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SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter VI e Chapter VII

Hi, how are you? Since I'm going to try to write a new chapter tomorrow, I decided to post it today. Two more short chapters for you. I hope you like it! See you on Wednesday!

Previous chapters: CHAPTER I / CHAPTER II / / CHAPTER III, CHAPTER IV e CHAPTER V

Chapter VI 

"No running, please." Nico murmured, knowing that the children were already too far away to hear.

Fortunately, the day had passed without too many problems. After that warm introduction, he had dropped the children off at school and with nothing left to do, he returned to Mr. Jackson's house. It was only when Nico found himself standing in the large living room that he found a note on the coffee table:

“Nico, I need you to babysit the kids tonight. I pay overtime. I hope you don’t have any problems. Sorry for the late notice. I’ll be home until 5 if you have any questions.”

Percy Jackson.”

Percy Jackson had to be kidding him, right? It was his first day and the guy already thought he was going to enslave him anyway? What a strange family! Apparently, Percy Jackson was the type to stay locked in his room for hours and the mysterious lady Annabeth Chase was even worse, she was never home and on top of that she seemed to practice maternal abandonment. It was even funny, she hired him and wasn't even home to explain things while he had to put up with her bipolar husband? But everything was fine, as always. He would stay, anyway.

The real problem arose when Nico went to the kitchen that afternoon in search of lunch and came across a fridge full of food, yes, but all the food in there was raw. Or spoiled. In fact, it looked like no one had opened that fridge for months. And since he was there, why not?

Taking a deep breath and feeling a little nauseous, Nico stuck his face in the fridge and started taking out everything that smelled or looked suspicious, vegetables, greens, legumes and even a piece of meat that seemed to have a different color. In the end, he ended up with a giant garbage bag, full to the brim and giving off a foul odor, resting to him very little that could be used. He had a few options, of course; either he could spend the afternoon making a soup, or he could buy food. And since Nico was the only one who was going to eat, he thought it best to buy something for now. So, he grabbed the car keys again and left before it got too late. When he came back he brought back some cooked rice, vegetables, roast meat and a large salad that could be shared with three other people. The good thing was that he had arrived just in time for lunch, almost after one o'clock.

That was how Nico spent his first afternoon at the Chase-Jackson house, reading a book about literature, eating slowly and then exploring the rest of the house, he even found a swimming pool in the backyard to the right of the property while he waited patiently until it was time to pick up the kids. And when the time finally came, he grabbed the car keys, remembering the food that was left in the fridge and neatly packed in its containers. So, Nico decided, Mr. Jackson deserved some food too; Like, the man couldn't stay inside his room all day without eating, could he?

He made a nice plate for the boss, knocked on the door and put the plate and tray on the floor. Without looking back, he turned and went down the stairs, heading straight out of the house towards the car, luckily arriving at the children's school before they got out. It wasn't long before a sea of students arrived, all in a hurry to leave.

Before he knew it, Nico was attacked by hands and arms that dug into him in a way that made it impossible for him to break free.

"You came!”

"Shouldn't I?" He asked Logan, confused.

"The nannies are always late." Alice completed her brother's speech. "It's boring to wait here. Is it really that hard to be on time, you know?”

"I understand. You don't have to wait with me.”

Happy, the children held his hand and walked with him to the car. With his help, they sat in the back seat without stopping talking; even Alice, who had seemed quiet that morning, was now gesturing and telling them about her day. Nico did his best to pay attention to what they were saying and wave at the right times, preferring to pay attention to driving through the city, soon entering the condominium once again. And now? Now he was trying to keep up with their pace. The moment they arrived home, Nico helped them out of the car and as soon as they were free, they each gave him a tight hug and both ran through the garden, already climbing the small porch and going through the front door.

And, in a burst of energy, he ran after the children, taking their backpacks and lunchboxes with him, listening to them talking in the kitchen, this scene reminding him that they would have nothing to eat.

"Nico! Nico! I'm hungry!" He heard one of them scream.

"Do you know how to cook?" The other one completed.

Admitting defeat, it seemed like Nico would have to cook after all, right?

He placed their bag and car keys next to the living room table and walked towards the kitchen until he entered it; Nico already regretted not having ordered more food. As much as he wanted to avoid further interrogation, he had no choice. The children were lucky to be so cute. The good thing was that after spending part of the afternoon cleaning out the fridge, Nico knew exactly where to find everything he needed; vegetables, spices and greens, going straight to the cupboard and grabbing a pot. He filled it with water and put it on the stove, trying to pretend to be in front of the stove, pretending to be busy just so he wouldn't have to face this ordeal.

And honestly? He was already getting tired of this.

"Nicooo… where did you learn to do that?”

"Did your daddy teach you?”

Has he said he was tired of it? Nico knew how curious children could be and have a thousand questions. But this went beyond pure curiosity, it was the work of a being made entirely of cruelty. However, something made him stop halfway to the refrigerator. He turned towards Logan and saw how the little boy showed the most innocent expression he had ever seen. His blue-green eyes, like his father's, and blond hair that he must have inherited from his mother, sparkled like rays of sunlight that shone brightly in his direction. Yes, Nico could not ignore him any longer. He stopped what he was doing and raised his head, the last question taking him by surprise.

Nico smiled and then opened the fridge, taking out all the vegetables he would need; potatoes, carrots, garlic, onions and cilantro. Some peppers too and chayote to make everything healthier.

"Why my father?" Nico had to ask. The question was too specific to be a coincidence.

"Daddy teaches us everything!" Logan said. His face expressive, proud to tell him this.

"And your mother?”

“She never stays home.” This time it was Alice who answered, looking away from the phone she was holding. Alice shrugged and went back to her phone, although he knew Alice paid even more attention than Logan.

"Ah." He said. At least that seemed to have stopped the endless string of questions they insisted on firing.

"Do you like your mother?" Alice asked.

Nico looked through the corner of his eyelashes and saw that this time it wasn't the type of question to extract information from him.

"She is one of the best people I know. She taught me how to cook and study. How to take care of the house and my brothers.”

"And your father?" Logan wanted to know.

"He… he did the best he could. He taught me how to take care of the land and to respect all living things. But he can be violent when provoked.”

"Like mom and dad?”

"Logan!" Alice scolded him. She put her hand over his brother's mouth and tried to smile at Nico.

“I see,” Nico said after a while, knowing exactly what Logan meant by that. When the silence became uncomfortable, he added, “This will be our secret.”

Fortunately, after this revelation, the questions stopped completely. Nico went back to the stove and, seeing that the water was almost boiling, quickly peeled the vegetables. He fried the garlic and onion, added the peppers and put everything in the pot, waiting for the mixture to cook properly and the broth to thicken a little. Dealing with children was always strange and despite these children having everything anyone could want, he felt bad for them. They seemed so lonely and resigned to this, as if it was all they could have, reminding him of his own childhood. Now he knew that he could have so much more if he wanted, and he felt the urge to show them that they could have this and much more too.

There was just one detail, he wasn't their father and it wasn't up to him to get involved in what wasn't his business; Nico had to remember that, he knew that Mr. Jackson was responsible for all these questions the children insisted on asking him and he had no right to take it out on them or influence them in that way. So, while the soup wasn't ready, Nico went to the table, smiled at Logan and Alice and approached until he was at their height, kissing each of their hair, trying to convey calm and affection.

"So, what do you guys want to do? Homework?”

"Let's play 10 questions!”

Logan was hopeless, he would always be daddy's boy.

"Nice try." He pinched Logan's nose and Logan laughed, trying to push Nico's hands away. "Come on, this will be quick. Don't you need help? I'll do it with you.”

"Are you really going? Dad doesn't always have time…”

"Okay. Stand up. You too, Alice.”

"I'm not a little kid who needs help.”

"Hey!"Logan complained, crossing his arms.

“No exceptions.” Was all he said before turning down the heat and heading out of the kitchen.

Logan skipped after him, and Alice could only roll her eyes and follow them into the living room, where they spread their notebooks and books out on the coffee table while Nico supervised them. It was oddly pleasant, the kids got all their homework done and still had time to watch a bit of television before heading back to the kitchen.

In the end, the soup had turned out better than Nico remembered; his grandmother's recipe never failed, or so she used to tell him. He went to the stove, turned it off, and inhaled the appetizing and fragrant aroma, took the pot to the center of the table, placed three plates on the table, and served generous portions. He felt like he should wait for the owner of the house, however, since Mr. Jackson must have already left, it would be just him, the children, and the comfortable sofa in the living room. Which he didn't mind; their company would always be better than that of that man who spent all his time staring at him, his inquisitive gaze making something inside Nico stir uneasily. His skin would heat up and the base of his neck would tingle for hours. Then, this anxiety, unlike any other, would take over him in a way that forced him to get up or do something useful with his hands. That's why afternoons like these were good for his heart, his anxiety remained at normal levels and he could relax even in the midst of the millions of questions those little pests insisted on asking.

"Wow! This is so delicious!”

“It really is.” Alice agreed with Logan. She blew slowly and took another spoonful, moaning in pleasure.

Nico smiled in satisfaction at the compliment. It was nice to know that someone still liked what he did.

Chapter VII 

"Nico? Nico? It's time to go to bed." Nico heard someone call him in a whisper next to his ear. In fact, it had been a while since anyone had used that tone of voice with him, something careful and gentle, soft, trying to wake him up without scaring him. Then, someone's hand touched his shoulder, heavy but comforting as it slid and rested on his back, moving him and helping him to get up gently from the couch.

Nico opened his eyes slowly, and this time he didn't react as he had expected. It was Mr. Jackson, of course, in a designer black suit and smelling so good that Nico found himself leaning toward the man, watching his dark hair slicked back and the stubble that was already growing out tickle his fingertips.

How did he know that? Well... maybe he touched Mr. Jackson's face, fingering the skin as he tried to sit up and face whoever was calling him. And maybe he kept his hand there a little longer than necessary, just a small error of course, you know, right? That was all. The good thing about all this was that Mr. Jackson didn't seem to mind; he smiled at Nico and held out his hand so he could stand up, guiding him by the middle of his back as they walked through the house. And Nico, with the biggest blank face he could muster, finally sat up straight on the couch and followed him, doing his best to pretend nothing was happening. Now, why this man kept catching him in this situation, Nico couldn't explain.

“Bed?” Nico finally muttered. He rubbed his eyes and tried to think of what bed that was.

"It's already two in the morning. I'm sorry the meeting lasted longer than I intended. And thank you for the food.”

"Ah… then I… I think I’ll go.”

"No, you can use the guest room. Please.”

Mr. Jackson didn't give any other excuse or try to explain why Nico should sleep there. No, the man just stated like it was obvious that he would obey. And that was it, simple as that, things were resolved. Nico thought about arguing, about saying that they shouldn't do this, but ... but he knew that things would be easier if he just accepted it and since Nico didn't have the right to choose, he shrugged; after all, what could be wrong with sleeping a night away from home? "That's it. No problem", he thought again. Nico would have to wake up early and be there at seven, so... just this once... just once... it was okay. Right?

Feeling his body go limp, he let Mr. Jackson hold him by the shoulders and continue to guide him through the house.

"Are you hungry?" Mr. Jackson asked him.

Nico blinked slowly, trying to think and turned to him, seeing the man's smile returning in full force.

Oh, it was true! He had forgotten.

"I made soup.”

“Did you make soup?” Mr. Jackson repeated, as if to make sure.

"It's in the fridge.”

Okay, this wasn't even that strange of a situation, right? It must be a normal thing to have dinner with your boss…? Nico shook his head and decided not to do anything else inappropriate, he sat down near the kitchen counter, while still smiling Mr. Jackson walked over to the fridge, opening it. And inside, as Nico had said, there was a giant container full of vegetable soup and one with the rest of the food he had bought.

Mr. Jackson, clearly surprised, picked up the container and opened it, inhaling the aroma.

“Are these real vegetables?" Mr. Jackson asks even more surprised, realizing that it wasn't the instant soup type.

"Isn't that how you make soup? Did you know there was no food for the children?" He murmured uncertainty.

"Nah. We have frozen food.”

"Ah." Nico said.

He wanted to tell him that frozen food was horrible and unhealthy. But of course he didn’t say what he thought. Instead, he watched as the man scooped out some of the soup, put it in a deep dish, microwaved it, and then sat down across from him, taking the first spoonful. When Nico said this, he wasn’t joking; Mr. Jackson closed his eyes contentedly and groaned so loudly that he felt like he had reached heaven.

"Mr. Di Ângelo, who would have thought! You are full of surprises. What else can you do?”

And didn't the question sound… strangely dubious? Nico felt the sleep dissipating faster than a rocket as his face caught fire. He couldn't help it, it was something physical, he felt his skin heating up and sweating and his heart racing for some reason. It wasn't his fault that Mr. Jackson looked at him like that, the man's smile looking… slightly different.

"Anything. Food, desserts, and pasta. My mother…" He swallowed and cleared his throat, feeling his throat close up for some reason he couldn't understand. "She learned it from her mother. And since my sisters aren't interested… I like to spend my time helping her.”

He shrugged, it wasn't that unusual. The difference was that he preferred to stay at home while other children ran around the fields playing.

"How old are you again?”

It was the exact moment when Nico realized that the questionnaire was returning with full force.

"I wanted to talk to you about this.”

"Please, call me Percy.”

"Okay, Percy. Could you stop with these interrogations?" Nico spoke as seriously as he could. He straightened his spine, placed his hands on the counter and added, so as not to seem too rude: "Please. If you want to know anything, just tell me. I have nothing to hide.”

Facing him head on, Mr. Jackson, I mean, Percy, placed the spoon over the plate and leaned in close to him, getting a little too close.

"What is it?" Nico had to ask.

"Okay. I'll ask the kids to stop. But you have to be honest with me.”

"Right…?”

He saw Percy take a deep breath and couldn't believe what he heard next:

"How did you find the ad? Do you study? What do you plan to do in the future? How are you so good with children? How old are you? Where does your family come from? And about--”

"W-what? Wait a minute! They didn't give you that information?”

"Give me information? I don't even know who they are!”

"Oh." Now he understood.

"I had no choice! The girl who cleaned the house quit right after the nanny was fired. I really had no choice. You know how hard it is to take care of children…”

Nico put his arm on the counter and rested his head on it, watching Percy huff angrily, trying not to laugh in the man's face, and only when he was sure Percy was finished, he replied:

"So… I’m twenty years old. I’ve been studying law at community college on the weekends and working during the week to pay for college since I was seventeen.”

"Oh." It was Percy's turn to mutter.

"My family is from Italy, we came here when my paternal grandfather died a few years ago and as my father has no brothers, he took responsibility for the family business.”

“Shouldn't he pay for your college?" Percy said.

"We… we don't get along very well. He thinks doing Law School is a waste of time.”

"I see you like children…”

Nico shrugged again.

"I helped my mother at home. Children are… pure and they don’t lie. They are better company than many adults.”

After that… Nico wasn't sure of anything anymore. Mr. Jackson, I mean, Percy, continued eating his soup while Nico just stood there thinking that, after all, Percy had a reason to act that way, waiting for Percy to finish his dinner. He knew he didn't need to wait and he even knew where the room was, Nico just… he just didn't want to move, feeling that drowsiness return. It was more interesting to stay where he was, feeling sleep come back to him minute by minute, the movement Percy made with the spoon seeming almost hypnotic, raising and lowering it, until the plate was empty and Percy had leaned against the seat of the chair.

"You know tomorrow is Saturday, don't you?”

“Is that so?" He had completely forgotten.

"And, in this house, no one wakes up early on the weekend.”

"Hmm.”

"So, if you want to take a shower and sleep until noon…”

"Oh. Right.”

Nico stopped looking at Percy's hands and looked up at his eyes. He was confused... was Percy inviting him as a guest? The man looked so different from before that he seemed like a completely changed person. Nico didn't know if he liked this, this quick change, and he still didn't know if it was right for a person who provided a service to sleep in his employer's house.

"I have no clean clothes.”

"I'll lend you some. Look, I can't let you go out at this time. So be a good boy and obey me, okay?”

So, Percy got up, washed his own plate and on the way out he pulled him by the hand. Nico found himself with no choice but to follow him like a sleepy puppy, like he were being guided by a leash, completely obedient and without saying a single word.

Thanks for your support!

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

Oii, como vai? Mais um capítulo e tão rapido? Estou aproveitando enquanto o burnout não vem! Espero que vocês gostem.

Nesse capítulo não tenho muitos avisos. Considerem esse capítulo parte do anterior, ok?

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

Nico admitia que ter conversado com Percy tinha tornado as coisas mais fáceis. Sinceramente? Ele não se importava, pensava que não mudaria muito se ele dissesse o que pensava ou não. Nico estava enganado, é claro, embora somente tenha feito tudo aquilo porque via como esses segredos incomodavam Percy. Não eram segredos exatamente, eram… algumas coisas pequenas que o faziam sentir vergonha ou que ele pensava não serem importantes. No fim, Percy estava certo. Era o melhor sentimento do mundo, saber que Percy se importava tanto com o que ele pensava e sentia, a ponto de insistir tanto e o forçar a ver que ele era importante, mesmo que fosse para uma única pessoa; ele não era mais invisível e o que ele pensava era valido.

Quer dizer, Nico sabia o que tinha acontecido com ele. Tinha plena consciência que seu pai tinha o abandonado muito antes de sua mãe morrer, mas deixar uma criança sozinha sob os cuidados da irmã mais velha que mal podia cuidar de si mesma? Ele nunca culparia Bianca e muito menos Percy que tinha o recebido de braços abertos quando o garoto não tinha obrigação nenhuma. Nico nem conseguia imaginar onde estaria hoje se não fosse por Percy que mesmo um pouquinho rebelde e controlador, era gentil e preocupado, muito mais afetuoso do que a imagem que Percy passava para o resto do mundo, o menino marrento e um tanto violento que escondia dentro do peito a vontade de amar e ser amado, não pelo o que ele tinha e sim pelo que ele era. E disso, Nico entendia perfeitamente bem. Quando as pessoas a seu redor descobriram que ele era rico, o estrago já estava feito; algumas pessoas passaram a evitá-lo e outras a bajulá-lo, mas não Percy, Percy sempre o foi mesma pessoa protetora e afetuosa, sempre lhe oferecendo um sorriso e disposto a compartilhar tudo o que tivesse com Nico; sua casa, seu dinheiro e até sua família.

Era por isso que naquele momento, quando Percy disse que sua opinião importava, ele acreditou. E quando Percy pediu para ele ser sincero, Nico fez o máximo que pôde. Sabia que podia ter inventado alguma coisa ou fingido que nada estava acontecendo, vendo que Percy estava quase desistindo e se dando por vencido, por que nisso? Eles eram iguais; era melhor ter algo quebrado do que não ter, certo? Nico não tinha mais certeza, tudo o que sabia era que ele estava exatamente onde deveria estar, no lado de fora da casa deitado numa espreguiçadeira com um livro na mão, vendo a família Jackson se divertir. Percy nadava, Sally grelhava legumes e carnes na churrasqueira elétrica e Grover e Tyson estavam sentados na grama, fazendo o que eles faziam de melhor, organizavam os próximos eventos do restaurante e decidiam o design do cardápio para o próximo mês. Nico até podia respirar mais facilmente, sentindo o sol do meio da tarde atingir seu rosto, o fazendo fechar os olhos por um momento. Momento esse que parecia ter se estendido mais do que ele pensava, sendo acordado por uma voz suave e mãos carinhosas que tocavam em seus cabelos.

— Nico, a comida está pronta. Você não devia ficar tanto tempo no sol. — Era Sally, que sorria para ele e o ajudava a levantar da caideira.

Nico piscou devagar e ainda com a visão embaçada, deixou que Sally o guiasse para as mesas perto da churrasqueira que estavam debaixo de enormes guarda-sois, servindo de tendas improvisadas já que eles raramente usavam a parte externa da casa. Ou era o que Percy tinha lhe contado.

— Que cheiro bom! — Ele ouviu alguém dizer de longe.

Nico se sentia no paraíso. 

Ainda meio sonolento, observou Percy dar mais uma volta na piscina e ir até a borda, se impulsionando para fora dela e vindo em direção a eles, desfilando, como se não tivesse nenhuma preocupação no mundo, jogando os cabelos molhados para trás e vestindo uma sunga, molhando o chão por onde passasse. Era quase como se a água se apegasse a seu corpo e não quisesse abandoná-lo. Nico nem se irritou quando Percy se inclinou sobre ele e o beijou, o molhando no processo, ao se sentar a seu lado.

— Boa leitura?

Era uma pergunta interessante, ele não lembrava de sequer uma palavra, muito menos se tinha lido qualquer página. E ao invés de questionar sua falta de resposta, Percy meramente sorriu para ele e beijou seu rosto. Parece que a trégua deles ainda estava de pé.

— Qual tal a gente comer e descansar depois?

Nico acenou, é claro, de repente se sentindo exausto. Percy colocou um pedaço de filé bem-passado, batatas e uma salada para ele e fez outro prato para si mesmo. Eles comeram em silêncio e Nico mal notou quando sol foi se amenizando e se escondendo no horizonte. Ele também mal notou o momento que tinha subido para o quarto com Percy e entrado debaixo dos cobertores, a única luz que iluminava o ambiente sendo os raios fracos que ultrapassava a persiana.

— Durma. Vou estar aqui quando você acordar.

Nico fez seu máximo para manter os olhos abertos. Mas Percy ainda estava do seu lado, vestindo apenas uma sunga, acariciando seus cabelos e o ninando feito o bebê que Percy insistia que ele era. Talvez ele fosse, e talvez Percy gostasse disso. As coisas eram o que eram, e lutar contra a natureza fosse uma batalha fadada ao fracasso. Assim, ele se deixou ninar e relaxou contra os travesseiros. Talvez quando ele acordasse não se sentiria tão estranho e cansado.

***

Percy esperou até que a respiração de Nico se tornasse profunda e se levantou, e sem fazer barulho, desceu as escadas, indo para onde sua mãe ainda estava sentada debaixo de um guarda-sol.

— Ele está dormindo?

— Sim. Acho que eu o cansei.

— Percy, nós já conversamos sobre isso.

— Eu sei disso, tá bom! É que… Nico está tão desinteressado sobre tudo.

— Querido, eu entendo. Mas se você quer que Nico fique aqui, você tem que seguir nossas regras.

— Você não entende! Ele está começando a ficar quieto de novo. Nico quase não come e não quer falar sobre nada. O que você quer que eu faça se sexo é a única coisa que prende a atenção dele?

— Você já pensou que Nico esteja se sentindo confortável o suficiente para ser ele mesmo?

— Mas ele está tão calmo! Nada parece o afetar.

— Querido. — Agora Sally estava rindo dele, e nem escondia seu divertimento. — O problema aqui talvez seja outro.

— O quê?

— Sua mania de controle? Se você não entende, você tentar controlar.

— Eu não entendo mesmo.

— Pense assim, Nico estava sozinho, então ele tinha que agir de certo modo para não continuar sozinho, certo? Ele ainda está sozinho?

— Você quer me dizer que ele é quieto e calado porque quer? Por que se sente bem assim?

— Percy! Nico faz parte da família, mas ele não é sua responsabilidade.

— É claro que ele é. Se o pai dele nunca se importou e a irmã se importa quando é conveniente, alguém tem que se importar!

— Percy.

— Sei que não é minha responsabilidade, eu não vejo assim. Eu só me preocupo. E se da próxima vez que ele fugir, Nico se machucar? O que vai acontecer quando ninguém puder ajudá-lo?

— Ainda assim não será sua culpa. Como também não é culpa dele se Nico se sentir acuado e querer se proteger. Você tem que aceitar isso.

— Eu odeio que você tenha feito psicologia.

— De que outra forma eu poderia entender o que passar na cabeça do meu filho? 

— Mã-nhe!

— Estou falando serio, Percy. Pense nisso. Você age igual em todos os lugares e com todas as pessoas? Então não espere que Nico faça o mesmo. Você prefere que ele finja ser algo só para te agradar? Não era esse o problema?

— Eu só… eu tenho medo. Eu estraguei tudo antes, sabe? E eu fizer a mesma coisa?

— Ainda não será sua culpa.

— Então, é de quem?

— De ninguém. São coisas da vida. Cabe a nós perdoar e seguir em frente. No fim, a vida são sobre escolhas.

— Eu não gosto disso.

— Bem, querido, ninguém gosta. Você tem que entender que no fundo não é sobre você.

— É uma pena. Se fosse, eu já teria resolvido.

— Percy! Você tem que respeitar o que Nico quer.

— Hm. — Era um bom lugar para começar. — Tudo bem, eu vou fazer o que você quer. Mas eu não posso prometer nada.

— Perseu Jackson!

Sally deu um tapa em seu braço e tudo o que ele fez foi rir. Sally não era do tipo de pessoa que punia através da dor, não, e sim tirando o que você mais gostava. Por isso, Percy sabia que a mãe não falava serio e ela nunca o puniria de forma tão cruel. No fim, ela o abraçou e disse a ele: — Se comporte que no fim tudo vai dar certo. Tenha paciência.

***

— Se comporte que no fim tudo vai dar certo. Tenha paciência.

Nico não queria estar espiando, ele jurava que não queria. Mas Percy tinha dito que estaria do seu lado quando acordasse, e quando Percy não estava lá, a única coisa em sua mente foi ir em busca do mentiroso. Estava tudo bem, ele perdoava Percy já que Percy precisava mais de Sally do que ele precisava de Percy no momento; e pensar que Percy pedia para que ele fosse sincero quando Percy não fazia o mesmo. Porque, sim, ele tinha ouvido tudo. Desde sua “falta de interesse” até “você tem que respeitar o que Nico quer”. 

Era engraçado de uma forma quase doentia. O que ele queria? Era difícil decidir. No passado, ele queria um amigo verdadeiro, depois, alguém para segurar sua mão. E quando tudo isso tinha se tornado em realidade, as coisas começaram a se complicar; ele queria um namorado e não queria que Percy soubesse o que ele sentia; queria beijos e não queria que Percy descobrisse. Agora? Bem, agora que ele tinha tudo isso, percebia que no fim todos esses desejos se concentravam em uma só uma pessoa, e contanto que ele tivesse isso, estava satisfeito, mesmo que soubesse não ser muito saudável ou correto de um ponto de vista ético, moral e mental. Entretanto, era algo a se pensar… o que adiantava ter o que ele queria quando o preço era ver Percy tão frustrado e ansioso?

Antes que eles pudessem notar sua presença, Nico entrou na casa e subiu as escadas, se deitando na cama onde Percy o havia deixado. Talvez ele pudesse… mostrar mais interesse? Não seria tanto esforço assim, certo? E poderia ser até divertido. Então, colocou a cabeça no travesseiro e não precisou esperar muito. Logo a porta do quarto se abriu e a cama a seu lado se mexeu, braços se encaixaram em sua cintura e um beijo foi colocado atrás de sua orelha, o fazendo arrepiar dos pés ao pescoço.

— Eu te acordei?

— Eu sinto muito. — Nico disse, se virando nos braços de Percy, o encarando de perto. — Eu não sabia que você se importava tanto.

— Você ouviu? — Percy fez uma careta seria e Nico sentiu seu coração se apertar. 

Ele envolveu o pescoço de Percy com seus braços e o beijou por longos minutos, fechando os olhos bem forte, sabendo que preferia não olhar para Percy quando começasse a falar. 

Ainda com os olhos fechados, encostou sua testa na de Percy e falou:

— Sua mãe está certa. Eu… você pode ter certa influência sobre minha personalidade, mas não é isso exatamente. Eu gosto de ser assim, só quero um pouco de paz e silencio, sabe? Um lugar para pertencer. Eu quero ter alguém que me…

— Alguém?

— Eu quero ter alguém que me possua. Que tenha o controle. Que não me deixe fugir e que saiba o que eu preciso.

— Te possui? Como? Você não é uma propriedade, uma coisa para pessoas comprarem.

— Às vezes, é como eu me sinto. Sou só uma coisa, às vezes eu tenho valor e outras, não.

— Nico.

— Eu prefiro ficar com quem me dá favor e vai me tratar bem. Quero que você seja meu dono e ninguém mais. Você também é meu?

Era por isso que Nico não queria falar nada. Enquanto Percy pensasse que ele tinha um mínimo de normalidade, as coisas ficariam bem. Agora que a caixa de pandora tinha sido aberta, só lhe restava a esperança. Ele conseguia sentir a frustração explodindo para fora de Percy, a culpa, a tensão. Quanto mais tempo eles permaneciam quietos e calados, pior tudo ficava. Nico se obrigou a abrir os olhos e respirar bem fundo, tentando ser corajoso.

O que ele viu o surpreendeu. Percy não parecia nem feliz, nem triste, chocado ou chateado, só… quieto, uma quietude tão intensa que se rivalizava a sua, apenas seu rosto permanecendo serio e tenso.

— O que você está dizendo é algo muito sério. Desde quando você se sente assim?

E se era para ser sincero…

— Acho que sempre foi assim. Desde aquela vez no banheiro. Sei que não é muito comum. E sei que eu não sabia de muita coisa naquela época. A questão é que mesmo com a distância nada mudou. Você pode tentar ser mais… correto e justo, mas no fim, não faz diferença para mim. Só porque você se deu conta que fazia coisas erradas, ainda assim, nada muda o que passamos ou o que vamos passar. A única coisa que mudou foi a distância me mostrar que eu te amo, e que amo cada coisinha em você, boa ou má, bondosa e maldosa. Eu te aceito como você me aceita. Então, não me faça mudar assim como eu não quero que você mude.

Parece que era isso que Percy precisava para descongelar de seu estado catatônico. Percy pegou em sua mão e a beijou, voltando a abraçá-lo fortemente.

— Eu te aceito como você é. Eu não queria que você visse essas partes de mim. Elas não me definem e eu não quero que elas te definam também. Pensei que se eu me esforçasse bastante elas ficariam enterradas e ninguém precisaria notá-las.

— Eu sei. Eu te amo. Eu amo cada uma delas. E quando eu digo todas, são todas.

Percy deu uma risadinha no pé de seu ouviu que o fez arrepiar dos pés a cabeça, sua voz saindo rouca quando Percy o prensou contra a cama e se colocou entre suas pernas.

— Todas mesmo? Sem exceção?

— Nenhuma. Bem, talvez quando você hesita em me tocar. Essa eu não gosto.

Mais uma risada e um roscar de dentes que desceu por sua nuca e pescoço, chegando em seu ombro. Hmmm… isso deixaria uma marca, com toda certeza.

— Vou manter isso em mente. Mais alguma sugestão?

— Você está indo devagar demais. Talvez se você me torturasse menos?

— Isso eu não posso garantir.

— Oh!

O que Nico poderia fazer além de se entregar e gemer? Suas calças foram puxadas para baixo e logo seu membro tomado pela boca de Percy. Não havia nada melhor do que isso.

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Então, eu não sei se gostei muito desse capítulo. Mas foi produtivo. Sei lá. Espero que você tenham se divertido. Até a proxima.

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter X, Chapter XI, Chapter XII e Chapter XIII

Hi, how are you? Today we have a few more chapters, over six thousand words. I hope you enjoy it.

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

Chapter X

A few chapters earlier…

“It’s the least I can do,” Percy said, forcing Nico to accept the money. He saw Nico’s face tighten, creating a cute grimace.

He couldn't help himself. Percy swore he tried to stay serious to show that his intentions were honest, but just looking at Nico made him smile. The little boy was so innocent that Percy almost couldn't resist the urge to pinch those cheeks that seemed to have a redder tone than normal.

No, that wasn't what he meant. No, it was about the money; the right thing to do was to replace what Nico had spent.

"Sir, I can't--”

“Actually, where did you buy that food? It must have been very expensive.”

Nico didn't answer him, he just took another step back and staggered. The boy closed his eyes and took a deep breath, probably not even realizing what he was doing, because while Nico was walking backwards he accidentally got closer to Percy, almost leaning against his chest. Nico crossed his arms and hesitated, tripping over his own feet.

"Nico? Are you okay?" He worried.

Giving up on respecting Nico's space, Percy grabbed him by the shoulders, keeping him standing, finding his attitude strange.

"I'm sorry. I have to go.”

"You're not even going to tell me where you bought the food?" 

And what was he sorry for?

"I… went… went to a restaurant… that sells homemade lunch boxes… in the city center.”

Percy paused for a moment, afraid to let him leave in this state, and asked, "Do you need a ride?"

Nico nodded, but he remained standing where he was. He didn't pull away from Percy for touching him without permission or blush, nor did he say a word. Nico didn't even seem to be breathing. It was when the boy collapsed in front of him that Percy's heart nearly jumped out of his throat. If it weren't for him being so close, Nico would have hit his head on the edge of the table.

“Dad!” Percy heard Alice scream and a whimper came from Logan. They rushed around the table and helped Nico sit in the chair, carefully supporting him against the back.

"Dad. Nico isn't breathing! He's not breathing!”

"Is he going to die?" Logan said and Percy for a moment didn't know what to do.

He tried to touch Nico's face, shook him gently, and even patted his pale cheek twice, but nothing happened. Nico remained motionless, passed out in his arms, growing a little paler than before, looking like he would stay that way. Then, in a flash, Percy remembered that Tyson, his younger brother, had had an asthma attack as a child; one of the few things that had helped was talking to him and encouraging him to breathe, calming him down, if Percy could.

"Stay calm, okay?" Percy told them and, contrary to what he wanted to do, he stood up with Nico and hugged him, keeping their chests together.

"Nico, pay attention to me. Can you hear me? Breathe with me.”

Percy grabbed the back of Nico's head and kept his back straight as he breathed as slowly as he could, trying to set an example. Nico looked like he was in pain, a grimace fixed on his face, but his mouth was open struggling to breathe. Relieved, Percy held Nico's neck up for better oxygenation and massaged his back, whispering softly so the boy wouldn't be startled. His skin was so cold and sweaty that Percy feared the worst. When Nico finally took a deep breath it was like a weight had been lifted off his back.

“Again." He said.

Nico obeyed like the good boy he was, taking a long breath and then letting it out even more slowly. Of course, it was at that moment when he thought the danger had passed that Nico just… relaxed, relaxed so much that his head rested on Percy's shoulder and his body leaned completely against his. Well, leaning wasn't the best word to describe it. It was more like collapsing, as if someone had cut the strings of a puppet and it had fallen, just like that, lifeless.

Percy held Nico’s face again and only then did he calm down, seeing that Nico was breathing normally and the grimace of pain had disappeared, replaced by one of happiness and contentment.

“Daddy, is he going to be okay?” Logan asked beside him once more, his childish voice sounding scared.

"Shhh… don't worry. Everything is okay now.”

***

“Do you feel better?” Percy sat up in bed with Nico and finally saw him opening his eyes. Nico seemed a little dazed and slow, looking around, but at least Nico was moving, leaning gently on his shoulder, his small hands around Percy’s neck, limp and lifeless.

Percy couldn't resist the temptation and touched Nico's face, turning him towards him. Nico didn't seem to mind the contact, and in fact, he lowered his face and rubbed himself against Percy's hand, like a needy kitten. The important thing was that it had worked, Nico was now looking at him and seemed more attentive, although he hadn't completely returned to normal yet. Percy adjusted him better and held his back, not letting him look away until Nico answered him.

"Hm." He finally said.

Well, it was more like a mutter, almost soundless. Nico looked tired, without the energy to even hold his head up. Percy wanted to ask if this was common, if he often fainted or had panic attacks. But right now, he just wanted Nico to be okay. Nothing else mattered.

"Do you need anything? Water? Pain medicine?”

Nico just blinked at Percy with those big black eyes and continued to stare at him. He licked his lips and settled himself on Percy's lap. Slowly. Distracted. Slow. He would say, even lazy.

Was that… a blush appearing on his face?

"I… I'm fine. I'm sorry. I have--”

"You don't need to explain yourself.”

“I want to.”

He nodded, letting Nico speak.

"When I was eight, I had a panic attack and was diagnosed with GAD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I'm always anxious, but I can usually control it without it interfering with my work. It's been years since that happened. I... I'm so sorry. Routine and feeling stable helps. I'm really sorry. I know I should have told you.”

"It's okay. It wasn't your fault.”

"No, it’s not that. I recently came off the meds. The doctor told me I would be able to control it. It’s just that…”

"What happened?" He asked curiously. Nico was like a box of surprises.

“I've been more nervous than usual. It's just... well... the change in routine…”

Percy understood exactly what he was talking about.

"I understand. I'm sorry if I caused this. It won't happen again.”

But wouldn't he? Percy worried about himself, that maybe he wouldn't be able to control himself, and about Nico, too. What if something happened while he was driving? What if it was when Nico was walking home alone? Did Nico have someone to look after him? Someone who would come to his rescue if he needed it? What if…

Percy snapped out of his thoughts when Logan and Alice entered the room. Logan was crying, his big green eyes puffy while Alice just watched attentively and quietly, both trying to smile at Nico.

Nico smiled back and he could finally breathe a little easier.

"Okay, you can rest now." He murmured when he saw that the children weren't going to say anything and Nico was almost falling asleep. "Do you have your cell phone? I'll let your family know.”

“Oh.” Nico said. He frowned, but soon raised his head.

Nico looked at Percy, stared at him closely, and then gave him the most beautiful, happiest smile Percy had ever seen.

"It's in my bag.”

And so, in the middle of the sentence, Nico closed his eyes and Percy felt as if something inside him was being stirred and rearranged in a way he didn't know was possible, but which seemed like a good change, even if painful.

Chapter XI

Percy placed Nico on the pillows, covered him with the blanket and stayed by his side for a few more moments until he was sure that the little boy was okay. Percy just watched him, his breathing calm and his face content, nestled against the sheets of his bed.

What was he doing? Why had he brought Nico to his room? Why did he keep acting so irresponsibly, like a teenager meeting his first crush? Percy knew it was a bad idea, he had known it from the moment he looked at that small, defenseless boy. Now he was sure, Nico really was defenseless, as vulnerable as a flower in the middle of a battlefield. He should--

"Daddy, is he okay?" It was Logan who asked once again. Apparently, Percy wasn't the only one who was getting attached.

No, really, he wondered: how had they become so attached to Nico in less than a week? How had this happen? Percy shook his head and decided, there was no point in thinking about such things now. It was too late.

He took the children's hands and smiled at them, leading them downstairs.

“Dad, what happened?” Alice said. She was quieter than usual, her voice almost a whisper, clutching her phone between her fingers like it could save her life.

“Nico has a disease,” Percy told her. “A type of intense anxiety. That’s why he’s so calm. If Nico gets too stressed, something like this could happen again.”

"Can anxiety do this to someone?" She asked.

"Yes. There are different levels of anxiety. Everyone has some, it's normal. When this anxiety prevents you from doing something or makes you feel sick, it is considered an illness.”

"Ah." It was Logan's turn to murmur. He had stopped crying and was now sitting on the couch with his legs up and his head resting on his knees, hugging himself.

"Do we have it too? Sometimes… I don’t feel so well." Alice confessed.

"Do you want to talk about it?”

She shrugged. 

“I mean, there’s so much to do, and exams coming up… I’ve got fencing and running, and all these exams piling up. It’s hard sometimes. I didn’t think it was anything unusual, you know? It’s always been like that. I feel like I’m going to explode sometimes.”

Percy looked at his daughter and once again felt useless. How had he never noticed this? And how had the subject only come up because their nanny had been sick? He… he was the worst father.

"It's okay, honey. We'll figure it out. Don't worry.”

He approached Alice and hugged her tightly, feeling a lump in his throat. She gasped slightly and hugged him back with all the strength an eleven-year-old could muster. Percy pulled Logan into the hug and they stayed like that for longer than they could count.

"I want you to know, you can tell me anything. It doesn't matter what it is.”

Percy heard a couple of sniffles and closed his eyes, trying to control himself. He promised himself that he would be a better father from that moment on.

***

"Come on, kids. You stay here. I'll be right back.”

And just to be sure, Percy gave each of them a tight hug before walking away. They had barely moved, watching a movie on television, but they hugged him back now with happy expressions after lunch and all the drama had passed.

He walked up the stairs, heading towards his room, and stopped in front of the door before going inside. These were the types of situations Percy least liked to face, the ones where he would be forced to be the adult one and ask the right questions. Straightening his spine and giving in, Percy couldn't prolong himself any longer than he already had; how much longer would Nico need to sleep? The morning had already passed and the afternoon was coming to an end with the sun setting on the horizon and he was still there, standing in the middle of the hallway like an idiot, avoiding what was of vital importance.

Percy pushed the bedroom door, which was half-open, and stepped inside, in his own room, where he definitely shouldn't have taken Nico to. He walked over to the bed and without making much noise, sat on the edge. Nico was there, of course he was. He was snoring softly on his back and holding the pillow against his chest, the blankets were thrown onto the floor and the lower part of his belly was exposed, making Percy notice the sparse hair that continued in a trail towards his pants... Percy closed his eyes for a moment and concentrated. He didn't understand why this boy affected him so much, to the point of awakening these feelings that he thought were buried, especially for someone so young that could be mistaken for his son.

Even knowing all this, Percy moved a little closer and placed his hand on Nico's head. First on his forehead, making sure he didn't have a fever and then, as a passing thought, he stroked his soft, long, slightly wavy black hair, combing it back so he could see his beautiful, flushed face. But Percy was a man of his word and before he could give in to temptation and do something he would regret, he moved away enough to avoid contact between them and called for Nico, touching him on the shoulder until Nico opened his eyes, heavily, as if he were going to fall asleep once more.

"I spoke to your parents.”

"Hm?" Nico murmured, blinking slowly. He rubbed his eyes and sat up in bed, staring straight ahead as if he saw nothing, and then the boy looked at him, his gaze a little lost. Something happened next, because Nico smiled at Percy, one of the sweetest expressions he had ever seen, Nico stretched out one of his hands until it rested on Percy's, which was resting on the bed.

"Thank you. With all my heart. I don't know how to thank you. You didn't have to.”

Percy swallowed and nodded. Okay. Nico was grateful and seemed to have recovered from his crisis. Was this the time to ask more questions? Try to provide some assistance? Take him to a doctor?

"You don't have to look at me like that. I promise I'm fine. It's the endorphins. My bad mood will come back soon. Don't worry.”

"Are you sure? Your mother sounded worried on the phone.”

"She worries too much. And I'm sorry about my dad.”

The fact was that Percy had not mentioned anything about the honorable Mr. Di Angelo. Let's just say it was better not to comment on him.

Nico shrugged and dragged himself out of bed, stretching and lounging as he went, as if he’d just taken a mid-afternoon nap. This time, he didn’t stagger. He searched for his discarded sneakers in the doorway of the room and turned to Percy, now looking uncertain.

“Everything is fine?”

He wanted to say yes, he wanted to pretend nothing had happened. But... what if the same thing happened again and he was the one causing these crises?

"Nico, sit with me. Please.”

"What? It was nothing.”

"I'm asking you.”

Nico huffed and his shoulders slumped forward. The important thing was that he did what Percy asked. Nico walked slowly over to him and sat on the bed, staring at him and paying attention.

“What happened today was very serious. Do you know that you stopped breathing? That you fainted and almost hit your head?”

"Well…" Nico looked away and stared at his own hands.

“Tell me.”

"It's happened a few times over the years. It was an accident. I forgot to meditate and then I ended up maybe a little bit tense and overwhelmed. Mentally. Psychologically. Sometimes… It's hard.”

It had been exactly what Alice had said, that it was difficult.

"Does meditation help?”

"Most of the time. It’s about self-knowledge and control. Not letting yourself be carried away by any emotions. It’s about accepting that we have limitations and trying to deal with problems instead of… running away from them.”

"So, that's it? You were running away?" Percy asked, curious.

"I'm not running away anymore." That's when Nico raised his head and looked him in the eyes, biting his lip. "I'm not going to do anything about it, but I'm not going to run away from it either.”

Hmm… was that really what he had heard? Nico was saying that…

Without really paying attention to what he was doing, Percy leaned towards Nico while Nico simply continued to stare at him, his dark eyes opening wider and his pupils dilating comically; Percy felt like laughing and teasing him just a little bit more… just…

“That’s not what I meant! I—I have a boyfriend!” Nico practically squeaked, though Percy could see Nico’s lips twitch in a suppressed smile, widening without his consent. “I mean that I’m not going to let these… these feelings control me anymore.”

Percy knew very well what those feelings were.

"If this happens again, what should I do?”

"Just… talk to me? Don’t let me get hurt? It worked well.”

“Just that?”

"You don't need to worry, it won't happen again. I mean... if you want to fire me, I'll understand.”

"It’s not necessary.”

Nico smiled at him and Percy finally let his tiredness get the best of him. He ruffled Nico's hair and stood up.

"Let's eat. Then I'll take you home.”

This way, Nico happily got up and followed him out of the room.

Chapter XII

"So, this is where you live?" Percy parked the car on the road and looked around.

From the driver's seat, he could see what Nico meant by living in the countryside. The property was surrounded by wide fences, full of trees that climbed high above the barbed wire that protected the perimeter of the property, and there was a large wooden gate that allowed a view of the land that stretched for miles.

“It’s no big deal,” Nico finally said, shrugging.

Percy watched him for a while and didn't want to accept it. He wasn't that kind of man, was he...? A man who was attracted to a boy who barely had a beard on his face? Because there he was, a man in the body of a teenager, so handsome that Nico almost seemed delicate, so vulnerable that Percy began to worry for his safety.

But there it was, he couldn't deny it, this was the sign Percy needed to see, the clearest indication that something between them had changed. 

It didn't take long for Percy to realize what was happening. He noticed it just as Nico was finishing his soup and was getting into the car. What was supposed to be a trivial joke, something to see how long Nico would continue to act like this responsible and honorable person, had become something he couldn't have predicted, because, in the end, the one who had lost was him.

Soon they were on the move. Nico had followed him down the stairs, eating while he and the children watched him closely, and just as he was leaving, Nico gave the children a tight hug as if he were saying goodbye. Then he grabbed his bag from the couch and when the children finally let go of him, he walked out of the house, Percy following closely behind, afraid that he would faint at any moment. 

Still, Percy couldn't quite pinpoint what had changed. The air around them had become lighter and, at the same time, static, with a soft electricity that emanated as the minutes passed by, something that made the hairs on his arms stand on end, forcing him to pay more attention to Nico, appreciating him in a way that had a certain... fantasy involved, he admitted, something forbidden that was so close that, if Percy really wanted, he just had to reach out and take what he desired.

Nico didn't act like he used to either, it was like he suddenly felt comfortable and didn't feel the need to fill the silence with idle conversations. The look he gave him when their eyes met the few times during the car ride was an obvious "I want you, but I'm taken." Nico didn't even try to hide it, his eyes said much more than his previous words could; which in turn made him anxious and positively physically uncomfortable. 

Percy refused to accept that. Someone having a crush on you was one thing, knowing that the possibility of it was real was another. It must be cosmic revenge, Nico doing to him what Percy had done first.

"Percy." Nico called his name and in the silence of the car, it sounded hoarse and low, something intimate, just to tease him a little more.

Percy stared at him, now paying all the attention he had to offer. Nico wasn't exactly smiling, it was more the way his eyes sparkled, as though he was hiding something behind them. His lips were also relaxed, almost showing his dimples.

"I think I have a solution for you.”

"Solution?" Did Nico have a cure for… this?

"Yes, a cook." Nico said amused.

"A cook?" He repeated.

This time, Nico actually smiled and shook his head.

"You know the restaurant where I bought the food? They always accept work. Are you interested? I have their phone number.”

"Ah." Percy muttered. He ended up smiling too, feeling ridiculous.

Nico picked up his bag from the floor of the car and took his cell phone out of it.

"I'll share their phone number. Tell them Nicollas recommended you.”

"Nicollas, is it? How charming.”

Nico blushed so beautifully that Percy was happy to know that he was still capable of causing that in him. Satisfied, he got out of the car, walked around it and helped Nico out, holding him by the waist and placing him on the ground, soon after hearing a soft thank you and a deep voice coming from inside the property.

"Nico Di Ângelo! Ah, he finally graces us with his presence.”

Percy looked at the gate and there stood a tall, muscular black man, no older than forty but who looked too young to be anyone's father. Percy only recognized him because of his rough, gruff voice, the same one he had heard on the phone and with the same Italian accent that Nico had. No, Percy was lying. Nico also had the same dark eyes, thin nose and full lips.

Percy immediately put a smile on his face and approached the gate, extending his hands in greeting:

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

"It's a shame I can't say the same." Mr. Di Ângelo replied. He crossed his arms and stared at him without showing any sympathy. "Aren't you ashamed? He's old enough to be your son.”

“I think--”

“Papa! What are you saying!?” Nico practically screeched beside him. He ran forward and unlocked the gate, speaking very close to his father. Unfortunately, Percy could hear every word.

"He's my boss. He was kind enough to come to my rescue. Could you be a little more polite, please?”

"Nico. This is not the behavior I expect from you. I let you date the Solace boy, now, this… straniero? What are you thinking?”

"Papa!”

"You slept at his house!”

"He had an event and I ended up falling asleep! He wasn't even there!”

"Nico.”

"You don't believe me? Okay. But don't interfere in my life.”

"Listen here! As long as you live under my roof--”

"Really? Don't worry. Soon you won't have to worry anymore.”

"Who do you think you are, you brat!”

That's when Percy saw that things were getting out of hand. Mr. Di Ângelo raised his hand and Percy feared the worst. Before he could think straight, Percy moved and placed himself in the middle of them, being hit squarely in the right shoulder. If it weren't for Percy defending himself by raising his arm, he would have been punched right in the jaw.

"Mr. Di Ângelo. Calm down, nothing happened. I never--”

"I know very well what men like you want. Fancy cars and weak little boys. Something easy to manipulate, hm?”

The man then gave a wicked little laugh that not even he could have done better and marched into the property, leaving him and Nico open-mouthed because of his fury.

***

"What just happened?”

"Welcome to my life." Nico murmured absently. He was still staring at his father's back, watching him as the man disappeared down the dirt road and into the vegetation.

"Nico." Percy said, moved. Now Percy understood everything. He understood why Nico at that age was working instead of studying.

"Oh, did you hurt yourself? My father can be heavy-handed.”

Percy stopped and watched, feeling like he was just a spectator. He watched Nico reach out and touch his shoulder and arm, he saw the careful way Nico massaged the place, looking into his eyes, asking for permission, his expression saying how guilty he felt. He couldn't help it, Percy smiled at Nico's reaction and returned the caress, touching the little boy's black hair, thinking that although he was the injured one, Nico was the one who needed help. I mean, it wasn't even hurting. Much. Just a little.

"Ouch." It escaped before he could stop it when Nico's fingers brushed against the spot Mr. Di Ângelo had hit.

“I’m so sorry!” Nico hurried to apologize. He massaged more gently and the pain eased.

"It was nothing.”

"You should fire me! In less than a day I traumatized your children and got you beaten. What kind of professional am I?”

"Nico, really.”

"No, let's put some ice in there, okay? It'll be quick.”

So, leaving the car in the middle of the road, Nico took him by the hand and guided him to the huge house in the center of the property where Percy could hear more voices, sounds of chairs and instruments rumbling only to find a group of people standing outside it.

"Mamma!" Nico ran to where his mother was and knelt on the ground with her, hugging her tightly.

"Figlio mio! Mamma was so worried. Did they take good care of you? Let me see.”

Maria took off the thick gloves she used to work the soil and held him by his face, and only when she was sure that everything was okay did she let him go, smiling slightly, and very satisfied.

"Don't do that again, okay? Now, have you eaten? Have you had a good rest?”

"Mamma, stop it. Percy is the one who needs help.”

"Percy, hmm?" She asked with a smile, winking at Nico.

"My employer " Nico made it clear.

"What an employer, huh!”

"Mamma! Don't let Papa hear you.”

"That silly old man." Maria waved her hands in denial. "He never learns.”

Percy found that interaction funny and decided to approach them. The most incredible thing was that Maria Di Ângelo was not what he would expect from a mother who lived in the countryside. She was no more than thirty years old, with light brown skin tanned by the sun, honey-brown eyes and thin lips that were now stretched into a sweet smile, identical to the way Nico had smiled at him that same afternoon.

"Welcome. I'm glad Nico is making friends." He found those words strange, but accepted the greeting when she offered her hands. "I know it must have been a hassle to come all the way here. Thank you for taking care of him.”

"Mamma! I give up, you're incorrigible." Nico shook his head, denying it to himself, but with all the affection possible.

"And you." Nico said to him "Stay here, I'll get some ice.”

"Ice?" Maria said.

"It was a little accident--”

"Papa hit him. Can you believe it?" Nico said as he walked away, making him feel a little embarrassed, but enjoying himself more than he should in a situation like this. It was funny, it had been over a decade since he felt like he was going to meet the parents of a new girlfriend. Or boyfriend. Percy wasn't the prejudiced type.

Maria put her hand over her mouth and gasped. He had to laugh, it was exactly how Nico would act. Well, it was exactly how Nico had acted, all over the place and dramatic.

"I'm so sorry, Percy. I don't know how to apologize.”

"It's no problem. It was just a graze, nothing a good night's sleep can't cure.”

"You are very polite. Thank you for understanding. We want the best for Nico. I would like you to consider that.”

Consider… oh. Did they really think…?

"Ma'am, there's nothing to consider. I pay Nico to take care of my children.”

"Just that?" She placed her hands in her lap and looked down. "Nico is an impressionable boy. He never had many friends, you know? So when men, especially like you, show up…

“Ma’am.” Percy sighed, wearily. “Nico is too young. I would never… consider that.”

"I'm glad. As long as we can protect him, that's what we'll do. We're afraid that the worst will happen at college.”

“And what would that be?" He wanted to know.

"That I act like a slut." Percy heard Nico's voice coming from behind him and turned around. And indeed, Nico was carrying an ice pack in his hands. "Even though they know I have a boyfriend.”

“Hm.” Percy said, not commenting on it. Because at that moment, Nico didn’t seem like the innocent and shy or even vulnerable person that everyone thought he was. No, Percy could see someone who would be successful in the future, someone capable, someone who wouldn’t let anything get in his way.

He liked that.

"You want me to…" Nico showed him the ice pack and he understood.

Percy shrugged and, right there, in front of those people, took off his shirt and let Nico place the ice against the red spot on his shoulder that was starting to turn purple.

He gasped and Nico stared at him, his eyes wide and full of guilt.

“Sir…”

"I thought that had stayed in the past.”

"Percy. I'm really sorry.”

But Percy didn't feel it. How could Percy when Nico looked at him like that and touched his shoulder so gently? How could he be angry when those sweet eyes looked at him with such concern?

He heard someone clear their throat beside him, making him turn towards them. It was a little girl with curly hair the same shade as Maria and the same honey-colored eyes that lit up even more vividly under the sun's rays.

"Hi, I'm Hazel. And this is Bianca. And that's Thanatos." She smiled at Percy and indicated each person, each ranging from thirteen to thirty years old.

"Nice to meet you. "He said back, still distracted by Nico's hands that were now sliding the ice pack over his reddened skin, only now realizing that maybe they were too close.

Chapter XIII

“Nice to meet you,” Percy said. And him? Nico continued to run the ice over Percy’s broad shoulders, allowing himself to look. Maybe touch a little. What? Weren’t they so sure he was a whore? Nico was just trying to live up to their expectations.

Unfortunately, Nico had to pay attention to Hazel when she started talking and making conversation with Percy. Nico loved his sister, he really did. Hazel was his favorite person in the whole world, but Nico felt like if he didn't butt in, they'd even ask about the tenth generation of Percy's family. Nico knew he rarely brought people home, the only one being Will, so maybe they weren't so wrong after all?

It didn't matter, before the massacre could happen, Nico turned to his brothers, glaring at them.

"Yeah, everything's great. Now it's time for me to walk Percy to the door.”

"Nooo! We never have visitors. And no one is so--”

"Hazel!”

"I was going to say, generous.”

Hazel let out a soft chuckle, her eyes sparkling and he looked at Bianca, asking for help with his eyes. She shrugged, seeming to enjoy the show while Thanatos, his adoptive brother, just watched everything with a smirk on his lips.

"Percy has to stay for dinner! Dad even cooked.”

"I don't want to abuse the hospitality." Percy smiled at Hazel and something inside him turned, seeing them like this, so... comfortable with each other. Hazel practically hanging on to Percy's uninjured arm and Percy smiling, all charming, still holding the shirt in his hand.

He took a deep breath and opened his eyes again, seeing that Hazel was already dragging Percy into the house. His brothers followed them happily, of course, while his mother just laughed as happily as they did, still kneeling in the dirt, going back to making holes in the soil and throwing the seeds to fill the holes again.

In the end, Nico reluctantly followed them into the house. He followed them in, took off his shoes, and walked through the front door, leaving his bag by the foot of the door. The house was a compact but a spacious building, built in ancient times. From where he stood, he could see the entrance to the dining room, an open space that divided the living room, right in front of the exit door and next to the kitchen, with the bedrooms and most of the bathrooms located upstairs.

He didn't think much, he walked barefoot to the table where all his brothers and father sat and stopped in front of Percy. He barely paid attention to the smile on the man's face, he just took the shirt and the ice pack from his hands and went to get rid of them. He hung the shirt on the coat rack that was in a corner of the room and took the ice pack to the kitchen, putting more ice on it and returned to the room. He placed the ice pack on Percy's shoulder once more and then took his plate, putting pasta, meatballs and salad on it.

"Do you like wine?”

"Nico, it's not necessary--”

Nico wasn't really listening; of course Percy liked it, he had seen several types of drinks at Percy's house. He opened the bottle of dry wine that was on the table, poured a shot for Percy and in the other glass, he put some water, finally sitting down and making his own plate.

"Percy, do you need help? Let me…" He didn't even pay attention to what he was doing, he cut the meatballs for Percy and then, he heard a noise. Someone cleared their throat, breaking the silence that Nico didn't even realize was happening.

Nico looked up and put down his cutlery. Why were they looking at him like that? He was just helping, it had become a habit in the few days he had worked for Percy.

"Did I do something wrong?" Nico turned to Percy since it seemed like no one was going to tell him.

"Of course not, dear.”

It was his turn to remain silent, as the one who had answered him and called him “dear” had been Percy.

"I'm not your, dear.”

“That's what it looks like when you do these things.”

"Oh." So that was it?

However, Percy didn't speak to him in that ironic tone, it was more like he was trying to show Nico something without shocking him too much.

“But thank you." Percy finished.

Percy brought his hands to Nico's shoulders and squeezed gently, his smile sincere and small. Nico swallowed, of course, preferring to look at Percy rather than face his family watching them. Maybe inviting Percy in hadn't been such a good idea, maybe if he ran to his room he could escape the humiliation.

In slow motion, Nico watched Percy take the first bite of pasta to his lips and groan before swallowing, feeling something uncomfortable and warm take over his body. Fortunately, that was the moment Hades decided to interrupt the path his thoughts were taking.

"Percy Jackson, hmm? Why haven't I heard anything about you until now?”

So it was going to be like this? Straight to the point?

"I started working for him a week ago.”

Another silence fell and perhaps he was beginning to understand their reason.

"Did you know each other before?”

“No, sir,” Percy replied this time, his smile changing, becoming sharper.

No, gods! Don't say anything. Don't say anything. Don't say anything... was all Nico could think. Though he knew what was about to happen by the way Percy tilted his head, listening in disbelief to what came next:

"It must be our chemistry.”

Nico saw Hades' face turn red with fury while Hazel lowered her head, laughing discreetly. Bianca, unlike her, threw her head back and laughed like she had heard the best joke of all times.

"My little brother is finally learning. He even seems like a normal person. I'm so proud!" Bianca said happily and put her hand over her heart, her eyes tearing up from laughing so much. And Nico? All that was left was to cover his face and not burst into flames instantly.

***

"No, no! He's joking. Right?" Nico said as soon as he was sure he wouldn't die of embarrassment.

"Of course, Nico. We're just playing around.”

Someone help him, please!

"I'm sorry." It was Percy's turn to laugh. He grabbed Nico's shoulder again and didn't seem the least bit sorry, staring at him for a long moment.

Percy came closer and whispered so that no one but them could hear.

"I'm sorry. I promised I wouldn't do that again. Are you okay? I'll behave now, seriously.”

"Whatever." Nico sighed in defeat. "You always do that.”

"I won't do it anymore. It's just that you're so easy to tease. And your father is even easier, he's so hot-headed.”

"Could you please not bring me any more trouble? Could you?”

"I can. I promise. I'm really sorry.”

Percy then pulled away a little and caressed the back of Nico's neck, massaging the hair there and making him gasp softly. Nico didn't know where this gesture had come from, but he knew he shouldn't allow this to happen. Mainly because he knew Percy only did this to annoy Hades even more.

Well, that was the moment he realized his mistake; they were standing too close, whispering in each other's ears. How could Nico say that there was nothing between him and Percy when they were showing the exact opposite to his family? He had even… even taken Percy to meet them! It was like Nico was introducing his new boyfriend!

Trying to hide it, he moved away from Percy as if he had been shocked and looked at Hades. He was looking at him seriously, neither angry nor happy. There was something calculating, almost analytical in his gaze, as if his father was making up his mind, dissecting the information he had received.

"What do you do, again?”

"I am a researcher and have a master's degree from a federal university.”

"What exactly does that mean?”

"I develop theses, I do tests if necessary and I am a teacher.”

"Interesting. In what areas?”

"History, art, finance and administration.”

"Wow, that's so cool!" Hazel commented.

"So, you're a scholar. Does that make money?" Hades asked again.

"Not at first. My parents have a biophysics lab and a pharmacy. So I usually help them with the financial side.”

What was going on? His father was…

“Children?”

"Two. They love Nico.”

"Wife?”

"Technically, yes.”

W-what?

"Alright." Hades finally said.

"Everything okay? What was okay? Are you guys speaking in a language I don't understand? What's okay here?”

"Nico, I think Hades is deciding your future… again." Bianca said beside him.

"Percy Jackson!" He said through gritted teeth.

Percy just smiled at Nico and raised his hands, as if in surrender.

"Come on, don't be like that. You told me about yourself and introduced me to your family, the least I can do is tell you about mine.”

"Are you serious?”

"I am. It's no big deal. It's nice to know who's taking care of my kids. That way everyone knows what we're dealing with.”

Percy stood up, took a card out of his pocket and placed it on the table.

"In case you want to talk to me.”

This was shaping up to be one of the most awkward and embarrassing moments of Nico's life. But at least it seemed to lighten the mood. Hades relaxed back into his chair just in time for Maria to enter the room and everyone to start eating. It was like none of it had happened as the platters of food were passed around the table and more arrived from the kitchen.

Comments are welcome. See you next Monday!

Update

Oi, como vai? Hoje era para ter um capítulo novo, finalmente. Vou ter que revisa-lo e adicionar uma coisa ou outra. Então, se eu não conseguir postar hoje, na segunda ele estará pronto. A versão em inglês sairá logo em seguida.

Obrigada pela presença de todos!

Hi, how are you doing? Today we were supposed to have a new chapter, finally. I'm going to have to revise it and add a few things. So, if I don't manage to post it today, it'll be ready on Monday. The English version will be out soon after.

Thanks for everyone's presence!

Alright, I think I like tumblr now.

A pun post crossed my dash, and I reblogged it with an equally bad pun in return. A couple of my followers find it funny, it's a good day for everyone.

That was on July 7th.

Virality on Reddit was entirely algorithmic. You could garner a couple crossposts, but the success of a post was entirely dependent on whether or not it hit r/all--the main page of Reddit. If your post does that, it's immediately exposed to 10x the number of people and immediately gets upvoted.

On my pun post, I get a couple reblogs. And those reblogs get a couple reblogs--nobody really adds any content to the post, it just gets a couple reblogs here and there.

There's a specific chain of reblogs that I'd like to focus on. The most popular post on this chain has about 25 reblogs on it. Half the posts have three reblogs or fewer. Five posts in this chain have just one reblog total.

But the reblog chain keeps going. And going. It breaches containment many times over. And finally, after a chain THIRTY SIX posts long, at 9:30 AM, July 22nd this morning, it hits a popular account.

99% percent of the people who have seen the post--virtually unchanged from how it left my dash--have seen it because it was curated by 36 different people. That's insane to me.

None of those 36 people know that they're part of this chain. They saw a post, reblogged it, and moved on. If any one of these people had not reblogged, the post would have a fraction of the impact it has.

And yet, after two weeks, the post has effectively hit the main page of tumblr. It was picked up, only because people liked it enough to show it to their followers. There were no algorithms necessary.

You really, truly, cannot get this on any other website.

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

Hi, how are you doing? In this chapter we have some +18 scenes. Hope you liket it!

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

Nico wasn't sure he should be doing this.

He couldn't deny that last night had been good, but the time before that, he'd tried with his exes and…well, it had been so bad that all he'd felt was anxiety, pain, and the urge to throw up. Nico didn’t deny, as soon as he could, Nico had hurried away and avoided speaking or meeting Will for the rest of his time in Italy. Part of it was embarrassment at panicking, discovering in the process that he wasn't ready to do certain things with mere strangers, and the other part was… he didn't want to admit it, but it was hard for him to trust people. So what if he dated other people after Will? It wasn't his fault he couldn't relax around the blonde.

That's why he hesitated, even though he knew it was unfair to compare the two. Or to compare anyone else and Percy. Will had never invited him to eat in places he liked or taken him to see, or rather, rediscover the city as Percy had that night. They ate ice cream, visited a natural park, and walked holding hands through moonlit streets. It had been such a peaceful and pleasant night that Nico forgot about what had happened in Italy or even the whole Annabeth mess that he didn't even like to remember. But there they were, back in his room, backpacks and clothes thrown to the floor.

They hadn't even turned on the lights in their rush to get to the second floor of the house, heading towards his bed as fast as they could. Nico’s jacket and shirt came first, then Percy did the same to himself, faster than Nico could keep up. He had gasped, feeling his legs go weak, because Percy was already there against his back, skin to skin, hugging him from behind, lips against his neck kissing him softly, going back and forth to the nape of his neck and finding his earlobe, nibbling, slowly, the big and warm hands touching his chest, descending, reaching his hips and finally massaging him over his jeans to open the button of his pants.

Nico still wasn't sure, he didn't know what was happening to him; one moment he wanted Percy touching him with all the strength of his being and the next, he wasn't sure of anything. Nico just knew that he wanted Percy to continue to hold him forever, but not to hurt or coerce him like other people had tried.

"What is it?” Percy said against the skin of his shoulder, placing one more kiss there that made him shiver, his body relaxing without his permission.

"I don't know. I…”

“Hm.” Percy murmured, moving slowly with him towards the bed. "Do you want to tell me something?"

Yes, he did. Nico wanted to say how he wasn't drunk enough to ignore his fears and that he had rejected anything sexual for more than one reason. But before they reached the bed, Percy stopped in his tracks and kissed her neck one more time.

“I know you're afraid. I know I lost control in the past. But you can trust me.”

“Per.” It had only been a kiss, a careless mistake in the past, and it seems that moment would haunt them for the rest of their lives. “It's not that. I…”

"So tell me. And I will give it to you. It doesn't matter what it is.”

Why was this so difficult?

“I…”

"Is it about your ex?"

"He… he…”

Percy stopped moving and even the air around them became still.

“What did he do to you?”

"Nothing!” Nico said anxious. "It’s nothing.”

“Nico.”

"I mean! Do you remember Jason, the friend I told you about? He stopped Will…”

That's when Percy turned him around to face him and gripped his shoulders tightly, his eyes wide and fierce looking at him as if Percy wanted to get the truth out of him that way.

"You lied to me. What else has this kid done, hm?”

“Percy!” He didn't want to believe that Percy was one of those people.

Percy grabbed him by the arms and threw him onto the bed, pinning his hands above his head.

"Answer me!”

"He… he tied me up and… and took my clothes off… and when… when he was about to… Jason came, hit Will and untied me! Happy now!?”

As soon as he said that, Percy released him and stopped touching him immediately. This surprised Nico, offended him and hurt him in equal measures. Was Percy disgusted with him knowing another man had touched him? Was that what it means?

Then the bed moved and Percy touched him gently on the shoulder.

“No, baby, don't cry. I'm very sorry.”

"You don’t love me anymore?” Nico asked and buried his face in the pillow, trying to hold back the sobs.

“No, that's impossible. I don’t want that--"

“I just…don't like being tied up and…” Another sob, “It was awful when he tried…tried to penetrate me and…”

“Shhh, it's okay. I promise I won't touch you.”

He couldn't take it anymore! That wasn't what Nico wanted.

Crying like a baby, he crawled over to where Percy was lying all tense and sat on his lap, hugging Percy tight around the neck.

"I want you to touch me! I want you to fuck me until I can't walk, but… it hurt so bad! I don't want it to hurt. I want only you to touch me! Only you to kiss me! Only you… ah!”

Nico whimpered and arched his back as Percy pulled him by his hair, bringing their faces close together.

“I should punish you. I should show you how a good boy should behave.”

“I’m--”

“I haven't finished. No matter who you fucked in Italy, you lied to me. Hid something important because of embarrassment? Just ‘cause some random boy deceived and humiliated you? What happened? I want the truth.”

"I'm telling the truth.” Nico turned his face away and shut up, he refused to talk. It wasn't Percy's business what he had done.

“It’s gonna be like this? Since when did you start lying to me?”

“I… I didn't lie about not liking it.”

"Did you agree to do something and regret it?"

Nico nodded, feeling his face heat up.

"You didn't trust him?"

He nodded again.

“I thought I was ready… and…” Nico shrugged. “Then Jason heard me scream and… strapped to the bed …he hit Will and Will was furious. Will came after me later but I didn't want to explain what had happened so I broke up with him and Will got even angrier.”

"So you played with the kid, dumped him and let people think this Will was the one to blame?"

"I didn't mean to do this, I just…”

“Nico.”

Percy knew him too well.

He hated it when Percy spoke to him like that, serious and rigid, all authoritative. He felt like a scolded and helpless little boy. Which made him see that he would do anything for Percy to forgive him. Then, taking a deep breath, Nico said:

"I’m really sorry. I would never do that to you.”

“You already did.” Percy said and looked at him steadily and hard, still holding him by the hair in a painful way that didn't really hurt. But Percy was right, he had done it, he had run away without an explanation, and he regretted it very day since then. If necessary, he would spend the rest of his life apologizing.

“How can I redeem myself?”

"I don't know.”

"Please. I’ll do anything.”

"Anything?” Then Percy smiled at him and let go of his hair, settling himself against the bedframe. “Take off your pants.”

Nico did as Percy asked. He got up, took off his pants, underwear and socks and went back to bed about to sit on Percy's lap when he was stopped.

Percy grabbed him by the shoulder and with the same smirk, he said, "On your stomach. On my lap.”

"I don't understand.”

“Soon you will.”

Still confused, Nico laid back against Percy's legs and waited.

Moments later, it all made sense.

First, he felt Percy arrange himself against the headboard of the bed, then, with one hand, Percy held his hair and with the other, slid down his back, reaching his ass.

"Are you still willing to go on?"

“Per?”

“I spoiled you a lot. Allowing you to do whatever you want.”

"I did not want to…”

"Will you obey?"

"Wait!”

“Last chance. Yes or no?”

He didn't know, okay!? It was a lot of pressure for him to handle. Is just, Nico always wanted to try that with Percy, but he didn't want it to like this, a punishment instead of fun.

“Nico?”

“I don't know.” Nico finally said, defeated. “I trust you.”

And then, mere seconds later, Percy's heavy hand cracked against his right cheek, drawing a muffled groan from him.

“You are enjoying this. I can’t believe it.” Two more came, one after the other and Nico couldn't help himself, he squirmed, rubbing one leg against the other, trying to hide the effect the spanking was having on him.

He heard Percy gasp and settle him in his lap, his jeans brushing against his exposed cock, and all he could do was to hold on to the bed to keep him from coming from the rough treatment.

“Are you ready to talk?” Percy's voice sounded low in his ears, making him shiver.

"I've already said everything I wanted to."

"Who else did this to you?"

Shit! How did Percy know?

Percy shifted sideways and this time the crack reverberated through the entire room, making him actually shout, arching his spine. When he didn't say anything, Percy continued, his hands hitting his skin and massaging the spot until he almost...almost...

"You told me to live my life! That's what I did!” Nico screamed this time, trying to control himself, squirming all over, feeling the pleasure come faster than he expected. Until Percy stopped suddenly, keeping him at peak ecstasy to end the spanking without warning.

“All I want is the truth, Nico.”

"What good will it do!?" he yelled again, frustrated, trying to obey.

"You think you can lie to me? The more you hide, the more I want to know.”

“Percy! I don’t want to talk about this!”

"Then, I guess you don’t want to come."

"You won't do this to me!"

"Want to bet?"

Percy grabbed him around the waist, turned him over on the bed and then had him sit on his lap, his cock exposed to the cold air of the room, holding him immobile with his ass burning against Percy's jeans.

“Percy!”

“I won't encourage that kind of attitude.”

"What attitude?"

“That's why I'm so jealous, you always do that. Flirting with everyone and ignoring the problem when it gets serious.”

"I don’t do this. Do I…?”

"You’ll drive me crazy!"

"I didn’t mean--"

"You never do! That’s the problem.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“Be sincere. Is it too much to ask?”

“I… I didn't know how to tell you. How could I say, ‘Look, Percy. Don’t get mad. I got needy and let some boys touch me in ways I'm ashamed to admit."

“It doesn't seem so difficult now.” Percy muttered, gripping him tighter around the waist. Nico even feared to know what would happen in the next few days. "Why do you do this to me?”

"I didn't want you to think that I… that I am…”

"A whore who offers herself to anyone who pays attention to you?"

Nico looked out the window and tried to hold whatever was struggling to break free from his chest.

“Nico, I don't care. You can be my sweet Nico and you can be this sensual being who likes to tease people. I'm sad that you felt the need to hide that part from me.”

"I didn’t want hide things from you. It just…”

"I know that you don’t. I never thought you were an angel. All I ask is honesty.”

“I know.”

“I don't want to hurt you, but I also don't want to treat you like a crystal. Don’t run away from me. I love you.”

“I love you too.” Nico said, relaxing against Percy's chest. "I promise I'll be the most honest person in the world."

***

Things seemed to have calmed down. Nico felt that the weight of the world had finally lifted off his back, he felt light and free, with nothing left to hide. That is, he hadn't told Percy everything that had happened, but Percy now knew everything, about his... about his libido that had surged in Percy's absence, and that now seemed to be on fire more than ever.

Nico thought he had made himself clear, didn't he? After all, he had shouted to anyone who would listen. Honestly, he was glad that after hearing all those things Percy was still by his side, right now, under the covers with him, hugging him around the waist and shoulders, keeping them glued to each other. His bottom still hurt and his eyes were puffy from crying. Don't get him wrong, he would be on his knees if it would improve his situation, Percy just wasn't in the mood. Percy had taken off the rest of the clothes he was wearing and had laid next to Nico on the bed, hugging him and then closed his eyes. And Nico, how had it turned out? Still aroused, even with the pain of the spanking and the humiliation of the confessions, trying to stay obediently still in Percy's arms.

For long hours he tried to do just that, obeying Percy's will. But no matter how hard he tried, Nico opened and closed his eyes from time to time, watching the hours pass by slowly and torturously, seen the sky change from dark shades to lighter ones.

He couldn't take it anymore! Touching the hand around his chest, Nico struggled and tried not to wake Percy as the grip around him tightened, Percy's arms pulling him back to his strong chest.

"Where do you think you're going?”

“I need… hum…””

"You need?”

Nico wanted to die, but before that fact came to fruition, he took one of Percy’s hands over his body and brought it to his groin.

“I understand.” Percy murmured, leaning closer.

It was okay, because Nico finally got what he wanted. Percy covered his entire groin, engulfing his cock and massaging it slowly, balls and phallus, squeezing him so good that in less than a minute he was erect, as if the previous conversation and spanking had never happened. It felt so perfect… why was it so good? Was it because Percy was touching him? Was more emotional than physical? Or it was the mid-morning intimacy making him feel light and carefree, but so vulnerable he wanted to hide under Percy's body?

“What do you need?” Percy whispered against his neck, his voice husky with sleep.

“Can you… can you fuck me?” Was he being clear enough this time?

“You only had to ask.

He moaned in frustration and hid his face in the pillow, anxious and feeling the humiliation of having to beg down his neck in the form of the blush that warmed him from head to toe.

The thing is, Nico finally had his request granted. Percy leaned him forward a little, spread his legs and immediately Nico felt wet fingirs rub softly and unhurriedly against his entrance.

Ah… he didn't know that gesture could be so relaxing and pleasurable, feeling Percy massaging it around long enough for the orifice to open and allow Percy's fingers to penetrate it, easily and without difficulty. Percy was opening him so carefully that when Nico less expected, he found himself lying on his belly and moaning with three fingers inside him, barely feeling Percy lay on his body. Because with a slight discomfort that immediately gave way to pleasure, Nico could only spread more his legs letting the head of Percy's cock came into contact with his entrance, penetrating him a with light pressure, feeling himself really open like a flower as Percy forced himself in a little more, his body weight helping him slide right in.

 "Am I hurting you? Am I going too fast?”

Nico stopped breathing for a moment, too many sensations at once frying his brain. He… he didn't know, he was too relaxed to determine if it was pure pleasure, if he had pain in the middle of it or if he even needed a break; Nico could barely lift his head off the pillow as far as understanding anything other than the need to come.

“Baby.” Percy sighed, finally leaning against his back, keeping their hips still, panting. " I need--"

“Hm.” Nico thought he'd moaned, that he was about to come. Was all he could thing about, how that couldn't be normal. It couldn’t.

“Talk to me.”

Then, Percy settled better between his legs and that slight friction inside was enough to make Nico groan, squeezing the cock inside him so good that Percy pulled his hair, a clear warning to behave.

“Per!”

Percy stopped again, trying to catch his breath, and Nico melted once more into the bed, searching for the right words to say what he needed.

“Per, I… I need… I need…”

“Let's do it this way. When you don't know what to say and want to go on, say 'thank you'. When it feels good and you still want to stop, say “Please”.

"What if… what if I don't like it?"

"Say stop and I'll stop."

It seemed easy enough, so why was there so much doubt? This was the moment he tended to wrap everything up. It was so intense that he couldn't go on, even when he used his favorite vibrator. But he didn't want to stop, he wanted to keep going and see where this went. Maybe he would allow Percy to move and pin him against the bed, just like Percy was doing, this way Nico could get to the end.

"So?” Percy murmured against his ear, holding him tight by his hair and waist.

“I… okay… thank you.”

"That's my boy. All polite and obedient.”

Nico… Nico wasn't going to let those words make him feel any further off the cliff than he already was. But when Percy stroked his hair and tugged at it, saying a quick “Good boy,” Nico couldn't ignore the reaction it elicited from him. He hid his face in the pillow at the same time a groan was ripping from him and Percy finally decided to move.

Tonight nothing was going as he expected and instead of Percy fucking him fast and hard, he felt first Percy rotate his hips, rolling inside him and then Percy push back, slow and nice, and going back to penetrate him even slower, making him arch his spine and groan like he had never moaned before, leaving no room for any other thoughts.

“Hmm.” Percy groaned, all hoarse, increasing in speed and depth as Nico's moans grew louder. "I knew you would be perfect. All soft and sweet. The perfect fit.”

“I… I… ah!”

“Hm?”

“Thank you!”

Nico thought he had screamed, that he had writhed so hard that he felt Percy grab him by the back of his neck and force his head into the pillow, telling him to breathe. But Nico couldn't, Percy had hit something inside him that made him black out for a moment; Nico was coming and coming, each time his cock spurt, a jolt of electricity shot through his body, but Percy was still inside him, hard and pulsing, so hot Nico didn't know how he hadn't been burned.

“It's okay, that It. I will take care of you.”

Nico felt fingers against his groin and on his cock, touching it gently. He moaned again, thinking he was going to die, feeling his orgasm stretching until he couldn't take it anymore:

“Please!” Then, he screamed once more, tears forcing out of his eyes, smothered with pleasure, “Please!”

“Good boy.” Percy groaned in his ear, his voice firm and low, feeling Percy's hips go as deep as possible and come inside him like Nico had never allowed anyone before.

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Like always, it's a pleasure seeing you all here. Thanks for reading!

A fun little ghost animation