THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME - PERCY/NICO AU HIGH SCHOOL - CHAPTER XXII
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME - PERCY/NICO AU HIGH SCHOOL - CHAPTER XXII
I hope you like it.
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
“Good boy. So obedient.” Nico closed his eyes tightly and refused to answer, feeling his body shake with the effect of the orgasm.
Not that he was capable at the moment, to speak or move. No, Nico didn't think he had ever come so hard in his life, and hearing Percy talk to him like that made him shudder even more. Nico didn't think even Percy himself knew what those words did to him, the velvety tone of his voice and now the soft touch that soothed him after something so intense. It wasn't just that, it was the way Percy talked to him, as if Percy was really proud; it was the way Percy looked at him, analyzing him coldly from head to toe and, at the same time, with that hunger in his eyes that made him want to obey every order. Nico couldn't deal with it, so it was better to just feel grateful that this moment was happening.
“So?” Nico heard Percy say, feeling Percy’s touch, gently rubbing his arms, reaching for his wrist to finally unlock the handcuffs. Funny, for someone who was afraid of being tied up, he didn't even hesitate when Percy suggested it.
"So, what?" Nico mumbled, still slightly disoriented. He couldn't even raise his arms, allowing Percy to keep on rubbing the reddened skin.
"Was it good or bad?"
"Hmm?"
"Did you like what I did?"
Wasn't that obvious?
"I came twice."
"Doesn't mean you liked it."
"And you, did you like it?" Nico countered, trying to move, which only made him fall backwards like a rotten fruit that fell from a tree.
When Percy didn't answer, Nico looked at him. It was pretty clear what was going on, Percy and his martyr complex. The truth is that he had liked it, they both had, and that seemed to be a problem for Percy.
"I liked it, okay? I mean, your chin is still wet." To prove the evidence of the crime, Nico stretched out, groaning from the pain in his muscles, and ran his fingers over Percy's face, showing Percy the liquid.
"Yeah, I guess so." But Percy still had that analytical expression, almost too rigid, like he was preparing to give the next order, which turned out to be true in the end. "Stay here."
"Where would I go?"
"With you, I never know. Just don't... run away. Okay?"
"I told you I won't do it again. How long are you going to blame me for this?"
"I'm sorry." Percy tried to smile, and when that didn't work, he turned his back on Nico, who fell back onto the pillows.
It seemed that Nico wasn't the only one traumatized by the past. What could he do? This was their story, sometimes happy, sometimes troubled. Nico wouldn't trade what they had lived for anything in the world. Where would he be if he hadn't met Percy in a public school bathroom? What would he have done if Percy had been like those boys? At least they wouldn't be in this impasse. What if... what if he forced things just a little bit, Percy would see that there was no reason for so much guilt? After all, Percy always liked the truth and pretty things...
"Nico."
Startled, Nico saw Percy's face too close and grabbed Percy's shoulders, pushing him away.
"What are you thinking about, hmm? I know that little face very well."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"You're not up to something, are you? Behave."
"I always behave." Except when I need to act, Nico thought, putting on his most innocent expression.
"I'll believe you."
Percy sat down next to him and began to clean him up. On his chest, abdomen and then between Nico's legs, gently sliding a damp towel, reaching his entrance.
"You don't have to do this."
"I want to do it." Percy murmured, kissing him on the cheek. "You were right. I was absent, I promise I'll make it up to you.”
“How about starting now. Let me suck you off?”
“How can that be a reward for you?” The important thing in all this is that Percy had finally smiled, stroking Nico’s hair.
“Is that a yes or a no?”
“It's a maybe later. Right now, it's time for my baby to take a nap.”
“I'm not a baby.”
“Then why are you yawning in the middle of the afternoon?”
It was a good question.
Nico only let Percy cover him because Percy had laid down next to him and hugged him tightly, also getting under the covers with Nico.
***
For some reason, Percy felt exhausted. He allowed himself to relax into the pillow, pressed against Nico's back, and closed his eyes, just for a moment, just long enough to feel the weight lift off his shoulders. It was a metaphorical weight, of course, a weight he hadn't even known was there. Percy had never imagined that guilt could drain someone to the point of affecting them physically. Had things been like this in the past too? Percy couldn't remember. This was a bad habit he'd developed, another psychological crutch, he knew. Percy would forget and lock away everything that was traumatic or frustrating in the back of his mind.
You know what? Percy had decided not to think about what was bad or good, right or wrong, and would focus on what was right for them. Were they comfortable with this? Great! Did it sound fun? Did it make him feel good? So that's what they would do. What was the point of doing what was considered "normal" if it caused so much pain, and not the kind that Nico seemed to enjoy? It was best if he talked to his mother, just to reassure her. Percy knew better than anyone that Sally would annoy him until he confessed to her.
Feeling tired once again, Percy got out from under the covers, trying not to wake Nico and saw something lying on the floor. He walked around the bed and there in the middle of the path was the diary he had given Nico. The diary was open at the beginning of the first pages and had a pen stuck in it, marking the last page written.
He had already forgotten about that too. Fortunately, it seemed that even though he was a horrible person, Nico was still the same sweet little boy, always the obedient one. Yes, Percy could see that Nico had already written a few words and had personalized the back cover:
NICO'S DIARY If lost, return to Percy!
Percy had to laugh, already feeling light. There were even some cute drawings of hearts, little angels and little demons around the letters. However, what really caught his attention was the page where the pen was stuck.
“I love that kind of headspace where I almost float, almost delirious, you know? My head feels light and I have no idea what I want to do, I just want whatever you want me to do. Most of the time, all I know is that I want to be fucked so hard that I can barely speak and all I can do is give little moans when you ask me something.” “I want the kind of sex that leaves marks on my hips and the shape of your hands on my skin. The kind of sex that leaves my chest covered in bites and your back covered in scratches. I want the kind of sex that makes my body ache and throb and makes me feel you between my legs the next day.”
This was a passage that seemed to stand out from the other pages, something written in a hurry, in a careless scrawl, in black ink and without decorations around it, as if Nico didn’t want to spend much time with these thoughts and just needed to pour them out on the paper. That was the real reason why he stared at those words for long moments, motionless, standing in the middle of the room with Nico still sleeping peacefully, without a care in the world.
It was impossible not to compare the two typographic styles. On one side of the page, vines and trees that seemed to intertwine up to the heavens, accompanied by lines of simple and beautiful poetry, on the other, clumsy and vulgar prose, allowing Percy to see the two sides of Nico that he rarely saw together. There were other drawings, of course. A demon and an angel that took up an entire page, descriptions of personality and physical characteristics, a few lines of narration that on the next page were interrupted by more scribbles with loose thoughts.
“I want you to hold me and touch me, I want you to make me feel safe and small, like the baby I deny I am. I want you to tell me when no one is looking: “How’s my boy? Did he behave?” I want to have rules and I want to have to ask for permission. I want to be disciplined when I don't do what you order.”
Percy had to stop flipping through the diary and look at Nico sleeping in bed.
He... fuck! He wanted to do all of these things, Percy wanted to make all of Nico's wishes come true. And do you know why? They were the same as his own. Every word and confession seemed like something he would do if guilt hadn't stopped him until that moment. Were these fantasies really Nico's? Or was something Nico had written to get back at him? Or, even worse, was it what he had led Nico to believe they both wanted? But at the same time, Percy could recognize Nico in every line, be it clumsy or elegant, mixed with the influence he had over Nico and other things and moments when Percy hadn't been there to shape him.
Honestly? Percy was relieved. Knowing that Nico had had other experiences and met other people and that even after all of this Nico had still come back to him, it took away another part of the weight Percy didn't even know he carried. However, the important question was: How could he do... all of this without going over the edge? How could Percy make sure Nico wouldn't come out of this hating him for real?
He... Percy needed help. And a few things, too. Something that would make Nico understand the seriousness of the situation, how much he wanted Nico to stay safe and happy. It seemed that this was the moment to act.
***
Nico opened his eyes and the first thing he noticed was the sunlight coming through the blinds, blinding him momentarily. His head throbbed with an irritating pain in his temples, but his body was as relaxed as it had ever been. His vision was blurred too, dazed by the endorphins that still seemed to keep his body calm and his mind wonderfully empty, as if all anxiety had been sucked out of him by a compressor hose. Not even his adventures with more experienced boys had caused this kind of reaction in him.
He looked to the side, expecting to find Percy and got in return his absence and a piece of paper, Percy hadn't even left his warmth behind, which meant that Percy had gotten up a long time ago.
Well, Nico shouldn't get his hopes up when Percy had been handling things so badly lately. And he said he'd give Percy time to get used to things, didn't he? Even though it was hard to keep waiting for something that might not even happen, he had no other choice. It was better to have Percy's company than to have nothing at all. But that didn't mean Nico wouldn't try his best to get what he wanted.
Giving up, Nico sat up in bed and picked up the note.
"Did you sleep well? I had to leave real quick. I promise I'll be back for breakfast. Wait for me. Per."
Was that all? Was that what he deserved after feeling his world shake? This was so unfair! Enough! He was going to take action right now.
Forgetting about his headache and his sore muscles, Nico crumpled the note, threw it somewhere towards the trash can and marched until he stopped in front of the closet. This was so ridiculous! He never thought the time would come when he would have to stoop so low. He picked up the box with his toys, reached into the bottom of it and pulled out a sealed, black package. It was something the saleswoman had suggested and since he had bought worse things, that didn't make him a bad person. Nico placed the package on the bed, grabbed the items he would need and went into the bathroom. He was going to show Percy who was boss here.
***
Percy felt much better now.
How could he explain it? Well... there was a place, a kind of bar, and he had been curious, you know? Percy had never participated, however... he had watched and understood very quickly how things worked. What could he do? His mother always said that knowledge was something that no one could take away from you, and in fact, it had been something hard to forget. Maybe he had gotten bored without Nico around or maybe when he found himself alone, with no one to watch over him... why not? Since Percy no longer needed to be the good guy?
The fact was, Percy had discovered that he did those things without needing anyone to teach him. At least there, he learned that what he did was wrong if Percy didn't ask permission first.
A good example of this were words, small suggestions that if repeated could become conditioned behaviors, like when you teach your dog to give you a paw in exchange for treats. People had the same tendencies and similar desires, too. Some were more assertive and others were more obedient. It was a normal dynamic, nothing forced, of course, just ways of behaving where each person felt more comfortable expressing themselves. And that was just the beginning, it wasn't even something sexual or romantic, just attitudes that most people didn't notice. His psychologist at the time had suggested something similar. It wasn't that he was going after those types of clubs, but rather that Percy should analyze why he felt so codependent on Nico or why Percy felt so frustrated. And since it seemed to be related to sex, he thought... why not? His mother had supported the idea and his brother and Grover had loved it even more. So, as a close-knit family, they all went to investigate the bar, including his mother.
The important thing was that when he found out what he was doing with Nico, it was too late, Nico had left and he was left alone, with all those ideas and no one to test them. Percy wasn't proud of what he had done, but he didn't regret it either. Honestly? He didn't care about those people and if he had hurt some of them along the way, it was none of his business. Percy never promised them anything, tired of warning them what would happen in the end.
That was why Percy was there that morning, a twenty-four hour bar that operated as a snack bar during the day. It had been over a year since Percy had been there, but since they were the place he trusted the most, it would have to be there.
Percy took a deep breath and entered through the black iron doors, reaching the first area where there were wooden tables and chairs that would be removed at dusk to make way for the dance floor. He continued walking further back and found the bar, a long counter next to a spacious kitchen, watching the waiters pick up plates of food to be delivered. He just hoped that no one--
"Percy, dear. It's been a while!"
"Vanessa," Percy said and turned around, seeing his favorite "teacher." She was a caring, kind and firm dominatrix, something he always wanted to be and never had the patience for. In comparison to her, Percy was anxious and somewhat cruel. Who knows, maybe one day?
“What brings you here? Finally looking for company? I have a submissive who--
“Not this time,” Percy said and smiled, politely denying. “I’m looking for Apollo. I wonder if he’s around?”
“Oh, that’s so good. Who’s the boy?”
“Someone new.”
“Hm, I see.” But she seemed to judge him like everyone else did.
“Not so new. He’s new to the scene.”
“Oh, okay.” Vanessa smiled again and came out from behind the counter. “I know exactly what you want.”
So, together, they went through another door, up a spiral staircase and arrived on the second floor, full of doors with private rooms, some with windows that allowed you to see inside the rooms and at the end of the hallway, a large black metal door that they also entered.
For sure, that room was what Percy was looking for. He felt that if he brought Nico here, the little boy would spend a few hours asking what those things hanging on the wall were for. There was also a counter at the back of the room, where a tall, blond man was reading a magazine, wearing headphones.
"Hey," Percy said as he approached.
Apollo looked up and at the same moment took off his headphones and stood up, running towards him. It was okay, because Percy was prepared. He opened his arms and let Apollo hug him as much as he wanted, rubbing himself against him.
"Oh, look at our little Dom. So big. Have you been working out? I bet the little boys are chasing you."
Not since Nico had come back, but that was another matter.
"Just one. I was looking for something specific."
"I know exactly what you need."
"I haven't said anything yet."
"And you don't have to."
Apollo smiled brightly, picked up a shopping basket and started walking through the aisles and shelves.
"Let me see. Something discreet for the day.”
Apollo reached out and picked up a choker, something in the Gothic style. A soft, discreet strip of leather with small crystals adorning it.
"Something to play with."
This time Apollo picked up a light pink collar, heavy and with large holes, with a small name tag and a clasp to attach a leash if he wanted.
"Something to keep him quiet and well-behaved, yes?"
Finally Apollo picked up a muzzle with a ball in the middle, a silk blindfold, and soft handcuffs.
"There you go. That should do it."
"I can't, this is too much."
"It's a gift for our junior Dominant!"
"Really, I can't--
"Oh! There's something missing!"
"Apollo, no!"
"Apollo, yes."
Before Percy could stop him, Apollo was back with a paddle. Its surface was all black leather, made of a stiff material, but the tip of it had a soft padding that would bring pain without leaving too many marks.
“Apollo!”
“Come on, just this once. I’ve never seen you interested in anyone. Consider it a good luck gift.”
“Exactly! I can’t show up with this. He’ll think I’m—”
“He’s not wrong.”
Percy snorted and gave up arguing. Apollo was so ridiculous that it made it impossible to contradict him.
“Besides…” Apollo continued, packing the items into a pretty box. “Since you rejected me, the least you can do is accept my gift.”
“How much was it?” Percy, for his own sanity, decided to ignore him, and took out his wallet.
“Didn’t you hear what I said? It’s a gift.”
“Come on! This is worth at least a thousand dollars.”
“So what? I’m rich.”
“So am I.”
“Looks like we’re at an impasse.” Apollo grimaced sadly and shook his head. “Looks like your boy is going to be very disappointed, then.”
“He doesn’t know I’m here.”
“Is this a surprise? I didn't know you were a romantic.” This time, there was no irony in Apollo's voice. “I'm feeling very single right now.”
Percy had forgotten how dramatic Apollo could be. He was handsome, Percy couldn't deny that. However, beauty wasn't everything in life, even if it helped a lot.
“Vanessa! Get me a Dom right now!”
Percy turned around and there was Vanessa, watching them from afar as if she were watching a sitcom.
“Didn’t it? Three times in the last month?”
“You call that dominance? My mother is less vanilla than that.”
“Please, spare me.” Vanessa crossed her arms and rolled her eyes.
“Why is so hard to introduce me to someone tall, hot and with an attitude? Is that too much to ask?”
It was Percy's turn to roll his eyes. He wanted to say that this was the first time something like this had happened. He swore he wasn't trying to brag, but... really, Percy thought those D/s days were behind him. But there he was, asking these people for help.
“Behave yourself.” Percy found himself saying, already irritated by the situation. The worst part was that Apollo immediately straightened his spine. And he had to add: “Don’t you dare.” It wouldn’t be the first time Apollo had knelt down without even realizing it.
“So mean.”
“Look, I appreciate the help, but I have to—”
“Is everything okay?” Apollo asked, now serious. “You said you would never dominate anyone. Is it about the boy who made you suffer?”
“Maybe.” Percy shrugged. “It’s not his fault.”
“Okay. Do you need help? Maybe mediation?”
“No. I can do it.” Maybe, he wanted to say. The truth is, Percy couldn’t even think about having to share Nico with someone or letting other people watch. Percy didn’t know if he could control himself. “You don’t need to worry.”
“Are you sure? We could give the poor boy a hand. Does he know what he's gotten himself into?”
"You don't have to worry," Percy repeated.
The worst part was that Percy wasn't even lying. Nico knew a lot more than he would have liked.
So, did you liked it? Thanks for reading!
More Posts from Auroraescritora and Others
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Part IV
How to show bitterness
tightness around their eyes
pinched mouth
sour expression on their face
crossed arms
snorting angrily
turning their eyes upward
shaking their head
How to show hysteria
fast breathing
chest heaving
trembling of their hands
weak knees, giving in
tears flowing down their face uncontrollably
laughing while crying
not being able to stand still
How to show awe
tension leaving their body
shoulders dropping
standing still
opening mouth
slack jaw
not being able to speak correctly
slowed down breathing
wide eyes open
softening their gaze
staring unabashingly
How to show shame
vacant stare
looking down
turning their head away
cannot look at another person
putting their head into their hands
shaking their head
How to show being flustered
blushing
looking down
nervous smile
sharp intake of breath
quickening of breath
blinking rapidly
breaking eye contact
trying to busy their hands
playing with their hair
fidgeting with their fingers
opening mouth without speaking
Part I + Part II + Part III
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NÃO HÁ LUGAR COMO O LAR - PERCY/NICO AU COLEGIAL - CAPÍTULO XIX
O que é isso? O terceiro capítulo da semana? É um milagre! Nessa semana vocês realmente podem me chamar de escritora, porque eu escrevi muitoooooo.
Agora, falando serio. A vontade de escrever já está virando obsessão, então vamos ver até onde ela dura. E claro, peço desculpas pela baixa na qualidade do texto. É isso o que acontecesse quando se escreve muito em pouco tempo, por isso revisão e edição é tão importante. E tipo, sinto muito pelo drama! Eu já disse que escrita é minha terapia? Não é literal, são coisas que eu vejo, vivo e sinto tudo misturado. Acho que é isso o que eles chamam de "estilo de escrita".
O capítulo é pequeno, mas de qualquer forma, espero que você gostem.^^
Capítulos anteriores: CAPÍTULO I / CAPÍTULO II / CAPÍTULO III / CAPÍTULO IV / CAPÍTULO V / CAPÍTULO VI / CAPÍTULO VII / CAPÍTULO VIII / CAPÍTULO IX / CAPÍTULO X / CAPÍTULO XI / CAPÍTULO XII / CAPÍTULO XIII / CAPÍTULO XIV / CAPÍTULO XV / CAPÍTULO XVI / CAPÍTULO XVII / CAPÍTULO XVIII
— Obrigado. — Ele acabou dizendo quando a família o abraçou em conjunto, Sally quase chorando enquanto Grover e Tyson tinham uma expressão séria e neutra no rosto, o fazendo se lembrar quando Percy estava tentando se controlar para não destruir o que visse pelo caminho.
Ele também gostava disso, sabendo que poderia contar com a família inteira. E já que ele estava sendo sincero, por que não continuar?
— Eu não via Hades há anos, ele não é importante. Será que é necessário tanto trabalho por causa dele? Eu estava pensando em algo mais eficaz.
— O que você precisar, querido. — Dessa vez, foi Sally quem disse, se já se recompondo; a mãe dando espaço para a mulher de negócios.
— Eu estava pensando em emancipação. — Quando ninguém disse nada, Nico preferiu fechar os olhos e continuar falando. — Hades tem o controle das posses da minha mãe e como filho único, eu só teria acesso a isso com vinte e um anos. Se eu apressar esse processo, posso tentar recuperar o que é meu antes que Hades destrua tudo.
— Não entendo, Hades não pode mexer nesse dinheiro sem a permissão da justiça. — Tyson disse, confuso.
— Esse é o problema. Minha mãe tinha ações e outros ativos que Hades tem acesso. Grande parte do que ele tem vem da minha mãe.
— Você está nos dizendo que quem era rica era sua mãe e não Hades? — Agora era Percy quem parecia inconformado.
— Hades costumava ser um gerente de banco. Ela se apaixonou e eu nasci. Na verdade, Bianca é minha meia irmã. Meu avô é um grande fazendeiro, sabe? Mamãe costumava ajudá-lo antes de Hades aparecer.
— Nossa. — Grover murmurou. — Seu pai é filho da puta.
— Ele é. Eu não me sentia seguro em contar isso para ninguém, mas agora que ele não pode me machucar é o momento de recuperar tudo o que ele tirou de mim.
— Nós vamos ajudar. Tyson vai começar os preparativos.
— Será que a gente pode pegar ele de surpresa? Tentar recuperar a herança da minha mãe e fazer a emancipação juntos? Eu não quero dar tempo para ele revidar.
— É claro. É uma ótima ideia. — Tyson disse com um estranho brilho no olhar. — Ele nem vai perceber quando a gente pegar ele. Eu prometo.
— Tudo bem. Eu confio em você. Se a emancipação não der certo, vocês podem ser meus guardiões? Nunca mais quero voltar para aquela casa.
— Você tem nossa palavra. — Sally tocou em seu ombro, sorrindo para ele com lágrimas nos olhos. — Vamos destruir esse homem, nem que seja à força.
— Vocês não precisam prometer. Eu só… não quero ficar sob o controle dele. Não sei o que pode acontecer.
— Bianca está bem morando com ele?
— Ele nunca tratou Bianca como me trata.
— Oh, querido. — Sally disse e o abraçou forte, ainda com Percy o segurando pela cintura.
Ele se negava a chorar, se negava a dar a Hades esse gostinho, se negava a continuar sob o controle daquele homem. Enquanto ele estava em Verona com seus avós, primos e tios, Hades não teve a coragem de se aproximar. Mas agora que nenhum outro adulto era responsável por ele, Hades pensava que poderia mandar nele. Bem, Nico iria provar para aquele homem e devolver um gostinho do que Hades havia feito com ele.
— Eu estou bem. Tudo isso ficou no passado. Eu só quero o que é meu.
— Nós sabemos. — Percy finalmente disse, saindo de seu estupor. — Eu vou cuidar de você.
Nico sabia disso, Percy estava dizendo essas palavras com tanta frequência que ele estava começando a acreditar. Talvez eles realmente tivessem uma chance de se casar no futuro e construir uma família somente deles, longe de toda essa confusão e dor. Talvez se ele se comportasse e fizesse tudo do jeito certo, ele se libertaria desse pesadelo, dessas pessoas que pareciam decididas a torturá-lo.
***
Depois disso as coisas pareceram se acalmar, porém, de uma forma delicada.
Ele disse que deveria ter ficado calado desde o início, não disse? Nico não entendia exatamente o que estava acontecendo, mas suspeitava de algo. Percy estava se distanciando dele, como se estivesse afrouxando a guia de sua coleira para ver até onde ele iria sem supervisão. Ou talvez, fosse apenas o que ele sentia. Talvez Percy estivesse dando um espaço para ele, um tempo para ele entender o que acontecia e dar o próximo passo. Onde Percy estava de seu lado em todos os momentos do dia, agora outra pessoa o substituiria sem ele nem perceber. Era estranho, nas poucas vezes que ele se pegava sozinho e conseguia pensar, o efeito do que Percy queria se tornava o contrário. Esse tempo sozinho o fazia pensar na vida e nas possibilidades que o futuro guardava para ele. Isso o assustava, a incerteza, vendo que teria que tomar as rédeas da própria vida se quisesse viver confortavelmente, quando, na realidade, tudo o que ele desejava era que alguém viesse e lhe dissesse qual era o caminho certo a tomar.
Aquela tarde não seria diferente, o fazendo se perder na sucessão dos dias, dias agradáveis e com pessoas que se importavam, mas sem o prazer que ele tinha se acostumado a receber. Será que alguns dias era o suficiente para Percy se convencer? Ele estava se comportando como era esperado dele? Nico estava tão cansado que apenas se levantou da cama e saiu andando pela casa. Ele encontrou Sally na cozinha, negando o convite para cozinhar com ela. Encontrou Tyson na sala de estudos e ele ofereceu para atualizá-lo sobre o caso de Hades, e mais uma vez negou, passando por Grover que estava na sala de estar e indo direto para a área externa da casa, o único lugar que Percy poderia estar. E lá Nico o encontrou, nadando em velocidade rápida na piscina, para cima e para baixo, e quando Nico finalmente se aproximou o suficiente para ver melhor a figura de Percy, ele permaneceu em silêncio, se perguntando se era uma boa ideia quebrar sua rotina auto-imposta. E se esse fosse o futuro deles e Nico apenas estivesse atrasando e lutando contra o que não tinha jeito? Se vendo em um beco sem saída, Nico se sentou em uma das espreguiçadeiras e continuou observando Percy nadar furiosamente, parecendo que tentava descontar toda sua frustração na água.
Agora, não faltava muito. Se Nico ainda estivesse seguindo o script deles, em poucos minutos Percy sairia da piscina e iria em busca dele. Percy o abraçaria e sorriria para ele, sendo todo carinhoso e eles passariam o resto da tarde e parte da noite fazendo qualquer coisa que não fosse o que eles queriam estar fazendo. Ele estava tão cansado de tudo isso que nem se surpreendeu quando Percy saiu da piscina, como se alguém o estivesse perseguindo, quase passando direto por ele. Nico sentia vontade de rir, isso era tão ridículo; Percy era ridículo e ele também era ridículo. O que eles estavam esperando? O trauma e tristeza desaparecem para que eles pudessem continuar com a vida deles? Que talvez com tempo e paciente Nico seria uma pessoa normal e equilibrada mentalmente? O mais engraçado foi ver Percy voltando de ré e parando ao lado de sua cadeira, sorrindo encabulado para ele. E o que Nico fez? Ele sorriu de volta, era a única coisa racional a se fazer em uma situação que não fazia nenhum sentido.
— Ei, lindo. O que você faz aqui sozinho? — Percy perguntou e se agachou, ficando em sua altura e o encarando bem de perto.
— Senti sua falta.
— É?
— Eu queria saber onde você estava.
— Eu estou aqui, como sempre.
Nico queria dizer que era uma mentira. Percy podia estar ali, mas não estava do seu lado.
— O que está acontecendo com a gente? — Ele perguntou, se sentindo mais cansado a cada momento que se passava.
— Não está acontecendo nada. — Percy disse e sorriu para ele, o tocando suavemente no rosto. E esse era o problema, nada acontecia e ele precisava que algo acontecesse imediatamente, ou ele iria enlouquecer por completo.
Nico quase se deixou levar pela carícia platônica, quase deixou que o sorriso calmo de Percy o enganasse.
— Eu… eu fiz algo errado?
— Isso nunca seria possível.
— Você não gosta mais de mim?
— Nico. — Percy disse na voz mais calma que ele já tinha ouvido. — Acho que a gente devia desacelerar.
— Mais do que isso?
— Eu… — Então a máscara de tranquilidade no rosto de Percy se quebrou. — Eu abusei de você. Eu nunca perguntei porque você não falava com seu pai. Nunca questionei porque você chorava e tremia quando pensava que ninguém estava vendo. Eu preciso de espaço. Pensei que seria bom para você também.
— Eu não preciso de espaço. Eu preciso de você.
Nico não hesitou, ele se jogou no colo de Percy e o abraçou bem apertado, sentindo um nó na garganta se formar.
— Nico. Eu… eu me sinto culpado. Eu sou apenas mais um que quer abusar de você. — O importante era que Percy o abraçou de volta, bem apertado, o segurando pela nuca e sussurrando em seu ouvido. — Eu quero te ver aos meus pés e quero te ver obedecendo tudo o que eu mandar. Quero que você olhe só para mim e pense só em mim. Você acha que isso é diferente do que Hades estava fazendo com você?
— Eu não me importo. — Pronto, ele tinha dito. — Eu quero fazer tudo isso por você.
— Nico, por favor.
— Eu estou cansado. Por que eu não posso ter o que eu quero? Por que é tão errado estar sob o controle de outra pessoa?
Ele ouviu Percy gemer e antes que pudesse reagir, Percy o puxou pelos cabelos e o fez encará-lo, seus olhos verdes em chamas, como se Percy estivesse prestes a devorá-lo ali mesmo.
— Você vai me matar. Você sabe disso? Eu estou tentando cuidar de você. Estou fazendo o que é melhor para você.
— Eu quero não o melhor, eu só quero não me sentir tão miserável o tempo todo. Você pode fazer a dor passar?
Percy olhou por um longo momento para ele, parecendo que iria desmoronar a qualquer instante, mas finalmente sua vontade foi atendida; Percy encostou os lábios dele contra os seus e ficou assim por alguns momentos, o permitindo sentir o calor e o toque que ele tanto tinha sentido falta. E de repente, era o suficiente para Nico. Não era o sexo que ele sentia falta, era o calor do corpo de Percy sobre o dele, o afeto, toque atencioso, o liberar da tensão, a conexão que ele não havia encontrado em nenhum outro lugar.
Infelizmente, o momento foi quebrado algum tempo depois. As mãos de Percy continuaram sobre sua pele e ele ainda estava sentado no colo de Percy, eles ainda se encaravam como se o outro fosse sumir se eles desviassem a atenção.
— Eu nunca quis que você se sentisse assim. — Percy enfim disse, engolindo em seco. — Eu me sinto um monstro. Eu vou-- eu vou superar isso, eu só preciso de um tempo.
— A gente precisa ficar longe? Eu não quero aprender sobre advocacia com Tyson ou sobre esportes com Grover, eu nem mesmo quero aprender novas receitas com Sally. Prometo que não vou te incomodar.
— Como você pode fazer isso comigo? — Foi tudo o que Percy disse antes de enfiar o rosto em seu pescoço e Nico sentir lágrimas atingirem sua pele, os braços de Percy se apertando ao redor de sua cintura.
— Oh.
Talvez não tenha sido uma boa ideia encurralar Percy no final das contas. Nico se convenceu disso quando ouviu o primeiro soluço. Por que tudo o que ele fazia dava errado? Com o peito apertado, Nico puxou Percy para cima e deitou com ele na espreguiçadeira. Ele obedeceria aos desejos de Percy e daria o espaço que ele precisava.
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Então, está muito ruim? Qualquer feedback é bem-vindo, nem que seja para me cobrar alguma coisa. Vou adorar ver vocês por aqui. E só para avisar, a versão em inglês vai vir assim que minha inspiração esvaziar um pouco e infelizmente a qualidade vai continuar duvidosa até que isso aconteça; quanto mais tempo eu passo revisando ou traduzindo, menos palavras eu escrevo e mais a evolução da história se atrasa. Espero que vocês entendam. E obrigada desde já!
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME - PERCY/NICO AU HIGH SCHOOL - CHAPTER XVI
Hi, how are you? I managed to translate the chapter just in time.
The chapter was going to come out earlier, but because of the holiday in Brazil I've allowed myself to rest. I've definitely given up on having a posting schedule, but I'll try to update every week. So, just come by once a week, on Friday, because if I post something it'll be ready on Friday. And, like, consider the texts here as initial drafts, okay? I'm still in my creative phase, and I love putting sub-plots and other things in the middle of the main plot. If I followed my original plan, I would have finished the story by now. So, let's relax and have fun. Thanks for being here!
Not too many warnings apart from mental health, I hope you like it.
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
Nico put the pen down on the last page he had written and rested the diary next to his pillow, stretching his arms and neck. He had written more than he had intended. Well, Percy was in for a bit of a surprise when he read it. But in the end, Percy was right, writing had taken the pressure off his shoulders that Nico hadn't even known was there to begin with. It was a magical moment, as he put his thoughts down on paper, his mind felt light and empty, as if he was telling what was bothering him to someone who wouldn't judge him and wouldn't try to give him 'advice' he hadn't asked for.
Tired of waiting, Nico lay down on the bed and put his head on the pillow. Why was Percy doing taking so long? The next thing he knew, he had closed his eyes, opening them again to feel something soft slide over his body. It was a damp, warm towel that Percy was holding. Nico blinked slowly and then Percy's figure came into view, wet hair and bare chest, wearing only a towel as he gently cleaned his body.
"Would you like a bath?" Percy murmured, moving closer to him, making him sit against the edge of the bed. "I filled the tub for you.”
"I could." He shrugged, it seemed like a good idea. Nico rarely saw any reason to use the bathtub.
So Percy took him by the hand and led him into the bathroom, asking:
"How do you feel?”
He didn't know. A slight burning that pulsed inside him, maybe? Muscle and mental fatigue? A relaxation he had never felt before? It was all of this together and more. In general? Nico felt good, or as good as possible, similar to when he hadn't run away to Italy yet, maybe even better, now that he didn't need to hide his feelings.
"I'm fine." Nico shrugged again.
"Do you remember our rules?”
Unfortunately, Nico remembered. Percy must have been referring to always being honest.
"I don't know." Nico said, trying to be as honest as he could. "It's all too new for me to have an opinion.”
"Nico.”
He stopped and faced Percy, who now had his arms crossed.
"You have to stop this. Don't tell me what I want to hear”.
"What do you want me to say?”
"What you're really feeling. Does something hurt? Do you need anything?”
"Why are you always questioning me?”
"Because you're always trying to please me.”
"What's wrong with that?”
He looked at Percy, but Percy looked at him like he was going to explode. None of that happened, though. Percy took a deep breath, closed his eyes for a moment and when he opened them again, an aura of calm was present. It was one of those moments where Nico knew he wasn't going to win, no matter what he did. So he let Percy lead him to the bathtub and lathered him up slowly and leisurely.
"You don't see the problem with that? Do you?" Percy asked distractedly, his hands sliding down between Nico's legs.
"Things have always been like this.”
"That's why I didn't go after you.”
"I don't think I understand.”
"I discovered that I... can't control myself around you. I made you act this way. I put you in this perfect, unbreakable little box. No one should live like that, according to someone else's wishes.”
"That's not true, I've always been like that.”
"Really? It took you five years to say all those things to me. If you didn't feel comfortable telling me how you felt before, what does that mean?”
Nico turned to face Percy, who had a distant look on his face, and realized that this bothered Percy more than he thought.
"I don't like fighting. I prefer things to stay that way.”
"Like what?”
"No conflict and no drama. I don't want to have to think about every step of the way. I just want to be with you and... satisfy you. Isn't that enough?”
"I can't do that." Then Percy grabbed his face and slid his fingers to the back of his neck, massaging it slowly and making him relax even more. "How can I be sure I'm not hurting you or stopping you from doing other things?”
"That's the point, isn't it? You feel guilty about wanting the same things I do.”
"Nico, don't torture me.”
"I'm not." He didn't think he was. "When I don't want... this thing we have, you'll know.
"How?”
"I'll run away. Not like today. But, like, as if my life depended on it.
"Nico!”
"You know, when people try to get close to me, I usually feel suffocated. But when it's you, I just feel free and safe, even if I'm scared.”
Nico thought he was losing his mind, looking like a lunatic on the edge of a cliff. But it was the pure truth, what he looked for in all those faces, wasn't the beauty or the deep green eyes, no, it was always that feeling of security and stability, the comfort that Percy's arms always gave him. For those things were hard to emulate; if only he could have found this somewhere else, Nico wouldn't have felt so controlled and conditioned to do those things that Percy criticized so much, even though Percy had never asked for them. In the end, he understood what Percy was trying to imply; things would only get worse from now on, and they would probably continue this game of cat and mouse for a long time until he gave in. What could Nico do if Percy was the only one who made him feel this way, so free and trapped at the same time?
"Nico." Now Percy's voice sounded all hoarse and firm.
Opps. He looked down and saw that his hand was in Percy's lap, on top of the towel, but in a very strategic place.
"Why can't you tell me what's bothering you?”
He denied it, not ready to say what he really thought to Percy. Although he knew Percy felt something similar or worse. Nico had seen how much Percy had tried to get over him with other people, before and after he went to Italy. So, deep down, arguing was pointless. They needed a consensus.
"This will lead to nothing. I suggest a truce." Nico said, instead of explaining himself.
"Truce? This is not a war.”
"So why all we do is fight and have sex? I'd much rather just have sex.”
This brought a little smile to the corner of Percy's lips.
"What do you suggest?”
"l will... trust you and do whatever you ask if you stop questioning me.”
Now, Percy just looked sad.
"I don't want you to feel bad and cornered. I just worry. I want you to be the best possible version of yourself.”
"What if I just want to be the Nico who wants to be with Percy and not have to argue?”
"That's fine. We can do it your way. You have to promise me that if it's not working, you'll tell me.”
"I promise.”
All Nico could do was hope for the best and try to keep his end of the bargain.
***
When they woke up again, the sun was high in the sky, the morning already giving way to afternoon at a milder temperature. They were still in bed, his head on Percy's shoulder and Percy's arms around his waist. Finally, the silence was lasting more than five minutes. They didn't need to do anything or be anywhere other than there, where they had chosen to be.
"Hungry?" Nico heard Percy say quietly, his voice hoarse with sleep.
"No.”
"Not at all? Sally will come here soon, to see if we're still alive.”
That would be funny. Nico could even imagine Sally opening the door and catching them in bed like that, naked and hugging. It would be great.
With this thought haunting him, Nico disentangled himself from Percy and sat down on the bed, feeling slightly dizzy but content, stretching until he fell backwards, closing his eyes. Maybe he needed something to eat. When was the last time? Had he even eaten anything at the party or just drunk?
"Tired?”
Nico sighed and gave in, knowing that his peace was about to end. He lay on his side of the bed and stared at Percy, who didn't look happy at all.
"Not much.”
"You know, I think we should create a system.”
"I think--”
"Every time you lie to me you will be punished.”
"You said you wouldn't doubt me!”
"It's not a doubt when I know the truth, when I see you lying to me.”
"What do you want me to do?”
"Tell the truth or say nothing at all.”
"Oh.”
"Are you going to spend the rest of your life keeping quiet to please me?”
That was a good question. It was hard to go back into the darkness when you could see so much light.
"This isn't funny." He muttered, feeling something inside his chest spread.
"Yeah. Imagine how I feel watching you lower yourself, being less than you could be.”
"I don't do it all the time.”
"No?”
"Only with you.”
Then Nico saw Percy reach out and touch his face in a light caress.
"I hate what I did to you, what your father did.”
"You didn't do anything." His father, on the other hand, was a different story.
"I molded you into this perfect person who is afraid of offending anyone.”
"That's not true! I…”
"I want you to scream if you want. I want you to hit me, to curse me if you feel like it. To revolt. Demand it. I never want to see you so hurt again.”
Maybe Percy was right. But did he really have to do these things? Wasn't something he could see himself doing.
"Don't get me wrong. You don't have to. But if you want to, or one day do these things, it's okay and completely normal”.
"Normal? How can doing these things be normal?”
"Gods." Percy hugged him tighter and leaned his head on Nico’s shoulder. "You don't have to be perfect. Do you understand that?”
But if he's not perfect, no one will like him. How could Nico not be what he already was?
"It's all right." Percy said, but Nico had the impression that Percy was saying this to himself.
In the end, Nico chose to keep quiet. What he had to say wouldn't make any difference, and maybe Percy was right. If he had nothing good to say, he'd better keep his mouth shut.
***
"Gods, what has Percy done to you?!”
As soon as they got downstairs, Sally greeted them with a loving smile and tight hugs. That is, that's what happened until Sally saw the bruise on Nico's neck; a bruise that was actually a well-placed hickey.
"Mom, you're exaggerating.”
Nico, poor thing, looked between them, trying to understand what was going on. And Percy, like a good Samaritan, helped him to understand it. As if on cue, Percy put his hand on Nico's neck and Nico moaned. Whether it was pain, surprise or pleasure, was hard to tell. Whatever it was, it made his heart race and something else wake.
"Oh." Nico then said, bringing his hand up to his neck. "I didn't realize. It’s very ugly?”
"I wouldn't say that.”
He heard laughter behind him, but preferred to concentrate on Nico, who was frowning sweetly and taking his cell phone out of his pocket, looking at himself in the reflection of the screen.
"Percy! What were you trying to do? Tear off a piece?”
"You are not the only one." Percy opened the first two buttons of his shirt and showed his set of marks, small nails and the shape of teeth that went down until they disappeared inside his shirt.
"I... I didn't do this! Did I?”
"And much more.”
Percy couldn't help himself, he laughed and pulled Nico into a hug, kissing his cheek. But everything seemed to be fine, because as soon as Percy hugged him, Nico melted against his shoulder, hugging him back.
"It's all right. You can bite me all you want, I like it. "And the way things were going, Nico liked it too.
Percy heard a snort and turned to look at Sally, who didn’t seem all that happy about the display of... affection.”
"Percy Jackson! That's not how you treat people.”
"It was something mutual. And if you must know, Nico started it. You can ask Annabeth, she was the first to see. See here? It was the first." And, right at the nape of his neck, where his hair was starting to grow long, there was a mark that was beginning to fade.
Nico hid his face in his shoulder and Sally crossed her arms. And before another wave of complaints arrived, Percy hurried over:
"Permission to maim?" Nico nodded yes, too embarrassed to face the room full of witnesses, which didn't stop the cursing, laughter and protests.
"That's enough." Sally raised one of her hands to her face and turned to Nico, making him raise his face. "Are you all right, darling? How was the party? Better than old times, no?”
Immediately, Percy knew something was wrong. Suddenly, Nico opened his mouth, about to say something and then closed it, cowering against his arms. The worst part was seeing Nico raise his head and look at him, as if waiting for Percy's permission for something, keeping his lips sealed tightly. He heard another gasp and realized that everyone was waiting for Nico to answer. Grover, Tyson and Sally all found Nico's behavior strange.
All that was left for Percy to do was smile and lead Nico into the living room to sit with him on the sofa.
"What's going on, hm?”
But all Nico did was deny it and look down at his lap, refusing to face him.
"Please.”
This made Nico look between his eyelashes at him and take a deep breath: "I thought about what you said last night.”
"About not lying?”
"About keeping quiet.”
Something in Percy's chest tightened at that moment, and hoping it wasn't what he thought, he asked: "Why would you keep quiet?”
"You said that if I was going to lie, I should keep quiet, and since I have nothing important to say, I'll do as you say.”
Percy thought he had stopped breathing.
He wasn't serious! Who would follow such a ridiculous order? He just wanted to make Nico respond in any way other than accepting everything without protest, he wanted to make him react and see what was going on. And instead, Nico decided to go along with it in the worst possible way?
"Baby, please. I was wrong. I just wanted you to react.”
"React how?”
"In any way you want." Percy then smiled, trying to encourage Nico. "Come on, you can shout at me. You can swear at me. I've done something very bad. I deserve punishment.”
"Punishment?" Nico tilted his head like a confused puppy and moved closer. He kissed him on the lips in a sweet, gentle kiss and touched his hair, smiling angelically. "That's it. Your punishment.”
Percy wanted to cry. Why did everything he said seem to come out backwards? Or maybe it was Nico doing the best he could.
"Are you punishing me or comforting me?”
"If I choose the punishment, you have to accept it.”
Percy let himself go and hugged Nico tightly, hearing him sigh with pleasure.
"I don't deserve you. I just wanted you to feel free to express yourself. You've been kept quiet for so long that I'm afraid the same thing will happen now.”
"I know." Nico murmured softly, looking pleased.
"What you have to say is important, always will be.”
"I thought that if I kept quiet I wouldn't have to measure my words.”
"Don't make me cry.”
"You're so silly. "Nico finally said, the only sincere thing in all that. "I made that decision. I had all the freedom in the world, but at the end of the day, I still missed you and the way things were.”
In the end, life was about decisions and consequences. He continued to hug Percy and understood, Percy was as lost as he was in all this confusion, he understood that it was a period of adaptation and soon everything would return to normal. Now, what that normal was, they both had no idea, since they had never had a common friendship.
"I'm sorry." Nico said again. "I think it's a period of adjustment. I'll try not to take everything you say so seriously.”
"I'm very happy about that." The truth was that Percy was relieved, thanking all the gods and deities for finding someone so understanding, although he would have liked Nico to be more combative.
Don't get him wrong, Nico was one of the most independent and responsible people he had ever met, but what Nico had in the way of independence, he also had in the way of emotional dependence. And sometimes that emotional dependence was too heavy for him to carry alone, although he was willing to carry it for the rest of his life if it guaranteed that Nico would stay in his life.
"So, are we okay?" Nico asked, raising his head and peeking at him shyly.
"Of course, baby. As long as you are.”
Nico seemed immediately reassured. And if that’s what Nico wanted, Percy would do his best to sort things out. Obviously, asking hadn't worked it, nor had talking or pressuring. The way would be to do things the traditional way. Not that he knew what he was doing in the past, but if it’d worked before, it would work now.
Smiling, like nothing had happened, he guided Nico back to the kitchen and sat down next to him at the table, discovering too late that everyone had overheard his conversation with Nico. What could he do? Nico's well-being was more important than the disapproving looks. He knew he would soon see the reprimand, and if making a mistake was necessary to put right what he had done, then so be it! Percy would never regret putting Nico first.
"Pancakes or eggs?”
"Pancakes." Nico answered him. So pancakes it was.
This was nothing new. Nico's favorite foods were sweet, and the savory ones had a nostalgic feeling, from the time when Nico's mother was still alive. So, next to the pancakes and the chocolate topping, Percy placed a cheese croissant in Nico’s plate, along with a glass of juice and a cup of coffee.
It was incredible. It seemed as if nothing bad had happened ten minutes ago. Nico took the first gulp from his coffee cup and smiled like it was the happiest day of his life, diving into his sugary pancakes next. And just like that, as if by magic, the atmosphere was friendly again, Nico chatting animatedly with Sally, while he, Grover and Tyson watched, trembling for the next feast they would be forced to attend.
"Dude, thanks for letting me stay. My mom's back.”
"You can stay as long as you like, it's your house. Why don't you pack a bag and stay until graduation? It won't be long now.
"If a whole year isn't too much..." Both he and Grover shrugged and Grover punched his shoulder amiably, making them both smile. It was a good idea, especially when he and Nico left; his mother would be alone and Grover would always be a great company.
"Really! What are you still doing in that house?”
"Yeah! There'll always be a room for you." Tyson finally deigned to join in the conversation, usually preferring to stay away from the drama. "You already work for us, what does it takes to be part of the family?”
"Do you think working is smiling at customers and taking them to the right table when others can't?”
"Of course it is. You even wear a nice suit and comb your hair with gel." Tyson continued, all too happy to mock Grover, back to their natural routine.
"Shut up! That's not even a uniform. Juniper likes it..." Grover's last words sounded very low, as if he was embarrassed.
And well, who was Percy to interrupt such a sweet and happy moment?
He turned to his food and took the first bite of his eggs, soft and lightly salted, just the way he liked them, and took a sip of his strong coffee without sugar or milk, noticing that Nico had already finished eating and was looking at him with a little smile on his face.
"What is it, hm? Do you want more?”
"No. I like to see you happy and having fun with your friends. You didn't used to do that.”
"It's true. I told you I had problems, didn't I?”
"I didn’t take it seriously. You always seem so determined and confident.”
"That doesn't mean I was right.”
"Hm." Nico murmured, thoughtfully. "I never thought about it from that angle. I think everyone has something to hide. Some people just hide it better.”
"That's just it. The more things we hide, the better actors we are, no?" Percy couldn't help himself, Nico was being so sincere that he deserved a reward. He pulled Nico by the scruff of his neck and kissed him right there in front of everyone, a kiss meant for four walls.
"What was that?" Nico said as soon as he caught his breath.
"A reward for an obedient baby.”
Blushing from head to toe, Nico just looked at him, giving him a cute little peck, but not complaining. What could he do? If that was how Nico understood it, then that was how it would be from now on.
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So? I have the impression that Nico is becoming so dramatic… or is it Percy's view of him? Well, I think Nico thinks Percy is a bit dramatic too 🤣🤣🤣🤣 What's your opinion? Your comments help me to understand the weak points in the story so that I can rewrite it in the best way in the future.
Thanks for reading!
I've seen that a part of the fandom seems to think Percy treated Nico horribly or something, but I don't remember anything like that at all. I thought Percy was better to Nico than most people. I thought you'd be able to clarify, where did the whole Percy treated Nico badly thing come from? Is there something I'm forgetting? Thoughts?
Probably came from the part of the fandom that’s just whack. Like, from the antis who hate Nico/Percy and scramble for any “reason” to hate it, because they can’t just say “hey, this isn’t my taste! That’s okay! I’ll be over there, with the thing I like instead, you have fun with yours!”, they need ““valid”“ reasons to hate a ship so they’ll overexaggerate things. There are also, weirdly enough, people in this fandom who dislike Percy - and yes, yes, in a fandom that bears said character’s name and tells five whole books from said character’s perspective it is fundamentally weird if you ARE in this fandom and dislike the titular protagonist why are you even here - so, yeah, I’m sure a lot of it is also just bullshit to hate on Percy and, potentially, to prop certain other things; characters or *cough* ships, up. So, I’m sure that about 85% of those complaints root from those three things.
The other 15% are somewhat based in reality.
Like, Percy being kinda dismissive and annoyed by overly excitable kid Nico when they first met. When. Uh. Percy was a whole kid himself back then and yeah you can get annoyed? Some people also think Percy should have done “more” for Nico in PJO and be nicer to him. More than... spend literally over a year searching everywhere for Nico, trying to find him and bring him back to camp?
I’ll give them one thing; Percy’s reaction in Mark of Athena wasn’t stellar, when Nico had just been kidnapped and tortured and nearly died and Percy was like “I wanna wring his neck for lying to me” - but, deadass, that was less Percy and more Riordan; he wrote real shit in that book, because this was also the book that brought us Annabeth judo-flipping Percy to punish Percy for getting kidnapped and memory-wiped. Riordan was on a real victim-blaming streak there and on a “this child has just been traumatized? Better add physical violence For Funsies!”.
For some reason, Riordan really laid heavy on “villainizing” Percy in HoO; the forgotten promises part, making it look like Percy was a shit friend to Bob and to Calypso and to Nico and then making his own fucking girlfriend act like she’s afraid of him in Tartarus because even she isn’t sure what he’s capable of. It was like a bizarre mirror world where Riordan tried to play dark!Percy but uh with our regular Percy and no real base...?
So I can somewhat see where people took that awful canon characterization of Percy and just applied it to that.
But you’d have to ask someone who actually believes that shit for their opinion on why they think Percy treated Nico poorly, because seeing as how I don’t subscribe to that warped perception of reality I am truly not of much help on that matter. xD
Send me a character and a number and I’ll tell you my headcanons for:
1) Something this character is truly proud of.
2) Who they want to please the most.
3) Who depends on them.
4) What they would do if they had one month to live.
5) A cherished personal belonging.
6) Something they lost, but would love to have back
7) This character’s favorite character
8) What kind of car they would drive.
9) What calms them when they are upset.
10) How they deal with pain.
11) This character’s favorite piece or pieces of clothing.
12) How they sleep.
13) What kind of parent they would be.
14) How they did in school
15) What cologne or perfume they would use
16) Their sexuality
17) What they’d sing at karaoke
18) Special talents they have
19) When they feel safest
20) Household chore they hate the most
21) Their fondest childhood memory
22) How they spend their money.
23) What kind of alcohol they drink
24) What they wish they could change about themselves
25) What other people wish they could change about them
Katie McGrath as Elsa in King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME - PERCY/NICO AU HIGH SCHOOL - CHAPTER XX
I hope you enjoy it.
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
Percy felt like he had gone back in time. He remembered as if it were yesterday, the long, tortuous days and the whispers wherever he went; the desire to disappear was also there, the disconnection with reality, as if no one could break his bubble of self-blame and depression, feeling the emptiness that hit him when he least expected it; the feeling of inadequacy telling him that he would always be that lonely, violent boy who didn't deserve what he had or the love of others. In the end, no matter how detached he felt from reality and how unprepared to deal with life, time waited for no one. When Percy blinked, they were already at the end of first quarter of the year, which brought him to that verymoment, barely able to focus on what was right in front of his face. A surprise test, a piece of paper that would tell him if he had a chance of passing the first assessments or not.
"Per?" Nico whispered beside him, still writing. "You didn't study at all, did you?"
Could anyone blame him? The guilt was still eating at him up inside, paralyzing him, fighting against the urge to do exactly the opposite of what his conscience was asking him to do. Nico being around him twenty-four hours a day wasn't helping, making him want to break that bubble of anguish and, at the same time, tempted to stay exactly where he was just so he wouldn't have to make a decision. Percy still woke up in the middle of the night tense and without remembering why, forced to get out of bed to calm down or get some fresh air on his face. Because he had to--
"Don't worry, we'll figure it out." Nico touched his shoulder and showed him one of the sweetest smiles he had ever seen, making Percy relax immediately, feeling like there was a light at the end of the tunnel. He watched Nico pick up both of his answer sheets, walk over to the teacher and hand them to him, who smiled charmingly at Nico.
No, he wasn't going to go down that path. That was why Percy had gotten himself into such trouble. He was committed, he would be a better person even if he died trying. So, Percy put his things in the bag and took a deep breath, counting to thirty.
1… 2… 3… 4… 5… 6… 7--
“Let’s go?”
Percy looked up and there was Nico, sweet and smiling, holding out his hands to him. The fear of worrying Nico was the only thing keeping him on his feet at the moment, if someone gave him a nudge Percy would crumble immediately; he couldn't accept the fact that... that in the end he was the monster people accused him of being. Feeling on automatic mode, Percy picked up their bags and held the hand Nico offered to him, barely missing the disappointed expression on the teacher's face.
Usually Percy liked this class and it wouldn't need much to get a high mark, but what could he do if his obsession was right in front of him, wanting his attention all the time? The bad thing was knowing he would sink into this obsession if the world around them didn't remind him of what a mistake this would be. Sometimes, Percy asked himself if what he felt was love or was just a codependency, a crutch to help him deal with the problems and traumas that not even the best psychiatrist could fix.
“Is everything okay? Do you need a break?”
They had become masters at creating barriers that weren’t there before, useless and cruel barriers that only served to hurt both of them.
If Percy were honest, he would say it’s exactly what he needed, although it wouldn’t make anything better. The longing would only increase, the pain in his chest would spread and that bad feeling in his stomach would grow stronger, making him act impulsively. Basketball practice would be a good excuse for his issues if the coach hadn’t banned him from practicing until he could focus on the game.
“Do you want to come with me to band practice? We’re going to play at the dance.”
Gently, Nico held his arm with both hands and kissed his cheek, making Percy forget about his inner demons for a brief moment, warming the emptiness in his body. “Come on, it'll be nice. You can join in if you want.”
“I didn't bring my guitar.”
“The teacher can lend it to you.”
“I don't know…” After all, there was a reason he didn't join in the group practice.
“I've been thinking about what you said... that I don't have many hobbies. You were right.”
“Was I?” It’s good to know he’d done something good.
“In Verona, I went out with my friends, drew, played and sang, wrote and cooked every day with my grandmother and cousins. I just... I feel like I don't need to do all those things when I'm with you. Now I understand the problem with that. You are doing the same.”
Well, that was exactly the problem. They were an obsessive, compulsive couple who were obsessed with each other. It was hard to see the rest of the world when the person he loved the most was so close, but for that reason it was so wrong to want those things. His desires became so intense that everything ended up being somewhat toxic.
Percy wanted to say all of this to Nico, but if he did, it would only encourage him to stay with him in this intense and traumatic bubble they had created.
“I’m glad you understand.”
“That’s exactly why I want to show you something. Will you come with me?”
He would do anything Nico asked.
Luckily, Nico was too kind to demand anything of him, or that was usually the case. So when Nico asked, Percy would be happy to oblige. He took Nico’s hand once more and they headed towards the music department, letting Nico lead him for the first time in his life. Maybe it would be a good change for them.
***
“Nico, where have you been these days? We couldn’t find you anywhere!”
Percy now remembered why he didn’t like coming to band practice. Because the one who had gotten up and ran towards them was Lou Ellen, the most fervent defender of the defenseless and oppressed, and according to her, Percy was one of those who oppressed other people.
Lou stopped in front of them and crossed her arms, looking him up and down. Percy chose to pretend he hadn't seen her, this was another ex-member of his fan club.
Percy may or may not have gotten involved with her, he may or may not have used her and then thrown her away. It wasn't his fault if people put expectations on him when Percy didn’t promised anything, not even love or friendship. In the end, people believed what they wanted, but he wouldn't be the one to stroke their ego.
"I get it. Why did you bring that psychopath here?" She mumbled, as if she had eaten something sour, and turned to Nico. "Nico! We're late. Did you get the song?"
"Better yet, I wrote one." Nico, like the angel he was, ignored what she had said and held his hand tightly; Nico knew very well what Percy really wanted to be doing.
Instantly, Lou Ellen's face transformed in the blink of an eye, from frowning to glowing.
"Perfect! Are you going to show us?”
Lou hadn't given Nico time to answer, she pulled him along and Percy had no choice but to follow them into the music auditorium where less than ten teenagers were waiting. He remembered at some point in the past being among them, he must have been what? Twelve years old? But since music had always been something Nico liked, Percy choose to focus on other things, like sports, something that could give him a better future.
Percy didn't say anything or greet anyone, he followed Nico to the center of the stage and watched from afar. Nico picked up a guitar provided by the school and sat down on the floor, where the other people approached and sat around Nico, looking at him with admiration and something else he would rather not question. Honestly? Percy couldn't blame them, Nico looked even more handsome with a guitar on his lap and that look of contemplation as he strummed a few notes on the guitar strings, his sweet and velvety voice coming right after, echoing through the room, words and notes that Percy didn't recognize, but he also didn't make an effort to pay attention to their meanings, letting the music surround him like a sweet caress that insisted on flowing through him only to leave him throbbing and wanting more.
He couldn't resist, Percy put their bags in a corner and got close to Nico, sitting directly next to him, placing one of his hands on Nico's back.
Nico merely turned his face towards him and continued singing, perhaps in a slightly lower tone, a little more intimate, as if those words were meant for him and no one else. Nico smiled, then, calmly, and finally when the song reached its end, the sound of the guitar echoed for a few more moments, waking him up with its ending
Looking only at him, Nico asked in a low voice:
“Did you like it?”
“It was really good.” Because it was true. Even if he hadn’t paid attention to the words, the song itself spoke enough. “What’s it called?”
“There’s no place like home.”
The people around him applauded, stealing Nico’s attention, who thanked them, making something inside Percy rage. Who did they think they were!?
“Nico, we recorded it. Is that okay?” Lou said from somewhere in the audience. “It's perfect. Can I share it with the others?”
“I… I put it online? Can I send in the chat group?” Nico said, feeling unsure. Of course, Percy thought, as if they would deny it when the people around seemed to love him.
“That’s great,” Lou said again, excitedly.
“Excellent, Nico. Thank you for sharing something so personal with us. Can we use it for an exercise?” Euterpe, the music teacher, congratulated him. When Nico nodded, she continued. “For the next class, I want you to create an arrangement for the band. Re-record the song and also bring suggestions for other songs to perform at the dance.”
With that, the auditorium exploded into activity, people organizing themselves into two or three groups while the two remained where they were, leaning towards each other, with Nico still holding the guitar and Percy holding Nico's waist.
"Do you want to play?"
Percy accepted the instrument when Nico offered it to him, although he hesitated for a moment. It had been a while since he had held a guitar, long enough to almost make him forget how to position his fingers. But as they say, there are things in life that we never forget and that’s what happened when the first note sounded, clean and firm on his fingers, the fingering exercises coming back with full force, making him remember the long hours in that same auditorium, one of the few things that kept him in touch with reality when Nico had left. One of the thousands of crutches he carried through life, but that kept him standing on his feet.
Percy concentrated for a moment and let himself go, lowered his head and allowed himself to remember, felt his fingers fly over the strings and allowed a strange calm to take over him. And for long minutes that’s all he heard, his breathing and the sequence of fast notes, that is, until his sequence came to an end and he found himself embraced by Nico.
"That's beautiful. Why didn't you tell me you could play like that?" Nico said calmly, not as if he was demanding something but as if he had received a valuable gift.
"I was busy with basketball. And with the teenage drama." Well, Percy was never good at making jokes. So, he wasn't surprised by Nico's attitude, who just kissed his cheek and rested his head on his shoulder.
"Play some more. Everyone liked it.”
“Everyone?" Percy looked around the auditorium and saw that people were indeed watching him in silence without the usual mockery. And he could swear that there were more people in the room than before.
"What do you want to hear?"
"A romantic ballad."
That's what he did, the notes coming out slower and simpler. Imagine his surprise when he heard people singing along with Nico, clapping and swaying.
Well, what could he do? Maybe not everything needed to be drowned in drama and angst.
***
“Sorry.” Percy said, admitting defeat. Sometimes, he forgot that Nico couldn't guess what he was thinking and, if he wanted their relationship to work as it should, Nico wasn't the only one who needed to be honest.
“You didn't do anything wrong.”
A few days had passed, but that moment in the music room had stayed in his mind. Percy knew he had a tendency to get lost in his own thoughts, imagining how the whole world was against him, when in fact, no one cared e he shouldn’t either; gossip was fleeting, these things had no effect on his life and not everyone had something bad to say about him. Nico was the reminder of that, that he still had a family, friends and someone who would stand by his side unconditionally.
To repay all the effort Nico was making, Percy had sat next to Nico on the couch at home and hugged him tightly, pulling him onto his lap. He kissed him back, but not the innocent little kisses they had grown accustomed to over the past few weeks, but rather open mouths and tongues intertwining, hearing Nico moan, sprawled and surprised in his arms.
“What was that?” Nico gasped, still in his lap, holding onto his neck.
“Thank you for being patient.”
Nico blinked slowly at him, his cheeks flushed, breathing fast, an obvious bulge in his pants. Percy knew this was Nico trying to reason through the excitement that was suddenly invading his brain.
“You know I love you, don’t you?”
“I know.” Percy said, feeling truly content.
“Sex… it’s not important. You’re my best friend, my partner.”
“Nico.”
“I could go without sex for the rest of my life, but I never want to be without you. I can wait.”
“I’m sorry.” And Percy really was, especially seeing the frustration on Nico's angelic face, seeing that Nico was ready to beg at the slightest positive sign.
The truth is that celibacy was not for him. It was a torture every day that he didn't touch Nico, he was afraid that if he allowed himself to do what he wanted, he would go back to the same bad habits. Although Percy had been questioning himself if all of this was wrong or if it was all inside his head due to the guilt of not having paid more attention to what was happening with Nico.
“Enough. I don't want to see you like this. I don't want to hear that you're sorry and that you're going to change. I don't want you to change, I mean... you don't have to do all these things because of me.”
Nico was practically pouting now, angry, it was beautiful to watch as Nico tried to convey the seriousness in his words. Nico kept trying so hard to make sure he was okay that Percy felt like doing something crazy; it could be anything. What he really wanted to do was throw Nico on the bed and make him forget the worry written all over his face. Maybe he should? Just to see if he could control himself?
“I understand. I won’t apologize again.”
“You won’t?” Nico tilted his head to the side, like a confused puppy, and that made Percy smile. He grabbed Nico by the hair and kissed him once more, feeling Nico melt against his chest.
“You deserve a reward. Do you know why?”
“Why?” Nico moaned, shifting in his lap.
“Because good boys deserve the best things.”
“Am I…? A good boy?”
“The best.”
Percy felt like he was at a tasting in his favorite restaurant. He stared at Nico’s burning face for a moment and finally allowed himself to do what he wanted. Slowly, to see what Nico would do, he took his hand from Nico’s waist and brought it to the boy’s groin, touching him gently over his jeans. Like a flower, Nico spread his legs and moved his hands out of the way, looking up at where Percy's hands were going, moaning softly when Percy finally covered his member over his clothes.
"Is it okay if I do this?" Percy asked, stopping his movements.
"Yes, please." And then, as an afterthought, Nico said: "Thank you!"
"Hmm, good boy."
Then, as he had promised, he opened the button on Nico's pants and lowered the zipper, seeing the small bulge over his underwear. Even more slowly, Percy massaged his member for a few moments and pulled it out of his underwear. He couldn't deny it, Nico was beautiful everywhere; his dark skin, his sweet voice, his soft body. Down there he was all of that too, the member that fit in his hand, the reddish and wet head right at the tip, the thin, well-trimmed hair at the base. Percy felt like devouring him and would only stop when Nico came all over himself, in pleasure, on his hands, on his knees, surrendered at Percy's feet.
But not today, today Percy would take everything as calmly as he could.
“Please!” Nico whimpered, tears welling up in his eyelashes.
Percy closed his eyes for a moment and focused on his breathing. It was that heavy feeling in the pit of his stomach that was taking over him again, that possessive, controlling voice telling him that if Nico was his and he was offering himself to him like this, Percy could do whatever he wanted.
"It's okay, baby," Percy murmured, barely recognizing his own voice as he heard Nico moan. He hesitated only a moment to pay attention to Nico's reaction.
Oh, his sweet Nico. He was staring at him with wide eyes, pleading, showing so much trust in him that Percy had to move. The hand that had been near Nico's groin finally found its way and wrapped around his throbbing member. He had almost forgotten the feeling of touching such an intimate place on someone else’s body. Percy tested the waters by holding around Nico and then brushing one of his fingers over the tip, collecting the pre-cum and bringing it down, fingering the length to wrap it around him completely again, applying a little pressure.
"Like this?" He asked.
Well, Nico didn't answer him exactly, but the way Nico was leaning against his chest, moaning shamelessly, should have been a good indication.
Suddenly, Percy felt curious. After so long he felt like he had forgotten the shape of Nico's body. He used his other hand and wrapped it around Nico's lower belly, caressing his belly. He moved up a little further and found his abdomen, his ribs and chest, touching the hard nipples, where he lingered for a few moments.
"Percy!" He heard Nico whimper, rubbing himself against him.
"I know. I'm torturing you."
Keeping Nico pinned against his chest, back against shoulders, Percy continued his exploration, going down and massaging between Nico's legs again.
"Could you... lower?" Then, Nico murmured, all docile and obedient.
"Here?" His curious fingers did as Nico asked, passing over Nico's testicles and finding Nico's entrance. A light touch told him what Nico wanted.
“Have you been having fun without me, hmm?”
“I didn't know if… when… ah!…”
Well, he was still curious. Slowly, Percy brushed one of his fingers around the entrance and soon Nico opened like a flower. And even dry, his finger entered, almost without resistance, going all the way in. Percy could bet that while he was trying to give Nico time to think, Nico was having fun without him.
“Is this what you did when I wasn't looking?”
Percy tried to put another finger in and surprising him, the finger entered almost without resistance again. Nico bent over in a way that seemed painful and screamed at the top of his lungs: “It's all your fault! I tried… I tried… it's not the same!”
Oh, that made him want… no! Not today. Today, he would settle for touching and watching, who knows, maybe in a few days Percy would feel strong enough to move forward.
So, Percy did what Nico so desperately asked him to do. He watched Nico's member throb, without anything touching it, while he continued to massage Nico's insides, moving his fingers slowly around, opening them very delicately until he found the right place. Nico shuddered and moaned for a long time, arching his spine and like magic, he saw Nico expelling, jet after jet, Percy without having to touch anywhere else.
"I hate you!" Nico groaned as he finally collapsed against Percy's chest, an expression of exhaustion and ecstasy still etched on his features.
Well, Percy believed in Nico. Sometimes, he hated himself too, especially when he had to control himself like this.
"I love you too." Percy continued to hold Nico against his chest and only moved when he was sure that Nico would no longer hate him.
So, how was today's chapter? I'm trying to develop their D/s relationship in a way that feels natural. Percy may know a lot about the bdsm world, but knowing isn't the same as understanding or practicing. Like, there's something called domdrop, you know? The guilt of doing something that socially might be discouraged, like taboo fantasies and kinks. Just like Nico has or will have some kind of subdrop too. It's not all roses and I wanted to show this side of this kind of relationship in the story. I hope you enjoyed it. Likes, reblogs and comments are always welcome. Suggestions too.
Who else gets this kind of surprises? 😅
sexual attraction: wow I wanna fuck that
romantic attraction: wow I wanna date that
sensual attraction: wow I wanna cuddle that
aesthetic attraction: wow that exists
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Sejam bem-vindos! Olá, esse é meu blog pessoal. Escrevo fanfics Pernico/Nicercy e orginais, e reblogo alguns posts de vez em quando. História Atual Não há lugar como o Lar - versão em Portugues There's no Place like home - English version Resumo: Nico está voltando da Itália depois de passar dois anos por lá e encontra Percy, o melhor amigo que ele deixou para trás, mas que manteve contato nesse tempo afastado. O resto se desenvolve a partir desse reencontro. Se você quiser saber o que eu escrevo, siga a tag #my writing
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