HoH 2 times, and BoO 8 times.

In MoA it’s used by Percy once, and that time is describing Persephone’s garden, not Nico. This comment is also only made in his thoughts, not outloud.

Funnily enough Leo does mentally refer to Nico as creepy in MoA

Nico and Hazel shared a look, maybe comparing notes on their Hades/Pluto death radar. Leo shivered. Hazel had never seemed like a child of the Underworld to him, but Nico di Angelo—that guy was creepy. (Mark of Athena page 396)

In HoH it is used once by Jason in regards to Nico, not at all by Percy.

Nico gave him a thin, creepy smile. ‘Ah … that legend.’ (House of Hades page 164)

In BoO it’s actually used by Nico about himself.

By now, Will Solace realized just how creepy and revolting Nico di Angelo was. Of course, Nico didn’t care what he thought. But still …  (Blood of Olympus page 317)

And once by Reyna about Nico

Reyna had stitched up the gashes on his biceps, which gave Nico a slightly creepy Frankenstein look, but the cuts were still swollen and red. (Blood of Olympus page 140)

So uh, no Percy did not call Nico creepy. And I have found no evidence of Percy spreading rumors so like with the threats, feel free to find me quotes proving that claim.

Concluding all of this I will point out that prior to book 5 (TLO) Percy was doing everything in his power to find Nico and protect him. After book 5 Percy only had one physical altercation with him (when he was half asleep and right after the betrayal occurred) and otherwise did not hold it against him beyond having his trust broken. As time went on we know from Percy’s thoughts that he doesn’t trust Nico, but he makes no comments saying such and agrees to help rescue him and does everything he can to do so.

Their conflicts are understandable due to their history. Percy’s feelings on Nico are complicated but understandable and he has not let it interfere with their jobs, if anything it interfered in a negative way making them risk the quest to save Nico (though Nico was a key figure needed to succeed in the end).

Overall I don’t know where these claims come from beyond people wanting to find issues with Percy (to the point they make stuff up).

The Hunger Games has the FUNNIEST arranged marriage of all time btw. Katniss realizes she'll have to marry Peeta and she's obviously upset so Haymitch tries to comfort her by saying "you could do a lot worse" and Katniss is like "well DUH of course I could do worse than Peeta he's the best & handsomest person on the face of the planet but that's not the POINT I want to be able to choose for MYSELF". Then she goes and chooses Peeta anyway lol. Comedy gold I tell you