Seven Years After The Break-up.

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

I know post House of Hades that we the readers know that Nico's motivation for helping Percy in The Last Olympian is because he had a crush, but I think it's a little shallow to just leave it at that.

Percy was one of the only other children of the Big Three. He knows what it's like to be avoided out of fear, although not to the same degree as Nico. He's one of the few other people to share that experience of not supposed to be alive.

Also, Nico knew that Percy chose to take the prophecy and make it about him. He resisted Hades's suggestion to keep Percy locked in the Underworld so Nico could be the hero. There's a lot more going on than a crush.

Despite the misunderstandings between them, Percy shouldered the prophecy to protect Nico. And Nico helped him as much as he could, because they were the ones being targeted. No other demigods felt the weight of the prophecy like they did.

I think it's also something to think about with Jason in the equation. Did he know that Percy took that burden on himself? That he took a hit for the team? Did he know that Percy protected him?

To take it even further, would Thalia have opted out if she knew Jason was alive? She wanted to escape the prophecy and kind of dumped it on Percy. Would she have done the same if she knew there was a chance Jason would suffer for it?

The dynamics between the kids of the Big Three are so intriguing and I feel like they don't get explored enough.

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

Hi, how are you? Just in time, huh? I'm trying not to split up the story too much. So, I hope it's acceptable. Feedback is always good.

Enjoy it!

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

"Are you ready? I didn't tell you we were coming." Percy took his hand and pulled him out of the car.

Nico couldn't believe he was back in the house where his best memories were made. This was the house of his childhood, the place where he had discovered that love and affection were still possible after his mother death. It was the place where Nico had discovered that love could come in many shapes and sizes and be expressed in simple or complicated ways.

"Maybe we should come back later?”

"She'll be happy to see you.”

"Are you sure?”

"Nico, this is your home too. It always will be.”

Nico had to take a deep breath, stopping in front of the front door. He felt so guilty! Percy wasn't the only person he had left behind. Sally had also been one of them. His second mother, the person he could tell everything after Percy, always offering him a tight hug and an open kitchen.

"Percy, I--”

"Shhh." Percy held his hand, smiled at him and finally pushed open the door of the house, leading him inside. "Mom! We're here!”

It didn't take long. Soon they could both hear the sound of heels on the white granite floor, and appearing from one of the doors that Nico knew to be in the kitchen, Sally came almost running and with so much energy that for a moment Nico saw himself in the past, the first time he had come through that same door, seeing the simple but elegant decor. Cream-colored sofas, almost white blue walls, puffs and blankets scattered around the room and a large television. The smell was the same, the same fragrance of freshly made food, sweet and sour, making him smile immediately.

"Nico, my son." That was all he heard before Sally's attack came, thin, strong arms encircled him and long, dark brown hair fell over him, Sally's perfume was still the same.

"Gods, look how much you've grown! And those cheeks, hm? So pretty.”

"Mom!”

"Percy, look at him. Have you sorted yourselves out? I hope so! You've been gone for three days! That's the least I can hope for.”

"Sally." Nico finally said, smiling, and leaned towards her, receiving another hug from Sally with pleasure.

"I can't believe I'm getting my assistant back! Our menu has suffered with you gone. How about we discuss it tomorrow? Are you staying with us today? What a question! Of course you are.”

Sally took his hand, pulling him towards the kitchen and Nico looked back, seeing Percy shrug. He knew it would take time for Sally to grow tired of him now. And as the saying goes, "like mother, like son", or something like that. And since there was no point in fighting with any of the Jacksons, Nico let himself be carried away by Sally, not that he minded; it was always fun to spend a few hours in Sally Jackson's company, delicious food, relaxed conversation and a friendly shoulder to vent on.

***

It had been a long time since Percy had walked the streets of his neighborhood. They weren't what they used to be, from quiet and humble to full of tall buildings and noisy cars due to the subway line located a few blocks from his house. The good thing about all this was that now there was a store or a market, or even a shopping center, on practically every corner. Which was exactly what he was looking for. Walking nonchalantly, Percy went straight to a stationery store and soon found what he was searching for, a dark leather journal with a delicate and beautiful appearance, just like Nico. 

He paid for it, walked around the mall and found himself standing in front of a familiar Jewelry store, remembering going into that place years ago and buying something special, but never going through with his plan. Now, a few hours later, he was on his way home. Imagine his surprise when his mother's helpers came in with bags after bags of food and pots and pans. Percy wasn't even surprised anymore. In fact, it was a familiar sight, but one he hadn't seen since Nico had left, the house full and the scent of sweets and snacks permeating the air.

Well, it looked like his present would have to wait.

Without being seen, he went to his room, left the bag on the bed and opened the first drawer of the dresser, finding the rings he had bought. Could this be the moment he had been waiting for? After all, they had already made it clear that they loved each other, so why not take the next step? He had learned that the best thing to do was never to assume anything, and if he didn't speak up, how would Nico know? Percy couldn't wait to see Nico's reaction.

So, exchanging the rings for the diary, he took the box with the rings and put the diary in the drawer, feeling confident. Percy left the bedroom and headed towards the kitchen, almost running into a girl wearing an apron from his mother's restaurant. She apologized and hurried out of the house, without the usual flattery. He hoped this one would last longer than the others. It wasn't that his mother was a bad boss, the problem was that most people didn't have the same enthusiasm as she or Nico had when it came to cooking.

Percy finally entered the kitchen and was faced with a full feast. He saw roasted, fried and boiled meats, grains and pasta of all kinds, not to mention sweets and salty foods that weren't all that healthy.

“Are we having a gala dinner or what?" He had to ask as soon as he entered the kitchen. It was kind of funny. Sally and Nico were there, along with several helpers, covered in flour and other things Percy couldn't identify, all wearing identical aprons and moving around in such an organized way that they looked like worker ants.

"You're right, darling!" His mother exclaimed. She wiped her hand on a towel, as energetic as he'd seen her in a long time, or at least not at this "child who ate too much sugar" level, and hugged him tightly, before walking back into the kitchen to check the oven and make sure everything was in order. "Call your friends! Call your friends' friends. No, better yet, call your friends' parents too.”

Percy wasn't sure about that. Did he even still has that many friends left? Percy shrugged, about to do what his mother had asked when Nico appeared in front of him, trying to find a place to put some sort of whitish cake on the table.

"I will help you.”

Percy moved some things around and finally found a space, taking the dish from Nico's hands and placing it on the counter.

"Here's my baby. Where have you been?”

"I'm not your baby.”

“ You are not?”

Was now a good time? No matter how Nico was dressed, in his school uniform or in his tight pants, and even now with flour from head to toe, Nico would always be the prettiest and cutest thing Percy would ever see, especially when he tried not to be embarrassed by this public display of affection.

Percy put his hand in his pocket, touched the box and watched for a moment, seeing Nico lower his head, his black hair protected by a hairnet, allowing him to see the blush spreading strongly across his dark face and down his long, elegant neck. Percy didn't hold back, he grabbed the back of Nico's neck and pulled him close, kissed him slowly and longingly, and only stopped when he heard a moan and the sudden silence that followed; the murmurs around them stopped and so did the sound of banging pots and pans.

"Per," Nico whispered in an almost non-existent voice and grabbed his arm, his face now on fire. So shy and so sweet, Percy could feel the sugar on Nico's tongue and the sweetness in his gentle touch. 

But just when he thought Nico would pull away, as he often had in the past, Nico just stood there, clinging to his arm, looking at him without knowing what to do. Maybe this wasn't the right moment, because if Nico had reacted like this to just one kiss, caught off guard and all anxious, what would Nico do if he got down on one knee in the middle of the kitchen? 

Unfortunately, when something like that used to happen, Nico wouldn’t know what to do. He would freeze from head to toe, and as if he had no script for this kind of situation, Nico rather do nothing for fear of making a mistake.

"Beautiful. Give me a hug, hm?”

Nico blinked slowly and bit his lips, looking unsure. In the end, Nico did as Percy asked. He put his arms around Percy's waist and hugged him tightly for a long moment, hiding his face against his neck, Percy hugged him back and stroked Nico's long hair, comforting him.

"Right.” Percy raised his head and, still hugging Nico, looked around at each of his mother's helpers, which had the desired effect.

Everyone began to move as one and the atmosphere returned to normal. He thought about apologizing to Nico, but the thought of Nico understanding that kissing him in front of other people was wrong made his stomach churn. Nico was a very perceptive being, and if he understood that he was doing something wrong, Nico would never do it again, like the time they were talking to some people, Nico laughed too loudly and someone scolded him, after that, it took him months to see Nico smiling in public.

"What you got for me?”

"Have you ever had Japanese cake?" Nico seemed relieved by the change of subject and let go of his waist. He took Percy's hand and led him to a light, spongy cake, unlike anything he had ever eaten.

Nico cut off a piece and put it on a plate for him. As soon as he took a bite, the cake melted on his tongue, something so delicious that Percy couldn't explain it, so he just moaned, closing his eyes in pleasure.

"That good?”

"Everything my baby does is exemplary.”

"Thank you.”

Percy stopped eating and paid attention to Nico. In fact, he stopped and watched him. Nico looked happy and content in his apron and flour-stained clothes. He looked like a little chef, proud of a job well done.

"I saw it in a restaurant in Verona and wanted to try it.”

"Beautiful.”

"You should study cooking." This time it was Sally who spoke, finishing a chocolate tart and watching them discreetly. She approached them and put one of her hands on Nico's shoulders. "Have you thought about it?”

***

"You should study cooking. Have you thought about it?”

Nico blinked slowly, trying to concentrate on anything other than the way Percy was looking at him, who almost missed the moment when Sally approached the corner where they were standing.

"Hm?”

"Have you decided on your graduation course?”

"Ah." Nico glanced at Percy out of the corner of his eye, but focused on Sally. "I don't know. Hades wants me to do administration.”

"Why not something you're talented at? Like music or cooking? Arts?”

"I... I'd like that very much. I don't know if Hades would allow it.”

"You know, the other day this nice, polite man brought his family over for dinner. He said that the place where he works has an excellent cooking course." Nico took a good look at Sally, trying to figure out what that meant. "Why don't you do a double degree? I have his contact if you're interested.”

"It's also close to home." Percy added.

Nico stopped everything and leaned on the edge of the bench, trying not to get his hopes up.

"I couldn't.”

"Darling, you don't have to worry about the details. Have a look, will you? I'll take care of everything.”

"No, Sally. You don't have to... I never--”

"It’s okay, darling. Money is not a problem." Then Sally smiled at him all radiant and caught him off guard once again, hugging him tightly. "No matter what you choose. We'll support you, now and always.”

"Oh." It was all that escaped his throat, a choked, muffled sound against Sally's shoulder. His vision blurred, and his throat tightened, but his heart beat strongly, a delicious warmth heating his chest as Percy's hands touched his shoulders, embracing him and Sally at once.

"Mom is right. We'll support you no matter what, even if I have to go to Italy with you.”

"Did you plan this? To surprise me and not let me think about it?”

"Nico, of course not, silly!" Sally exclaimed energetically and grabbed his shoulders, her big light brown eyes hitting him right in the middle of the chest. "Percy did some vocational and aptitude tests last year and since then we've been looking for the best options. You have to do them too, they're pretty accurate. Does next week sound good? Ah, we have so much to do!”

And so, as if talking about his future was something ordinary, Sally  continued again, mixing something in a large glass pot with a spatula.

"That's right, then. College decided. Will we have a wedding?”

"Wedding?”

"Of course! The sooner we set the date, the better! What about a house? You'll be near us, right? And... Percy didn’t talk to you yet?”

Nico didn't know if he was ready for such a big step, he didn't even know if he could finish high school without self-destructing himself, let alone… marriage.

"Mom!" Percy grumbled. "She's joking. Don't listen to what she says.”

It was Percy who said it, but his gaze was intense on him, thoughtful and analytical. And... maybe... maybe Sally wasn't joking,  if it were for the disappointed expression on Percy's face.

"Since when have you been planning these things? “

"Since…”

"Since when?”

"Ever since I realized that waking up next to you was the best part of my day.”

Nico thought there was something strange in his eyes, they wouldn't stop watering. It must have been sinusitis. Yes, that was it. Maybe an allergy.

"Aren't you going to say anything?" Percy insisted, and suddenly the world disappeared and only the two of them mattered; the sound of banging pots and whispers disappeared, even the hurried murmurs around them vanished.

"What was I supposed to say? Are you asking me to marry you?”

This was the best and worst moment of his life. Percy smiled at him and reached into his pocket, pulling out a delicate velvet box. And then, the worst came, Percy knelt down on the floor full of flour and sugar, and opened the box, showing him that inside were two identical gold-plated rings with a small diamond in the center, one large and the other smaller, with delicate engravings around the rings, the rings so delicate that Nico was afraid to touch them.

"You can't be serious!”

"I bought them before you ran away to Italy. I wish I'd told you sooner. I was afraid it would drive you away again.”

And without asking permission, Percy took hia hand and slid the smallest of the rings onto the ring finger of Nico’s right hand.

"This ring is proof of my commitment and fidelity to you. It's my promise to always be by your side and to always give you whatever you need and want. No matter what or where.”

"Percy, stop it! Right now! You don't want this." Nico pulled away from Percy's hands and tried to take the ring off, feeling anxious, but he couldn't get it off. Something inside him stopped Nico.

"Of course I want it. I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you." Percy kept smiling and remained kneeling, as if paying for his sins in a prayer of love.

Percy crawled on his knees until he was close enough to touch again and offered Nico the box, saying: "It's your turn to put it on me. Will you marry me?”

"Gods!" Nico whimpered, that tightness in his heart and warmth in his chest spreading like hellish flames through his veins. "You'll regret this. You'll regret it so much. Then, don't blame me for what happens.”

"I take full responsibility.”

Sniffling, Nico knelt down too and did the same as Percy, placing the ring on the ring finger of Percy's right hand and observing their hands together. Not even in his wildest dreams could Nico have imagined something like this.

"Satisfied now?”

"And my kiss, hm?”

Still feeling anxious and shaky, Nico jumped into Percy's lap and kissed him with everything he had, being greeted by the strong embrace of the person Nico loved most in the whole world.

Source

Be mean to your characters.

What do they take for granted? Take it away from them.

The one thing they know for certain? Make them doubt it.

Their worst fear? Throw it at their faces.

Make their plans fail. Make them cry. Make them question things and then learn about them and the way they react in the process.

Be mean to your character. Then be kind to them for a while, because after all that they may deserve it.

Thats the weirdest erotic sentence i’ve read all month

In the meadow 💐🌷🌸🐈‍⬛

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

Hi, how are you? This will be the last chapter of the year, we'll be back on January 6th, although we'll still have posts on writing tips in Portuguese this week (because there are plenty in English) and another post on the creative prompt.

I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Previous chapters: CHAPTER I / CHAPTER II / CHAPTER III / CHAPTER IV / CHAPTER V / CHAPTER VI / CHAPTER VII / CHAPTER VIII / CHAPTER IX / CHAPTER X / CHAPTER XI / CHAPTER XII / CHAPTER XIII / CHAPTER XIV / CHAPTER XV / CHAPTER XVI / CHAPTER XVII / CHAPTER XVIII / CHAPTER XIX / CHAPTER XX / CHAPTER XXI / CHAPTER XXII / CHAPTER XXIII / CHAPTER XXIV / CHAPTER XXV /CHAPTER XXVI

Percy slowly moved away from the bed and walked towards the wardrobe. He still couldn't believe what he had done. Nico wasn't like Luke, or like any other boy, where Percy would have some fun and then leave, without caring about the consequences. No, with Nico, extra care was necessary, he needed time and attention, to be treated in the right way and at the right pace so that in his haste, Percy wouldn't ruin everything. That was why he couldn't let himself get carried away like that, having more fun than he should with Nico's reaction and discomfort, watching Nico get more excited with each passing moment without even knowing what he was doing.

Did Nico realize how easily he could enter that state of submission? His pupils dilated, his face flushed, and even his posture changed, bowing slightly, the mood changing drastically as Nico transformed into that completely obedient and sweet being, something even the other people around him noticed. The worst? Percy transformed with him, bringing out his worst side.

Thankfully, all of this has been put on hold for the time being. Percy made sure to keep those memories inside the box Apollo had given him, along with the collar and the other objects. In the meantime, he kept the box on top of the desk next to the bed, out of sight but close enough if they decided to take it a step further than they were both comfortable at the moment.

"Per?" It was Nico who called him, the only one who used that nickname or said his name so sweetly.

Nico was sitting on the bed, fingering his necklace with the same hand that held his engagement ring. He had that same lost look and flushed face, even though they had just showered and gotten dressed for school. Percy decided to ignore the urge to pin Nico against the bed and give them what they both wanted, and just smiled, content to watch Nico.

"What's wrong, baby?”

"We... is everything okay?”

"Of course it is.”

"So why haven't you touched me since... since the collar?”

Percy stopped and thought, “Hm. That was true.” It hadn’t been a conscious thing or to punish Nico. Percy just thought it would be good to have a few moments to breathe a little.

"Don't worry, hmm ? Give me a kiss.”

Percy walked back to the bed and knelt between Nico's legs, getting to his height, and kissed him. Something sweet and soft. Percy didn't intend to turn the kiss into anything more than a passing caress. The problem was Nico and his sweet moans, the way he parted his lips and gasped, wrapping his legs around Percy’s wais, pulling him up, inviting him to lie on top of Nico. When Percy saw it, he had grabbed Nico by the hair and rubbed his tongue against Nico's, swallowing his moans.

Moving away from Nico was like surfacing after long hours of swimming, he felt like he could go on for a while longer, but that it wouldn't be good for him if he tried it. So he pulled his lips away from Nico's, took a deep breath and slowly moved his head away. He propped one knee on the edge of the bed and inhaled, forcing his heart to beat at a normal pace. And Nico? He was lying down, sprawled in the middle of the sheets, breathing just as deeply as he was, but completely happy and content to stay exactly where he was, blinking slowly as he watched Percy walk away.

It seems like he would have to be the adult there.

Percy practically threw himself out of bed, then grabbed Nico's shoes and put them on Nico's feet, tying the laces. He got up, went to the wardrobe and grabbed their jackets. He helped Nico sit on the bed and finally put one of them on Nico who just raised his arms, allowing himself to be dressed.

If he could, Percy would stay home today and make sure Nico stayed in his happy, content bubble of pleasure. That is, if it weren't for the exams coming up. They had studied too hard to let everything be ruined now.

"You didn't have to do that." Nico said, his face heating up, seeming to come back to reality.

Percy just looked at him and smiled, picking up their bags from the floor, Nico's guitar, and took Nico's hand that was now reluctantly dragging itself across the carpet, Percy guiding him out of the room towards the exit door.

***

Percy sat down on the bench and closed his eyes for a moment. Preparation for finals was starting and the teachers were determined to make his life miserable. Seven papers, surprise tests and group presentations, everything he didn't need right now. If he could just have a moment to catch his breath he was sure that—

"... cy ? Percy!”

"Hm?”

"You didn't listen to anything I said!”

Percy tried not to roll his eyes, but it seemed to be in vain. Luke was trying to say something that must be very important, Percy was sure. Something about the team, or probably about graduation. In fact, in his absence, Luke was proving to be a great leader, a good friend and someone he could trust even if the jealousy always got the better of him.

"I know you're busy with Nico and the future of your perfect life. But can you pay attention to me?”

Percy smiled at Luke and hugged him around the neck, reminding him of the thousands of nights where loneliness made him seek refuge in those same arms, but that no matter how hard Luke tried, it would never be enough for Percy. The reality is that beneath the flirting and fun, Luke was just another person looking for a place to belong.

"You don't need me. You never did.”

"Percy! I'm serious.”

“Me too,” Percy said. He turned to Luke and cupped his face, admiring him in a way Percy rarely did. It was a shame he already loved Nico. Luke deserved someone who loved him as much as he loved Nico. “I’m quitting the team this week.”

"What? Why now? So close to graduation?”

"It's a surprise. I'm not going to go to college here.”

"You can't drop everything because of him!”

"I received a good offer in Italy.”

"Are you sure? You tried so hard.”

“You deserve it more than me.”

"Me? What do I have to do with this?" Luke pulled away, leaning back, and scratched his head, completely confused.

"You'll make a great captain.”

“I…” Luke stuttered and stopped talking, and Percy could see real emotion flash across Luke's face for the first time in a while. “You don’t have to quit the team. We need you if we want to win.”

"Hm. Maybe. If you insist.”

***

In the end, Percy was defeated by sheer exhaustion, he would be vice captain while Luke would take his place. The coach seemed proud of them for some reason, and nothing really seemed to change, even though he didn't go to all the practices anymore. Without the practices, Percy had more time to talk to his mother and plan the next steps, like college and marriage. A house. But without Nico realizing that something very drastic was happening.

"Come to the next training practice.”

"Do I really need to?" Percy said to Luke and then turned to Grover who was beside him, hugging Juniper. Grover shrugged and Juniper smiled, the cheerleader just hugged Grover tighter and rested her head on his shoulder.

"The first game is in eight days. Please.”

"Just because you asked nicely.”

Percy ruffled Luke's hair, and Luke stood up, taking his bag and the clipboard with him. He watched Luke march out of the courtyard and saw Nico appear shortly after with his bag and guitar slung over his shoulder. An unusual sight. Nico would be at band practice at this time, getting ready for his performance at the prom, not here, looking like a puppy abandoned on the side of the road. Before Nico could disappear into the crowd of teenagers, Percy ran towards him, grabbing Nico by the shoulder, turning him towards himself.

“What happened?”

Percy could tell immediately that something was wrong. He touched Nico's face and turned it towards him, moving it in different angles. He felt around Nico's neck and ran his fingers down Nico's shoulders, finding nothing wrong. That is, until Nico looked at him through his eyelashes and blinked slowly in his direction.

"Nothing happened. Today's practice was canceled. The teacher was absent. Everyone was going out to eat... I rather stay here.”

"What happened on the way here?”

"It was nothing, I swear.”

Percy thought about continuing with his questions, but then he remembered his promise not to question Nico's actions. He would trust his baby.

"Do you want to rest a little or do you want to go home?”

He knew it wasn't fair, testing how dependent Nico really was on him. Imagine his relief when he saw Nico stop and think for a few seconds, his eyebrows furrowing and a pout of concentration appearing on his lips. Nico was taking a huge weight off Percy's shoulders without even knowing it; not because it was hard for Percy to keep deciding everything for the two of them, but because, this way, Percy knew he wasn't hurting Nico in any way or deepening any kind of trauma.

"Can we rest a little and then study?”

Percy groaned, already regretting asking. Nico could deny it, but he loved torturing him with endless study sessions. Percy was sure of it.

"Seriously? Is that all you think about?”

All Nico did was laugh, all delicate, and hold onto the strap of his backpack, acting cute and innocent.

"What's the problem? It'll be good for you. This way, we'll be training for college. "Nico continued smiling, using a very soft and gentle voice, and held his hands, making him forget the complaint that was about to come.

See? And then people called him manipulative and cold. That's because they never paid attention to what Nico did. Percy smiled back and took the backpack and guitar from Nico's shoulder, walking towards the benches in the open courtyard. He knew how much Nico liked to lie in the sunlight.

It was not a common sight, him sitting on the bench in the middle of the courtyard and Nico with his head in his lap. Nico had his eyes closed and was breathing calmly, while Percy massaged his hair, slowly and carefully, touching his small, soft ears, his long neck, the fragrant nape of his neck.

"Stop looking at me like that." Nico said with his eyes still closed, although Percy could feel his face between his hands slowly warming up.

"How am I looking at you?”

"Like I would run away.”

"That's not why I'm looking at you." Percy continued touching Nico's skin, running his fingers down Nico's neck, and stopping with his hand on the choker, finally leaning over Nico, kissing him softly on the leather. Percy raises his lips and finds that piece of skin, right behind Nico's ear, which makes the boy shiver from head to toe.

Of course this is the moment where Luke yells for them to find a room.

“Where did he come from?” Nico says, and something in his voice makes Percy stop and look at him, seeing Nico open his eyes softly. Percy could force himself to believe that nothing was wrong, but... it was so obvious. “I saw you hugging Luke.”

So, that was it.

"He's just a friend.”

"I don't like this." At this moment, Nico really looked at him and emphasized every word. "Just a friend? Just like he was when I was in Italy, is that it?”

"Wow." Percy was speechless. It was kind of funny, even if deep down Nico was right. Any friend could have become more when Nico was on the other side of the world and Percy was there, alone and lonely.

"Wasn't that what you did?”

“You’re right,” Percy said, trying to calm his fussy baby. “I didn’t know this was a problem.”

"You didn't act any different than me when I told you about my ex-boyfriend.”

Hm. That was true. As always, Nico was right.

Percy thought about justifying himself and saying that they were angry for different reasons. He didn't understand why Nico had to go looking for sex on the other side of the world and Nico didn't like that Percy had tried to replace him with the first person who appeared.

"I'm so sorry, baby. I swear that's in the past. I promise it won't happen again.”

“Have you had sex with other people or touching your “friends” is something usual?”

This time, Percy couldn't hold it in. He threw his head back and laughed. Gods! He missed Nico so much, the senseless jealousy and obsession they both had for each other. Even though he understood it was wrong, it was like coming home after a long, tiring day.

"Both. I won't do either without your consent.”

Then the cutest thing happened. Like the baby that Nico was, he pouted and puffed out his cheeks, showing his displeasure, and then he turned to the side, hiding his face in Percy’s belly.

"Sometimes I hate you. I hate this feeling that eats away inside of me. I want you all to myself. I know you do these things on purpose!" Nico raised his voice and sank even deeper into his lap, rubbing himself against Percy a little too much.

Now, who was doing what they shouldn't have done on purpose?

"Baby, I swear. I didn't do this--”

"Percy, it's been a while.”

Damn! Did she have to show up right now?

For a moment the voices around the courtyard seemed to fall silent, and there was a strange silence, as if the other people had frozen in place to listen better and see what would happen. Even Nico seemed to stop breathing, tensing in his arms and turning his back to Annabeth . And just when he said he wouldn't do those things...

"Per-cy!”

"You don't need to shout, everyone can hear you." He murmured, trying to ease the situation.

"When are you going to get tickets to the dance?”

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

"Don't you remember? You promised.”

"Only in your dreams.”

Percy couldn't help but look down and see that Nico was already staring at him, furious, a look so determined that he knew he would have to make amends. He barely realized that he was still holding Nico's hair and necklace, still with his fingers on Nico's skin, possessive and protective. The biggest surprise came next, Nico grabbed his hands and pulled them away from him, struggling to get up, trying to run away from him once again.

That was enough for Percy to spring into action. Percy pushed Nico back, and turned him around, making him sit on his lap, once again with his back to Annabeth .

"Where do you think you're going, hm?”

"I thought you wanted to talk to your friends.”

Oh, so much hurt, so much jealousy, so bitter. Would he be a horrible person just for knowing that Nico cared so much, even if it was through such bad emotions?

“Baby?”

“What is it?!”

Percy lifted Nico's head, who refused to look at him, and got closer to his ear, so that only Nico could hear:

"I love you. Only you and no one else.”

"Liar!”

"I would never spoil anyone the way I spoil you. I would never indulge your every whim or allow myself to be so vulnerable if I didn't love you. You know what else I would never do?”

"What?" This time, Nico's voice came out much lower, almost a whisper.

"I would never fuck you like I do to you. I would never accept submission from anyone other than you. Why would I choose anyone else when the most perfect, obedient thing is right in front of me. Hm? Answer me.”

Nico pulled back just enough to look at him, his face and ears now on fire. His attitude completely different than it had been five minutes ago.

"I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say those things. I just…”

"I should punish you. I should show you what naughty boys deserve.”

The moment would have been comical if Percy hadn't been so turned on, and apparently, Nico was too; he could feel the small bulge against his lower belly, and the way Nico moaned and held onto his shoulders would have told him what was going on anyway.

"Now, how are you going to apologize?”

"Apologize?" Nico looked confused, but even so, he moved closer to him, pressing their bodies together and hugging him by the neck.

Nico only needed a little push and their lips were connecting. Their tongues soon met and a breathy moan followed. Unfortunately, Percy couldn't let things go too far, after all they were still in public, and his baby was too good for those predatory eyes, looking for the next gossip.

Percy grabbed Nico by the back of his neck and pulled their mouths apart, watching Nico gasp as if they had done much more than just share a quick kiss. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to leave Nico without sex for too long.

"How about we go home, hm? Take a relaxing bath? I promise we'll study as much as you want tomorrow.”

Nico just nodded, blinking slowly. He helped Nico pick up his bags, and when he stood up, Annabeth was still standing in the middle of the path, closer than Percy would have liked her to be. Well, that didn't matter. As long as Annabeth didn't intrude on his life, she could do whatever she wanted, even if it meant watching him like a hawk.

tony stark would do everything in his power to please peter parker, and if i say everything, i meant everything.

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!