I Love That Thought. Feels Right To Me.

Update

Oii, como vai? Eu consegui fazer uma capa para uma das minhas histórias com Inteligencia artificial! Eu só queria compartilhar com vocês. ❤❤

Eu fiz uma capa em Inglês também, mas por enquanto apenas tenho a versão em português. A história está incompleta, mas quem quiser ler >>> SpiritFanfic e AO3. Provavelmente no futuro vou traze-la para cá.

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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.

100 Passos para Escrever uma História - Introdução

Olá, como vai? Sejam bem-vindos ao primeiro projeto de ajuda a escritores do blog!

Pensei em começar com algo mais simples e aleatório, porém, decidi por algo mais estruturado e que tenha certa continuidade, baseado em conteúdo completo e longo, muitos exemplos e exercícios práticos. Sei que por aqui é incomum posts muito grandes, eu, de fato, tinha planejado fazer dicas ou sugestões rápidas sobre escrita, mas acabou que durante minha pesquisa meu texto se tornou algo bem mais didático e informativo. Ainda que nem tudo vá entrar nesse guia, você é bem-vindo a questionar ou fazer sugestões, principalmente se algo não ficou claro ou se você quer entender o assunto com mais profundidade. 

Assim, eu gostaria que vocês vissem esses textos como um curso que vocês não precisam se aplicar cem por cento do tempo. Se alguém tiver interesse em participar ativamente, fazendo os exercícios, onde eu atuarei como uma instrutura de estudos, estaremos no Patreon (por 1 dolar por mês), e se for necessário, posso abrir uma classe no Google Classroom ou em outras plataformas que facilitem nossa comunicação e troca de aprendizado.

Bem, esse será nosso projeto pelos próximos meses, você pode nos acompanhar por aqui gratuitamente ou pode nos apoiar pelo Patreon. O projeto vai consistir em 100 passos (se for necessário, mais passos), divididos em 8 módulos, em média os posts vão ter mais 4 mil palavras. Assumo que eu poderia fazer algo bem mais curto e conciso (poderemos fazer isso no futuro), entretanto, meu objetivo aqui é abordar a maior quantidade de assuntos possível. Assim, esse será o nome do nosso projeto “100 Passos para Escrever uma história”. Os posts aconteceram a cada duas semanas, e dois posts por semana no Patreon. 

A seguir, quero compartilhar com vocês a lista com os 100 passos do nosso guia de escrita, detalhados, divididos em 8 módulos. Cada item traz um breve resumo do objetivo principal de cada passo.

Assim que os posts estiverem no ar, vou linkar por aqui também. Essa será nossa central de posts sobre o projeto. Assim que tivermos novidades, elas aparecerão por aqui.

Módulo 1: Ideação e Premissa (Passos 1 a 10)

Premissa narrativa, tema e desenvolvimento da ideia central Identifique o tema principal da sua história e crie uma premissa narrativa clara, que servirá como a espinha dorsal da sua trama. A premissa é o alicerce de sua narrativa e deve guiar todas as decisões criativas.

Ideação prática e curadoria de ideias narrativas Aplique técnicas como brainstorming, mapas mentais, diário de observação, catálogo de ideias e freewriting para gerar e organizar ideias de histórias. Além disso, utilize fontes de inspiração como experiências pessoais, filmes e livros para expandir seu leque criativo.

Teoria das cenas: função e estrutura Entenda o papel da cena como unidade fundamental da narrativa, estudando sua estrutura interna (início, meio e fim), o seu propósito dramático e como ela se conecta ao arco maior da história. Cada cena deve avançar a trama ou revelar algo crucial sobre o personagem.

Pesquisa de contexto e ambientação inicial Realize uma pesquisa detalhada sobre o cenário, época, cultura e contexto temático que sua história abrange. A autenticidade do seu universo depende dessa imersão, proporcionando uma base sólida e rica para os personagens e eventos.

Mapeamento de cenas e eventos-chave Liste os eventos importantes que formam o esqueleto da narrativa, como pontos de virada, clímax e resolução. Esse mapeamento ajudará a estruturar a progressão da história e a garantir que cada cena tenha um papel claro e significativo.

Mapeamento de personagens e funções dramáticas Defina o papel de cada personagem dentro da narrativa. Quais são seus arcos e como suas ações afetam o desenvolvimento da trama? Personagens precisam ter um propósito narrativo claro e funções dramáticas que contribuam para o avanço do conflito.

Conflitos principais e microtensões O conflito é o motor da narrativa. Identifique o conflito central da história e as microtensões que mantêm a trama instigante e envolvente. Ambas as formas de conflito (interno e externo) devem ser bem equilibradas para gerar o máximo de tensão.

Exercício de sinopses curtas Crie sinopses de sua história em diferentes formatos: uma frase, um parágrafo e uma página. Isso ajudará a testar a clareza da sua ideia e a definir sua narrativa de maneira concisa e impactante.

Diferença entre ideias e histórias Aprenda a distinguir entre uma ideia (um conceito vago) e uma história (um enredo completo e bem estruturado). Muitas vezes, uma boa ideia precisa ser trabalhada para se tornar uma narrativa envolvente.

Processos criativos no início do projeto Descubra os métodos e abordagens que podem facilitar o início de um projeto de escrita. Saiba como gerar uma explosão de ideias, quais ferramentas utilizar, como começar a rascunhar a ideia central e os primeiros passos para o desenvolvimento de uma história.

Módulo 2: Estrutura e Planejamento (Passos 11 a 20)

Estrutura clássica em três atos Compreenda como dividir a narrativa em três atos: introdução, desenvolvimento e conclusão. Esse formato clássico é essencial para criar uma história que flui bem e mantém o leitor engajado.

Estrutura em cinco atos e variações modernas Explore a estrutura em cinco atos e suas variações, permitindo que você crie narrativas mais complexas. Essa estrutura pode ser usada para histórias com múltiplos pontos de vista ou enredos intercalados.

Jornada do herói (e do anti-herói) Estude os estágios da jornada do herói, adaptando-os para o seu protagonista. Esse modelo arquetípico pode ser ajustado para heróis, anti-heróis ou outros tipos de personagens, ajudando a estruturar sua trajetória.

Sequências e pontos de virada Planeje eventos importantes que alterem o curso da narrativa, como mudanças drásticas na história ou revelações impactantes. Esses pontos de virada mantêm a trama dinâmica e interessante.

Ritmo narrativo e alternância de tensão Domine o ritmo da narrativa, alternando entre momentos de alta tensão e pausas mais reflexivas. Isso ajuda a controlar a velocidade da história, criando picos emocionais e permitindo momentos de respiro.

Subtramas integradas à trama principal Desenvolva histórias paralelas que enriqueçam a narrativa principal, explorando temas, personagens e conflitos que complementem o enredo central.

Linha do tempo dos eventos Organize os eventos cronologicamente para garantir que sua história tenha uma progressão lógica e coesa. A linha do tempo também ajuda a visualizar se os eventos estão bem distribuídos e equilibrados ao longo da narrativa.

Estrutura de capítulos Planeje a divisão do texto em capítulos de forma coerente e equilibrada. Cada capítulo deve funcionar como uma unidade independente, mas também contribuir para o desenvolvimento da trama global.

Checklist de funções narrativas e coerência estrutural Avalie se cada parte da sua história cumpre um papel específico dentro da narrativa. A coerência estrutural é fundamental para garantir que os eventos e personagens se desenvolvam de forma natural e lógica.

Cenas ativas e passivas: teoria, aplicação e efeitos dramáticos Entenda a diferença entre cenas ativas (com ação e mudanças) e passivas (reflexivas e descritivas). Use essas abordagens de forma equilibrada para manter a narrativa dinâmica e profunda.

Módulo 3: Narrador, Voz e Ponto de Vista (Passos 21 a 31)

Narrador, ponto de vista, voz, imersão e confiabilidade Explore diferentes tipos de narrador (primeira pessoa, terceira pessoa, múltiplos narradores) e como cada um afeta a percepção do leitor. A voz do narrador deve ser coerente com o tom da história, e a manipulação da distância narrativa cria níveis variados de imersão.

Narrador confiável e não confiável Analise como o narrador pode ser confiável ou não confiável, influenciando como o leitor percebe os eventos. Um narrador não confiável pode criar surpresas e reviravoltas interessantes na trama.

Técnicas de fluxo de consciência Dê profundidade à mente dos personagens permitindo que seus pensamentos mais íntimos e caóticos sejam apresentados de forma fluida e sem muitas interrupções, criando uma conexão íntima com o leitor.

Construção de estilo narrativo pessoal Identifique seus traços autorais e desenvolva um estilo de escrita único. Sua escrita deve refletir sua voz pessoal, tornando a narrativa distinta e envolvente.

Narrador-personagem e metanarrativa Trabalhe com narradores que são personagens dentro da história ou com narradores que comentem sobre o próprio processo narrativo (metanarrativa). Isso pode acrescentar complexidade e um toque de autoconsciência à obra.

Decisões narrativas e coesão de ponto de vista Reflita sobre suas escolhas narrativas e como elas afetam a coesão e fluidez da história. Mantenha consistência nas decisões sobre ponto de vista e foco narrativo ao longo da narrativa.

Manipulação de tempo e flashbacks Experimente com a manipulação do tempo, utilizando flashbacks ou avanços temporais para revelar informações cruciais de forma gradual, mantendo o suspense e a profundidade emocional.

Diálogo interno vs. diálogo externo Explore as diferenças entre o diálogo interno (os pensamentos do personagem) e o diálogo externo (as conversas reais entre personagens). Ambos são fundamentais na construção do personagem e no avanço da trama.

Conflito entre os pontos de vista Avalie como os diferentes pontos de vista dos personagens podem gerar conflitos interessantes e aumentar a complexidade da narrativa.

Diálogo como ferramenta de construção de personagens Utilize o diálogo não apenas para avançar a trama, mas também para revelar traços de caráter e motivações dos personagens.

O papel do narrador no desenvolvimento do tema Determine como o narrador pode guiar o entendimento do tema e das mensagens subjacentes à história.

Módulo 4: Personagens e Diálogos (Passos 32 a 51)

Criação de personagens tridimensionais Desenvolva personagens com profundidade, dando-lhes uma história de fundo, motivações, medos e desejos. Personagens tridimensionais são mais realistas e complexos, engajando melhor o leitor.

Motivação e objetivos dos personagens Cada personagem deve ter objetivos claros que orientem suas ações. As motivações precisam ser entendidas e justificadas para que o comportamento dos personagens faça sentido na narrativa.

Construção de arcos de personagem Defina como os personagens evoluirão ao longo da narrativa. Arcos bem definidos ajudam a criar uma progressão emocional e psicológica que engaja o leitor.

Diálogo e subtexto O diálogo deve ser realista, refletindo a personalidade e motivações dos personagens. Use o subtexto para transmitir informações implícitas e emocionais que não são ditas diretamente.

Confiança e falhas dos personagens Explore tanto as virtudes quanto as falhas dos personagens, desenvolvendo relações baseadas em traços contraditórios e complexos, tornando-os mais humanos e interessantes.

Personagens coadjuvantes e antagonistas Crie personagens secundários e antagonistas com motivações e arcos próprios. Eles devem ter um papel significativo na narrativa, afetando diretamente o protagonista.

Construa uma rede de relações entre personagens As interações devem ser complexas e multifacetadas, refletindo dinâmicas que impactem tanto os personagens principais quanto os coadjuvantes.

Contraponto de personagens Utilize o contraste entre personagens para criar tensão e profundidade. Personagens com características opostas podem gerar conflitos internos e externos interessantes.

Personagens arquetípicos e clichês Explore os arquétipos (como herói, mentor, vilão) de maneira criativa, subvertendo clichês previsíveis para inovar na narrativa.

Diálogo natural e autêntico Faça com que o diálogo soe natural e realista, refletindo as diferentes vozes dos personagens. Evite conversas excessivamente expositivas ou artificiais.

Impacto emocional através do diálogo Utilize o diálogo para transmitir emoções profundas e impactar o leitor, explorando os conflitos internos dos personagens.

Reveja e refine cada diálogo Garanta que a voz de cada personagem seja distinta, consistente e contribua para o avanço do enredo.

O papel do vilão e antagonista Construa um vilão ou antagonista que vá além de uma simples força do mal, com motivações próprias, crenças e um arcabouço emocional que justifique suas ações.

Motivações internas e externas dos personagens Estabeleça as motivações internas (psicológicas e emocionais) e externas (sociais, materiais) que guiarão as ações e decisões dos personagens durante a narrativa.

Relações de poder entre personagens Examine como as dinâmicas de poder (físico, emocional, social ou psicológico) influenciam as interações entre os personagens e a própria narrativa.

Transformações emocionais e psicológicas Detalhe como as experiências e eventos da história afetam emocionalmente os personagens, tornando visíveis e justificáveis suas mudanças internas ao longo da trama.

Crescimento pessoal e fracassos Mostre como os desafios enfrentados pelos personagens os forçam a crescer ou a falhar, utilizando o fracasso como ferramenta para gerar tensão e evolução.

Desafios emocionais e dilemas morais Coloque os personagens em situações que os forcem a tomar decisões difíceis, desafiando suas crenças e valores e enriquecendo a narrativa emocionalmente.

Desenvolvimento de relações românticas e familiares Explore as dinâmicas de relacionamentos românticos e familiares como fontes de conflito, crescimento e apoio emocional.

Relações de amizade e lealdade Mostre como amizades leais ou traições podem adicionar uma camada de complexidade emocional, explorando temas como confiança e traição.

Módulo 5: Conflitos e Temas (Passos 52 a 63)

Definindo o conflito central Identifique o principal conflito que impulsiona a trama, envolvendo diretamente o protagonista e outros personagens chave.

Tipos de conflitos: internos e externos Compreenda a diferença entre conflitos internos (psicológicos) e externos (físicos ou sociais) e como ambos podem ser usados para criar tensão e drama.

Construindo tensão dramática Aprenda a construir tensão de forma gradual, intercalando momentos de alívio com picos emocionais que aumentem a urgência da história.

Resolução do conflito Planeje um clímax que resolva o conflito de forma impactante, mesmo que envolva sacrifícios ou consequências difíceis, podendo ser ambíguo ou aberto.

Tema e subtema Defina o tema central e os subtemas que enriquecerão a narrativa, transmitindo a mensagem ou lição desejada.

Contraposição de temas e personagens Use a oposição entre temas e a personalidade dos personagens para criar profundidade e complexidade, fazendo com que ideias diferentes entrem em conflito.

Mensagem implícita e explícita Decida quais mensagens serão transmitidas de forma explícita (por meio de diálogos ou eventos) e quais serão implícitas (por meio de simbolismo ou subtexto).

Desafio moral ou ético Introduza dilemas morais ou éticos que desafiem tanto os personagens quanto o leitor, gerando engajamento emocional.

Conflitos de caráter Explore os conflitos internos oriundos das falhas, desejos e dilemas dos personagens, tornando a narrativa mais envolvente e humana.

Reviravoltas temáticas Utilize reviravoltas para desafiar as expectativas do leitor e mudar a direção da história, aprofundando o tema de forma impactante.

Símbolos e metáforas Enriqueca o enredo com símbolos e metáforas que adicionem camadas de significado à história.

Revisão da integração dos conflitos Confirme que os conflitos e temas estão bem entrelaçados, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento dos personagens e do enredo.

Módulo 6: Desenvolvimento e Progressão da Trama (Passos 64 a 71)

Construção de cenas poderosas Crie cenas visualmente marcantes e emocionalmente envolventes. Cada cena deve ter um propósito claro e impactar o desenvolvimento da trama ou dos personagens.

Aprofundamento das motivações Mergulhe nas motivações profundas dos personagens, revelando as razões subjacentes para suas ações, de forma que as reações sejam realistas e interessantes.

Evolução do protagonista e antagonista Mostre a transformação dos personagens em resposta ao conflito, permitindo que tanto o protagonista quanto o antagonista mudem ao longo da narrativa.

Transições entre cenas e atos Garanta que as transições entre cenas e atos sejam suaves e naturais, evitando quebras abruptas que prejudiquem o fluxo da história.

Cenas de confronto e resolução Planeje encontros decisivos que resultem no confronto e resolução de conflitos, alterando o curso dos eventos.

Uso da tensão para construir o clímax Acumule tensão ao longo da narrativa para criar um clímax inevitável e surpreendente.

Reavaliação do impacto emocional das cenas Revise cada cena para assegurar que ela gere o impacto emocional desejado, ajustando ritmo, diálogos e descrições conforme necessário.

Manipulação do tempo e flashbacks Utilize flashbacks e alterações temporais para revelar acontecimentos passados que influenciem o presente, sem prejudicar o fluxo da narrativa.

Módulo 7: Estilo e Voz (Passos 72 a 87)

Definição do tom e atmosfera Estabeleça o tom e a atmosfera desde o início, definindo se a narrativa será sombria, alegre, melancólica ou irônica.

Construção de estilo narrativo único Desenvolva uma voz própria que reflita sua personalidade e se destaque na forma como a história é contada.

Manipulação da linguagem e figuras de linguagem Utilize metáforas, símiles, aliterações e outras figuras de linguagem para tornar a narrativa rica e envolvente.

Pacing e controle do ritmo narrativo Ajuste o ritmo da narrativa por meio da alternância entre frases curtas e longas, criando um fluxo que corresponda à intensidade dos eventos e emoções.

Variações de perspectiva narrativa Experimente diferentes pontos de vista e distâncias narrativas para conferir variedade e profundidade à história.

A força do silêncio e da omissão Saiba quando deixar informações subentendidas para criar mistério e incentivar a participação ativa do leitor na interpretação.

Revisão de estilo para consistência Garanta que o estilo narrativo permaneça uniforme ao longo da obra, evitando mudanças abruptas que prejudiquem a imersão.

Uso de diálogos para aprofundar personagens Utilize os diálogos para revelar as nuances emocionais e a personalidade dos personagens, indo além da simples troca de informações.

Escrita concisa e precisa Busque a economia de palavras, eliminando redundâncias e excesso de descrição que possam comprometer o ritmo da narrativa.

Alteração da voz narradora conforme o desenvolvimento Permita que a voz narradora evolua gradualmente, refletindo as mudanças internas dos personagens ou do ambiente.

Ritmo interno de parágrafos e frases Controle o ritmo da leitura ajustando a estrutura e o comprimento das frases e parágrafos para criar efeitos de tensão ou leveza.

Estilo de escrita para diferentes gêneros; Quebra da quarta parede e metanarrativa; Intensificação do tema através do estilo Adapte seu estilo ao gênero narrativo, utilize a quebra da quarta parede quando apropriado e intensifique o tema por meio da linguagem.

A importância da descrição e dos detalhes sensoriais Descreva ambientes, personagens e ações com detalhes sensoriais, usando visão, olfato, tato, audição e paladar para transportar o leitor para dentro da história.

Exposição e como equilibrá-la com a ação Evite sobrecarregar o leitor com exposição excessiva; equilibre a apresentação de informações com a ação, revelando dados cruciais de forma gradual e natural.

Usando a voz ativa e passiva de forma estratégica Escolha entre voz ativa e passiva de acordo com o efeito desejado: a ativa para ação mais dinâmica e a passiva para focar em consequências ou estados.

Mostrar vs. Dizer Aprenda quando “mostrar” (descrever ações e sentimentos de forma que o leitor interprete por si mesmo) e quando “dizer” (informar de maneira direta e informativa).

Módulo 8: Revisão e Edição (Passos 88 a 99)

Análise crítica da estrutura narrativa Avalie sua história em termos de estrutura. Certifique-se de que os eventos se desenrolam de forma lógica e que os pontos de virada são bem posicionados.

Revisão dos personagens e suas trajetórias Verifique se os personagens evoluem de maneira coerente, com arcos bem definidos que se alinhem ao desenvolvimento da trama.

Ajuste de ritmo e sequência de cenas Identifique áreas onde a narrativa possa estar desequilibrada e ajuste a ordem ou intensidade das cenas para manter o interesse do leitor.

Revisão de estilo e voz Certifique-se de que a voz e o estilo narrativo se mantenham consistentes, adaptando-os conforme necessário para refletir a intenção da história.

Corte de cenas desnecessárias Elimine trechos ou cenas que não contribuam para o desenvolvimento da trama ou dos personagens, mantendo o foco na narrativa.

Aprimoramento de diálogos e monólogos Refine os diálogos e monólogos para que cada palavra contribua de forma autêntica para a narrativa, revelando sentimentos e intenções dos personagens.

Consistência de detalhes e continuidade Verifique se os detalhes apresentados se mantêm consistentes ao longo da obra, garantindo continuidade na narrativa.

Atenção ao ponto de vista Mantenha a coesão do ponto de vista narrativo, evitando mudanças abruptas que possam confundir o leitor.

Revisão de inconsistências no tema e subtemas Corrija discrepâncias e reforce a presença dos temas e subtemas em toda a narrativa.

Feedback de leitores beta e ajustes finais Colete opiniões de leitores beta e, com base no feedback, faça os ajustes necessários para aprimorar a história.

Realização de ajustes finais Integre as últimas revisões e garanta que o texto esteja coeso, impactante e fiel à sua visão.

Leitura final para polir o texto Faça uma última leitura focada na correção de erros e na melhoria da fluidez e do impacto emocional da narrativa.

Passo Final

Refinar a introdução e conclusão Certifique-se de que a introdução prenda a atenção do leitor e que a conclusão ofereça uma resolução satisfatória, seja ela aberta ou fechada.

Espero que você possa nos acompanhar nessa jornada, seja sendo um companheiro silencioso ou um estudante dedicado.

Link no Patreon. (Você precisa se inscrever, sem pagar nada, para acompanhar os posts pelo Patreon). Ainda essa semana teremos posts por lá. A postagem por aqui começa na próxima semana. Até logo!

why you should reblog and support content creators

i’ve been on tumblr since 2012 and became a content creator in 2014/5, so i’ve been here for years and I can confirm that: people barely reblog posts now and it’s becoming an issue. yes content creators make stuff mostly for them, but if we post them it’s so people can see and enjoy it. and this happens when you hit “reblog”

the likes/reblogs ratios is a big disaster. when I first started, the reblogs were like 70% of a post with 30% of likes. now it’s 10% reblogs and 90% likes. likes are good, don’t get me wrong, but they don’t give us visibility.

reblogging = sharing posts to your followers. it’s easy and quick

WHY YOU SHOULD REBLOG

reblogs are important because it motivates people to create stuff and create more

it’s a great way to introduce your followers to a show/an artist/sports. i don’t wanna throw myself flowers but a few of my followers got into motorsport because I was reblogging posts about it (and also creating gifs and edits)

reblogs are a great way to make new friends because your followers/mutuals will see you have stuff in common and it will help to engage a conversation and start a friendship.

content creators spend a lot of time editing and a reblog shows that these hours weren’t lost 

reblogging helps us making our work be seen as tumblr’s tags are sometimes broken and they don’t appear in tags

it encourages people to create more and. i’m posting graphics and reblogs are encouraging me to keep posting them and creating more

top bonus is when you leave nice stuff in the tags. we see them and we love it and we love you

reblog because it’s free and the button exists for a reason

there is many more reasons but i won’t spam you

WHY YOU SHOULD SUPPORT CONTENT CREATORS

we are nice

we provide stuff for free

we take requests and make stuff you ask for

we share our resources: colorings, writing tips, where to get pictures, where to get fonts, tutorials, links for softwares

because we struggle a lot with tumblr’s tags

because people are sometimes rude to us and send rude asks (ex: writers - to publish their writings sooner)

because our work is being stolen by people claiming it’s theirs

because our work is being reposted on other social medias without asking us and crediting

i’m not pointing a gun to your face screaming “REBLOG”, i’m just telling you that if you like a post, you should think about reblogging it so your followers can see it and you’ll make one person happy <3

GILMORE GIRLS Season 2 Episode 13: A-Tisket, A-Tasket

Wow! There's some really good illustrations. Specially Percy e Nico. Very good!

completed a portrait series of all the human children of the big three from pjo/hoo 𓏲*ੈ✩‧₊˚

loved loved loved experimenting with a new style and interpreting these characters with a new design!

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SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter XVIII and Chapter XIX

Hi, how are you? I'm still a bit sick, but nothing to stop me from bringing you new chapters. So they'll probably come out towards the middle and end of the week, but I promise I'll be around. I hope can you enjoy it! Any feedback is welcome, because I'm thinking of turning this story into an ebook. For example, a reader told me that Nico's age was confusing. And she was right! For those who have the same doubts, Nico and Percy are around 15 years apart. That's because this story was supposed to be just smutt, but then I decided to do something more serious. That's when I decided to raise Nico's age a little. So Nicois eighteen and Percy is in his early forties.

Previous chapters: CHAPTER I / CHAPTER II / / CHAPTER III, CHAPTER IV e CHAPTER V / Chapter VI e Chapter VII / Chapter VIII e Chapter IX / Chapter X, Chapter XI, Chapter XII e Chapter XIII / Chapter XIV / Chapter XV / Chapter XVI e Chapter XVII

Chapter XVIII

"See? It wasn't that hard." That's what Annabeth told him on Monday, the morning after the party. Fortunately, that nightmare was in the past and soon she would leave, sneaky and silent as always.

"You're absolutely right, it was so much fun. In less than two hours the kids were already tired and I had to greet twenty different people who treated me like I was a childhood friend. It was really fun.”

"Don't be dramatic. They know you, you just don't remember them.”

It's true. Percy never had patience for self-interested people with superiority complexes. He had enough of that himself.

"Daddy, can we change clothes? Nico should be here soon." Alice said, her face expressionless and her eyes drooping, dark circles surrounding them in a soft pink tone. Her dark brown hair further highlighting her paleness.

"Of course, dear. Do you have money for lunch?”

She just waved and held out her hand to Logan who slowly stood up and walked over to his sister.

Logan wasn't doing any better either, it seemed like all his joy and will to live had been taken from him, his green eyes were puffy and his back was hunched over. The saddest sight he ever saw. Annabeth had promised them a family night and what they had gotten was a lonely dinner, secluded at a table while their mother paraded Percy around the room, as to demonstrate how her trophy shone brighter and brighter than anyone else's.

In that moment, Annabeth chose to stand up as well, acting like the children and the heavy air didn't exist. She stroked Alice and Logan's hair and walked up the stairs, strutting down a runway that only she could see, never looking back.

"I'm sorry, kids. This will be over soon.”

"She… she doesn't even…!" Logan sobbed and Alice hugged him tightly. "Why doesn't she love me?”

"Don't be like that." It was Percy's turn to stand up and join them, completing the hug. "Of course she loves you, she's your mother. She loves you in her own way.”

"I wish! I wish she wasn't my mother! Anyone is better than her!" Logan shouted with all the strength he had and ran up the stairs.

"It's okay, Dad. I'll take care of it." Alice tried to smile and hugged him as tightly as she had hugged Logan. 

She pulled away and followed her brother, straightening her spine and walking up the stairs, doing her best to show that everything was okay. But it wasn't, they had known for a long time that it never would be. The children were growing up and finally understanding what was happening, what had always happened. The truth was that Annabeth wanted more than to stay home and take care of children, no matter who she left behind or hurt in the process.

After that, Percy didn't even have time to finish his black coffee, the doorbell rang and he had to answer it, knowing full well who it was. He opened the door, coming face to face with Nico's dark and slightly rounded face, his black eyes as puffy as Logan's, looking down, huddled against himself at the foot of the door.

"Nico, you don't need to ring the bell, I gave you the key for a reason." Percy tried to break the bad mood.

"I wasn't sure if I should." Nico looked at him hesitantly, and remained rooted to the spot, looking like he was going to burst into tears right there.

"Nico, what happened?”

"Nothing. Nothing happened.”

"Did you get my message?”

He nodded and wiped his face.

"I wish you hadn't sent it." He then looked at him and practically begged. "You make things even more complicated.”

"More complicated, how?”

"I thought… I thought I could handle it. What should I do? Never talk to them again? Pretend it never happened? What should I do?”

"Nico, dear. It's okay.”

"Nothing is okay. Nothing will ever be! I wish I had never met you, never met Diego and still been in Italy! None of this would have happened and I would never have known--”

"Never know what?" Percy had to ask.

Nico looked at him, fidgeting in place, his lips trembling.

"I would never know what it's like to be treated well. Like I mattered. Like I was worth the effort.”

Percy waited a moment and continued to look at Nico, this boy couldn't be real. His sincerity, his affection. Percy could kiss him right there, right now. He could hold him in his arms and give him all the attention Nico could possibly want, but it wasn't right, it wasn't what Nico needed; this was just a vulnerable moment. The strange thing was that Percy didn't understand why he cared so much, even though he knew it was enough to try to help Nico. What Nico needed right now was a friend and not what Percy really wanted to give.

"Okay." He murmured back, trying to stay on the right path. In the end, he couldn’t resist. Percy touched Nico’s shoulder and slid his hand down the curve of his neck, watching Nico gasp and move closer to him, their heads a hand’s breadth apart. "Do you need help? Medical help? Money?”

"I don't want to take advantage of you." It was Nico's turn to murmur back, looking less fragile, as thought the danger had lessened.

"Our family has a partnership with an NGO. It's great for taxes. I could arrange something for you.”

"I can't." Nico shook his head, moving just a little closer.

"Please? I would feel more at ease. It’s a community-based program. You can continue to receive help even after you stop working here. It’s at the college, downtown. It’s safe, I promise.”

"I don't know, Per.”

"Or you can stay with me for a while. I have other houses.”

Nico grimaced and shook his head.

"Come on, everyone needs help.”

"Are you sure? Is it really communal?”

"I wouldn't lie to you.”

"I… thank you.”

Nico jumped into his arms and hugged him tightly around the neck, and whispered:

"No one has done anything like this for me before. I will never forget it. Never.”

Nico then kissed him on the cheek, a soft, fleeting touch, and pulled away, his face reddening more by the second.

"Uh… the pleasure is mine." Percy said. He tried hard not to step forward and end this torture. But there was no way, playing the good guy was too exhausting.

Percy sighed deeply, waved and turned his back to Nico, being greeted by an audience, because there in the entrance chamber he found the children smiling, all happy with Annabeth who was watching them like she had swallowed a whole lemon. The worst part was seeing her anger displayed for anyone to see when Annabeth had done much more than a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Well, two kisses on the cheek. Who knows, maybe the next one would be in the right place.

But no, that wasn't all. Annabeth uncrossed her arms, pushed herself off the wall and came towards him, strutting and tossing her golden hair back.

"So, you are the famous Nico.”

"Am I?" Nico asked, confused.

"Annabeth Chase, wife of the man you were hugging so tightly.”

"Hmmm… it’s a pleasure to meet you? I can finally… put a face to the name.”

"Did they talk about me? I expect only good things.”

“Of course, ma’am.” Nico looked at Percy uncertainly, and Percy nodded at Nico, patting Nico’s shoulder once more. “Kids? We’re already late.”

This is the moment when Logan and Alice ran to Nico, each of them hugging him tightly only to run out of the house, leaving Percy to grab the keys to the car that had just arrived and hand them to Nico.

"Those keys, they're not--”

"Today you will use another car. It is next to the Jeep.”

Nico shrugs and picks up the children's backpacks, going after them and leaving only the silence and Annabeth's malicious judgment on his back.

Chapter XIX

"You finally showed who you really are.”

Nico and the kids had barely left when Annabeth started. She followed him through the house to the living room and stopped in front of him, refusing to be ignored. Percy felt like rolling his eyes, but he was resigned; nothing he could say would convince her otherwise. So, Percy gave in and just sat on the couch, opening the newspaper to the business section.

"Really? Who am I?”

"A child groomer. You always preferred the younger ones. They’re more innocent, aren’t they? Easier to manipulate? You can tell me.”

He looked at Annabeth, at her bright blue-gray eyes that conveyed compassion and understanding. She had always been a good actress. But, did everyone think the same? Did he enjoy dominating the weak? Was that the impression he gave to others?

"Annabeth, how many times I will need--”

"You're cheating on me. You'll never admit it, but I know it. Is it revenge for what I did?”

"Annabeth." Percy sighed, already tired of this. "If I wanted revenge, I would have done it four years ago.”

“Four years?” She gasped and took a step back. This time, it didn’t seem like an act. “You knew all this time and never said anything?”

"I wasn't sure. Until you brought your lover home, things were great. I saw you two together and it was so obvious. I couldn't keep pretending.”

"Percy, I never meant to hurt you.”

"I know, it would happen sooner or later, right? And all because of our families?”

"Percy, please. Don't complicate things.”

"No, Annabeth. I'm tired of this. Remember your part of the deal. This is my last warning.”

"Percy! Don't you realize what you're doing?" Annabeth approached him and held his hands like she hadn't done in a long time. "Don't you know what people will say?”

"He's just a kid who needs help.”

"No." She refused to accept it, holding him in place with the strength of her intense eyes. "You say that now, but what about later? When you no longer feel guilty? I know what will happen. What will they say about me when you abandon me because of a little boy?”

"You were the one who abandoned me first!”

"Yes! For an adult and independent person. Someone mature and with a career. What do you think will happen? Will you play with him for a while and then dump him?”

"Oh, I hope not. I'll play with him, dress him, feed him, and give him everything he needs." Percy said with a smile wider than the world, catching himself and Annabeth off guard. "Then I'll love him and marry him.”

"You… are you serious? You would throw away our partnership over some random child?”

"This has nothing to do with Nico. That was our agreement, you would visit the children a few days per year until the divorce was official. All that’s left is for you to sign the papers.”

"Percy! Why can't you accept this? I'll even let you play with him. Equal rights, right?" She said hopefully.

"No, thank you very much. You should have thought about that before making your decision.”

"Percy!”

He had lost interest in what Annabeth had to say. Percy sat back down on the couch and opened the newspaper once more, watching from the corner of his eye as Annabeth paced the room, her dress billowing around her as she came up with a thousand reasons to convince him why a divorce after so long would be detrimental to both of them.

The truth was, he didn't care, and he didn't care what might happen to him. Would Percy lose some money? Yes. Would his parents be furious in that passive-aggressive way that said they were going to take away any support or power he had over the family business? Absolutely. As long as Nico and the kids weren't affected, everything else could fall apart and he wouldn't lift a finger to stop it.

"Okay! But don't say I didn't warn you!" Annabeth threw her hands in the air and marched upstairs. Which seemed perfect to him, the less he had to deal with Annabeth, the less problems he would have in the future.

***

“Thank you, Jenny,” Percy said, picking up the cutlery on the table and deciding what he would eat first.

That was a pleasant early afternoon, the sun was shining brightly into the room and the food was being served on the table while Jenny, the new maid/housekeeper , arranged the dishes on the table. And Percy had to admit, he had never eaten so well before, even at his parents' house when the custom was to have a party or charity event every two weeks. It seemed that Nico was excellent at everything he did and even at finding exemplary and efficient service providers.

“Of course, Mr. Jackson. Mrs. Chase.” Jenny nodded at him and Annabeth, and walked away. She was out of the dining room and back to the kitchen faster than a rocket. Had Annabeth managed to scare away more of the staff yet?

“So…” Annabeth began. She uncovered one of the dishes and made a face. “You know I don’t eat pasta.”

"Nico eats. The children too.”

"It's your favorite dish. And I know you, everything has to be about you.”

"No, you're mistaken, I think we're talking about someone else.”

It was Percy's turn to make faces. When he was with Annabeth, he couldn't help but sink to her level. Luckily, he didn't have to wait long, as he soon heard the front door slam and hurried footsteps coming towards him. Small arms grabbed him by the neck and childish giggles followed. Percy smiled at them and kissed their happy faces, Alice and Logan, the only positive thing that would come out of this marriage. Of course, Nico came right after, out of breath, running after the children, probably worried that they might have gotten hurt.

"Oh." Nico mumbled, looking embarrassed for some reason. " I'm sorry.”

Nico took a step back and was already turning around when Percy said:

"Nico, join us.”

"I don't want to bother you.”

"I insist.”

"Yes, Nico. We insist.”

Nico turned and faced him, hesitating, and then disappeared once more with the children's backpacks down the hallway and up the stairs. When he returned, Nico simply extended his hands toward the children and they came to him, each holding one in his arms. They went up the stairs and with that, the silence that was so common when he and Annabeth were together was once again present, louder than if a lion were roaring in the dining room and right in their faces.

"Hm." Annabeth said after a while.

Yeah… maybe he had looked up at the cream-colored ceiling and then at the dishes that, even though covered, were releasing steam from the cooked food. When he looked back at her, Annabeth had her arms crossed and was leaning against the back of the chair, observing him as if she were analyzing an experiment that had an obvious conclusion.

"You are thoughtful.”

"…”

"You are… happy.”

Percy made a point of not answering her again. He wouldn't smile or make any faces. But still, Annabeth said he was happy.

"You've made up your mind.”

"I already told you--”

"Yes. But this time is serious.”

It was better for things to stay that way. He allowed himself to look at the ceiling once more and let his thoughts go wherever they wanted. He allowed himself to think about Nico's dark eyes, his easily embarrassed face, and his shy but sweet gestures. And in the end, Annabeth was right, he was just biding his time, waiting long enough for Nico to reach twenty-one so he would feel less guilty about what he was about to do.

***

Percy heard the footsteps before he saw them. Nico reappeared with the children, already changed, and guided them by the hands, helping Logan to sit in the chair while Alice sat down alone, sitting next to her brother. Silently, Logan and Alice waited for Nico who started by taking the children's plates. First Logan's, filling his plate with vegetables and a small portion of pasta. Nico did the same with Alice and even though they made faces, they both took the first bite, swallowing the vegetables practically without chewing. At least it was a start, he had never managed that feat.

"So, Nico. You're a student, right?" Annabeth said, barely letting Nico sit down.

Nico went around the table and did the same with Percy, filling his plate with vegetables, but with a much larger portion of pasta, doing the same with his own plate.

Nico nodded, sat down next to Percy, and lowered his head, shoving a forkful of pasta into his mouth.

"What are you studying again?”

When Nico continued chewing, showing no signs of responding, Percy spoke for him:

"He's going to be a--”

"I'm not talking to you." Annabeth said and turned to Nico, and asked again: "What do you study, boy?”

He watched things happen in slow motion. Nico wiped his mouth delicately, put his cutlery on the plate, and then stared at Annabeth, his brow furrowed. He placed his hands on his lap, somehow looking shy and yet not at all intimidated.

“You don’t scare me,” Nico said, straightening his back. “You’re not the first to think that just because I’m quiet I’d be afraid of this emotional manipulation. I’m sorry if I’m interrupting your dinner. I can leave.”

A slow smile formed on Percy's face and not even his attempt to hide it with his hands could disguise his amusement. It was funny to see the way Nico acted, the boy didn't even make an effort to move and just continued to stare at Annabeth, calm and composed, as if this was a normal occurrence. The children didn't have the same composure, laughing softly as they tried not to choke on their food, all while Annabeth seemed to take Nico's answer as a challenge.

"Ah, but it seems like you learned a lot from daddy, right? After all, he's old enough to be your father. Maybe an uncle, hmm?”

It was Percy's turn to swallow something sour.

"My father?" Nico shook his head and gave a dry chuckle. "My father would never teach me these things. I don’t have to explain myself to you.”

"You don't have to?”

"No." This time Nico looked Annabeth straight in the eye, completely serious. "You are not part of our lives. How long will it be before you disappear again? If you don’t care about this marriage, you should care about what happens to your children.”

Only silence remained. Annabeth paled and inside, where no one could see, Percy felt vindicated, so fulfilled that he could get down on one knee and ask Nico to marry him right then and there.

"I’m sorry." Nico said once more, softening his voice. "I don’t mean to intrude. But all this has a negative effect on the children. They spent the night crying. It’s not healthy. And no, everything I said here, they’re not my words, they’re theirs. Can you hear that?”

"I…" Annabeth murmured, looking at her own plate.

"Can we start over?" Nico then smiled and stood up. "Nico Di Ângelo, nice to meet you. I'm the kids' new nanny. I've been here for less than a month and I'm studying law at the community college, next semester I'll transfer to the federal college. I'm working to pay for my studies.”

Nico offered Annabeth his hand and the most incredible thing happened: Annabeth stood up and accepted the greeting, shaking Nico's hand. The children sighed in relief and Percy felt disappointed. Nico could have chased Annabeth away, right? But nothing was that simple. Annabeth and Nico sat down at the table, the plates were emptied, dessert arrived and so the children, Annabeth and Nico began to talk, telling her what had happened since Nico had arrived there. Unfortunately, Annabeth was cordial, Nico was sincere and the rest of the day passed peacefully with Annabeth and Nico putting the children to bed and wishing them a good night.

The good news is that when Nico came down the stairs to leave, he was alone. Backpack on his back and a calm expression on his face. That is, until he finished going down them and found Percy waiting for him at the bottom.

"Sorry about today. I didn't expect her to do that.”

“It’s okay.” Nico shrugged, stopping a meter away from him. “You two are alike, actually. I just needed to shock her and show her that I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

"Still, you didn't have to deal with her.”

"Percy--”

"I have something for you." Percy took a card out of his pocket and offered it to Nico. "The clinic I told you about.”

"You said it was an NGO." Nico looked at him suspiciously, but accepted the card.

"It’s a clinic that partners with an NGO. It’s the same thing.”

"No, it's not.”

Nico read the address on the card and frowned.

"Isn’t it that tall building in the city center…?”

"Well… you discovered my evil plan.”

With that, Nico looked away from the card and crossed his arms, staring at him with that grumpy little face, making a cute little grimace.”

"I said my family had a partnership with an NGO, didn't I?”

"I didn't expect it to be in that building. I mean…”

"Yes, we are those Jackson.”

"You mean, I gave a moral lesson to one of the most… famous socialites in the city?" Nico said, looking like he was going to faint, his voice slowly fading away.

"Yes, and that was the best moment of my life! Thank you very much!”

"Percy!" Nico whimpered and came at him, slamming both his fists against Percy's still aching chest. " Couldn't you have warned me?”

"No, I couldn’t." He murmured, satisfied, holding the middle of Nico’s back. He loved it when Nico approached him of his own free will. "Did I mention you were amazing? Fantastic. Magnificent. Perfect.”

"Stop it! And don't try to distract me. I can't accept it." But Nico didn't pull away as he feared, Nico hugged him by the neck and held on tightly.

“None of this.” Percy murmured against Nico’s ear. “A promise is a promise.”

"I didn't promise anything.”

"Come on, it will be good for you. And if you need to--”

"No." Nico denied, letting his arms fall away from Percy’s neck, and took a step back, looking anywhere but at him. "I can’t accept more than this.”

"I know. I understand. But I want you to know, if you ever need me, no matter what it is. I'm here.”

"I know." Nico murmured back. "And that’s the problem.”

Thanks for being here. Comments are always welcome.

I understand Genovia to be a land that combines the beauty of the past with all the best hope of the future. I feel in my heart and soul that I can rule Genovia. I… I love Genovia. Do you think that I would be up here in a wedding dress if I didn’t? I stand here ready to take my place as your queen. Without a husband.

The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)

I’m an artist who rocks. No, seriously! I rock. And tree. And water.

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