I Think Some People (myself Included) Think That 100k Is Short Because We Are Used To Reading Fic Of

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.

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

Oii, como vai? Capítulo na hora prometida. Nesse capitulo vamos entender mais um pouco sobre a relação deles. Devagar vai chegar lá, e desde já obrigada pela presença e apoio^^

Capítulos anteriores: CAPÍTULO I / CAPÍTULO II

O sinal bateu bem na hora em que Nico bocejou, levando a mão à boca. 

— Você quer ir pra casa? — Percy perguntou, parando de escrever na folha de questões sobre física, momentaneamente, parecendo pensar seriamente sobre alguma coisa para voltar a escrever apressadamente, sem desviar sua atenção da tarefa, tudo isso enquanto segurava em uma de suas mãos, como se Nico fosse sair correndo no caso de Percy não estar lá para impedi-lo. Era quase engraçado, eles sentados em uma roda de seis ou sete pessoas no chão da biblioteca enquanto ele observava Percy fazer todo o trabalho pesado.

Ele queria dizer para Percy que não estava cansado, que era só o fuso horário. Mesmo que ele tenha chegado há dois ou três dias, ainda não tinha se acostumado e mal tinha conseguido dormir nas noites anteriores, sem mencionar o clima que era bem mais ameno do que na Itália, o clima frio o fazendo ficar com sono facilmente. O problema era que Percy disse que seriam dez minutos que viraram trinta e agora, uma hora e meia depois, sentado no meio dos colegas de classe, eles resolviam as questões que o professor tinha entregado, valendo nota. Ele sabia que devia estar ajudando Percy com a tarefa, igual os outros estavam fazendo, trabalhando em pares, mas como Percy parecia feliz em escrever sozinho, Nico deixou que Percy se divertisse, observando a expressão séria e concentrada no rosto do amigo, que enfim, levantou o rosto e o encarou, sorrindo, como se apenas naquele momento tivesse lembrado da presença de Nico.

— Desculpa. Eu sempre acabo fazendo essas coisas sozinho. Não tenho paciência para ficar enrolando.

Percy estava certo. As pessoas ao redor estavam escrevendo, mas elas também conversavam em voz baixa, discretas, porém óbvias.

— Eu prometi. Vamos.

— Você pode terminar, eu não me importo.

— Eu terminei.

Percy estava certo mais uma vez, Nico espiou a folha no colo de Percy e viu que todas as questões estavam preenchidas com respostas completas.

— Você quer levar para casa e estudar?

— Não, não precisa.

Então, ele estava se levantando, Percy atrás dele, o apoiando pelas costas e guardando a folha dentro da bolsa. Ninguém pareceu vê-los sair, apenas a bibliotecária os cumprimentou na saída e finalmente eles estavam livres, o sol de fim de tarde ainda brilhava, trazendo um pouco da umidade e calor que ele tanto sentia falta. Contente, Nico deu alguns passos para fora dos corredores, indo em direção ao pátio descoberto e fechou os olhos, deixando que os raios de sol o esquentassem suavemente. É claro que logo Percy estava a seu lado, segurando sua mão, como sempre havia sido. A presença de Percy sempre acalentadora, ele até podia sentir o olhar do amigo sobre ele.

— O que foi? — Ele teve que perguntar, ainda de olhos fechados.

— Eu te mantive em cárcere privado, não foi?

— Não seja ridículo. — Nico quase revirou os olhos de impaciência, querendo sair logo dali, se contentando em passar mais alguns minutos sobre o sol.

— Não fica bravo comigo.

— Não estou bravo. — Ele quase não deu importância ao que Percy falava, Nico conseguia sentir o tom brincalhão retornando com força. Porque, no fim, o que Percy queria era atenção.

— Hmm, não. Isso não pode ficar assim.

Nico abriu os olhos e viu que sem perceber, já estavam no estacionamento do colégio. Esse tinha sido seu maior erro, porque enquanto ele estava distraído com o céu limpo e o clima agradável, perdeu o momento em que Percy o encurralou contra a parede do estacionamento e levantou as próprias mãos e… e as enfiou contra sua barriga e abdome, começando uma guerra de cócegas. Ele não se lembrava da última vez que alguém tinha tido a coragem de fazer aquilo com ele. De fato, Percy tinha sido o último, dois anos atrás, antes dele viajar para longe. Naquela época quando Nico ficava quieto por muito tempo essa era a tática favorita que Percy tinha para fazê-lo falar ou reagir; ele tinha que admitir, não sentia saudade dessa tortura humilhante, mas o contato era bem-vindo. Contraditório, não? Parecia que qualquer coisa que Percy fizesse naquele momento seria recebido de boa vontade.

— Percy Jackson! — Ele guinchou e se desenrolou das mãos de Percy, correndo para longe daqueles longos dedos incansáveis. É claro que ele não teria paz! Percy veio correndo atrás dele, gargalhando feito um maníaco e com pernas medindo o dobro das suas, Percy em meros minutos o alcançou, o segurando pela cintura.

— Ni-coo… — E tudo bem, agora que ele analisava as coisas… eles não tinham as brincadeiras mais inocentes, porque a forma que Percy o segurava apertado, costas contra peito e boca bem perto de seu ouvido… era exatamente como as coisas costumavam acontecer no passado.

— Eu te perdoo! Te perdoo.

— De verdade? Você não está falando isso para depois se vingar de mim de formas lentas e cruéis?

— Eu nunca faria isso!

— Mentiroso. — Percy disse na mesma forma doce e baixinha contra sua pele, parecendo que não iria soltá-lo tão cedo.

— Percy! A gente não é mais criança!

— Não é mesmo. — Percy voltou a murmurar e deu uma risadinha seca que fez os cabelos em sua nuca se arrepiarem. Isso é, antes de Percy o virar de frente e se aproximar mais ainda dele, encostando sua testa a dele. E talvez, esse gesto seria algo comum quando eles estavam longe de olhares curiosos, debaixo das cobertas, nas milhares de vezes que ele dormia na casa de Percy já que apenas as empregadas e Bianca estariam o esperando em casa. Quando eles eram pequenos parecia algo afetuoso e inocente, mas agora… bem… ainda parecia afetuoso. — Você quer jantar? O restaurante ainda está aberto.

Mas como ele podia pensar em comida quando eles estavam tão próximos, respirando o ar do outro? Quando as mãos de Percy estavam em sua cintura e em seus cabelos, não permitindo que ele desviasse o olhar? Quando ele o abraçava de volta? Seus corpos prensados juntos e mesmo através das roupas ele podia sentir o calor de Percy.

— Nico… Niccolas… — Por que Percy tinha que sussurrar seu nome daquele jeito? Porque ele tinha que tocá-lo daquele jeito? Tão forte e firme, como se temesse que ele fosse desaparecer a qualquer momento. Ele… ele não sabia se estava pronto.

Tão perto agora… a cabeça de Percy veio em direção a sua e… e… e ele deixou o ar sair, fechando os olhos.

— Comida. Comida é uma boa ideia. Certo? — Ele engoliu em seco por um momento, mas quando Percy não fez nada além continuar o abraçando sem se aproximar mais, Nico abriu os olhos, vendo seus olhos intensos sobre ele, queimando feito labaredas.

— Você está com medo de mim. — Tinha sido uma afirmação, a luz nos olhos de Percy parecendo sumir junto com seu sorriso brincalhão.

— Não… eu não… eu só… não estou pronto?

— É isso mesmo? Ou é outra coisa? Eu não quero ser uma dessas pessoas…

Ele entendia o que Percy queria dizer. Percy nunca faria algo para abusar de sua confiança mesmo que tentasse. Ele confiava em Percy, era em si mesmo que Nico não confiava. Se ele já estava assim em menos de vinte e quatro horas perto de Percy, o que aconteceria se ele se deixasse levar? Temia que… que a obsessão retornaria ainda mais intensa do que antes.

— A gente pode ir devagar? — Nico enfim conseguiu cuspir para fora, se sentindo estremecer.

— É claro. Tudo o que você quiser. — E Percy parecia falar sério. Percy o observou por mais uns momentos, como se decidisse algo importante e deu um passo para trás, apenas o suficiente para segurar em sua cintura e o guiar até o carro que estava parado perto da saída do estacionamento.

Percy abriu a porta para ele, pegou ambas suas mochilas e as colocou no banco de trás, dando a volta rapidamente para se sentar a seu lado, parecendo ansioso. Não era aquela ansiedade do tipo de quem estava bravo ou irritado, era mais… alguém cheio de energia e que não sabia o que fazer com isso. Restou a Nico relaxar contra o assento do carro e encostar a cabeça no apoio, quem sabe quando eles chegassem no restaurante a tensão que ele sentia teria se dissipado.

***  

— O que você acha?

Era um lugar bem aconchegante e acolhedor, a decoração era feita de forma simples e em confortáveis tons vermelhos, como algo que ele veria na casa de sua avó já falecida há alguns anos. Ele sentia vontade de sentar em uma das poltronas perto da recepção, fazer um chocolate quente e se sentar perto da lareira com um cobertor sobre seus ombros.

— Eu gostei.

— Tenho uma reserva. — Percy disse todo orgulhoso. Eram seis horas da tarde em ponto, o que significava que Percy tinha planejado tudo aquilo, matar tempo na escola para trazê-lo ali na hora certa.

— O que eu faço com você, hein?

— Que tal dizer “Obrigado, Percy. Você é tão atencioso”.

— É assim que você dá em cima das pessoas?

— Está funcionando?

Nico suspirou e aceitou a mão que Percy oferecia, o guiando em direção ao maitre. O lugar era específico demais. Provavelmente outras pessoas da idade deles não gostariam do lugar tanto quanto Nico tinha gostado. O pior era que ele não odiava nenhum pouco isso, Nico apreciava o esforço que Percy tinha feito para encontrar algo tão… tão a sua cara, como se tivesse encontrado um pedacinho da Itália apenas para que ele se sentisse melhor.

— Você não precisava.

— Eu quis que você se sentisse bem vindo. — Ele não precisava olhar para Percy para entender o que aquelas palavras realmente significavam, porque o que Percy realmente queria dizer era “Eu quero que você se sinta em casa para nunca mais precisar ir embora”. 

Ele não sabia desde quando tudo era tão óbvio. Cada palavra e cada gesto. Era como se eles estivessem dançando, como se soubessem cada passo e só estavam esperando a música acabar para enfim… certo. Ele, então, levantou a cabeça e encarou Percy que naquele momento parecia como o homem mais perfeito do mundo, aquele que Nico sempre havia sonhado em ter; gentil, compreensivo, bonito, bem vestido, tão alto e forte que ele sabia que nunca precisaria se preocupar em se defender. Mas Percy sempre tinha sido assim, o perfeito príncipe. No fim realmente era óbvio, não era? Esse era o motivo de seu problema. Não importava por quem ele procurasse, Nico sempre acabaria nesse mesmo lugar, buscando por Percy em todos os rostos. Talvez ele apenas devesse… parar de procurar em outros lugares.

— A gente pode ir pra casa se você quiser. — Percy disse a ele, agora parando a sua frente. Ele devia estar fazendo papel de bobo de novo, olhando para Percy sem dizer nada.

— Não, a gente pode comer. — Quando o sorriso voltou para o rosto de Percy, ele soube que tinha feito a escolha certa.

Eles seguiram o maitre pela fila de mesas até que subiram um par de escadas e então entraram em um salão que era maior que o andar de baixo, mas que estava mais vazio, cheio de mesas redondas e pequenas e outras com mais privacidade ao fundo do cômodo ao lado de grandes janelas que deixavam a luz do dia entrar, mas como a noite começava a cair, velas aromáticas já estavam acesas.

— Espero que os senhores aprovem os acentos? — Eles acenaram e logo lhes foi oferecido o menu.

A verdade é que Nico não estava interessado em comida, não era por isso que estavam ali. Ou era? Por isso tinha decidido, deixaria que Percy lhe dissesse.

— O que você quer comer? — Percy perguntou, mãos segurando o cardápio, mas seus olhos estavam sobre os dele, olhos que pareciam mais verdes do que nunca sobre a luz das velas naquele restaurante, a penumbra da noite deixando o ambiente ainda mais intimista e pessoal.

— Não sei, um vinho? Você escolhe.

Percy o encarou por um momento, parecendo refletir sobre a resposta e se aproximou mais um pouco, colocando o braço sobre seu ombro e desfazendo o resto da distância entre eles.

— Eu queria conversar sobre a gente.

— Eu sei disso.

— Eu só… preciso saber.

— Eu sei.

— São dez anos nisso. Eu preciso saber.

E Percy estava certo. Eles eram tão pequenos e inocentes naquela época, e depois… depois eles ainda eram pequenos, mas não tão inocentes até que… até que ele surtou e depois Percy surtou e ele foi embora sem avisar ninguém. Assim, do nada, e tão do nada quanto ele tinha partido, Percy tinha ligado para ele, tão diferente do que Nico conhecia e tão familiar ao mesmo tempo que o deixou confuso por um longo tempo. Ele se lembrava que durante longos meses ele só teve energia para cumprir suas obrigações e se apegar a essas ligações diárias até que ele soubesse o que fazer. E ali estavam eles, praticamente no mesmo lugar, a diferença era que agora eles entendiam quais seriam as consequências, não importava qual fosse a decisão no final.

— Eu gosto de você. — Nico se decidiu pelo mais simples. Admitia que não era a pessoa mais assertiva ou que sequer fazia boas escolhas.

— Não foi o que eu perguntei.

— Eu não sei. Sinto sua falta. É o suficiente?

— Não. — Percy dizia tudo aquilo tão sério que ele meio que… queria rir. Talvez já estivesse um pouquinho. Ninguém podia culpá-lo por isso.

— Então, você decide.

— Nico! Você disse que não estava pronto!

— Não estou. Nunca vou estar. Não quero destruir o que a gente tem. Na verdade, não quero um relacionamento.

— Porque você tem que ser tão confuso!

— Não é sobre sexo. Essa é a parte fácil.

— Nico, eu sei. O que posso fazer para você--

— Deuses, Percy! Eu sou o problema. Sou muito instável. Você não quer andar com uma bomba relógio no bolso, quer?

— Bebê, você pode explodir quando quiser, contanto que exploda comigo.

Nico gemeu e levou as mãos ao rosto, isso era ridículo! Ambos sabiam porque ele tinha ido embora e sabiam perfeitamente porque ele tinha voltado. Nico ainda estava se acostumando com a ideia de que dessa vez ele não tinha para onde correr quando seus sentimentos irrompessem por todos os cantos, obrigando Percy a catar os pedaços.

— Será que você pode falar sério por cinco minutos?

— Eu sei de tudo isso, querido. Cada coisinha que você acha que consegue esconder de mim.

— Vai ser pior do que antes!

— Você disse que eu podia decidir.

— Sim, mas-- quero ir devagar.

— Então me deixe decidir. Eu só preciso da sua permissão.

— Permissão para fazer o quê?

Nico observou em câmera lenta a mão que estava em volta de seu ombro viajar para sua nuca, massageando o lugar, e o puxando suavemente para mais perto, inclinando sua cabeça até alcançar a posição certa para os lábios de Percy finalmente descerem contra os seus no beijo mais inocente e doce que ele já tinha provado.

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Obrigada por ler! Comentários são sempre bem vindos^^

I don't know, that got me thinking...

Gender: peace and quietness

Sexuality: I have no idea

Romance: not in this life, only in fiction

@mischievousmary @language-of-blueberries

Gender, Sexuality, Romantic Attraction Tagging Game

How do: You put your gender, sexuality, and romantic attraction down with a line break between them—but, here's the catch, don't use any labels! So, for example, this, "Gender? Agender Sexuality? Lesbian Romantic Attraction? Demiromantic" would be this: "Gender? I hardly know 'er! Sexuality? Girl-kisser Romantic Attraction? My friends, I think"

So, here's mine!

Gender? Yours, fool Sexuality? Yes Romantic Attraction? Only if I know you well enough

TAGS (under the cut, and don't feel obligated to do it!) (and obviously those who I have not tagged can participate too)

@bassguitarinablackt-shirt @gloriousvermin @midnight-thedyke @littlebookworm69 @runwiththerain @cybercerealkiller @ishouldsleepbut @ssavinggrace @i-love-your-father @us-costco-official @scifikode @i-am-an-arson-enthusiast

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

Hi, how are you doing? Things are finally calming down. Maybe there'll be another chapter later this week!

In today's chapter we have another scene from the past. I hope you like it^^

And I have some news. I've made a cover for this story! Also made with artificial intelligence. I feel like I should get paid since I'm practically training them already! But it looks cute.

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

I hope you enjoy it!

''You're funny.'' Nico told him.

''You are.’’

And like third graders, which they both were, they laughed again as they heard the bell ring. Percy hadn't even realized that half an hour had passed, what was more time than he'd usually spent with his old friends these days. And what that said about him, hm?

''We have to go.'' He heard Nico say.

They really had. In a hurry, he helped Nico collect the lunch boxes and accompanied him to his next class, discovering that Nico was in fact in the same classes as him. Was Percy so distracted by trying to hide that he didn't see what was going on around him? Well, that would change from that moment on.

***

A few more days passed and with them, Percy began to pay attention to his surroundings. 

It was strange. How had Percy not noticed Nico's presence until that moment? Everytime Percy looked around, Nico would be there, at any place or time of day, too. That is, until they both went off to their respective homes, rehearsals or trainings, and even then, Percy would still be thinking about Nico; while waiting for his older brother to pick him up or at home helping his mother cook, trying new dishes.

That's what continued to happen for a long time, days, weeks, months, even, was hard to get a sense of time when the hours passed so quickly and the days were all the same. Percy felt like he was emerging from a paralyzing sleep, finding something that finally held his attention. One day he noticed that Nico sat at the front of the room and was very close to the exit door. On another, Nico was more towards the middle of the room and then the little boy appeared next to him, sharing the double desk with him. Grover was in the desk next to his with Juniper, Luke behind him with Thalia.

Percy looked at Nico once again and saw him writing something around a drawing, a black helmet, the handwriting as beautiful as the features of the figure. Percy wanted to ask since when they had sat together. Since when had Nico been part of his group of friends and since when had he felt so comfortable with Nico's presence, with the quietness that Nico's actions brought. Instead, he said in the lowest voice possible:

''What's that?”

''Hm?' 'Nico muttered and looked at him, as calm as ever. ''A design for a novel. I don't know if I'll finish it.”

The strangest thing was that he knew exactly what Nico was talking about. Percy had seen the draft of the novel in one of the breaks shared with food, and like everything Nico did, it was beautiful and delicate, as if Nico put a part of his soul into everything he touched with his hands, whether it was a piece of paper, art, food or homework.

''You should. It's beautiful.”

Nico didn't say anything, he just lowered his head and continued scribbling, his face hidden behind long, black hair that shone as it reflected the sunlight. Nico then doodled a sword and an armor, leather gloves, a crown of roses. The more Percy watched Nico draw, the less Percy understood what was holding his attention so much. Maybe it was the slim hands, the long, elegant fingers, maybe it was Nico's concentrated attitude, or maybe was the relaxed body next to his, his head next to Nico's, admiring the soft lines that revealed so much beauty.

'''Alright, guys. Get your books.'' The teacher said and out of nowhere, part of the magic was broken.

The drawings were still in Nico's notebook, just as beautiful as before, and they were still stuck together, leaning over the shared desk. The difference was that Nico had tensed and looked up at Percy, as if Nico hadn't paid attention to what was happening around him until he heard the teacher's voice. Percy also realized something, maybe he was very close to Nico, hugging him by the shoulders like a prison with no escape.

''Sorry.'' Even with all this in mind, Percy made no move to pull away or let him go.

Percy thought Nico was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. There was nothing like seeing the blush spreading across Nico's face, the darker skin taking on a warmer hue, to look at and to touch too, because even over his clothes, Percy could feel the heat emanating from Nico at the points where they touched; at his shoulders and hips, almost making Percy touch that delicate, beautiful face.

''...mind.”

''Sorry?”

''I don't mind.' 'Nico repeated in the same low, discreet tone, then turned to his notebook and picked up the books they would need.

Percy got the impression that Nico cared, yes, but in a... positive way. He saw the little boy open the book to the right page, lean against the back of the chair and up his arm, starting to read while the teacher explained the subject, like that scene was something completely normal. This made Percy wonder once again: had he ever done this with Nico? Since when were they so close? Wasn't it Annabeth who should have been by his side? Sure, they'd never been that close or acted the way he and Nico were acting, but... since when did she sit on the other side of the room with Clarisse and Silena? Shouldn't he have cared a little more than just being slightly surprised? She was his friend, wasn't she...? Shouldn't Percy miss her? So why had he only noticed Annabeth's absence now?

''Is everything all right?' 'He heard a soft voice beside him, and then, Nico's hand rested on his arm, Percy noticing in his friend's face a worried look.

Percy took a deep breath, letting his shoulders relax, and found himself smiling, something inside his chest warming and pulsing, as if the spark of an unknown feeling inside him was waking up.

''Everything is great. Wonderful. Incredible.”

''You dork.'' Nico rolled his eyes and leaned back against him, continuing to read the text the teacher had asked them.

Well, after that, Percy quickly understood what was going on; or rather, his psychiatrist had helped him understand. Nico wasn't stalking him, but in fact, Nico was doing the same thing he was; Nico was trying to live a discreet life away from prying eyes. Even he, at the age of eleven, admired the image that Nico made. The little boy stood out so much among the other studentes that Percy could clearly see the difference. Straight, wavy, thick hair, a small, fleshy mouth, intense black eyes, it was such a beautiful set that it gave Nico an androgynous, feminine look, although it was impossible to mistake Nico for a girl.

The point was, Nico had found the best places to hide, the same ones that Percy had found too. The music room, the forest, the bleachers near the sports fields further away from the classrooms.

Percy couldn't help himself, day after day, he found himself doing the same steps.

In addition to spending his time in class close to Nico, always during breaks, whether during the day or in the afternoon, he found himself walking and finding his way to the familiar bleachers with the familiar mop of hair in the far corner trying to hide. They never agreed out loud, it was just something that had become routine.

Nico would leave first, Percy would exchange a few words with his remaining friends and then he would follow Nico; he would practice basketball for a few minutes on the courth floor and then he would sit down next to Nico, accepting a lunchbox filled with the things he loved most, cake and pie, blueberry juice too, and sometimes, Nico would surprise him, baked potatoes or pancakes; if Nico was in the mood, lasagna or something Italian. No matter what it was, Percy would happily eat every grain and every bit of food. If Nico made it for him, the least he could do was repay him by eating it all. But it seemed so little compared to what Nico did for him... Percy wanted to share something with Nico that was important and valuable too. But what could be more valuable than sharing the food you've made yourself with someone?

''Your drawings are very good. Where did you learn?’’

They were once again in the stands, Percy ignoring the ball still in his hands to watch Nico take a forkful of food into his mouth, stopping midway with the fork between his lips.

''Hm?’’

''Where did you learn to draw?’’

''Oh, that?'' Then Nico looked down at his lap, where the notebook was, and put his lunchbox down. ''I had a lot of free time.”

Percy didn't know if he had understood… but Nico smiled at him, seeming to understand his confusion.

''I don't have any friends. I never had. Imagination was all that I had.”

''And what am I? A tree?’’

''No, you're a popular and rich athlete.’’

''You're right. I have many riches, how about you share them with me?”

''What are you saying?'’ Nico smiled again and Percy felt a throbbing in his chest that had nothing to do with the asthma he had as a baby.

''My mother likes to cook.’’

''Isn't that obvious? I mean, she has a restaurant, doesn't she?'' Nico said and tilted his head to the side, like that would make him understand what Percy meant.

''She'd love the company.”

''Don't we... have a paper to finish?’’

''I have plenty of space at home. My mother won't mind.’’

''Are you sure? I've never been to anyone's house.’’

This only made Percy's chest tighten even more.

''There's always a first time, right?’’

Nico looked at him, seemed to analyze him from head to toe and ended up shrugging.

''I will trust you.’’

At the time, Percy didn't know why he was having so many palpitations or why the feeling of relief had seized him so intensely. Later, he would recognize it as the fear of being rejected, and even if he didn't understand it yet, he knew that someone as sweet, beautiful and talented as Nico would never reject him so rudely. Thiat way, they finished eating and went on to their next classes, arranging to meet at the main gate after the last class.

***

Percy admitted, he had wasted more time than intended talking to the literature teacher. Apparently, he needed to try harder if he wanted to have a future at that school. She argued with him, went over every little thing he'd done wrong, and even gave him extra assignments to make sure his mistakes were corrected. Percy left the classroom as quickly as he could, and as soon as he saw the time, Percy ran down the corridors towards the school's main gate. When he arrived at the place he and Nico had marked, he remembered why Nico was always hiding in corners, which made Percy remember why he was hiding too.

They had already experienced this scene. Nico was pressed against the wall outside the gate and two other boys surrounded him, one of them was holding Nico by the neck while the other looked around suspiciously. The difference this time was that a crowd was watching them and no one was doing anything to stop what was about to happen.

Percy approached them, pretending to be another spectator, and listened the murmurs, while one of the boys spoke:

'Who's going to protect you now, huh? Because of you, our friends were expelled. Why don't you put yourself in your place and--’’

''What place would that be?’’

Percy couldn't help himself. This time, he didn't want any explanations. 

He stepped out of the crowd and the next thing he knew, he was face to face with the boys, or rather, his fist was against their faces. The pain came immediately, as he felt his nuckes collide with the nose of one the boys who were older than him, but who were no match for Percy.

''It's easy to mess with people smaller than you, isn't it? Why don't you play with someone your own size?”

''Would that be you?”

''What do you think?”

The silence fell, a silence that had become common no matter where Percy went. The nose of the boy he had punched was now swollen, blood trickling down his face, and the other, who had been too shocked to react, seemed to wake up from his trance. That would be the perfect moment for them to fight back, wouldn't it? Well, that's what people say, cowards soon give up if they find someone to resist them. And that's what they did, the boy who had watched his friend get knocked down with a single punch, pulled the other by the arms, helping him up and they both staggered into the crowd, running away with their tails between their legs.

Percy watched them fleeing in the distance between the cars and turned to Nico who was still leaning against the wall, the corner of his lips reddened and and on his arms and neck, marks of fingers and nails. The worst part was seeing the tears that kept falling or how Nico cowered, expecting other people to come and do the same to him. Percy didn't think, realizing that this was becoming something usual for them, and Percy didn't like it one bit, the fact that Nico had to hide in corners because of people's prejudice. 

He walked over to Nico and stopped in front of him, offering his hand. He had learned the hard way that touching someone when you don't feel safe or when you're in shock is the worst thing to do. So he just stood close without touching Nico, and tried to get his attention:

''Nico.'' Percy said in the softest voice.

''No, I… Percy?'' Percy held on and tried to be strong, Nico seemed to be reacting to everything worse than the previous time.

''I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... I was waiting for you... then, these... these boys showed up and…’’

Percy didn't know what to do. He felt his heart break when Nico took a step towards him and opened his eyes wide, his pupils unfocused and wet, as if Nico was waking up from a nightmare, and held onto his hands, trembling and breathing fast, still curled up on himself.

''It's allright. Can I hug you?”

''Hug me? Why... why would you want to touch someone like me?’’

''It looks like you need it.’’

''I... I need?'' Then, Nico looked at Percy with the most desolate and lost look he had ever seen.

''Nico. It's allright.'' Percy said it again, refusing to accept what those people were doing to Nico.

''I have to... I have to talk to Bianca, my... my sister.’’

''We will. After we get to my place. Yes?’’

''You promise?’’

''I promise.’’

Then, as if a key had been turned, Nico grabbed his arm and picked up their bags from the floor, saying: ''You dropped it.'' Just like that, like nothing had happened. But Nico was still shaking, gripping his arm tighter and handing one of the bags to Percy, holding his own against his chest in the hope that the bag and Percy would protect him.

Gods! How could someone do this to such a vulnerable and defenseless being? What had Nico done to be treated like this? Then, Percy looked around, recognizing these people. Some were in the same class as them, others Percy knew in passing, and none of them had the decency to help a classmate being abused. That's why they said he was a "rebel", and if it was up to him, things would continue exactly as they were.

''Are you ready?'' Percy said when he saw that Nico was beginning to calm down.

''Hm. Thank you.’’

Percy took Nico's backpack from his shoulder, put it with his own, and led Nico by the hand between the cars parked near the school, spotting a familiar black pick-up truck.

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Thank you for reading. And if you can, send your appreciation in the comments. Until next time!

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter II

Hi, how are you? Here's another chapter. I'll try to post every Monday, and more than one chapter if I can, as I'm translating as I post, I can't go any faster than that. But, I can guarantee a lot of fun. In this chapter Percy and Nico will meet. And Nico has been diagnosed with anxiety and that's going to make all the difference throughout the story.

I hope you have a good read!

Previous chapters: CHAPTER I

Nico got off the bus and stopped in front of a group of luxurious houses, already finding the place strange. He held his cell phone tightly and checked the address they had sent him. Yes, it was there, Pine Street… eh … which seemed to be right, there were trees so tall that they seemed to disappear among the clouds. He shrugged and walked along the wide sidewalk, feeling as if he had entered an unknown world when he saw that the bricks on the ground were painted a yellow color with a phosphorescent golden tone, stretching endlessly for long kilometers that seemed to come out of a fairy tale as the rows of houses disappeared into the horizon and beyond.

He couldn't help but be amazed by that place; there were large gates that delimited the properties, separated by even higher walls. Giant trees and smaller flowerbeds with flowers in different shapes and colors that blocked the view of the other houses or what was inside those gates.

He kept walking and then stopped in front of the complex with the number 17, where another large black iron gate rose higher than he could see. Nico couldn't express how strange it was to be in a place like that, the environment was so quiet and the absence of anyone there made his skin crawl. And just to be sure, he checked once more if that was the correct address. Nico scratched his hair, tempted to open the email with the contractor's information once more, because it could only be a mistake; what he was witnessing could not be called a house. Now that he was getting closer to the gates, he could see that it was a group of small, beautiful and well-structured mansions. White fences, large gardens, parks, swimming pools, gyms and everything else imaginable, in addition to security guards protecting the perimeter around the property and in the areas common to all residents.

It felt like he had actually entered a parallel reality, which was strange. Nico felt like he wasn’t someone these people would hire to work there, someone with no college degree, no qualifications, and no proper professional background. But since Nico was here… he shrugged again. What harm was there in trying?

He walked to the front of the gate and pressed the intercom:

"Excuse me, I'm Nico Di Ângelo. I have a meeting with Annabeth Chase at house 4.”

"Yes, good morning. Miss Chase left a message." The helpful and polite doorman told him. "She apologizes for not being able to receive you personally. We will direct you to the location.”

Nico was left to thank him and wait for the gates to open.

He swore he was trying to keep an open mind, but then the weirdest thing happened. As a part of the gate slid aside, two security guards three times his size looked him up and down and stopped in front of him.

"Documents. They're the condominium rules." Nico found it even stranger, but it was okay. Since he had embarked on this madness, he would see it through to the end.

He unzipped his backpack and handed them his driver's license. The taller, red-haired man took the document from his hands and pulled out a clipboard from inside the guardhouse post, stepped closer to him, looked at the information on his ID and then seemed to compare it with the information on the file.

The same bodyguard wrote something on the paper and handed the document and clipboard to him, saying: "Sign here." That was all the redhead said to him before Nico quickly signed and the security guard checked the signature. When the information seemed to match, the other security guard who was standing next to him waved and guided Nico to a car that was waiting for him in front of another smaller gate.

Nico let himself be led to the next gate and felt like laughing; first, was this some kind of luxurious prison? And second, why was there a mini golf cart there? The most interesting thing was that the car even came with a private driver.

Still finding it funny, he got into the car, put on his seatbelt and came across a boy his age, somewhere between twenty and twenty-five, brown hair, black eyes and a beautiful, wide smile.

"First time here?”

He nodded, trying not to show how much it all bothered and amused him at the same time.

"Don't worry, everyone gets a little scared the first time. What's your name?”

"Nico.”

"It's a pleasure, Nico. You can call me Gabe. I'll give you a ride for as long as you're here.”

"Why? Do you think I won't stay long?”

“No one stays. It's nothing personal. You know how these people are.”

"What are they like?”

"I think you'll find out, won't you?”

So, before he knew it, Gabe stopped the car in front of house number 4.

Grinning with dimples and white teeth, Gabe asked, “Can I?” And before Nico could answer, Gabe helped him unbuckle his seatbelt, walked around the car, and held out his hand to him.

"Don't forget, don't take it personally." He winked at Nico, all charming and walked around the car, getting into the driver's seat.

“Okay. Nothing personal. Sure.” Nico thought to himself, watching Gabe quickly walk away through the streets of the condominium, pulling away from there in his little car.

He allowed himself to take a deep breath and stared at the two-story house that was surrounded by a garden so extensive that it was impossible to see anything but nature, a few cars, and more trees that grew tall with voluminous foliage. Nico had no choice but to try to ignore the exuberance of the place, telling himself, it was nothing special; this would be just another job where he would stay for a few months, make some money, and move on to the next job until he had enough money to pay for his studies. Just another one among many others.

He took a few more steps towards the door and climbed the few steps, which were made of white and gray marble, following the rest of the house's design; everything was very pale and in pastel tones, which was clear even from the outside of the house. Then he rang the doorbell before his nerves got the best of him, leaving Nico to take another deep breath, trying to calm himself down.

He straightened his wrinkled clothes and held onto the strap of his backpack, running his hand through his hair, trying to fix it in the reflection of his cell phone screen, which proved to be useless. There was no miracle in this world that would make him feel appropriate or well-dressed, so he forced himself to wait as patiently as someone like him could.

It was no big deal, he told himself, once more. He always got nervous on the first day, and it didn't even have to do with the insufferable or abusive bosses Nico had had the pleasure of dealing with, no, it was all ingrained in his skin no matter where he went. It was part of his psychological condition. Although it didn't last long.

Impatient and overcome by anxiety, he rang the doorbell again, pressing the button harder than he intended at the exact moment the door opened abruptly, revealing a tall man, almost two meters tall, with messy black hair and intense green eyes that stared at him with disinterest. The man seemed to have jumped out of bed, wearing only gray sweatpants and showing... showing a trail of hair that led to a certain large volume in that place.

"Yes?" The man said hoarsely, his eyes barely open and so serious that Nico thought about turning around and escaping that strange situation.

Feeling even worse, as if someone was twisting his insides, Nico kept his eyes above the half-naked man's shoulders and checked his phone, double-checking the email the agency had sent.

House 4. Employer - Annabeth Chase.

"May I speak to Mrs. Annabeth Chase?

"Come back next month. Maybe next year, yeah? I never thought she liked the younger ones…" The man muttered quietly as if Nico shouldn't have heard, especially the last part, distracted, not even seeming to care about his presence.

“Sir…?”

"Jackson, Percy Jackson." He said reluctantly, yawning.

"Mr. Jackson." Nico said. He made a point of ignoring what the man was insinuating. "I was told about the childcare vacancy. The agency sent me here.”

"Ah.”

Percy Jackson didn't act as Nico expected. No, the man just raised his eyebrows and looked at him for the first time, seeming to analyze him, dissecting him with his analytical and intense green eyes, as if trying to decide if Nico was worth his time. Which made Nico feel even weirder, wanting to hide and punch that man in the face at the same time.

“Do you have experience with children?” Percy Jackson told him, even though that wasn’t what the man had intended to say. That much was clear to Nico.

"I've been taking care of my brothers since I was a child. Will that do?" When Nico saw that it seemed too disrespectful, he added: "The ad didn't require any specifications.”

"Let me see.”

It didn't seem like it was a request.

"Sure." He shrugged, pretending not to care about the whole interrogation.

Nico handed the phone to Mr. Jackson and felt victorious when the man found nothing wrong. Mr. Jackson just seemed to read it, turned his head to the side and sighed deeply, saying, “Typical of her.”

"If you want, I can leave." After all, no amount of money was enough to get through that kind of humiliation. Or what was yet to come. Nico was never sure what might happen.

"It's not your fault. Come in.”

Mr. Jackson made room for Nico to enter and then the door closed, starting something he could never have predicted.

Thank you for reading. Your thoughts are always welcome, they help me to improve the story.

The real reason that percico wasn’t endgame and Percy got stuck with someone who is essentially a mortal is because if Nico “literally split open the earth on accident” di Angelo and Percy “son of the earthshaker” Jackson ever banged, there’d be major seismic activity and California would actually become an island.

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.

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

Good reading!

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

“You've been very susceptible to... suggestions. Is it just me or is it something in general?”

“Only you. I think... I trust you.”

“I’m honored,” Percy said without any irony, his low, velvety tone giving way to something more normal. “I was afraid this would happen. I will never abuse the trust you give me.”

“I know that. I never doubted it.”

“That's why I have to talk to you about something.”

Oh no. Was he in trouble?

Nico watched as Percy got up and picked up a box that was at the foot of the bed, a little bigger than a shoebox.

“What’s that?”

“It's the surprise I wanted to show you.”

Nico was afraid just to look at it. What could be so important that Percy felt the need to hide it from the rest of the family? Hesitating, Nico remained quiet, leaning against the headboard of the bed and waited for Percy to approach once more, sitting down next to him.

“I've been thinking about what you told me, that I don't take what you say seriously.”

“I know you--”

“I'm not done.” Percy didn't even speak louder, but his tone of voice demanded obedience. And Nico was already tired of fighting his instincts, so Nico just shut up and paid attention to Percy.

The problem with that was that Percy looked guilty about something, his face twisting into a grimace. Nico continued to wait, watching Percy almost fidget with anxiety. Of course, until Percy sighed and looked at him once more, looking as resigned as Nico felt.

“I didn't mean to talk to you like that.” Percy finally said, trying to sound nonchalant.

“I don't care. If you tell me to do it, I will. It's something natural for me, you know?”

“Nico.” Percy sighed once more, looking tired.

“Could you... just... do what feels natural to you, too?” When Percy raised his eyebrows in disbelief, Nico added, “It’s just a suggestion.”

“I'll think about it.”

“I mean, you always had this aura…”

“Domineering?”

“It's more like, you expect to be obeyed. And that's okay?”

“Is that a question or a statement?”

“It depends on you.” Nico ended up shrugging, trying to fake the calm he didn't feel at the moment.

“You mean to tell me that I can be domineering whenever I want and you will obey me? Without question?”

“Hm... probably?” The correct answer was “absolutely”, but that would be too much humiliation for just one person.

“Really? Even when you don’t agree with me?”

“I guess so.” Nico shrugged again and looked away from Percy. Most of the time that was what happened anyway; he didn’t want it to happen, and in the end, Percy was right. If Nico had listened to Percy in the past, he could have avoided a lot of things.

“Baby.” Then, he heard Percy's tone of voice change, becoming softer and more velvety.

It wasn't that he had an uncontrollable urge to obey, it was the knowledge that he would be very well rewarded if he decided to be a good boy. And he was, immediately after hearing that word. Percy grabbed him by the neck, making him lift his head and kissed him, joining their tongues in a sigh.

“I don't want you to feel trapped or like you have no choice.” Percy said some time later, brushing his lips against his.

“I don't feel that way. I feel free knowing that you will take care of me.”

“Are you sure?”

“I trust you.”

“Allright, then.”

Percy pulled away from Nico enough to look into his face and smiled, looking content this time, but still holding him by the neck, possessive and firm, although his voice remained soft.

“That's why I need to show you what's inside this box.”

Percy released him and picked up the box once more, placing it between them, on his lap. Percy opened it, removing the ribbon and the lid, allowing Nico to examine the contents inside.

“Wh... what is this?” Nico’s voice was weak and his hands trembled, resting over his lap.

Nico knew perfectly well what those objects were. He knew exactly what they meant, the problem was that his brain refused to believe what he saw. Why now? After so long? That's why he remained still like a statue, barely able to breathe.

“I didn't treat you like I should’ve. I ignored what was clear.” Percy said, grabbing his neck again, forcing him to look at him. “I understand why you hesitated for so long, why you still hesitate sometimes.”

“I--”

“I hesitate for the same reason.” Percy seemed to take a deep breath and took out a leather choker with precious stones adorning it. “I want you to know, I am committed and I will never run away from my responsibilities ever again.”

Nico thought he was going to faint. Was Percy proposing to him? Again? Now in a way he never expected it to happen? Nico didn't even know what to say! It was obvious, wasn't it? He had been waiting for this moment ever since he laid eyes on the tall boy who looked like he had come out of a cliché porn where the guy would hardly make the girl regret walking alone through the deserted streets. Nothing prepared him when the moment finally arrived. Percy held the delicate choker between his fingers, brought it to his neck and fastened it carefully, making sure it wouldn't be too tight.

He... Nico didn't know... was it just his imagination or... oh no, Nico wasn't mistaken. As soon as the choker settled against his skin, Percy wrapped the leather around his neck and touched the collar, massaging his skin and admiring the jewel. However, it was the look on Percy's face that stole his breath; Percy was looking at him as if he were... as if he were--

“Mine.” Percy said. “Now you're mine.”

Why was it so hard to breathe? Why was he shaking so much?

“I…”

“I know.” Percy said in the most condescending tone Nico had ever heard, almost mean, almost mocking, but still... soft, as if Percy was talking to someone who was mentally slow. “Take your time. I never thought I would do something like this myself.”

“So mean.” Nico managed to stammer, Percy was obviously giving him time to absorb the facts, still holding him by the neck, as if Nico was his possession and not a human being.

“You haven't seen anything. But I don't think we're ready for that yet.”

“Hmm…” Nico whimpered just imagining what could happen. Could he faint already? Would it be too much of a humiliation?

He heard a mocking chuckle and then hands were around him, massaging his spine and hair in the way he liked best. In the end, Percy was right once again. He wasn't ready for any of this. If just a collar around his neck could make him react like this, what would happen when... when things actually happened?

***

“Shhh... it's okay. I won't be mean to you, hm?”

“Liar.” His voice cracked and Percy laughed again, right in his ear.

“Maybe a little. I know you like it.”

“Stop it!”

Percy was right, as always. For some reason, Nico found himself laughing, slapping Percy's arm who only laughed harder, enjoying Nico’s pain.

“Okay. I'll stop. Now, let's get to the important part.”

“What part?”

“Is there anything I should know? Strong or weak boundaries? Something you don't like at all? Or like too much?”

“Oh. “It was a good question.

Nico hadn't done that many things. He'd let a few guys spank his ass and some bondage, but other than that? Nothing interesting. Nothing too good or too bad. Like, there was that one time he let two guys use his mouth, but...

“Nico?”

“I don't know. I've never done anything that different.”

“What would it be?”

Now Percy looked at him like he was going to get the truth out of Nico whether he wanted it or not.

“Hm... you know…”

“No. I don't.”

“There was this one time when some boys... I sucked some boys and... a guy used his belt on me…”

“And?

“I was tied up too.”

“Is that all?”

“I promise.”

At the time it had been quite adventurous, however, if he analyzed last night, no one had made him cum like that and made him float for so long. Maybe it was something more psychological than physical.

“Baby.” And again, that condescending tone of voice that made him so mad and made his stomach fill with butterflies came back. “What those boys in the bathroom were going to do to you is much more interesting than that. Are you sure?”

“Who do you think I am? A whore to let anyone use me?”

No! What had he just said? Nico was even afraid to look at Percy, but he did it anyway. Slowly, he turned his head towards Percy and saw a strange glint in his eyes, a somewhat cruel smile at the corner of his mouth.

“Is that any way to talk to your owner?”

Nico didn't understand what was happening until he heard the sharp, cracking sound, then came the burning sensation that made him groan, one side of his ass burning from the impact.

“I-- I'm sorry.” Nico mumbled, quietly, seeming to lose his strength, still sitting on Percy's lap.

“I understand. But a good boy doesn't talk to people like that, does he?”

Nico nodded and Percy kissed his face, massaging the slightly reddened skin.

“Now, what were we talking about?”

“Limits?”

“Yes. Is there anything I should know about it?”

“Nothing disgusting? Or... liquid.”

“I would never do that. You're my baby and I only want what's best for you.”

“And what about you?”

“Hm. I think bondage, nothing that stops me from moving. And rude, disobedient little boys.”

“What about... naughty boys?” Nico had to be sure.

“As long as you know the consequences.”

“Oh.”

Would he want to disappoint Percy to that extent? How about just a little?

“I know what you're thinking. You can stop now. You just have to ask me, no matter what it is.”

“I know. It's more fun this way.”

“You better not test me then, hm?”

“So mean.” Nico knew he wasn’t an easy person to deal with either. He could be spoiled and distant, lost in his own world, and he could also be unpredictable, running away from anything he didn’t like without leaving a trace. “I’ll behave.”

“Good boy.”

“And the other things inside the box?”

“That's a topic for another time. Now, let's go lie down and have a long nap. Exams are coming up and we need to be rested, yeah?”

Percy kissed his face and placed him against the pillows, lying down next to him. Percy was right, with everything that had happened Nico hadn't studied everything he needed to, so unfortunately a few hours would be spent in front of a pile of books.

***

“Think for me. Stop me from worrying about anything other than being yours. 

Pick out my clothes, take care of me all day long. Make me smile because I belong to you. 

Make me moan when you kiss me and remind me that I am yours and only yours. 

Make me gasp every time you grab me and decide to use me as you please. 

Make me tremble whenever you want to show me what it really means to be loved by you.”

Nico yawned and leaned back against the cushions, closing his journal as he felt the late afternoon sun hit his face. This way, easily disguising the thoughts he had just put on paper. Before Nico knew it, there was a week left until the start of the mid-year exams. Now, they were in the garden near the pool, tables and cushions everywhere, although Percy and his friends were not so interested in the study schedule he had created. Percy, Tyson, Luke and Grover were in the pool while he, Silena and Clarisse occupied a table, with Chris planted next to Clarisse like a lovestruck fool even after so many years.

If he could, he would be having fun too. Nico could think of several things he would like to be doing. One example of this was the surprise he had in store for Percy that he hadn't had the right opportunity to do yet. Not that he still needed to surprise Percy, but wouldn't it be nice if he tried as hard as Percy did?

Nico had to be honest. He hadn't expected Percy to take this whole dominant/submissive thing seriously. The proof was the choker around his neck and, of course, the ring on his finger. He couldn't help but touch the piece of leather on his skin, like a collar, not letting him forget the last few days. Nothing had really changed, although he felt different. More relaxed somehow. Secure. Now, Percy didn't hesitate when he wanted something from him, which was a great development. The thing was... things were almost like they used to be in the past, when they were kids and things were simpler. If he ignored the anxiety he used to feel and the lack of sex, it was like they had evolved from what they already had. Nico liked that a lot, it gave him a comfort that no gesture or words could replace.

“Nico, are you listening to me?”

“Hm?”

It was Clarisse, irritated with him. She had her arms crossed and was rolling her eyes impatiently.

“If you're going to do that, you better go there. What was the last word you read?”

It was a good question.

“Since when did you become so dependent on him?” Clarisse insisted, standing up.

“I'm not dependent on anyone. Where did you get that from?”

“Do you think you can fool anyone? He even put you on a leash!”

“I don't know what you're talking about.” Nico didn't even raise his voice, and even if it was true, he was happy to finally be collared.

“Nico! Stop playing with that necklace and pay attention!”

Clarisse walked up to him, grabbed his hand and made him stand up with her. Then, she pushed him towards the pool.

“Go on. Don't come back here until you can concentrate.”

“I don't--”

“What's going on here?”

Nico had noticed the sun had disappeared. It was just Percy standing behind him, providing shade.

“Nico misses you. Take care of it.”

With that, Clarisse sat down on the cushions once more and leaned against Cris's chest, who smiled contentedly, both returning to their books.

That wasn't fair! He didn't have a firm chest to lean against while he studied.

Nico turned toward Percy, about to say exactly that to him, stopping before he could continue. Nico remembered what had happened the other times he had raised his voice to Percy, and if he did it now Percy wouldn't hold back either.

Nico smiled, swallowing his indignation and looked at Percy, forgetting his anger for a moment. Percy was still dripping from the pool water, his hair was thrown back and he was wearing a swimsuit so tight that it didn't hide anything. Not that Percy was trying.

He opened his mouth, thought better of it, and said:

“Do you have to wear something so small?”

Percy was already smiling, coming the rest of the way towards him. Percy opened his arms and immediately Nico was wrapped in them, being pulled against Percy's chest and getting wet in the process. This was also unfair, no seventeen year old boy should be that tall or have those muscles.

“What's wrong? Tired of studying?” Percy lifted him off the floor, making him wrap his legs around him. And all Nico heard was ‘is time to go to our room?”

“Percy! You should be studying with me!”

Oh no! Nico thought, barely having time to grab Percy's shoulders, feeling the impact that even through the fabric of his shorts, made him groan.

“I know, baby.” Then, Percy held him by the chin and made him look at him, kissing him softly, making him forget that they had an audience. “We studied a lot this week. I've never been more prepared, hm? How about we rest a little? Just the two of us?”

It sounded like a question, but it wasn't one. Amidst whistles and shouts, Percy led him into the house, climbing the stairs as if Nico weighed nothing, staring at him closely as he went.

“What's the problem?”

That was the point. For the first time in a long time, Nico didn't have any worries other than passing his tests. So, he couldn't call it a problem. It was the solution, in fact. Nico was finding it strange how easily he could leave everything in Percy's hands and stay in his own little, perfect, world where nothing seemed to be able to affect him if Percy wanted it to.

“It's nothing.” He finally said when they arrived in the room and Percy sat him on the edge of the bed, kneeling on the floor between his legs. “Is everything okay?”

“Of course, baby. I've never been better.”

That was true. With each passing day, Percy had more energy and vigor, and slowly, he took charge of all the decisions that concerned both of them. Would they go on a trip? Percy decided where. What would they have for breakfast? Usually his meal would be ready before he had to ask. Like, it was always what Nico liked and the way he liked it the most, each decision seeming like something Nico would choose for himself if he had the chance. Sometimes, it was even better. Honestly? It was a burden he was very happy to be rid of. However, Nico didn't want it to become a burden for Percy, something he did out of obligation.

“Is everything really okay? Have your grades improved?”

This seemed to make Percy stop for a moment, watching him more closely. Percy didn't try to smile, he grabbed him by the back of the neck and hugged him tightly, making something in his chest still.

“Is it about our relationship? Is it too much?”

“No, I like it.” Nico denied, hugging him back as tightly as Percy had hugged him. “I worry about you.”

“Well, don't worry about that little head of yours, yeah? Everything is under control.”

“Are you sure?”

Percy kissed his neck and said:

“As long as you allow it, I will take care of everything.”

“You treat me so well. No one has done as much for me as you do.”

“I’m glad. I hope no one does it or we'll have a problem.”

Nico wanted to laugh. He also hoped no one else would, because if that were the case, it would mean they weren't together anymore. Instead of answering, Nico preferred to let Percy decide the next steps; whether it was sex, a long bath, or a midday nap, it didn't matter to Nico. As long as they were together, that was enough for him.

***

In the end, they had decided on a bath in the jacuzzi, a long and relaxing bath where Percy had massaged his back and made the tension he didn't even know he had disappear as if by magic. Percy was being so good to him that Nico had finally found the perfect opportunity to put his plan into action.

He let Percy dry him from head to toe, like any other day, carry him to bed and kiss him before Percy got up and went to put the towels in the laundry basket. Nico took advantage of this moment to grab the package from the bottom of a drawer and went into the closet, a door that was near the wardrobe and that they rarely used. Fortunately, it would finally have a use.

Ripping open the packaging, Nico took out the two pieces and held them between his fingers, realizing that he might have bought a size smaller than he had planned. The fabric was a delicious silk in a light pink color, looking like it was made from tulle, but still pretty and feminine. He thought Percy would like it, it would be an interesting contrast against his skin. Well, Nico wouldn't know until he tried it on.

Then, taking the thong, he placed his feet in the right spaces, and put on the top, feeling the silk slide over his skin.

Now Nico knew why women liked this type of lingerie so much, the fabric was so soft and thin... it was as if he wasn't even wearing anything, but yet he was being caressed.

“Nico? Where are you?” He heard Percy calling him.

It was now or never, right?

Nico didn't even grab a robe before opening the closet door. He just adjusted his thong and walked into the room, stopping near the doorframe. Did he feel a little ridiculous in that frilly outfit? Yes. However, it was all worth it the moment he found Percy in the middle of the room, seeing the expression on Percy's face go from confusion to shock and then, pure pleasure.

He walked the rest of the way and stopped in front of Percy, determined to be the best of submissives. He lowered his head slightly, showing respect and placed his hands behind his back, allowing Percy to see his front.

“So beautiful. Is all this for me?” Percy said more seriously than Nico expected. His voice sounded firmer and deeper, still without touching him.

“I wanted to surprise you. Did you like it?”

Nico waited patiently, holding his breath. That was because Percy didn't like being surprised. They had never talked about these things, but deep down Nico knew it was true. If Percy was surprised, it meant he had no control over what happened. But still, Nico wanted to see Percy's reaction, maybe then Percy wouldn't be so careful with him.

Don't get him wrong, he loved every day he spent with Percy, but the... excitement of newness didn't happen as often as he would have liked. Maybe this was what they needed.

“My baby is trying to tease me, is that it?”

“Is it working?”

Nico peeked through his lashes and saw a strange glint in Percy's eyes.

At those moments, Percy's features changed completely. From calm, he became serious and... and something else that was hard to define. Sometimes he was playful, and other times, malicious, as if Percy was enjoying his anguish. Percy never lost his cool, however, it felt like something beyond that came to the surface, something that Percy hid and that only manifested itself if provoked.

“Do you want to find out?”

Well, Nico would have answered if he could, if it had been a question. It was more of a warning, a statement of what was about to happen.

Still holding his breath, Nico continued to watch Percy, as he seemed to be preparing to do something... had it been a mistake? Should he have warned him and-- Percy then moved. Just one step forward and his warm hands were on Nico, on his neck, pulling his head back and on his waist, keeping him in place. Which had been a good idea. Without any clothes to cover him, the sensations felt more intense, making him shiver from head to toe.

“We didn't talk about it. Do you know what a safe word is?”

“Oh.” He knew! Finally!

Nico had known and waited for this moment. The problem was that he found it difficult to speak. So he nodded, feeling trapped by Percy's intense eyes.

“Use your words, baby.” Nico knew the nickname was supposed to soften the moment, but he only felt himself tense up more, bracing himself for what was about to happen.

“I-- I have. Pie?”

“Are you sure? “And now there was a certain tone of humor in Percy's voice, his dimples showing.

“Not really. I know how it works, but I've never used one before.”

“Never?” Percy frowned, looking less than pleased. “That’s very irresponsible.”

“I know, but…”

“Tell me.”

“I can't talk much, you know? During.”

This seemed to turn a light on Percy's face.

“Let's keep that in mind. Now, let me see... who bought this for you?” But Percy was smiling, sliding his hands over his body. Shoulders, back, waist, moving around him and touching everywhere until he reached his ass, caressing his buttocks and slipping one of his fingers through the string of his thong towards his entrance.

“Ah!”

“Isn't that what you wanted? Should I use my gift? Hmm?”

And again, it sounded like a question, but it wasn't one. Nico remained as he was, with his hands behind his back, and only moved when Percy grabbed him by the arm, guiding him to the bed.

“Where did you learn that position, baby?” Percy said as they walked towards the bed.

“I saw it on a video…”

“Do you know what that means?”

Nico nodded, too embarrassed to say it.

“I want to hear it.”

“Servitude and obedience.”

“That's right.” Percy said, satisfied. “There's no need to rush, everything will happen in due time. I want you to relax, okay?”

That's what Nico did. He let Percy sit him on the edge of the bed and when Percy finally got closer, he closed his eyes and moaned, feeling his body react freely.

Thanks for reading!

See you next time!

Imagine #118

Imagine Percy and Nico being soulmates, but Nico never put in the Lotus with Bianca. Nico grows up knowing something is missing and training to be the one of the prophecy. He eventually finds the Lotus hotel on a quest and ends up trapped, because he’s a loner. Percy goes on his first quest, but this time he has been warned of the Hotel because Chirion knows it attracts children of the big three now. (Due to Nico) When Percy encounters the hotel with Annabeth and Grover they still enter because they’re exhausted. Nico is now Percy’s age and when the two meet. Percy talks to Nico long enough for Nico to remember more of his past and the two escape with Annabeth and Grover. The four complete the quest without a hitch, Nico having the ability to calm his father and convince him to release Sally. The four then confront Ares and Nico gives Percy his pink triangle he received back in his own time when Annabeth gives her camp necklace and Grover gives the tin can. The four fly to return the lightning bolt, Percy and Nico comforting each other due to fear of air travel. They go to Olympus and things play out like in the books, with the exception of Zeus being “ugh. Hades’s brat is alive?!” Percy defends Nico and Poseidon is like, “You should probably go, Percy.” Then, Percy checks on his mom. They then go back to camp and all four are honored. Nico is astounded by the demigods and has a hard time processing everything, especially the slang. Chiron welcomes Nico back and the two share an emotional bonding moment that everyone is like, ‘daww’ at. Luke betrays Percy in the same way he did in the actual books. Then, at the end of the book, Percy asks if Nico can come live with him and Sally and Sally says yes. The two go to school together and its cute.

Second book plays out as normal, with the only exception being Nico sneaks out with Tyson, Annabeth, and Percy. (And Nico has to be comforted by Percy due to fear of water that’s similar to the fear of the air). Thalia is returned to a living state and the children of the big three kind-of clash, but not really because all three are there and Nico becomes a kind-of mediator.

Then, Bianca is released from the Lotus. Thalia, Nico, Percy, and Annabeth are sent when Grover IM’s about her. Nico recognizes her immediately and wants to run to his sister, but is held back by Percy, who tries his best to explain that she wouldn’t remember him. Nico knows this to be true but still hates it. Percy goes to rescue Bianca and Annabeth falls off the cliff. Artemis saves them and Apollo informs everyone of not only Thalia’s age, but Nico’s as well.

Nico, apparently, now has the same birthday as Percy and they are both the same age. The two find this cool and just high-five. Though Apollo is seen glaring at the back of the bus (where Eros sits invisible shooting an arrow in Nico). Nico idolizes Percy for a bit there because of how brave he was in defending his sister. Then, Nico starts to hate himself for feeling his feelings. (Remember the era he grew up in.)

Percy follows the hunters and grover on the quest, and promises Nico a similar promise as in the book, because, “While I can’t keep her safe or make her remember, you can at least keep her safe. Promise me, Percy!” When Percy returns and has to give the news of Bianca, it crushes Nico. And, were it not for the deep friendships he had already formed he would have likely run to Sally. Percy comforts Nico as best he can, and Chirion permits Nico to raise Bianca. Percy then gains the idea of contacting the Hunt and having them say their goodbyes to Zoe. Nico thinks this is a great idea and Chirion contacts Artemis. 

They contact Bianca first, in-case she had anything to say to Zoe. Bianca remembers Nico,albeit faintly and the two share a “What might have been” moment before everyone else says goodbye to her. Then she leaves with a Thank you and telling Percy to not feel guilty (though everyone can tell he totally does)

Then they contact Zoe and a lot of the people cry. After everyone finishes (Annabeth ends up asking about the one-battle-i-can’t-remember-the-name-of for her dad, which Zoe finds sweet and gives percies details) 

After the goodbyes are finished and Zoe is sent off Artemis thanks Nico and actually gives him a hug. (Whispering in his ear, “I know it hurts, but we both must move on.”) Everyone is stunned by this but most see it similar to when Thalia hugged Percy. (Platonic hugs are the best things ever.)

Then, Percy and Nico head back to Sally and finish off the school year.

The fourth Book is changed, simply due to Nico not running. So this gets a bit complicated to imagine. Let’s just say, Percy, Annabeth, Tyson, Grover, and Nico all go on the quest. Nico runs away after admitting his feelings  and being scared of them. They run into him with Minos who is telling him lies. Percy convinces Nico to come with them. Rachel Elizabeth Dare is necessary. Pretty much the rest of the book is the same except Nico stays at camp at the end Percy ends up on Calypso’s Island she helps him figure out his feelings for Nico and during this she falls for him (he still grows a garden in New York to honor her) and Percico becomes a couple during the next school year because they both like eachother and Percy  shows him different cultural things like, “Hey, It’s okay to be Gay.“ 

Sword of Hades happens, and Nico comes back to Sally’s house after dealing with the Bob situation. Now, Nico and Percy have to deal with sharing the prophecy and Nico convinces Percy to bathe in the Styx. Sally gives approval. (And this time Percy isn’t captured by Hades because Nico would have memories of his mom (including Zeus killing her) and Hades understands they will share the prophecy.) Nico is what thethers Percy to the world. 

Then Last Olympian pretty much plays out the same way, but Nico convinces his father, a bit easier, to help fight for Olympus. 

Nico ends up with Percy and helps Luke make the decision. He then travels to the Underworld to garentee Luke to get whichever spot in the Undewrold he wanted. 

At the celbration, Nico and Percy come out as couple to camp (cupcake scene and underwater kiss cannot be stolen from Percy) 

Then Lost Hero happens and Nico reports back to Sally whenever he is not searching. He ends up in the underworld a few times and finds Hazel. He saves her and Hades guides him to be Pluto’s Ambassador. 

During SoN, Percy remembers Nico. When he sees Nico he demands information and Nico tells him honestly and Percy can see the pain and sincerity in Nico’s eys “I wish I could tell you, but I can’t. You need to find out on your own, no matter how much this hurts I’m sorry.” Percy doesn’t like it, but accepts it after Nico begins to have tears stream down his face.

When Percy regains his memories in SoN, he gets frustrated at Nico but understands and cares about him a ton.

Annabeth is still the one of the seven and she was still worried. (Hey, you have that close of a friendship with someone, wouldn’t you judo flip them for being gone that long?) The seven end up sailing and MoA happens. (Only there is a kiss when Nico and Percy are reunited.) Percy still cares about Annabeth and still ends up helping her (because, again their best friends. Come on. Platonic love exists people!) So, then Percy and Annabeth still fall into Tatarus. Nico and Percy shout ‘I love you’s as Percy falls, both sobbing and Annabeth shocked Percy would fall with her. 

Nico leads them to the House of Hades (Cupid sequence is Nico admitting he still feels like he shouldn’t like guys in that way and cupid being a freaking nice character and actually helping Nico with his feelings, and Jason being a good person and accepting Nico and becoming his friend though discussion and shared experience.) 

House of Hades then on happens similar to how it did in the book, but with platonic-still-deeply-care-about-eachother-just-not-romantically-okay-Percabeth instead of romantic-lets-kiss-type Percabeth. When Nico learns about Bob he freaks out and just Nico-sadness. 

Then, Nico volunteers to Shadow Travel with Reyna and Coach to get the Athena Pathenos to camp. Percy doesn’t want him to leave, but Nico promises to see him soon. (Kiss moment) Then the three leave and the seven are off to Athens.

Blood of Olympus happens (but with more actual blood.) Annabeth and Percy get seriously injured (though they don’t die) and when Apollo gets there he can partially heal them, but they cannot fight geia directly due to the sheer amount of injuries. (Plus he’s like “Woah! You two need to talk to me later because I need to physco analyze you. Tatarus did some serious crap to you two. And Nico went there too? Gosh dammit, take him along to. when you meet with me, okay?”) (So, there, reason for no direct fighting) When the giants were fighting frank, the one with control over fire almost burned his stick to a crisp, so he decides to sit out the direct battle, due to the “Storm or FIRE” part of the prophecy. Everyone is pretty much okay with this because, “WE CAN’t LET YOU DIE FRANK” Hazel, however, climbs on Festus and helps destroy Mother Earth. She uses the soil in the airborne body of Gaia to morph the earth goddess and make her more vulnerable. Piper works on Lulling her back to sleep with a lullaby so strong most wear earplugs. (Plus, Leo helped by giving her megaphone) Leo works on his fire part. Nico is still fading from shadow travel, but he, along with Percy, Annabeth, Tyson, Grover, Frank, and Reyna convince the two camps to stop fighting, though there have already been many casualties. (Most well known being Clarisse, having died protecting one of the younger campers (whom she had earlier been teasing) who had snuck up to help fight. Octavian fires himself, though many try to stop him. Jason flies Hazel and Piper to the ground in time and Leo promises to jump and says him “you’ll have to catch me” line from Lost Hero. Leo doesn’t jump and with the combined efforts of Hazel, Jason, Piper, Festus, and the two sacrifices of Octavian and Leo Geia is defeated.

Leo saves Calypso from Oygia and the two return to camp to find his memorial being presented by Nico with the 7 and coach hedge speaking on his behalf. The two wait until Coach finishes to enter the area. Annabeth just cries out, “NOT AGAIN” (Because of Percy and MT. St helens) and Nico chuckles. Piper punches Leo in the face after he makes a joke and the 7 + Nico and Coach hedge give him hugs. Calypso and Percy fist bump and Percy apologizes for not following up with the gods. 

Then, Celebration is had for Leo’s return and Nico and Percy make sure the two get dumped in the lake for their initiation.