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

Hi, how are you? This is the English version of "NÃO HÁ LUGAR COMO O LAR - PERCY/NICO AU COLEGIAL ". I usually write in Portuguese, but as I saw a lot of people who read in other languages, I decided to write this one in English too. Admittedly, I used Google and corrected what I could. I hope this is an acceptable translation, even if my writing is a bit rusty in English.

Now, for those who don't know what the story is about, here's an improvised summary: Nico is returning from Italy after spending two years there and meets Percy, the best friend he left behind, but who kept in touch in that time away. The rest develops from this reunion, and very quickly! In this story I will try to be more direct.

Thanks for the support! And good reading.

"Look who's back! The Italian boy.” Nico just had time to turn around before he was pressed against broad shoulders and strong arms that hugged him so tightly they lifted him into the air, knocking him out of breath and sending his books and bag tumbling to the floor, the door of his school locker being slammed with a loud bang.

“Perseus Jackson!”

"Only my mother calls me that."

But Percy was laughing, twirling him around in the air as people around him stared at them. Well, there was a good reason. They were right in the middle of the hallway where there were several lockers, leading to the entrance of the classrooms. Nico couldn't resist, he wrapped his arms around Percy's neck and hugged him as tight as Percy had did, burying his face against Percy's neck.

"I missed you.”

"I missed you too." Nico muttered back and pulled away, finally getting to see Percy's face.

Eyes as green as he remembered, nose straight and upturned, thin lips and wide in a pretty smile. What had changed was Percy’s height, nearly seven feet tall, and all those muscles. Where he remembered a shy and a little sad boy had turned into this... this happy and full of life man. Confident. Although he could still see the kindness and friendship that they used to have, this thing between them… having to deal with those feelings so openly still was something new. He couldn't help but compare himself to the past, where he was too young and Percy was... Percy was Percy, opening the door to his home to a sad, lonely little boy.

"Two years, huh? I thought you were never coming back."

“Hm.”

"Let me see you better." It wasn't like Percy had never seen him up close or every day for those two years on video calls. Nico had forgotten how intense Percy could be, full of touches and smiles.

Percy brought one of his hands to his face and brushed his hair back, exposing his face completely. And him? Well, Nico just stared back at Percy, as focused on the boy as Percy was on him. The truth is that all the calls and video calls didn't compare to what reality showed him, making him question what had happened to make him run away from Percy, from those gestures that felt so… so affectionate and so attentive. How dare he do this to them? Leaving the person he loved most behind? He was the most cowardly person in the whole world.

"Um... Percy? Put me down, yeah?” Nico did his best to stay serious.

"Why?”

"Don’t you have shame?”

"Have I?

Then, Percy smiled even more and finally put him on the ground to then loosen his grip on his face and waist, not pulling away completely, but leaning a little over him, as if there was something in his face that Percy needed to see more closely.

"How have you been? Why didn't you tell me you were coming back this week?”

"Why? Would you pick me up at the airport?”

“Of course, my friends deserve the best.”

“And what would that be?”

“Me, of course.”

Nico swore he was trying to be serious. The way things were going, Percy wanted something more and at the moment he wasn't ready. But it was no use, Nico grabbed Percy's shoulders and laughed; he thought it was one of the worst lines he had ever heard.

"Hey, don't laugh in my face. I'm a nice guy.”

“And very humble, too.”

"Very.” Percy said and finally released him, leaning against his side in front of the lockers, making Nico sigh in relief and picking up his things from the floor, putting them in the locker.

Sometimes Percy was a little too much for him; that was what Nico had discovered over the years in the thousands of conversations they'd had in that time. He didn't know when Percy had changed from the introverted boy to this bubbly person, but he liked it. And hated it at the same time, making his stomach flutter with anxiousness.

"Now really, how have things been?"

“You know, the same." Nico shrugged and closed the closet, taking out the books he would use that day, putting them in his bag. “Bianca came with me.”

"College?” Percy asked. “And you?”

Nico shrugged once more and leaned back against Percy's side, facing him closely again, looking at him through his lashes, trying not to show how he really felt. He didn't think he'd ever would get used to his friend's good looks, now doubled as the smooth features of adolescence gave way to defined muscles and an angular, strong face, the crooked smile, the intense gaze, the confident attitude... and... well, all of that. And much more.

"What about it?"

"What brings you back?"

“I missed home.” Nico nodded to himself. “For a while I thought it was Verona, but… I kept wondering what’s going on around here.”

"So, you decided to come back?”

“Why not? I'm turning eighteen in a few months. I wanted to use this last year and see the guys again.

Well… he wanted to see a few people again and one of them was right in front of him, looking at him as if he wanted to… as if Percy wanted to see what was inside his mind. And as it used to happen, he was the first to lose in this little game to see who looked away first.

“So… did you miss it and came to stay or…”

“I'm here to stay. Hades will come later.”

"I’m glad.” Percy said, still smiling, something more sincere and cute, like he got tired of flirting. "Maybe we can see each other later. Wanna eat something?”

"Later when?”

"Today. After basketball practice. Want to see me play?”

"Oh no! That's what I was afraid of! The high school cliché!” But he was laughing, and Percy was laughing along with him, reminding him of old times.

“You know, you can't talk about me. You were all cute and shy and you came back looking like you stepped out of an eighty’s movie. Leather jacket, ripped pants and that… is it eyeliner?” Percy approached him once more and gently cupped his chin, just another excuse to touch him, of that Nico was sure; not that he was complaining. Percy could do that and much more. “You're the perfect good boy gone bad.”

“I'm still a good boy.”

That made Percy stop for a moment, still with his hands on Nico's face, and stare at him for a long time only for a crooked smile to appear along with dimples.

"Is that so? How much of a good boy are you?”

"I don't think you'll ever find out."

One more silence and one more look that in the past would send him running for cover faster than a rocket. However, that Nico had been left behind along with his innocence.

“Hm.” Was all Percy said for a few moments, and Nico swore he was moving closer towards his face when the bell rang, interrupting them.

"Right.” Nico cleared his throat, straightening his spine and looking around. “I think I have to go.

“What's your first class?”

" English class. I need to stop by the secretary first.”

" I'll go with you.

Nico didn't even try to deny it, he had missed Percy so much that stretching things a little further wouldn't hurt. He pushed himself away from the locker and, again, something he didn't expect happened. Percy took the backpack from his shoulder, carrying it for him and with the other hand, intertwined their fingers together, pulling him smoothly through the almost empty corridor towards the administration of the school.

***

It was strange to be there after so long. The cream-colored walls were still the same, there were the same blue benches and black tables, the same wide hallways and the same cafeteria, painted the same pastel color. He even managed to recognize some familiar faces among the younger ones. It was a dejavu, except that now he saw things from above, in a distant, almost displaced perspective, where before his days were permeated by anxiety and uncertainty, now everything seemed easier and colorless, even if a little painful, but unimportant and maybe even comfortable. Maybe it was because Percy was still holding his hand, talking to the same secretary as two years ago, a woman in her fifties, always smiling and helpful.

In the end, it didn't take long for him to get his admissions papers that he would need to show his professors.

“So, English class? Double? I also have it. Let me see your schedule.”

Nico shrugged and took his class schedule out of his bag. He watched Percy take the paper from his hands, frown in concentration and hand the paper back to him, "We have most of our classes together. “Are you in the arts and music clubs? I'm into the music too. Guitar classes.”

“Seemed to be the easiest.”

"I bet.”

"Shut up.” Nico shoved Percy by the shoulders and walked out of the office. Few people knew that he had a knack for creative things and maybe he played something for Percy over the years. Well, that was none of other people's business.

“Nico, the classes have changed! We are using the auditoriums.”

"Of course.” Nico rolled his eyes and this time he wasn't even surprised when Percy reached out and touched his shoulder, his big hands sliding down his back to his waist, gently guiding him in the right direction. In fact, he didn't remember this school having an auditorium, so he let himself be guided by Percy, a warm and comfortable presence at his side.

***

When they arrived at the auditorium, the class had already started. Professor Johnson wasn't the type to mind being late if the class wasn't disrupted, that’s why Percy stood at the main entrance to the room, away from the teacher's gaze, preferring to watch Nico go down to the podium where the teacher was and deliver the paper for her to sign.

What could Percy say? Nico was a much more interesting sight at that moment, long legs covered by tight jeans, perky ass, small waist, broad shoulders, deep-set black eyes and a small mouth that always seemed to be bitten and reddened, skin tanned, looking so soft that he couldn't resist the urge to touch him as soon as he could, just to test the theory. He admitted it, he was going too fast, but two years was enough time to know if you liked someone, wasn't it? Not counting the seven years before that. Perhaps he should have gone to Italy with Nico when Hades offered, always generous even if absent most of the time.

He was snapped out of his reverie when Nico finished talking to the teacher and walked towards him, carefree and slow, as if he had all the time in the world, parading around in his punk clothes and unpretentious attitude. Why avoid something he knew would happen sooner or later? If Percy could, he would kiss Nico then and there, to end this torture that had gone on for so many years. But he could control himself, if he had waited two years, he could wait a few more days.

"All went well?”

Nico just nodded and took his hand, leading him towards the middle of the auditorium where they could get a good view of the teacher and hear what she was talking about. Percy didn't even have time to appreciate Nico taking the initiative and touching him of his own free will, although he felt he should be more concerned with the reaction of the people around them, the indiscreet stares and murmurs buzzing in his ear; he didn't exactly date boys in public, especially since Annabeth was always around to make everyone think he was with her. It was what it was, he just hoped he didn't have to punch some faces. Because he would, and gladly.

“Per?” He heard someone call him and there was only one person who still called him that. "What chapter are we in?"

"Seven.”

"Thanks.” Nico muttered more quietly than before and began to read, completely focused on the book and what the teacher was saying. Percy was left to wonder how anyone could be so cute. So lovely. Watching a small crease appear between Nico's brows, his lips set into a frustrated pout until he seemed to find what he was looking for in the book, relaxing against the seat and settling down to jot down quick notes as the teacher discussed the matter.

Then a noise came from the row of chairs above his, someone tapping him on the shoulder. He turned around and there was Grover, his oldest childhood friend.

"Who's the new kid?"

“Nico.”

“That quiet, sad boy Sally had practically adopted?' Your Italian boy? Now I understand the obsession.”

"Dude!” Percy whispered furiously. He wasn't that obsessed…was he? Percy looked to the side, just to make sure Nico hadn't heard, seeing that the boy was still focused on the class and turned back to Grover: “We'll talk later.”

"As you wish, don Juan."

"Whatever.”

Percy faced forward, leaned over Nico, seeing where they were in the book, and ignored everything else. When Nico pushed the book toward him so the two of them could read, Percy didn't hesitate. He put his arm around Nico's shoulder, put their heads together and began to read. Maybe be if he could concentrate, the little voice in the back of his mind would stop reminding him that this would lead to more trouble than he was willing to deal with.

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I hope you liked it. Updates always in Fridays or early if a have the time.

Thanks again!

Part 1 of a comic inspired by a story prompt about the monster under the bed actually protecting the child

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

Hello, how you doing? Looks like I had some time in the the end. I hope you like it. I had a lot of fun writing this chapter.

Good reading!

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

"Beautiful.’’

Nico ignored Percy who was lying on the bed and finished drying his hair with the towel, combing it back. He put on his t-shirt, pulled it down and buttoned his pants, pulled the zipper up and looked at himself in the mirror.

If it were up to him, he would’ve stayed in the kitchen, where he belonged, and finished helping with the preparations for the party later. Unfortunately, right after the wedding proposal, Sally had kicked him out of the kitchen, pushing him away from the stove while Percy had picked him up and carried him up the stairs until they reached Percy's bedroom. And with no choice, still full of flour in his clothes, Nico went into the bathroom without complaining, taking a long bath in the tub and then looking for clothes that still fit him. Apparently, Percy hadn't thrown away the things he’d left behind, like his favorite black jeans or his t-shirts with jokes and superheroes printed on them, or even his leather jacket, which his mother used to wear before the cancer prevented her from getting out of bed.

He admitted that the shirts that were previously baggy and reached his thighs now fit perfectly well, although a little tighter than he would like, contouring his not-so-masculine curves; apart from his broad shoulders and height, the rest was very... very thin in some parts and slender in others, impossible not to notice in those tight clothes. Nico didn't even like to think about it. Maybe that was why Percy loved so much holding his waist.

‘’Since when did you have those muscles, hm?’’ Percy asked again with good humor.

Muscles? He didn't see many. And of course, Percy could be able to fool him if it was a few years ago. Now? Nico could hear the pure jealousy behind the laughter.

"I don't know. I had free time in Italy.”

In fact, life in Verona was much easier and more uncomplicated than this first week back here. It’s like, when Percy was involved, trouble and strong emotions were guaranteed. He didn't even know why he was still complaining, things had always been like that.

‘’Don't make that face. Today is the day to celebrate. Or at least that's according to Sally.’’

"Sure.” Nico rolled his eyes and finally put on his jacket, slipping his feet inside his high-top sneakers that had also been left in Percy's wardrobe. Now, Nico was back in the past and with the complete look. He almost felt nostalgic; If it weren't for the anxiety and constant self-doubt, Nico would miss those times. "Let's go.’’

"Hold on. I bought you something.’’

‘’Another gift? What will it be now? A car?’’

‘’Do you need another one?’’ But Percy was smiling. Nico watched him get up and walk around the bed, opening the dresser drawer next to the bed. ‘’It's nothing expensive.’’

"What is that?’’ This time, the object in Percy's hands aroused his curiosity. He could see what it was, the thing was that Percy had never given him anything like this, which made him come closer and take the diary from Percy's hands, opening the hardf, black leather cover, finding simple, straight lined pages, noting a dedication on the inside of the cover, thar said: “To make sure your thoughts and ideas never get lost”. “Per?’’

“I thought about what you said… about not being able to express yourself.’’

"Express myself?’’

"In bed.’’ Percy said and then held his hands over the diary, making Nico face him. “I know how…how scary things can be from time to time. I want this diary to be a way for us to talk without needing all that… drama.”

Percy used the word “drama”, but for Nico it was more… “humiliation”.

“Are you going to write too?’’

"Yeah.”

"And you'll... read everything? Everything I write?”

"Only if you want.”

Nico stopped for a moment and looked at Percy, his fiancé, the love of his life, the person who always accepted him unconditionally. Percy seemed so calm and confident, so sincere… no one before had ever tried so hard to understand him.

“It doesn't have to be about that.’’ Percy said again. “You can write about anything. Or something you want me to know about.”

"Anything? Really?”

"What's wrong?” Then, Percy smiled again, carefree. “What do you still have to hide from me?”

That was the moment where the mortification took him by surprise. Nico looked away and stared at the diary they both still held, the rings shining on their fingers. If only Percy knew… Nico didn't know if it was the best or the worst idea Percy had ever had.

“Look, you don't need to force yourself. Let's leave the diary by the bed and if you feel like it, it will be here. Is that all right?’’

Percy smiled at him once again, took the diary from his hands and placed it on top of the dresser, less than a foot away from them. But that was the problem, Nico already felt the urge to flip through that notebook and write whatever came to mind, like a free writing exercise, only more stranger and embarrassing. He felt like writing and letting it all come out, like he hadn't done in years.

"No, I want it! Gimme.” And like a little kid, Nico reached out and took the diary, hugging it to his chest, feeling satisfied as he once again held that black leather notebook.

“I'm glad you liked it.’’ And acting like the daddy they both refused to admit, even though they were both the same age, Percy hugged him tightly and kissed his hair, saying: “Good boy.”

And, Of course, this had the expected effect. Nico hid his face in Percy's shoulder and groaned once again, mortified, berating himself for feeling so good and so happy with those words. Or with the care that Percy continued to show him day after day.

***

Before they left for the party, Nico put the diary away with the now empty ring box in his backpack and held Percy's hand, making Percy's chest warm with Nico's absent-minded gesture. It wasn't the most romantic or affectionate gesture he had ever seen, but Nico did everything with so much care that Percy was sure he had made the right choice by waiting until that moment. He knew that these attitudes, as much as his or Nico's, came from a painful place; of loss and abandonment, things that they both felt firsthand and wanted to avoid at all costs. That's why every moment that served to bring them closer together would be a reason to celebrate. Percy still couldn't believe that he had finally proposed to Nico. They were going to get married! There was a time when Percy thought he would never see Nico again, and even less that they would be so happy and content together, even if the little boy hid it behind an angry pout and the usual bad mood and insecurity. And who was he to judge how other people behaved when he was the worst of them? All Percy knew was that he had a plan, and he would do everything he could to make it reality. That’s why he smiled at Nico, took back the hand offered to him and the next thing he knew, one of his mother's helpers was guiding him to the outside of the house where tables were set up in the garden and people were already walking around the improvised dance floor next to a buffet table divided into three rows organized by sweet, cold and hot dishes, and there wasn't even all the food he had seen in the kitchen earlier.

“You guys went overboard this time.”

"It’s nothing out of the ordinary." Nico shrugged.

"Clearly. I wanted to--”

“Nico! I finally found you!”

Percy sighed and gave up, nnow that they were in the middle of all those people, it would be impossible to keep Nico's attention to himself. As if in slow motion, he saw Clarisse approach them in hurried steps and grab Nico in a bear hug, pulling him away from him.

"How long were you going to ignore me?’’

"I wasn't ignoring you!" Nico shouted back, but hugged Clarisse as tightly as she had done, closing his eyes with pleasure.

"Why didn't you tell me you were back? And when did that happen?’’

“It’s been… five days ago? Six?”

“I bet it's his fault.”

“Clare!”

 "Don't give me that. I want to know everything!”

"So you can tell Annabeth later? No, thank you very much.”

"That's not true. I did it once and now--”

It seemed there was no way around it. Percy left Nico with Clarisse, watching the people approach the noisy pair, and went back into the house, finding his mother now in a long black dress and high heels, although she was still pacing the kitchen, giving orders and checking the still-working ovens.

"Mother.”

“Oh, Percy, darling.” His mother came up to him in quick steps and squeezed his cheeks, then kissed them. "You could have told me before. I didn't have time to prepare anything.”

“I didn't have time either.”

That was the moment Percy hugged his mother and let himself relax.

“What is it, darling?”

“I don't think Nico wants to be with me.”

“Percy, that doesn't make any sense. Why would you think that?”  Then his mother touched his face again and looked at him affectionately.

“He changed. We seem to fight every step of the way, and now he has so many friends and things to do…”

“Percy.” Now his mother looked disappointed. “We talked about that. You need help?”

“No.” He denied, walking away. Percy didn't want to go back to endless hours at the psychiatrist or taking medication.

“Honey, Nico is growing up and you should too.”

"I know, I know. It's just... he's telling me so many things... I didn't know he felt that way.”

"That is great. That means he trusts you, right?”

Deep down, Percy knew this. He just wanted someone to tell him everything would be okay. But it wasn't what his mother was doing. As always, she told him what he needed to hear and not what he wanted to hear.

"What should I do?”

“Nothing you don't want to.”

“What if he only marries me out of pressure?”

“Percy!” Sally grabbed his shoulders and laughed in his face. “My little boy is growing up so fast. I remember how you ran away from any responsibility and now here we are, you worrying about someone else's well-being?”

“Mom! I'm serious!”

“Look, from my point of view, I've never seen Nico so happy or calm. He doesn't seem to be forcing himself into anything.”

“He said he didn't want to date me and I insisted! What if he told the truth?”

“Honey, none of this is your responsibility. He accepted of his own free will. Even if you want to protect him, it's Nico's decision. Whether he accepts it or not, even if in the future he decides to leave once again, it won't be your fault.”

"So whose is it?”

"It's nobody's fault. These are things that happen and we have to accept them. And being honest? It's about time, right? If you had talked to Nico, none of this would have happened.”

“You... you ruined the surprise. I should have talked to him alone.”

“Exactly, darling. Don't you see? The less you say, the more Nico will pull away from you.”

"Do you really think so?”

"Believe me. I know all about failed relationships. Don't create distance between you, okay?”

"I would never do that.”

"No? If you don't say what you feel, Nico might think you don't care.”

"I--”

“Have you talked to him in the last few days?”

"Yes, but--”

“How did he react?”

Percy wanted to roll his eyes. His mother was right, as always. Nico had been sincere back when he opened up. The worst thing was thinking that Nico had kept everything inside his chest, thinking that Percy wouldn't accept him or that Percy didn't care. At least the time he'd wasted at the psychiatrist had been useful for something.

"You are right.” Percy admitted, looking around at the people who continued walking back and forth. “I didn't want to admit defeat.”

"Darling.”

“I made Nico leave before and I don't want to be the one to blame again. Is it so bad to be careful to not destroy things again?”

"Of course not. I understand.”

“Do you really understand?” Percy then turned to face his mother again. “If you understand, can you stay out of this?”

“Fine, I won't interfere. But you should pay attention to who your friends are.”

"What does that mean?”

“That blonde friend of yours is at the party. I thought you guys didn't talk anymore?”

"Who? Annabeth?”

"She herself.”

“I didn't invite her.”

So, who invited her?” Sally and Percy stared at each other for long moments, not understanding what was happening, until Percy snapped and turned his back on his mother, going back outside. In the garden, he finds a scene he thought he would never see, Annabeth with her long golden hair, shining in the sun, looking furious and Nico, with torn pants and a black t-shirt, staring at her as if she were an earthworm about to be trampled over.

***

"What's going on here?”

The next thing Percy knew, he was standing in the middle of the crowd, seeing Annabeth and Nico staring back at him.

As if by magic, the atmosphere changed. Nico came to his side and held onto his hand, lowering his head and placing it on Percy’s shoulder like the most obedient and well-behaved little boy, while Annabeth stood there, head held high, looking even more furious with the display of affection.

“It’s nothing, Per. We were talking about old times. Isn't it, Anne?” Nico smiled, hugging him around the waist and suddenly there was silence, even the waiters and kitchen assistants were silent.

“Are you drunk, by any chance?”

"Me? Never!” He looked at Nico and Nico made a cute pout. "I would never do that.”

To prove his theory, Percy leaned over Nico and kissed him right there. This time, Nico didn't seem embarrassed at all. The little boy grabbed him tightly by the back of the neck and let himself be kissed, opening his mouth in the most shameless display of affection.

“My baby is jealous, hm?”

“I don't know what you're talking about.” But the blush on Nico's face said what Percy needed to know.

"Why don't we talk somewhere quiet? But before guiding Nico away from the crowd, Percy turned to Annabeth: “You are not invited. Go away.”

“But, Percy! You promised!”

"I didn’t promise anything.”

“Your lying--”

“I won't repeat it.”

With that, he took Nico by the hand and led him into the house, leaving behind a curious crowd and a blonde foaming with anger.

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So, I'm enjoying their progress. This time I thought it was more interesting to give Percy this insecurity and Nico a bit more of impulsiveness. I imagine that this way the characters seem more real and interesting. I hope you're enjoying it as much as I am. See you next time!

Katie McGrath as Elsa in King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)

if you write a strong character, let them fail.

if you write a selfless hero, let them get mad at people.

if you write a cold-hearted villain, make them cry.

if you write a brokenhearted victim, let them smile again.

if you write a bold leader, make them seek guidance.

if you write a confident genius, make them be wrong, or get stumped once in a while.

if you write a fighter or a warrior, let them lose a battle, but let them win the war.

if you write a character who loses everything, let them find something.

if you write a reluctant hero, give them a reason to fight.

credit:@aj-eddy

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

Oii, como vai? Não deu para postar no fim de semana por causa das eleições, mas aqui está. Espero que vocês gostem.

Sem nenhuma revisão.

Boa leitura!

Capítulos anteriores: CAPÍTULO I / CAPÍTULO II / CAPÍTULO III / CAPÍTULO IV / CAPÍTULO V / CAPÍTULO VI / CAPÍTULO VII / CAPÍTULO VIII / CAPÍTULO IX / CAPÍTULO X / CAPÍTULO XI / CAPÍTULO XII / CAPÍTULO XIII / CAPÍTULO XIV / CAPÍTULO XV / CAPÍTULO XVI / CAPÍTULO XVII / CAPÍTULO XVIII / CAPÍTULO XIX / CAPÍTULO XX / CAPÍTULO XXI / CAPÍTULO XXII / CAPÍTULO XXIII / CAPÍTULO XXIV / CAPÍTULO XXV / CAPÍTULO XXVI / CAPÍTULO XXVII

— Bebê, tudo bem? — Percy teve que perguntar.

Geralmente Percy não se preocuparia se Nico ficasse longos períodos em seu mundinho feliz e submisso. A verdade é que ele gostava de ver Nico completamente sob seu controle, obedecendo cada ordem sua e se esforçando tanto atender suas vontades que se fosse por ele, esses momentos entre quatro paredes nunca teriam fim. Entretanto, o céu já começava a escurecer e ele podia ouvir o barulho da risada de seus irmãos e a voz de sua mãe os repreendendo.

Era nessas horas que Percy desejava ser um adulto e não ter que dividir o tempo que tinha com Nico, e muito menos deixar que eles vissem Nico em seu estado mais vulnerável. Sinceramente? Percy não se importava como outras pessoas iriam reagir e sim, como Nico se sentiria quando enfim emergisse de seu estado leve e contente.

Percy fez o melhor que pôde para que Nico se sentisse seguro o suficiente para sair de seu transe. Eles tomaram um longo banho de banheira, lavou os cabelos de Nico, ofereceu a comida favorita de Nico e depois o fez tirar uma soneca. Isso costumava ser o bastante para fazer Nico voltar ao normal. Hoje? Nico parecia especialmente decidido a se manter distante.

— Bebê? — Percy chamou mais uma vez.

Nico meramente levantou a cabeça que estava encostada em seu peito e se acomodou melhor debaixo das cobertas, piscando lentamente, parecendo esperar pela próxima ordem.

— Eu preciso que você volte para mim.

— Voltar? — Nico franziu a testa e se sentou, tentando raciocinar.

— Faz cinco horas. Quer jantar?

— Oh. — O vinco desapareceu do rosto de Nico, mas ele continuou como estava, lento e dócil, sem questionar nada. — Tudo bem.

Nico, então, se levantou. Ele se arrastou para fora da cama e, calmamente, calçou o sapato, andou até a porta do quarto e o esperou, paciente, obediente, quase se curvando, segurando as próprias mãos atras das costas.

Percy suspirou, pelo menos Nico não estava completamente aéreo. Aquilo era tudo sua culpa, sabia bem disso. Não era isso o que ele queria? Nico completamente obediente e submisso cem por cento do tempo?

No fim, Nico estava certo. O que Percy realmente queria era diversão e realizar suas fantasias mais obscuras.

Momentos mais tarde, Percy percebeu que não tinha motivos para se preocupar. Eles desceram as escadas, comeram sem nada estranho acontecer e Nico até interagiu com Tyson e Grover, ajudando Sally a colocar as travessas na mesa. Houve um momento em que Nico e Sally sumiram para dentro da cozinha e só voltaram dez minutos depois, momento que Percy pensou estar encrencado, mas tudo o que viu foi Nico se sentar em seu colo e encostar a cabeça em seu ombro, e Sally, que sorriu para ele toda orgulhosa.

***

Às vezes, Percy desejava voltar ao momento onde seus pais ainda eram casados e sua família tinha muito menos dinheiro. Isso significaria menos responsabilidades, mais tempo livre e menos estresse em sua vida. Primeiro, sua mãe teve a brilhante ideia de fazê-lo acordar as cinco horas da manhã naquele fim de semana para ajudar com o faturamento e inventario mensal, algo que um contador poderia fazer facilmente. Mas, não, Sally havia sofrido um golpe no passado e não estava disposta a receber outro. Por isso, todos da família eram obrigados a ajudar. Nico era um caso a parte, é claro, ele já ajudava Sally mais do que devia na cozinha, então, Nico estava dispensado desse trabalho árduo. E se não bastasse isso, eles teriam uma reunião com os abastecedores do restaurante.

Aparentemente, a qualidade dos legumes não estava agradando Sally, e, aparentemente, Percy intimidava qualquer um que olhasse muito tempo para ele. Vai intender. Sendo assim, essa era uma de suas obrigações; sempre que eles tinham que lidar com algum cliente ou prestador de serviço insuportável, ali estaria ele. E dessa vez, era o abastecimento de legumes; sua nova missão era ficar atras da mãe e encarar os homens até que eles concordassem com o novo contrato. Seria engraçado se não tivesse que deixar Nico sozinho em casa.

Mas antes de ir a reunião, Percy fez questão de ir acordar Nico. Sabia que ainda eram oito horas da manhã de um sábado, porém, ainda se lembrava como Nico tinha reagido quando não o encontrou na cama naquela vez que havia visitado o clube de Apolo. Então, sem fazer barulho, Percy subiu as escadas e foi em direção a seu quarto, vendo que a porta estava encostada, podendo ver dentro do quarto pela fresta da porta.

Percy empurrou a porta e o que viu tirou seu folego.

Nico estava no meio do quarto, pelado, cabelos molhados e descalço, de costas para a porta, sentado na beirada da cama. Nela, estava a caixa preta com a coleira, a mesma coleira que ambos tinham decidido ignorar, feito um taboo que nunca deveria ser mencionado. Mas ali estava Nico, segurando a coleira contra seu colo, parecendo admirar a peso em seus dedos longos e magros, completamente calmo e composto, e com a mesma atitude quieta e dócil que havia adotado pelos últimos dias.

Pela primeira vez, decidiu que não tomar nenhuma ação era o melhor a se fazer. Porque, não importava o que ele dissesse ou até mandasse, isso era algo que Nico teria que decidir por si mesmo. E se no final Nico decidisse que não queria nada daquilo, Percy teria que aceitar.

Não demorou para que Percy tivesse sua resposta. Lentamente, Nico levou a coleira até o próprio pescoço e a enrolou em volta de sua pele, ainda sem afivelar o fecho, parecendo medir o peso do couro em sua pele. Quando nada aconteceu, Percy observou Nico afivelar a coleira e continuar segurando o couro contra sua pele, como se a coleira fosse muito pesada para seu pescoço aguentar. Nico se levantou, e ainda de costas para a porta, andou até o espelho que ficava do outro lado do quarto, perto do guarda-roupa. Nico estava se admirando, era isso o que acontecia; ele tocou no couro da coleira, como se acariciasse o pelo de um animal de estimação, e mesmo daquela distância, Percy podia ver a pele oliva escurecendo com o rubor, embora Nico não estivesse entrando em pânico como antes. Afinal, por que ele iria? Era apenas fantasias, não era?

Percy não aguentava mais. Ele marchou a passos decididos para dentro do quarto e parou atras de Nico, quase colado a suas costas, observando agora ambas suas reflexões em frente ao espelho. Era algo automático, suas mãos foram para o pescoço de Nico, seus dedos rodeando o longo pescoço, bem na parte da coleira que agora escondia a gargantilha, massageando a pele que encontrou lá.

— Então você gostou. — Não havia sido uma pergunta, porque a resposta era óbvia. A expressão no rosto de Nico dizia tudo o que Percy precisava saber, e o arfar surpreso e tímido, mais ainda.

— Eu não... eu estava curioso! — Ali estava, a ansiedade vindo feito um trem-bala. Então, o problema devia ser sua presença. Ou talvez a expectativa que o próprio Nico colocava em si mesmo.

Nico deu um passo para a frente, tentando se livrar de suas mãos, e dessa vez, Percy permitiu que Nico fugisse; isso não era algo que ele devia brincar se quisesse que no futuro a visão de Nico usando uma coleira fosse algo cotidiano.

— Tudo bem. Eu não quis te assustar.

— Você não assustou. É só que... você sabe... não sei consigo fazer o que você espera de mim. O diário, são apenas fantasias e... nunca pensei que eu fosse... fosse gostar tanto disso a ponto de ter sexo com alguém. Eu só... eu não sei.

— Eu entendo. — Percy disse em sua voz mais afável.

— Você entende? — Nico abriu bem olhos, parecendo surpreso e tão inocente, que Percy voltou a se aproximar, tocando nos cabelos negros, tentando confortá-lo.

— Tudo bem se você quiser brincar. Tudo bem se você não quiser. A gente não tem que tentar algo novo só porque eu quero.

— Eu pensei que o papel de um submisso fosse fazer as vontades do dominador?

— Isso é uma fantasia, não é? Você mesmo disse. Não quero te forçar.

— Oh. — Nico murmurou, relaxando nos braços de Percy, encostando a cabeça em seu ombro e o abraçando pela cintura. — As vezes, eu sinto que devo fazer certas coisas... quer dizer! Você nunca me pediu para fazer isso...

— Está tudo bem. — Percy disse mais uma vez, sorrindo para Nico, decidindo tirá-lo de sua miséria. — A partir de agora sempre que eu quiser fazer algo vou pedir permissão. Não importa o que seja, mesmo que seja um beijo.

— Sempre?

— E você não tem a obrigação de aceitar ou retribuir, ou de se sentir pressionado.

— Eu não sinto que você me obriga, eu só... — Então Nico olhou para baixo, todo tímido, o virou o rosto para lado tentando se esconder. — É essa vontade incontrolável de... de fazer essas coisas.

— Como o quê?

— De obedecer. Não te desapontar. — Foi quando Percy viu Nico fechar os olhos, os apertando bem forte, ainda com o rosto contra seu ombro. — Eu quero ser o seu bebê e seu bom garoto para o resto da vida. Só seu.

Por essa Percy não esperava! Eles tinham com toda a certeza percorrido um longo caminho até ali. Percy se pegou endireitando as costas e respirando fundo, um sorriso um tanto maníaco se formando em seu rosto, uma reação mais rápida do que ele podia controlar. E tão rápida como veio, aquele senso de satisfação e possessão doentia, também desapareceu, restando a Percy apenas puxar Nico contra seu peito e o abraçar forte.

— Obrigado por me contar. Você é tão corajoso. Meu perfeito bebê, hm?

Nico não disse nada, mas ele gemeu, o abraçando mais forte ainda pela cintura, se encolhendo contra seu peito, quase se fundindo a ele. Percy não trocaria esse momento por nada nessa vida.

***

— Obrigado por me contar. Você é tão corajoso. Meu perfeito bebê, hm?

Sim, ele era! Deuses! Ouvir Percy dizer essas coisas, por mais que Nico já soubesse desse fato, fazia algo dentro dele explodir em contentamento.

Bem, o que ele podia dizer? Tinha decidido se deixar levar.

Quer dizer, o que de tão ruim poderia acontecer além de Percy o levar cada vez mais fundo nesse mar de prazer que ele nem sabia ser possível existir? Do que adiantava fugir e lutar contra esses sentimentos quando sem nem perceber se via no mesmo lugar? Essa sensação leve o fazia se lembrar de um jogo que ele e Percy costumavam jogar quando crianças; a cada vez que venciam um desafio, o jogo os levava a um nível acima, subindo degrau por degrau até chegarem ao nível final.

O problema é que aquele jogo inocente e bobo parecia não ter fim, os degraus se estendendo infinitamente a se perder de vista. Era assim que Nico se sentia, quanto mais longe Percy o levava, mas difícil era encontrar aquele mesmo Nico que havia começado no primeiro nível. As vezes, Nico mal se reconhecia. Não se sentia tão pequeno quanto antes, tão tímido ou tão indefeso. Era como se durante o jogo ele tivesse ganhado poderes especiais e eles ainda estivessem com ele, como se Nico os tivesse sugado para dentro de seu ser, para sempre absorvidos em sua pele. Mas, as vezes, mesmo que não ele quisesse, o velho Nico fazia suas aparições, ele não se orgulhava disso, forçando Percy a dar um passo para trás nessa valsa onde ninguém sabia qual seria o próximo passo. Entretanto, o que ele podia fazer se não entrar no ritmo da dança?

Esse era um bom exemplo, o melhor deles. Sentindo Percy acariciando seus cabelos e deslizando as mãos por suas costas, sempre tentando confortá-lo não importando o motivo. Mesmo quando não havia motivo ou quando o culpado era o próprio Nico. Naquele instante, Nico percebeu que dessa vez não precisava ser confortado, mas que gostava do gesto gentil de qualquer forma.

— Sei que eu posso ser... rigoroso. — Percy murmurou em seu ouvido, roçando a barba que crescia contra seu pescoço, o fazendo estremecer. — Você tem que me dizer se eu estiver sendo exigente.

— Você nunca exigisse o que eu não quero dar.

Essa era a verdade. Por mais que ele hesitasse ou dissesse que não queria, era difícil mentir para si mesmo quando o objeto de sua única obsessão na vida estava bem a sua frente, oferendo tudo o que pensou que nunca teria, ainda fosse tão intenso que parece que estava a ponto de desmaiar a qualquer momento. Não porque fosse ruim, mas porque Nico perdia o folego toda vez que Percy olhava para ele por mais de dois segundos.

Então, Nico sentiu lábios tocando os seus numa caricia doce e lenta, e fechou os olhos, relaxando conforme o beijo continuava; uma mordiscada e uma lambida depois, um arfar, línguas se encontrando em um encaixe perfeito, como sempre tinha sido, como naquela primeira vez onde ele tinha fugido e só voltado dois anos depois. Parecia que era tudo o que Nico tinha feito até esse momento, fugir e se esquivar até que ele não tinha vesse alternativa, até que seu único pensamento fosse se redimir por todo o tempo perdido.

— Bom garoto. — Percy disse colado a seus lábios, pressionando suas bocas juntas pela última vez antes de se afastar, sorrindo para ele.

Nico queria seguir Percy, pedir para ser jogar na cama e continuar subindo os degraus. Percy tinha outras ideias, como ir para longe de Nico e abrir o guarda-roupa, tirando um blazer e uma calça caqui social.

— Você não tinha que sair com seus amigos? — Percy disse, ainda com a cabeça dentro do guarda-roupas.

Isso era verdade. Era por isso que Nico tinha acordado tão cedo em um sábado, se distrair com o pensamento de vestir aquela coleira e se ajoelhar aos pés de Percy, jurando fidelidade e obediência eterna não estava dentro dos planos. Talvez depois do casamento se ele realmente acontecesse.

Quando Percy emergiu, estava completamente vestido. Sapatos italianos, camisa preta, terno completo e cabelos penteados para trás. Nico era tão sortudo! Como ele conseguir noivar com alguém tão bonito e charmoso estava além de sua compreensão.

Nico nem tentou se conter, ele andou até Percy, ficou na ponta dos pés e o beijou novamente, algo rápido e suave, e disse: — Você nunca se veste desse jeito pra mim.

Percy sorriu para ele, daqueles tipos de sorriso de lado e covinhas que o fazia parecer um tubarão, e o segurou pelos cabelos, o fazendo gemer.

— Do que adianta eu me vestir assim se as roupas vão ser tiradas em menos de cinco minutos?

Percy o beijou forte nos lábios, arrancando outro gemido dele e o deixou ir, se olhando uma ultima vez no espelho.

— Porque você não descansa um pouco, hm? Eles podem te esperar.

Bem, descansar não era a palavra certa.

Nico seguiu os olhos de Percy e olhou para o próprio colo. Nico tinha um certo volume aparente, e Percy parecia que iria a qualquer momento se ajoelhar no chão e ajudá-lo com isso. Em seguida, Percy voltou a olhar em seus olhos e sorriu novamente.

— Depois. Eu prometo. — Percy, seu dom cruel, disse, se afastando a lentos passos em direção a porta. Mas antes de ir, disse: — Não se divirta muito sem mim.

Então, parece que estou enrolando, não é? A verdade é que falta pouco de plot para escrever. Vou tentar terminar essa história nas proximas 30 mil palavras. Estou planejando alguns extras também, nada muito complicado.

Obrigada pela presença!

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

Hi, how are you? This will be the last chapter of the year, we'll be back on January 6th, although we'll still have posts on writing tips in Portuguese this week (because there are plenty in English) and another post on the creative prompt.

I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Previous chapters: CHAPTER I / CHAPTER II / CHAPTER III / CHAPTER IV / CHAPTER V / CHAPTER VI / CHAPTER VII / CHAPTER VIII / CHAPTER IX / CHAPTER X / CHAPTER XI / CHAPTER XII / CHAPTER XIII / CHAPTER XIV / CHAPTER XV / CHAPTER XVI / CHAPTER XVII / CHAPTER XVIII / CHAPTER XIX / CHAPTER XX / CHAPTER XXI / CHAPTER XXII / CHAPTER XXIII / CHAPTER XXIV / CHAPTER XXV /CHAPTER XXVI

Percy slowly moved away from the bed and walked towards the wardrobe. He still couldn't believe what he had done. Nico wasn't like Luke, or like any other boy, where Percy would have some fun and then leave, without caring about the consequences. No, with Nico, extra care was necessary, he needed time and attention, to be treated in the right way and at the right pace so that in his haste, Percy wouldn't ruin everything. That was why he couldn't let himself get carried away like that, having more fun than he should with Nico's reaction and discomfort, watching Nico get more excited with each passing moment without even knowing what he was doing.

Did Nico realize how easily he could enter that state of submission? His pupils dilated, his face flushed, and even his posture changed, bowing slightly, the mood changing drastically as Nico transformed into that completely obedient and sweet being, something even the other people around him noticed. The worst? Percy transformed with him, bringing out his worst side.

Thankfully, all of this has been put on hold for the time being. Percy made sure to keep those memories inside the box Apollo had given him, along with the collar and the other objects. In the meantime, he kept the box on top of the desk next to the bed, out of sight but close enough if they decided to take it a step further than they were both comfortable at the moment.

"Per?" It was Nico who called him, the only one who used that nickname or said his name so sweetly.

Nico was sitting on the bed, fingering his necklace with the same hand that held his engagement ring. He had that same lost look and flushed face, even though they had just showered and gotten dressed for school. Percy decided to ignore the urge to pin Nico against the bed and give them what they both wanted, and just smiled, content to watch Nico.

"What's wrong, baby?”

"We... is everything okay?”

"Of course it is.”

"So why haven't you touched me since... since the collar?”

Percy stopped and thought, “Hm. That was true.” It hadn’t been a conscious thing or to punish Nico. Percy just thought it would be good to have a few moments to breathe a little.

"Don't worry, hmm ? Give me a kiss.”

Percy walked back to the bed and knelt between Nico's legs, getting to his height, and kissed him. Something sweet and soft. Percy didn't intend to turn the kiss into anything more than a passing caress. The problem was Nico and his sweet moans, the way he parted his lips and gasped, wrapping his legs around Percy’s wais, pulling him up, inviting him to lie on top of Nico. When Percy saw it, he had grabbed Nico by the hair and rubbed his tongue against Nico's, swallowing his moans.

Moving away from Nico was like surfacing after long hours of swimming, he felt like he could go on for a while longer, but that it wouldn't be good for him if he tried it. So he pulled his lips away from Nico's, took a deep breath and slowly moved his head away. He propped one knee on the edge of the bed and inhaled, forcing his heart to beat at a normal pace. And Nico? He was lying down, sprawled in the middle of the sheets, breathing just as deeply as he was, but completely happy and content to stay exactly where he was, blinking slowly as he watched Percy walk away.

It seems like he would have to be the adult there.

Percy practically threw himself out of bed, then grabbed Nico's shoes and put them on Nico's feet, tying the laces. He got up, went to the wardrobe and grabbed their jackets. He helped Nico sit on the bed and finally put one of them on Nico who just raised his arms, allowing himself to be dressed.

If he could, Percy would stay home today and make sure Nico stayed in his happy, content bubble of pleasure. That is, if it weren't for the exams coming up. They had studied too hard to let everything be ruined now.

"You didn't have to do that." Nico said, his face heating up, seeming to come back to reality.

Percy just looked at him and smiled, picking up their bags from the floor, Nico's guitar, and took Nico's hand that was now reluctantly dragging itself across the carpet, Percy guiding him out of the room towards the exit door.

***

Percy sat down on the bench and closed his eyes for a moment. Preparation for finals was starting and the teachers were determined to make his life miserable. Seven papers, surprise tests and group presentations, everything he didn't need right now. If he could just have a moment to catch his breath he was sure that—

"... cy ? Percy!”

"Hm?”

"You didn't listen to anything I said!”

Percy tried not to roll his eyes, but it seemed to be in vain. Luke was trying to say something that must be very important, Percy was sure. Something about the team, or probably about graduation. In fact, in his absence, Luke was proving to be a great leader, a good friend and someone he could trust even if the jealousy always got the better of him.

"I know you're busy with Nico and the future of your perfect life. But can you pay attention to me?”

Percy smiled at Luke and hugged him around the neck, reminding him of the thousands of nights where loneliness made him seek refuge in those same arms, but that no matter how hard Luke tried, it would never be enough for Percy. The reality is that beneath the flirting and fun, Luke was just another person looking for a place to belong.

"You don't need me. You never did.”

"Percy! I'm serious.”

“Me too,” Percy said. He turned to Luke and cupped his face, admiring him in a way Percy rarely did. It was a shame he already loved Nico. Luke deserved someone who loved him as much as he loved Nico. “I’m quitting the team this week.”

"What? Why now? So close to graduation?”

"It's a surprise. I'm not going to go to college here.”

"You can't drop everything because of him!”

"I received a good offer in Italy.”

"Are you sure? You tried so hard.”

“You deserve it more than me.”

"Me? What do I have to do with this?" Luke pulled away, leaning back, and scratched his head, completely confused.

"You'll make a great captain.”

“I…” Luke stuttered and stopped talking, and Percy could see real emotion flash across Luke's face for the first time in a while. “You don’t have to quit the team. We need you if we want to win.”

"Hm. Maybe. If you insist.”

***

In the end, Percy was defeated by sheer exhaustion, he would be vice captain while Luke would take his place. The coach seemed proud of them for some reason, and nothing really seemed to change, even though he didn't go to all the practices anymore. Without the practices, Percy had more time to talk to his mother and plan the next steps, like college and marriage. A house. But without Nico realizing that something very drastic was happening.

"Come to the next training practice.”

"Do I really need to?" Percy said to Luke and then turned to Grover who was beside him, hugging Juniper. Grover shrugged and Juniper smiled, the cheerleader just hugged Grover tighter and rested her head on his shoulder.

"The first game is in eight days. Please.”

"Just because you asked nicely.”

Percy ruffled Luke's hair, and Luke stood up, taking his bag and the clipboard with him. He watched Luke march out of the courtyard and saw Nico appear shortly after with his bag and guitar slung over his shoulder. An unusual sight. Nico would be at band practice at this time, getting ready for his performance at the prom, not here, looking like a puppy abandoned on the side of the road. Before Nico could disappear into the crowd of teenagers, Percy ran towards him, grabbing Nico by the shoulder, turning him towards himself.

“What happened?”

Percy could tell immediately that something was wrong. He touched Nico's face and turned it towards him, moving it in different angles. He felt around Nico's neck and ran his fingers down Nico's shoulders, finding nothing wrong. That is, until Nico looked at him through his eyelashes and blinked slowly in his direction.

"Nothing happened. Today's practice was canceled. The teacher was absent. Everyone was going out to eat... I rather stay here.”

"What happened on the way here?”

"It was nothing, I swear.”

Percy thought about continuing with his questions, but then he remembered his promise not to question Nico's actions. He would trust his baby.

"Do you want to rest a little or do you want to go home?”

He knew it wasn't fair, testing how dependent Nico really was on him. Imagine his relief when he saw Nico stop and think for a few seconds, his eyebrows furrowing and a pout of concentration appearing on his lips. Nico was taking a huge weight off Percy's shoulders without even knowing it; not because it was hard for Percy to keep deciding everything for the two of them, but because, this way, Percy knew he wasn't hurting Nico in any way or deepening any kind of trauma.

"Can we rest a little and then study?”

Percy groaned, already regretting asking. Nico could deny it, but he loved torturing him with endless study sessions. Percy was sure of it.

"Seriously? Is that all you think about?”

All Nico did was laugh, all delicate, and hold onto the strap of his backpack, acting cute and innocent.

"What's the problem? It'll be good for you. This way, we'll be training for college. "Nico continued smiling, using a very soft and gentle voice, and held his hands, making him forget the complaint that was about to come.

See? And then people called him manipulative and cold. That's because they never paid attention to what Nico did. Percy smiled back and took the backpack and guitar from Nico's shoulder, walking towards the benches in the open courtyard. He knew how much Nico liked to lie in the sunlight.

It was not a common sight, him sitting on the bench in the middle of the courtyard and Nico with his head in his lap. Nico had his eyes closed and was breathing calmly, while Percy massaged his hair, slowly and carefully, touching his small, soft ears, his long neck, the fragrant nape of his neck.

"Stop looking at me like that." Nico said with his eyes still closed, although Percy could feel his face between his hands slowly warming up.

"How am I looking at you?”

"Like I would run away.”

"That's not why I'm looking at you." Percy continued touching Nico's skin, running his fingers down Nico's neck, and stopping with his hand on the choker, finally leaning over Nico, kissing him softly on the leather. Percy raises his lips and finds that piece of skin, right behind Nico's ear, which makes the boy shiver from head to toe.

Of course this is the moment where Luke yells for them to find a room.

“Where did he come from?” Nico says, and something in his voice makes Percy stop and look at him, seeing Nico open his eyes softly. Percy could force himself to believe that nothing was wrong, but... it was so obvious. “I saw you hugging Luke.”

So, that was it.

"He's just a friend.”

"I don't like this." At this moment, Nico really looked at him and emphasized every word. "Just a friend? Just like he was when I was in Italy, is that it?”

"Wow." Percy was speechless. It was kind of funny, even if deep down Nico was right. Any friend could have become more when Nico was on the other side of the world and Percy was there, alone and lonely.

"Wasn't that what you did?”

“You’re right,” Percy said, trying to calm his fussy baby. “I didn’t know this was a problem.”

"You didn't act any different than me when I told you about my ex-boyfriend.”

Hm. That was true. As always, Nico was right.

Percy thought about justifying himself and saying that they were angry for different reasons. He didn't understand why Nico had to go looking for sex on the other side of the world and Nico didn't like that Percy had tried to replace him with the first person who appeared.

"I'm so sorry, baby. I swear that's in the past. I promise it won't happen again.”

“Have you had sex with other people or touching your “friends” is something usual?”

This time, Percy couldn't hold it in. He threw his head back and laughed. Gods! He missed Nico so much, the senseless jealousy and obsession they both had for each other. Even though he understood it was wrong, it was like coming home after a long, tiring day.

"Both. I won't do either without your consent.”

Then the cutest thing happened. Like the baby that Nico was, he pouted and puffed out his cheeks, showing his displeasure, and then he turned to the side, hiding his face in Percy’s belly.

"Sometimes I hate you. I hate this feeling that eats away inside of me. I want you all to myself. I know you do these things on purpose!" Nico raised his voice and sank even deeper into his lap, rubbing himself against Percy a little too much.

Now, who was doing what they shouldn't have done on purpose?

"Baby, I swear. I didn't do this--”

"Percy, it's been a while.”

Damn! Did she have to show up right now?

For a moment the voices around the courtyard seemed to fall silent, and there was a strange silence, as if the other people had frozen in place to listen better and see what would happen. Even Nico seemed to stop breathing, tensing in his arms and turning his back to Annabeth . And just when he said he wouldn't do those things...

"Per-cy!”

"You don't need to shout, everyone can hear you." He murmured, trying to ease the situation.

"When are you going to get tickets to the dance?”

"I don't know what you're talking about.”

"Don't you remember? You promised.”

"Only in your dreams.”

Percy couldn't help but look down and see that Nico was already staring at him, furious, a look so determined that he knew he would have to make amends. He barely realized that he was still holding Nico's hair and necklace, still with his fingers on Nico's skin, possessive and protective. The biggest surprise came next, Nico grabbed his hands and pulled them away from him, struggling to get up, trying to run away from him once again.

That was enough for Percy to spring into action. Percy pushed Nico back, and turned him around, making him sit on his lap, once again with his back to Annabeth .

"Where do you think you're going, hm?”

"I thought you wanted to talk to your friends.”

Oh, so much hurt, so much jealousy, so bitter. Would he be a horrible person just for knowing that Nico cared so much, even if it was through such bad emotions?

“Baby?”

“What is it?!”

Percy lifted Nico's head, who refused to look at him, and got closer to his ear, so that only Nico could hear:

"I love you. Only you and no one else.”

"Liar!”

"I would never spoil anyone the way I spoil you. I would never indulge your every whim or allow myself to be so vulnerable if I didn't love you. You know what else I would never do?”

"What?" This time, Nico's voice came out much lower, almost a whisper.

"I would never fuck you like I do to you. I would never accept submission from anyone other than you. Why would I choose anyone else when the most perfect, obedient thing is right in front of me. Hm? Answer me.”

Nico pulled back just enough to look at him, his face and ears now on fire. His attitude completely different than it had been five minutes ago.

"I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say those things. I just…”

"I should punish you. I should show you what naughty boys deserve.”

The moment would have been comical if Percy hadn't been so turned on, and apparently, Nico was too; he could feel the small bulge against his lower belly, and the way Nico moaned and held onto his shoulders would have told him what was going on anyway.

"Now, how are you going to apologize?”

"Apologize?" Nico looked confused, but even so, he moved closer to him, pressing their bodies together and hugging him by the neck.

Nico only needed a little push and their lips were connecting. Their tongues soon met and a breathy moan followed. Unfortunately, Percy couldn't let things go too far, after all they were still in public, and his baby was too good for those predatory eyes, looking for the next gossip.

Percy grabbed Nico by the back of his neck and pulled their mouths apart, watching Nico gasp as if they had done much more than just share a quick kiss. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to leave Nico without sex for too long.

"How about we go home, hm? Take a relaxing bath? I promise we'll study as much as you want tomorrow.”

Nico just nodded, blinking slowly. He helped Nico pick up his bags, and when he stood up, Annabeth was still standing in the middle of the path, closer than Percy would have liked her to be. Well, that didn't matter. As long as Annabeth didn't intrude on his life, she could do whatever she wanted, even if it meant watching him like a hawk.

Japan has a bara maid cafe and im typing this from the airport

Alright, I think I like tumblr now.

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

That was on July 7th.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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