To All My Fellow Ace Specs, You Are Valid And Loved

Percy really could have dated a rich,pretty,fun,artistic girl who he feels comfortable with or the son of one of the greatest gods who is kind,smart and probably the strongest demigod of this era + sees him as the greatest thing since sliced brad, and yet he decided to date a girl who hits him,insults him and thinks he is an idiot huh?

ShortStory #3 – Recém Casados (fingering+orgasm denial+chastity)

Oiiii, como vai? Calma que logo vem novos episódios na fics em andamento. Só que eu estava com vontade de escrever algo diferente, algo que eu ainda não me apeguei. E aqui está, 2 mil palavras. Não sei se é exatamente uma shortstory, mas espero que vocês gostem.

Nico acordou naquela manhã, lentamente. Primeiro foram os suaves raios de sol que escapavam pelas persianas, depois, ombros largos contra suas costas, braços que rodeavam seus quadris e então, sentiu dedos deslizarem entre suas pernas, gentis, ainda que a sensação deles deixasse um rastro áspero e quente em seu explorar, navegando brevemente por seu membro fortemente preso e enfim chegando a sua entrada, roçando suavemente, fazendo Nico estremecer apenas com o toque delicado ao redor da entrada levemente enrugada, seus músculos ainda relaxados da noite passada.

Nico respondeu imediatamente, e da única forma que ele poderia responder, do jeito que Percy havia lhe ensinado. Ele gemeu contra os travesseiros e permaneceu exatamente como estava, do jeito que Percy tinha o posicionado da cama; deitado de lado, encarando a parede do quarto, pernas ligeiramente afastadas, relaxado contra os lençóis. De fato, essa era uma das posições mais confortáveis para eles. Para Nico, era a falta de qualquer tipo de desconforto ou dor, para Percy, o acesso livre e desimpedido, não importava o que Percy tinha planejado para aquele momento.

Ele curvou as costas e agarrou o travesseiro, tentando respirar lentamente, sentindo os dedos de Percy finalmente aplicarem um pouco mais de pressão, ainda sem penetrá-lo, esfregando ao redor e deslizando um pouquinho para dentro para logo em seguida, voltar a se retirar com aqueles movimentos circulares ao redor, embora fosse a pressão certo e o ritmo perfeito, o enlouquecendo um pouco a mais a cada movimento.

Mas estava tudo bem, porque aquele era um momento especial, o primeiro dia do resto de suas vidas, o primeiro dia como casados. E depois de passar a noite inteira sem ter um orgasmo, na verdade, meses, Percy o mantendo preso durante o período de noivado inteiro, como uma prova de fidelidade que Percy havia pedido a ele. No começo Nico não tinha visto nenhum problema, eles tinham namorado durante três anos, dois meses sem gozar da forma que ele estava acostumado, não pareceu muito difícil. O que logo ele descobriu, ignificou não ter nenhum orgasmo.

Nico admitia que a relação deles tinham mudado completamente, mas se ele pudesse ser sincero, eles tinham apenas dado um passo a diante, como se estivessem testando a probabilidade do casamento deles realmente dar certo. Não foi uma surpresa exatamente, talvez no máximo fosse a consequência do que cedo ou tarde aconteceria. Ele sempre tinha sido mais... quieto e reservado, enquanto Percy gostava de tomar as rédeas da situação e fazer as coisas do jeito dele, se possível, Percy executaria tudo com as próprias mãos. Bem no fundo, foi o principal motivo que os uniu e os manteve juntos por tanto tempo; três anos de namoro e dois meses de noivado. Então, quando Percy pediu, Nico obedeceu, descobrindo que gozar... nem era tão importante assim. É claro que essa foi a porta de entrada para outras coisas aconteceram, coisas que ele nem mesmo hesitou em fazer, e só porque confiava em Percy, com toda sua alma, coração e corpo.

Ainda assim, Percy não precisava torturá-lo desse forma, de fato, ele não precisava o torturar por dois meses seguidos, implacável e impiedoso, e não importava o quanto Nico implorasse, só uma vez, só um orgasmo, a chave da gaiola permaneceu escondida ou ao redor do pescoço de Percy, zombando dele, mesmo que Percy compensasse por sempre estar por perto, pedindo a opinião dele em algo que no fim Percy daria a última palavra ou em seu toque que a cada dia se tornavam mais intensos e permanente, como se uma marca se tornasse mais visível e vibrante.

Nico jurava que estava tentando ser um bom garoto, exatamente como Percy gostava, o mais obediente e o mais paciente, ele jurava, mas... sentia algo em seu peito, algo que apertava sua garganta e o sufocava; ele queria esperar mais um pouco, tentava segurar essa sensação dentro de si, mas sentia que estava prestes a passar de limite, um limite que Nico não sabia que tinha e apenas se deu conta disso quando conheceu Percy em uma manhã de sábado em uma lanchonete gourmetizada e cara, vendo um homem alto e sorridente, flertando com a garçonete.

Ele não conseguiu conter o próximo gemido, um choramingo arfado que roubou seu ar quando, enfim, se sentindo ficar tenso, Percy massageou ao redor por mais alguns momentos e inseriu dois dedos dentro dele. Nico sentiu sua cabeça girar por momento e abriu mais as pernas, ele amava gozar enquanto estava sendo penetrado, e ele sentia aquela sensação de completude vir mais rápido do que nunca. Conforme os dedos de Percy se aprofundavam e se tornavam mais energéticos, mais Nico perdia o controle de seu corpo. Mas isso nunca tinha acontecido antes, como se ele fosse gozar mesmo com a gaiola, um pedaço de metal apertado e sufocante ao redor de seu membro que nem algo menos o permitia ficar ereto, algo que até alguns meses atras Nico pensava sem impossível. Mas, então, Percy parou de mover os dedos, o puxando para mais perto ainda, enquanto Nico se preparava para finalmente explodir, dizendo:

“Pensei que você estava muito cansado para continuar.”

“Sinto muito, eu..." Nico não sabia o que fazer. Geralmente Percy não fazia perguntas que exigissem que ele realmente respondesse. O pior é que Percy nem ao menos soava maldoso ou impiedoso, como as vezes ele fazia; era um tom quase curioso, exploratório, como Percy soubesse de algo que ele não sabia e queria que Nico descobrisse o que era por si mesmo.

"Eu..." Nico não sabia qual era a resposta certa. Geralmente, ele saberia. Nem mesmo uma pista Percy estava dando a ele. Às vezes, Nico se sentia mal com isso, culpado por algum motivo, era estranho sentir que sua opinião não tinha importância e que seu único dever era satisfazer os desejos de seu dono. Ele nem sabia por que estava pensando nisso agora, as coisas sempre tinham sido assim, ainda que nenhum deles tenha expressado em palavras, ambos estavam confortáveis e o relacionamento dele funcionou dessa forma desde o princípio. Então, porque, justamente quando ele já tinha se casado, esses pensamentos o assombravam?

Quando Nico não respondeu, Percy agarrou seus cabelos e o fez encará-lo com um puxão que trouxe estrelas a seus olhos, fazendo sua mente ficar em branco por alguns momentos e seus esses pensamentos desaparecerem rapidamente.

"Eu fiz uma pergunta." Percy murmurou ao pé de seu ouvido, rouco e no controle.

Por longos momento tudo o que Nico foi capaz de fazer foi fechar os olhos e choramingar, confuso.

"Não é tão difícil assim. Eu perguntei se você merece e não se você quer."

"Não, senhor. Eu não mereço!"

"Hmm, isso mesmo. Você não merece."

Percy voltou a mover os dedos dentro dele, e isso parecia ainda pior, de alguma forma Nico se sentia ficar ainda mais sensível aos toques de Percy, sentindo aqueles dedos voltarem a abri-los ainda mais devagar do que antes, girando e dedilhando ao redor, uma de suas mãos o segurando pela cintura, a respiração calma e contida de Percy contra seu ouvido.

"Sei que você quer gozar, bebê. Assim é melhor. Você vai se acostumar em mais alguns dias. Se precisar, é só me dizer que vou fazer tudo ficar melhor. Não é mais gostoso assim, hm?

Percy estava certo. Ele nunca havia sentido tanto prazer como nesses últimos dois meses, e de fato, ele sentia tanto prazer que achava que iria explodir com a necessidade de gozar e de permitir que esse prazer escorresse para fora dele.

Nico ainda podia se lembrar da primeira vez que gozou com Percy, tinha sido perfeito, uma sensação que pareceu vir do fundo seu corpo e emergir através de sua espinha, longo e intenso, que a deixou satisfeito como nada antes foi capaz de fazer. Mas, agora, era o contrário, era algo que permanecia na superfície de sua pele e que não o deixava pensar em nada que não fosse em Percy, em seu toque e sua voz, em quando ele finalmente seria permitido sentir essa sensação novamente.

"Shh, não chore. Eu prometo que vai melhorar."

Ele não estava chorando!

"Shhh, tudo bem. Viu?"

Nico sabia o que estava por vir e mesmo assim gemeu, soluçando como se sua mãe tivesse morrido uma segunda vez. Percy substituiu seus dedos por seu membro, roçando a cabeçona contra sua entrando, o penetrando na primeira tentativa. Ele... ele realmente amava sentir Percy o preencher assim, sem aviso ou permissão, o fazendo tomar cada centímetro até que não fosse possível ir mais fundo.

"Pronto. Meu bebê é tão obediente. Só mais um pouquinho, sim?"

"Hm?" Ele achava que tinha gemido de novo, parecido com um ronronar, algo que fez Percy rir bem ao pé de sua orelha, por algum motivo o constrangendo, fazendo a familiar sensação de humilhação subir por sua coluna e se alojar em seu cérebro, feito um verme.

"Assim, perfeito, bebê. Só mais um pouco."

Percy segurou em uma de suas pernas e enfiou uma das suas entre as coxas de Nico, mudando a posição, permitindo uma penetração mais profunda.

"Você está pronto?"

Pronto para o quê?, Nico queria ter perguntado. Isso é, ele teria se Percy tivesse lhe dado tempo.

No começo Nico não entendeu o que estava acontecendo, nada parecia fora do normal. Percy começou a se mover, acertando aquele lugarzinho que sempre o fazia estremecer, mas algo parecia... parecia diferente. Percy largou de suas pernas e suas mãos deslizaram por suas coxas, subindo e indo em direção a seu abdômen, massageando suavemente, fazendo Nico entender que Percy estava tocando o próprio membro que estava dentro dele Nico, fazendo o volume ali ficar mais evidente. Entretanto, o que realmente o surpreendeu foi ver que a outra mão de Percy subia e subia, passando por seus mamilos e parando em seu pescoço, seus dedos o segurando firme ali.

Por um momento, Percy parou de se mover e Nico sentir que tinha parado de respirar, e quando ele não fez mais nada do que arfar, ainda sentindo os dedos de Percy ao redor de seu pescoço, Percy voltou a se mover. Foi ao gostoso a princípio, Percy parecendo tentar alcançar sua próstata a cada movimento e a mão ao redor de seu pescoço o confortando de alguma forma distorcida, mas, então, alguma coisa mudou e ele estava gemendo como nunca tinha gemido antes; ele tinha trocado de lugar com uma boneca de panos que tinha apenas um dever, gemer e ser obediente. A mão ao redor de seu pescoço se apertou, só um pouquinho, o membro dentro pareceu ir mais fundo e acerta—lo com mais força, arrancando soluços arfados dele.

“Assim, só mais um pouquinho, bebê.” Percy sussurrou em seu ouvido, de novo e de novo, o barulho de seus corpos se encontrando insistentemente. A cada palavra e cada movimento certeiro, Nico sentia sua mente se esvaziando, sentia os dedos de Percy tirando seu ar, até que só restasse o som da voz de Percy contra seu ouvido e a sensação do eterno prazer que o transformava nessa boneca de panos sem vida ou vontades próprias.

“Olha pra isso, bebê.”

Percy segurou em seus cabelos e direcionou sua cabeça na direção certa. Nico olhava para o próprio colo, para seu membro preso pela gaiola que agora estava estufada, e no furo central, ele podia ver o que Percy também via. Ele estava gozando, ou algo que chegava perto disso, a cada movimento dos quadris de Percy, um líquido transbordava de seu membro em jatos fracos entre longos intervalos de segundos. Nico sentia... sentia sua alma abandonando seu corpo a cada um desses jatos, nada que lembrasse um orgasmo, porém, semelhante aos meses preso dentro da gaiola, só que agora intenso e doloroso, algo que o fez perder o resto da sanidade que ainda lhe restava.

“Porra, bebê. Estou tão orgulhoso. Porra!”

Nico não entendia exatamente o que estava acontecendo, apenas que ele teve que chegar os olhos se sentindo esvaziar mais um pouco, enquanto Percy o apertava mais em seus braços, enfim suspirando e parando de seu mover, ainda inserido dentro de Nico.

“Eu te amo, bebê.”

“Te amo mais.” Nico respondeu, porque era a única coisa que ele não tinha dúvida alguma.

E então, gostaram? Tudo isso para evitar de escrever as outras histórias porque não quero me despedir da "Não há lugar como o lar". De qualquer forma, me diverti e eu até poderia fazer uma continuação, mas é melhor me limitar as minhas WIPS. Até logo!

Behind every fanfic update, there is a writer being turned into THIS as they await your reactions

To be a demigod napping in the sun with your bf🤲

We need to gatekeep fandom.

Fandoms are made by and for weird nerds.

Fandoms are suposed to be weird, fandoms are suposed to be cringe, fandoms are suposed to be horny.

Fandoms are inherently proship, as in, "ship and let ship" always was basic fandom etiquette before the normie invasion.

Fandoms aren't suposed to follow canon, fandoms aren't suposed to be pure, clean, sanitized or marketable.

Fandoms are for self-shippers, bad cosplayers, rule 34, bad fanart, strange headcanons, crackships, darkships, edgy fanart, bad fandubs, bad ocs, AMVs, rps, askblogs, confession blogs, cringy memes, random gore, fucked up re-imaginings and most importantly fandoms are about FUN

I think we were a little too kind letting the normies in while they were bored out of their mind during quarantine, because now fandoms are being destroyed by puritans who don't understand what fandoms are to their core.

This is not for you.

Tenth Day of Gift-Giving

Ten Titles

... creative titles for your next story

It’s not like the movies

Goodbye to our yesterday

Longing for the love we left

Confessions in the dark

As the gods will

The story about the tree

Getting too comfortable

What we’ve never done before

Burying our memories

The name they gave us

24 Days of Gift-Giving

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!

“Hot diggity dawg”

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i found this image to be quite inspirational, thus i wish to share it. you don't have to make something phenomenal much less rather something exceptional. you must first put it out there and tweak things later because you cannot build off of something you put nothing into. some day you'll regret never putting yourself out there.

create beautiful, wonderful things.

~ m.n.