No Thoughts, Just Baby Hippos

super simple low-effort ao3 summary methods that are 1000% better and 1000% less annoying than just saying you suck at summaries:

copypaste the first few lines of the fic. u already wrote 'em. let 'em be their own damn hook

if ur feeling fancy & don't mind showing ur hand a bit, copypaste the first few lines of the fic that u feel are esp. Important or Interesting - the ones where u first start getting into the real meat of things

state the main tropes! theyre probably already in ur tags - just say them again - maybe as a full sentence if ur feelin fancy. or with a joke if ur feelin Extra fancy

ask a question. pose a hypothetical. eg what happens if u take [character] and put them in [situation]?

make an equation. [character] + [thing] = [outcome]

just write like a one-sentence summary of what the fuck is going down. just one (1) sentence. doesnt matter if it doesn't cover every important aspect. or if it sounds bland. any summary sentence is gonna be miles better than "idk i suck at summaries"

just...explain the fic like u would to a friend? it doesnt have to be a polished back of the book blurb. it can just be "[pairing] coffee shop au, but like, still with murder, and also i made everyone trans. enjoy"

just stick a meme in there

honestly who cares

just put literally anything but a self deprecating comment in there & ur golden

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter VIII e Chapter IX

Hi, how are you? Yes, I'm back. I know you're getting tired of me, but as I had a few chapters ready I decided to share them with you in advance. We'll probably have new chapters on Wednesday, because I'm trying to finish the new chapter of “There's nothing like home” (although it's going to take me a while to post it here, I still need to finish writing and revising it), but it'll come.

Anyway, I hope you will enjoy today's chapter. And if you can give feedback on the story, I'd love to hear from you, really, without judgment. This story isn't complete yet, so any suggestions or notes would be very beneficial.

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

Chapter VIII

Nico opened his eyes and sat up on the blankets, realizing that he wasn't in his single bed. There were no windows facing a huge tree, his computer wasn't in the corner of the room, and there weren't any loud voices reverberating through the house early in the morning. No, no way, that wasn't his room. Well, this one, painted in soft shades of gray and with a double-sized bed, wasn't his, and much less this calm that made him feel so peaceful and calm.

He… what had he done…? It was so confusing…

Oh! Now he remembered. Percy and his soft voice. A bowl of soup and another question that finally made sense. Yes, last night he had waited for Percy and fallen asleep without wanting to, even though Nico had sworn he would wait for the children to fall asleep so he could leave. Instead, he had a serious conversation with the man who didn't seem to take anything seriously, but who in fact hid his seriousness behind very well-disguised smiles.

Like, he knew that now. However, that hadn't been the case the day before when he'd followed Percy up the stairs and into the empty guest room. He barely remembered getting into the shower, that had been another thing he hadn't expected of himself. He felt like he should have done more than nod and obey. 

In the end, Nico couldn't help it, Percy had spoken to him so gently and affectionately that Nico found himself nodding. Vaguely, he remembered taking off his clothes once inside the suite Percy had shown him to, stepping into the bathroom and a while later hearing two soft knocks on the door. After that, Nico didn't know how the rest of the night had gone. He knew that at some point Percy had... gods! Was that right? He'd shown up naked and wet in front of his boss? While the man was handing him clean clothes? Nico couldn't even remember their reactions. It was all so hazy it was like Nico had been drinking himself into a stupor.

Thinking about it, it was better that he didn't remember any of it. Nico wasn't sure if it had really happened or if it had been a dream, especially the part where Percy looked at him from head to toe like he was going to attack at any moment, but since he didn't feel anything unusual, no pain or marks, then... then if he ignored what might or might not have happened, it was as if nothing had happened, right? So, wearing the same clothes he had slept in, he walked down the hallway and down the stairs, going straight to the kitchen where he found something strange and sweetly domestic; Percy Jackson wore a red apron and dark colored sweatpants as he walked barefoot across the cold kitchen floor,  plating four dishes. Bacon, eggs, and sausages. There was coffee and juice on the table. Jam, bread, croissants, and cake. A small improvised feast.

"I thought you didn't know how to cook.”

Nico didn't know why he had said that. Maybe it was because it all seemed like a dream, where he had a happy family that welcomed him on a nice, sunny Saturday morning and a... husband...? Wow... Nico was starting to think his fantasies were a little rushed. Or maybe his brain wasn't ready to wake up so early on a Saturday, much less was it prepared for this happy scene. Usually his family didn't eat together; his father was the first to wake up, getting up early, and his mother prepared the food. As people woke up, each one served themselves and went about their day without talking to anyone else. So, this... this wasn't at all what he expected.

"That's nothing! Everyone knows how to make an egg." Percy said excitedly, almost humming as he finished putting the sausages on everyone's plates. "Come on, sit with us.”

“I shouldn’t,” he muttered. Nico really shouldn’t. Percy made him feel like he was part of the family, and that was dangerous. Most of the time, Nico barely felt like he was part of his own family.

"Come on, I insist." Percy looked at him with that bright smile and he felt uncomfortable, for some reason it made a lump appear in his throat.

Nico lowered his head and thought about running upstairs, still remembering the night before, when he heard a chair scrape across the kitchen floor and a small hand touch his. To his surprise, he found Alice smiling as much or more than Percy himself, gently pulling him by the hand, guiding him to the chair next to where Percy sat. She didn't say anything else, just went back to her own place and continued eating calmly, the two children and the adult man acting like this was something normal to them.

"Did I miss something?" Nico muttered once more. He picked up the cup of coffee that was in front of his plate and almost groaned, now ready to wake up. It was the best coffee he had ever tasted.

"Dad's postdoc was accepted! And Mom is coming home today. We have to celebrate!”

"Yes, yes! Mom promised we would go out today! Everyone together!" Logan finished for his sister, almost jumping in the high chair.

Nico smiled at them, still with the cup against his lips, and looked at Percy, tempted to ask what had happened last night, noticing how his smile had diminished a fraction. The children might not have noticed, but he had seen several of his smiles and could see it clearly. Which was pretty crazy, he had known him for less than forty hours and already knew what those smiles meant? Nico must have been very tired, delirious, due to this mountain of emotions that this strangely affectionate and at the same time, fragmented family, made him feel. Yeah, it must have all been his imagination.

“That's very good." He said after a while, when he realized they were waiting for an answer. "I'll finally be able to meet her.”

"That you will." It was Percy's turn to mutter darkly.

“Should I worry?" He said it unintentionally, just as a joke, and of course, even the children understood it because they let out little giggles between bites of scrambled eggs.

"You're damn right." Nico heard that and turned to Percy trying to figure out if he was serious. And when he found out that was the case, well… Percy distracted him as always. His clear eyes, his mouth curved in a smile and his handsome face made him forget what he had asked.

The good thing about all this is that Percy had shrugged, as if he didn't have any problems in the world, and said:

"Don't worry, dear. I'll protect you." Right after he winked at him.

And as always, even though he felt himself blushing, Nico pretended that nothing had happened. He drank the rest of the coffee in his cup while the children laughed happily. Now, whether they laughed with him or at him was another question.

Chapter IX

“No, seriously now,” Percy told him, his tone changing to something more neutral. “Annabeth can be a little demanding. Don’t take anything she says seriously, and don’t do anything she asks.”

"Um… okay? I guess?" He said, shrugging.

Nico had already realized how things worked around here. The children were happy with every bit of attention, Annabeth Chase was the absent wife and Percy was the provider of the house, something quite simple in his opinion. So, he didn't see any reason for so much drama.

He looked at the plate seeing that two pieces of toast had magically appeared on it and looked back at Percy.

"I guess I'll go then.”

“You usually eat more in the morning,” Percy said, ignoring him, and pushed the plate closer to Nico.

"Me? No, I don't.”

"But you could. And what are you running from? She doesn't bite. At most Annabeth might say a few not-so-kind words.”

“Really, I've been away from home for too long. I need to--”

“Nonsense.”

Percy didn't understand. He felt something strange... something that was going up his back and stopping halfway down his throat, something that hadn't happened in months. Nico needed to get up and move, needed to bring back any sense of normalcy he could find, because staying here, in that friendly and calm environment, was far from what Nico was used to. He had to--

Nico dragged his chair back, unable to hold it any longer, and Percy stood up with him, holding him loosely by the arm, nothing that really held him in place, but for some reason that gentle gesture made him gasp, made him even more anxious, impatient, as though his skin wanted to escape from his body along with his lungs. He tried to do what his psychiatrist suggested and stopped in the middle of the next movement, in the exact place where Percy was holding him, less than a step away from the chair where he had previously sat; did he want to escape? Yes, but curiosity won, keeping him trapped in that kitchen to find out what Percy's next motive would be.

Percy handed him the container with the food from the day before and Nico held it in his hands, feeling a little confused. That is, until he saw that on top of it there was a note and a hundred dollar bill. He turned the jar in his hand and read the message that said: “Thanks for the food” only to turn to Percy and for the first time look him straight in the eye, without hesitation. Percy made him feel guilty. Vulnerable. Important. It was like Nico was cheating on the boyfriend who should have been waiting for him all night. And he didn't even have the guts to tell him; he hadn't even remembered during all this time that Will could have been worried. His mother too. And his sisters?

"What is this?" Nico asked even though he didn't care, feeling a little out of it. Airy. Light.

"What do you think it is?”

"I can't accept it.”

“You will. I don’t accept refunds.” Percy smiled at him. Percy… Percy was actually smiling again. A smile so beautiful that this time Nico knew he was being teased or mocked. No, Percy Jackson was flirting with him.

"W-what?”

"You bought us food and then made more food. It's the least I can do to repay you.”

"Sir, I can't--”

Nico shook his head. It was all wrong. Everything!

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

That was when Nico closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He counted to five very slowly and opened them again, just like the doctor had taught him. Maybe he shouldn't have stopped taking his medication. And as discreetly as he could, he moved his hands that were starting to shake and crossed them behind his back so they wouldn't notice. If he could just leave, maybe everything would be okay. Nico hated this. Why was he so nervous if Percy was just asking about the restaurant? It was no big deal. So what if the man wanted to give him money? These situations shouldn't do this to Nico. If he remembered that he was in control, everything would be okay. That's it. He was in control. He--

"Nico? Are you okay?" He felt Percy's hands on his shoulders and let out a breath, not even realizing he had stopped breathing.

"I'm sorry. I have to go.”

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

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

"Do you need a ride?”

He waved, accepting the ride, but didn't move; Nico wasn't even breathing, trying to act normal. He felt paralyzed, as if someone had chained him up and thrown him into the depths of the sea. He felt himself getting heavy and his vision was starting to get blurry, preventing him from seeing anything in front of him. He... he...

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

He took a deep breath and let it out, this time feeling the weight in his chest ease.

“Again.”

Nico took another deep breath and then his head fell forward, so light and empty that he found himself collapsing, feeling so good that the world finally made sense again. However, he didn't end up on the floor or face down on the table as he expected, no, now that things were back to normal he noticed that something firm and stable was holding him upright, giving him exactly what he needed. It was... it was Percy's chest breathing next to his, guiding his breathing, it was his head resting on the man's shoulder and it was the large hands that caressed his back over his shirt. Nico couldn't deny it, he felt warm once again, like a breath of air that brought heat, allowing his blood to warm up again and circulate through his body.

“Daddy, is he going to be okay?” Nico heard Logan ask, his childish voice sounding scared.

"Shhh… don’t worry.”

Now, who Percy was saying this to, he didn't know. The good news was that Nico didn't feel uncomfortable around them and that, in fact, their voices full of affection and care were like a balm to his lonely soul.

***

“Do you feel better?” Percy asked in a low, hoarse whisper.

They were still standing. Percy's arms were wrapped around his waist and Nico felt the world slowly spin as he leaned against his boss's broad shoulders, his head resting against his neck, and even from this awkward angle Nico could feel Percy's worry radiating around them.

Nico couldn't help but notice, Percy was looking at him very closely and touching his face so carefully, his features so worried, that Nico just let himself be carried away by the feeling that warmed his chest and allowed him to breathe a little easier. He watched as Percy kept trying to make him react, calling his name and touching his neck, keeping him safe in his arms. It was then that Percy finally made a decision, and only when Percy was sure that Nico wouldn't faint, he picked him up and didn't wait any longer; the man held his legs, lifting them off the floor and then supported his back so that he wouldn't slip away from his arms. 

In this way, they moved through the house, Nico seeing the white marble floor and the stairs behind him, and Percy going with him through a long hallway. They passed the windows that let the midday sun enter the hallway and then into the room that Percy was carrying him into.

The world spun for a moment, the sun softening as they entered the room, allowing Nico to close his eyes and the sway of Percy's footsteps to lull him gently. Then Percy lowered himself and sat with him on the bed, making him lean against a soft surface and sigh, feeling Percy support him against his broad chest.

“Hm,” Nico remembered muttering back. He always felt a little spacey and high the moment the seizures went away, but in the best way possible. He owed him an explanation, right? Yeah, he did.

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

Nico could barely hear Percy's voice, the low, whispered timbre always distracted him. Percy used such a soft, gentle tone that it seemed to caress his soul, so husky and velvety, so softly at the foot of his ear that if they weren't so close to each other, Nico wouldn't hear anything. And his eyes, they were so beautiful, all intense and fixed on him. Hmm... yes, Percy was still holding him and he had his arms around the man's neck. Should Nico do that? Hmm... he didn't know, he just understood that his chest was resting against his shoulder and that Percy's hands were holding his head, keeping him comfortable.

He blinked slowly and stared into Percy's now serious eyes. So steady. They gave him so much confidence that Nico knew he was safe. Ah, maybe he shouldn't be so comfortable, at times like these his body kind of... acted without his consent.

"I… I'm fine. I'm sorry. I… I have--

“You don’t need to explain yourself,” Percy told him, as serious as ever, looking uninterested. Or maybe Percy was just shocked. It was understandable.

“I do.” When Percy just nodded, he continued, “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 is it?" Percy told him softly.

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

He said it was a change of routine, but they both knew it was more than that.

“I see,” Percy said again. “I’m sorry if I caused this. It won’t happen again.”

It probably meant he wouldn't lose his job, right? Because Percy paid really well.

It was Nico's turn to nod. He looked down at Percy's hand that was now on his shoulder and the other one that was resting on his knee. For some reason, at that moment he didn't feel nervous. In fact, it was the complete opposite. Nico was numb, feeling so good that any guilt or discomfort about being in this situation had dissipated. Or maybe he trusted him, because Percy was showing him that this trust could be placed in him.

Nico continued to stare at Percy's hand and then a blond head entered his field of vision. It was Logan, he was crying, his big green eyes puffy while Alice just watched attentively and quietly, both trying to smile at him. Nico smiled back and then everything seemed to get lighter, almost making him close his eyes.

"Okay, you can rest now. Do you have your cell phone? I'll let your family know.”

“Oh,” he muttered. It was true. Nico hadn’t told them. Looking up and finding himself smiling at Percy, Nico thanked him. “It’s in my bag.”

Before Percy could say anything, Nico finally let his eyes close. He felt Percy tucking him back into the pillows and heard footsteps leaving the room, but it was okay; in less than a few seconds everything went black and sleep took him away.

Until next time!

I love daydreaming and not having to participate in life

Coming into a fandom late

A fun little ghost animation

This is the worst timeline. (x)

How to Write Defiance: A Quick Guide for Writers

Whether they're standing against authority or resisting the status quo, the actions of defiant characters can add layers of depth to your story. Here are some quick tips on how to effectively write defiance in your characters.

Behaviour

Question authority and break rules

Don't easily back down from challenges

Rebellious and do the unexpected

May appear stubborn to others

Don't easily conform to norms

Value their independence and freedom

Resilient in the face of adversity

Assertive and direct

Courageous in the face of danger

Act based on their principles and beliefs

Interactions

Direct and stand their ground during disagreements

Don't shy away from tough conversations

Don't let others manipulate or control them

Not afraid to express their opinions

May challenge others' viewpoints during discussions

Stand up for what they believe in

Protective of those they care about

May be argumentative or confrontational

Don't give in easily during negotiations

Can be inspiring, encouraging others to stand with them

Body language

Head high with a strong posture

Serious or determined expression

Maintain steady and direct eye contact

Use expansive, open body language

Do not shy away from physical confrontation

Cross their arms to show resistance

Move with purpose and determination

Not easily intimidated by the physical presence of others

Clench their fists when frustrated or angry

Adopt a challenging stance

Attitude

Not easily swayed by popular opinion

Confident in their own abilities

Persevere no matter how tough the situation gets

Believe strongly in their cause or principles

Refuse to be victims

Unruffled by criticism or opposition

Disregard rules they don't agree with

Risk-takers who often choose difficult paths

Value transparency and honesty

Can come across as proud or arrogant

Positive story outcomes

They may succeed in overturning an unjust system

They can inspire others to stand up against injustice

They achieve their goals through sheer determination

They may help someone break free from oppression

They can contribute to a significant societal change

Negative story outcomes

Their defiance can get them into trouble

They may alienate themselves from others with their behaviour

They can face severe consequences for breaking the rules

Their relationships may suffer due to their stubbornness

They can be misunderstood and labelled as troublemakers

Helpful Synonyms

Rebellious

Nonconformist

Contrary

Dissident

Contrarian

Unruly

Insurgent

Uncooperative

Unmanageable

Mutinous

Intransigent

Insubordinate

Recalcitrant

Resistant

Obstinate

Obstreperous

Noncompliant

Indomitable

Unyielding

Fractious

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

Hi, how are you? Just in time, huh? I'm trying not to split up the story too much. So, I hope it's acceptable. Feedback is always good.

Enjoy it!

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

"Are you ready? I didn't tell you we were coming." Percy took his hand and pulled him out of the car.

Nico couldn't believe he was back in the house where his best memories were made. This was the house of his childhood, the place where he had discovered that love and affection were still possible after his mother death. It was the place where Nico had discovered that love could come in many shapes and sizes and be expressed in simple or complicated ways.

"Maybe we should come back later?”

"She'll be happy to see you.”

"Are you sure?”

"Nico, this is your home too. It always will be.”

Nico had to take a deep breath, stopping in front of the front door. He felt so guilty! Percy wasn't the only person he had left behind. Sally had also been one of them. His second mother, the person he could tell everything after Percy, always offering him a tight hug and an open kitchen.

"Percy, I--”

"Shhh." Percy held his hand, smiled at him and finally pushed open the door of the house, leading him inside. "Mom! We're here!”

It didn't take long. Soon they could both hear the sound of heels on the white granite floor, and appearing from one of the doors that Nico knew to be in the kitchen, Sally came almost running and with so much energy that for a moment Nico saw himself in the past, the first time he had come through that same door, seeing the simple but elegant decor. Cream-colored sofas, almost white blue walls, puffs and blankets scattered around the room and a large television. The smell was the same, the same fragrance of freshly made food, sweet and sour, making him smile immediately.

"Nico, my son." That was all he heard before Sally's attack came, thin, strong arms encircled him and long, dark brown hair fell over him, Sally's perfume was still the same.

"Gods, look how much you've grown! And those cheeks, hm? So pretty.”

"Mom!”

"Percy, look at him. Have you sorted yourselves out? I hope so! You've been gone for three days! That's the least I can hope for.”

"Sally." Nico finally said, smiling, and leaned towards her, receiving another hug from Sally with pleasure.

"I can't believe I'm getting my assistant back! Our menu has suffered with you gone. How about we discuss it tomorrow? Are you staying with us today? What a question! Of course you are.”

Sally took his hand, pulling him towards the kitchen and Nico looked back, seeing Percy shrug. He knew it would take time for Sally to grow tired of him now. And as the saying goes, "like mother, like son", or something like that. And since there was no point in fighting with any of the Jacksons, Nico let himself be carried away by Sally, not that he minded; it was always fun to spend a few hours in Sally Jackson's company, delicious food, relaxed conversation and a friendly shoulder to vent on.

***

It had been a long time since Percy had walked the streets of his neighborhood. They weren't what they used to be, from quiet and humble to full of tall buildings and noisy cars due to the subway line located a few blocks from his house. The good thing about all this was that now there was a store or a market, or even a shopping center, on practically every corner. Which was exactly what he was looking for. Walking nonchalantly, Percy went straight to a stationery store and soon found what he was searching for, a dark leather journal with a delicate and beautiful appearance, just like Nico. 

He paid for it, walked around the mall and found himself standing in front of a familiar Jewelry store, remembering going into that place years ago and buying something special, but never going through with his plan. Now, a few hours later, he was on his way home. Imagine his surprise when his mother's helpers came in with bags after bags of food and pots and pans. Percy wasn't even surprised anymore. In fact, it was a familiar sight, but one he hadn't seen since Nico had left, the house full and the scent of sweets and snacks permeating the air.

Well, it looked like his present would have to wait.

Without being seen, he went to his room, left the bag on the bed and opened the first drawer of the dresser, finding the rings he had bought. Could this be the moment he had been waiting for? After all, they had already made it clear that they loved each other, so why not take the next step? He had learned that the best thing to do was never to assume anything, and if he didn't speak up, how would Nico know? Percy couldn't wait to see Nico's reaction.

So, exchanging the rings for the diary, he took the box with the rings and put the diary in the drawer, feeling confident. Percy left the bedroom and headed towards the kitchen, almost running into a girl wearing an apron from his mother's restaurant. She apologized and hurried out of the house, without the usual flattery. He hoped this one would last longer than the others. It wasn't that his mother was a bad boss, the problem was that most people didn't have the same enthusiasm as she or Nico had when it came to cooking.

Percy finally entered the kitchen and was faced with a full feast. He saw roasted, fried and boiled meats, grains and pasta of all kinds, not to mention sweets and salty foods that weren't all that healthy.

“Are we having a gala dinner or what?" He had to ask as soon as he entered the kitchen. It was kind of funny. Sally and Nico were there, along with several helpers, covered in flour and other things Percy couldn't identify, all wearing identical aprons and moving around in such an organized way that they looked like worker ants.

"You're right, darling!" His mother exclaimed. She wiped her hand on a towel, as energetic as he'd seen her in a long time, or at least not at this "child who ate too much sugar" level, and hugged him tightly, before walking back into the kitchen to check the oven and make sure everything was in order. "Call your friends! Call your friends' friends. No, better yet, call your friends' parents too.”

Percy wasn't sure about that. Did he even still has that many friends left? Percy shrugged, about to do what his mother had asked when Nico appeared in front of him, trying to find a place to put some sort of whitish cake on the table.

"I will help you.”

Percy moved some things around and finally found a space, taking the dish from Nico's hands and placing it on the counter.

"Here's my baby. Where have you been?”

"I'm not your baby.”

“ You are not?”

Was now a good time? No matter how Nico was dressed, in his school uniform or in his tight pants, and even now with flour from head to toe, Nico would always be the prettiest and cutest thing Percy would ever see, especially when he tried not to be embarrassed by this public display of affection.

Percy put his hand in his pocket, touched the box and watched for a moment, seeing Nico lower his head, his black hair protected by a hairnet, allowing him to see the blush spreading strongly across his dark face and down his long, elegant neck. Percy didn't hold back, he grabbed the back of Nico's neck and pulled him close, kissed him slowly and longingly, and only stopped when he heard a moan and the sudden silence that followed; the murmurs around them stopped and so did the sound of banging pots and pans.

"Per," Nico whispered in an almost non-existent voice and grabbed his arm, his face now on fire. So shy and so sweet, Percy could feel the sugar on Nico's tongue and the sweetness in his gentle touch. 

But just when he thought Nico would pull away, as he often had in the past, Nico just stood there, clinging to his arm, looking at him without knowing what to do. Maybe this wasn't the right moment, because if Nico had reacted like this to just one kiss, caught off guard and all anxious, what would Nico do if he got down on one knee in the middle of the kitchen? 

Unfortunately, when something like that used to happen, Nico wouldn’t know what to do. He would freeze from head to toe, and as if he had no script for this kind of situation, Nico rather do nothing for fear of making a mistake.

"Beautiful. Give me a hug, hm?”

Nico blinked slowly and bit his lips, looking unsure. In the end, Nico did as Percy asked. He put his arms around Percy's waist and hugged him tightly for a long moment, hiding his face against his neck, Percy hugged him back and stroked Nico's long hair, comforting him.

"Right.” Percy raised his head and, still hugging Nico, looked around at each of his mother's helpers, which had the desired effect.

Everyone began to move as one and the atmosphere returned to normal. He thought about apologizing to Nico, but the thought of Nico understanding that kissing him in front of other people was wrong made his stomach churn. Nico was a very perceptive being, and if he understood that he was doing something wrong, Nico would never do it again, like the time they were talking to some people, Nico laughed too loudly and someone scolded him, after that, it took him months to see Nico smiling in public.

"What you got for me?”

"Have you ever had Japanese cake?" Nico seemed relieved by the change of subject and let go of his waist. He took Percy's hand and led him to a light, spongy cake, unlike anything he had ever eaten.

Nico cut off a piece and put it on a plate for him. As soon as he took a bite, the cake melted on his tongue, something so delicious that Percy couldn't explain it, so he just moaned, closing his eyes in pleasure.

"That good?”

"Everything my baby does is exemplary.”

"Thank you.”

Percy stopped eating and paid attention to Nico. In fact, he stopped and watched him. Nico looked happy and content in his apron and flour-stained clothes. He looked like a little chef, proud of a job well done.

"I saw it in a restaurant in Verona and wanted to try it.”

"Beautiful.”

"You should study cooking." This time it was Sally who spoke, finishing a chocolate tart and watching them discreetly. She approached them and put one of her hands on Nico's shoulders. "Have you thought about it?”

***

"You should study cooking. Have you thought about it?”

Nico blinked slowly, trying to concentrate on anything other than the way Percy was looking at him, who almost missed the moment when Sally approached the corner where they were standing.

"Hm?”

"Have you decided on your graduation course?”

"Ah." Nico glanced at Percy out of the corner of his eye, but focused on Sally. "I don't know. Hades wants me to do administration.”

"Why not something you're talented at? Like music or cooking? Arts?”

"I... I'd like that very much. I don't know if Hades would allow it.”

"You know, the other day this nice, polite man brought his family over for dinner. He said that the place where he works has an excellent cooking course." Nico took a good look at Sally, trying to figure out what that meant. "Why don't you do a double degree? I have his contact if you're interested.”

"It's also close to home." Percy added.

Nico stopped everything and leaned on the edge of the bench, trying not to get his hopes up.

"I couldn't.”

"Darling, you don't have to worry about the details. Have a look, will you? I'll take care of everything.”

"No, Sally. You don't have to... I never--”

"It’s okay, darling. Money is not a problem." Then Sally smiled at him all radiant and caught him off guard once again, hugging him tightly. "No matter what you choose. We'll support you, now and always.”

"Oh." It was all that escaped his throat, a choked, muffled sound against Sally's shoulder. His vision blurred, and his throat tightened, but his heart beat strongly, a delicious warmth heating his chest as Percy's hands touched his shoulders, embracing him and Sally at once.

"Mom is right. We'll support you no matter what, even if I have to go to Italy with you.”

"Did you plan this? To surprise me and not let me think about it?”

"Nico, of course not, silly!" Sally exclaimed energetically and grabbed his shoulders, her big light brown eyes hitting him right in the middle of the chest. "Percy did some vocational and aptitude tests last year and since then we've been looking for the best options. You have to do them too, they're pretty accurate. Does next week sound good? Ah, we have so much to do!”

And so, as if talking about his future was something ordinary, Sally  continued again, mixing something in a large glass pot with a spatula.

"That's right, then. College decided. Will we have a wedding?”

"Wedding?”

"Of course! The sooner we set the date, the better! What about a house? You'll be near us, right? And... Percy didn’t talk to you yet?”

Nico didn't know if he was ready for such a big step, he didn't even know if he could finish high school without self-destructing himself, let alone… marriage.

"Mom!" Percy grumbled. "She's joking. Don't listen to what she says.”

It was Percy who said it, but his gaze was intense on him, thoughtful and analytical. And... maybe... maybe Sally wasn't joking,  if it were for the disappointed expression on Percy's face.

"Since when have you been planning these things? “

"Since…”

"Since when?”

"Ever since I realized that waking up next to you was the best part of my day.”

Nico thought there was something strange in his eyes, they wouldn't stop watering. It must have been sinusitis. Yes, that was it. Maybe an allergy.

"Aren't you going to say anything?" Percy insisted, and suddenly the world disappeared and only the two of them mattered; the sound of banging pots and whispers disappeared, even the hurried murmurs around them vanished.

"What was I supposed to say? Are you asking me to marry you?”

This was the best and worst moment of his life. Percy smiled at him and reached into his pocket, pulling out a delicate velvet box. And then, the worst came, Percy knelt down on the floor full of flour and sugar, and opened the box, showing him that inside were two identical gold-plated rings with a small diamond in the center, one large and the other smaller, with delicate engravings around the rings, the rings so delicate that Nico was afraid to touch them.

"You can't be serious!”

"I bought them before you ran away to Italy. I wish I'd told you sooner. I was afraid it would drive you away again.”

And without asking permission, Percy took hia hand and slid the smallest of the rings onto the ring finger of Nico’s right hand.

"This ring is proof of my commitment and fidelity to you. It's my promise to always be by your side and to always give you whatever you need and want. No matter what or where.”

"Percy, stop it! Right now! You don't want this." Nico pulled away from Percy's hands and tried to take the ring off, feeling anxious, but he couldn't get it off. Something inside him stopped Nico.

"Of course I want it. I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you." Percy kept smiling and remained kneeling, as if paying for his sins in a prayer of love.

Percy crawled on his knees until he was close enough to touch again and offered Nico the box, saying: "It's your turn to put it on me. Will you marry me?”

"Gods!" Nico whimpered, that tightness in his heart and warmth in his chest spreading like hellish flames through his veins. "You'll regret this. You'll regret it so much. Then, don't blame me for what happens.”

"I take full responsibility.”

Sniffling, Nico knelt down too and did the same as Percy, placing the ring on the ring finger of Percy's right hand and observing their hands together. Not even in his wildest dreams could Nico have imagined something like this.

"Satisfied now?”

"And my kiss, hm?”

Still feeling anxious and shaky, Nico jumped into Percy's lap and kissed him with everything he had, being greeted by the strong embrace of the person Nico loved most in the whole world.

nobody warns you that writing makes you obsessed with hands. what are they doing? are they trembling? are they clenched? are they—