How To Write Defiance: A Quick Guide For Writers

Growing up with your starters

Artist:  esasi8794 / Twitter

Maybe you’ve met the right person, but you’re just not ready to fall in love.

Unknown (via perfectfeelings)

I've seen that a part of the fandom seems to think Percy treated Nico horribly or something, but I don't remember anything like that at all. I thought Percy was better to Nico than most people. I thought you'd be able to clarify, where did the whole Percy treated Nico badly thing come from? Is there something I'm forgetting? Thoughts?

Probably came from the part of the fandom that’s just whack. Like, from the antis who hate Nico/Percy and scramble for any “reason” to hate it, because they can’t just say “hey, this isn’t my taste! That’s okay! I’ll be over there, with the thing I like instead, you have fun with yours!”, they need ““valid”“ reasons to hate a ship so they’ll overexaggerate things. There are also, weirdly enough, people in this fandom who dislike Percy - and yes, yes, in a fandom that bears said character’s name and tells five whole books from said character’s perspective it is fundamentally weird if you ARE in this fandom and dislike the titular protagonist why are you even here - so, yeah, I’m sure a lot of it is also just bullshit to hate on Percy and, potentially, to prop certain other things; characters or *cough* ships, up. So, I’m sure that about 85% of those complaints root from those three things.

The other 15% are somewhat based in reality.

Like, Percy being kinda dismissive and annoyed by overly excitable kid Nico when they first met. When. Uh. Percy was a whole kid himself back then and yeah you can get annoyed? Some people also think Percy should have done “more” for Nico in PJO and be nicer to him. More than... spend literally over a year searching everywhere for Nico, trying to find him and bring him back to camp?

I’ll give them one thing; Percy’s reaction in Mark of Athena wasn’t stellar, when Nico had just been kidnapped and tortured and nearly died and Percy was like “I wanna wring his neck for lying to me” - but, deadass, that was less Percy and more Riordan; he wrote real shit in that book, because this was also the book that brought us Annabeth judo-flipping Percy to punish Percy for getting kidnapped and memory-wiped. Riordan was on a real victim-blaming streak there and on a “this child has just been traumatized? Better add physical violence For Funsies!”.

For some reason, Riordan really laid heavy on “villainizing” Percy in HoO; the forgotten promises part, making it look like Percy was a shit friend to Bob and to Calypso and to Nico and then making his own fucking girlfriend act like she’s afraid of him in Tartarus because even she isn’t sure what he’s capable of. It was like a bizarre mirror world where Riordan tried to play dark!Percy but uh with our regular Percy and no real base...?

So I can somewhat see where people took that awful canon characterization of Percy and just applied it to that.

But you’d have to ask someone who actually believes that shit for their opinion on why they think Percy treated Nico poorly, because seeing as how I don’t subscribe to that warped perception of reality I am truly not of much help on that matter. xD

Hoje faço 2 anos de Tumblr! 🥳 Nem acredito que faz tanto tempo!

Aurora Ajuda para Escritores, o inicio

Oii, como vai? Como prometido, hoje começamos a "Ajuda para escritores". Eu entendo se você não estiver interessado nesse tipo de conteúdo. Assim, vamos usar a tag Aurora Ajuda para Escritores, e se você costumava acompanhar o blog @desafiodeescritadiario, vai reconhecer vários dos posts que surgirão por aqui.

Com isso em mente, tentei lembrar dos primeiros artigos que li sobre o assunto ou o que de fato me ajudou nesse fase inicial. Ai me lembrei que minhas primeiras histórias nem chegaram a ser colocadas no papel e elas sequer se pareciam com histórias.

É verdade que para mim escrever sempre esteve ligado a fanfiction, pois nunca tinha passado pela minha cabeça que escrever era algo possível fora da alta literatura, isso é, uma arte que permite nos expressar livremente ao invés de nos colocar em caixinhas pré-definidas. Hoje eu entendo que quando entrei em contato com as fanfics, no começo dos anos 2000, o acesso á escrita era bem limitado, e divulgação sobre o assunto era ainda mais, mesmo que tenha sido incrível presenciar o começo e o desenvolvimento das fanfics no Brasil, lembro que o fandom do Harry Potter já era bem formado e de Supernatural estava começando a se expandir.

O que eu realmente quero dizer é que as fanfics foram um incentivador melhor do que qualquer livro ou professor poderia fazer, e foi lendo centenas de Fanfics que eu iniciei na arte de escrever. Entretanto, depois de um tempo mergulhada nesse mundo, senti a falta de algo a mais, algo que fosse mais concreto e que me permitisse ampliar meu conhecimento sobre narrativas. Foi aí que minha vontade de aprender se tornou a cede de conhecimento, me forçando a aprender técnicas de escrita e me aprofundar melhor na criação de personagens, que eu tenho que admitir, lutei muito contra. Só que eu gostei tanto de desenvolver personalidades que esse acabou se tornando meu foco de escrita e que fez, devagar, ir me afastando de textos mais canon, num ponto de vista de escritora, porque no leitora, eu devoro tudo o que aparecer, desde que seja bem escrito.

Assim, ao invés de me focar no enredo, decidi me focar nos personagens, seu psicológico, vontades, falhas e história de vida, e como o enredo poderia afetar diretamente meus personagens. A partir de hoje, é como levaremos esse projeto, tentaremos desenvolver todos os aspectos que envolvem uma boa narrativa, porém, de forma bem estrutura e levemente técnica, também tentando trazer discussões sobre o tema. Sempre vou tentar usar a linguagem mais simples possível para uma assimilação mais facilitada, e se possível vou usar exemplos práticos.

Para começarmos, gostaria de compartilhar a forma simples que eu conheço para estruturar uma história:

Elementos da Narrativa

Esse é um jeito de montar uma cena ou capítulo da forma mais descomplicada que eu já vi. Ela também pode ser usada para organizar a historia como um todo, porque esse sistema te faz pensar sobre o enredo em sua completude.

Ela é composta de:

• Cena – o que se vai narrar (O quê?)

• Tempo – quando o fato ocorreu (Quando?)

• Lugar – onde o fato se deu (Onde?)

• Personagens – quem participou ou observou o ocorrido (Com quem?)

• Causa – motivo que determinou a ocorrência (Por quê?)

• Modo – como se deu o fato (Como?)

• Consequências – Geralmente provoca determinado desfecho.

Sim, esse é um jeito simplificado de ver os elementos da narrativa. Logo teremos posts que nos ajudaram a mergulharmos mais afundo no estudo da narrativa

Se você quiser se adiantar e ler os próximos posts, temos um Patreon para as dias, contando com mais de 40 posts sobre dicas de escrita e Prompts Criativos. Por lá temos posts toda segunda e quinta.

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está criando Ajuda e Dicas de Escrita

Antes de encerrarmos esse post gostaria de saber qual seu nível de escrita. Assim, posso trazer assuntos que agradem a todos. E claro, se você quiser saber algo de especifico, vou ficar feliz de receber sua ask.

Espero que esse post tenha sido útil e até a próxima.

ShortStories - #1, #2 and #3

Hi, how are you? We have a new project! ShortStories, short stories starting at 500 words, something to keep me busy while I don't finish my other stories. I wasn't going to post them in English, but… why not? Here are the first few stories. The next story will be in the same text with the portuguese version.

There will be a new chapter on “Sitter's Love” later today.

ShortStory #1 - The payback (Cockhold+cheating)

For what seemed like the millionth time, he wriggled in his chair, trying to find a position that wasn't so uncomfortable. However, after almost two hours sitting in that wooden chair, he no longer had any hope of comfort. Will was in their bedroom, the place he and his husband shared. Well, not that night. And if Will were honest with himself, he could admit that Nico and he hadn't shared the same bed for many months.

Will was trying to be a good partner, trying to make amends for past mistakes, and that was the only reason he was in this situation. His surprise came when Nico, his husband of two years, discovered his betrayal. Or rather, informed him of it. The real surprise was knowing that Nico wanted Will to feel everything he had felt, and without a choice, Will agreed, of course. It was either that, or divorce, losing his best friend of the last twenty years.

Knowing that Nico wanted to pay him back was acceptable, but having to witness it in person was too much for him. Especially having to see a guy almost seven feet tall, holding Nico down and almost disappearing underneath him. Seeing Nico moaning like he had never moaned before was what was really unacceptable.

Will really didn't want to see it, he didn't even want to look in their direction. Although that was the deal. Will couldn't get up from that chair until Nico let him. But he couldn't help it, Nico moaned so loudly that Will had to look. And even from that distance, it was impossible not to notice the large, wet member, sliding in again and again, seeming to open Nico up even more with each movement, the small, delicate entrance now slightly swollen and pink, the legs spread wide and the spine curved, uninterrupted moans, almost grunts as the guy on top of Nico hinted that he wouldn't stop anytime soon, not until Nico begged for mercy.

Somehow, Nico still had time to mock him. For, every now and then, he would turn his head and look at Will, smiling as sweetly as ever, but moaning, as if this was the best day of his life, and say softly, “Now that you've seen how it's done, you can do it too.”

It made Will's heart leap, knowing that this wouldn't be the last time he'd see him having sex with this man in his house. Wiil loved him more than his sense of pride, and now that Nico had the power in their relationship, there was no stopping him.

And so it happened. Every weekend, Perseus came and used Nico as he pleased; he touched him, kissed him, fucked him and on one occasion, Percy put Nico over his lap and spanked him in front of him, the satisfied look on the man's face and Nico's sweet moans infuriating him a little more every minute. But if he had known that this was the beginning of the end, Will would have enjoyed his last moments, would have tried to convince Nico to stop.

From that day on, Perseus started going on dates with Nico, just the two of them, movies, dinners, romantic walks, motels.

How did he know that? The bills came in on his credit card, one bill more expensive than the next, descriptions indicating that they were traveling to neighboring towns or even plane tickets. But the times they were at home? He still heard the moans, Nico's crying, his sighs, and Perseus' laughter and grunts of pleasure. If that wasn't enough, he could hear them talking. Their future plans, what they were going to do for Nico's birthday and what clothes Nico should wear to the party Percy's mother was going to throw for him.

That was how Will had to put a stop to it, finding them on the sofa in the living room, Perseus on top of Nico, kissing him, his hands between Nico's legs, legs that were on Perseus' shoulder, three fingers moving deep inside Nico, only to see those fingers replaced by the member that Will admitted was bigger than his, entering slowly but sliding in smoothly, Nico closing his eyes and letting out another of those moans that would haunt him for the rest of his life.

There was nothing Will could do.

He left the living room and headed for his bedroom, sat at the foot of the bed and stared at the white wall next to his television, still listening to the moans, now the sounds of skin hitting skin intensifying and echoing around the apartment. All that remained was for him to call his lawyer.

Well, things happened faster than he thought they might. The following week, on a Tuesday, part of his furniture was gone along with all of Nico's things. The television that Nico loved so much, the sofa, some kitchen utensils and everything in Nico's room. He felt alone and couldn't blame anyone but himself.

ShortStory #2 - I know you want to (cheating + blowjob + babysitter)

“I know you want to.” Nico said, without even hesitating.

Kneeling at his feet and staring at him with the most innocent eyes Percy had ever seen, the boy who was old enough to be his son, rested his hands on his lap and moistened his lips, he opened his mouth and stuck out his tongue, inviting Percy to come closer to him.

How could Percy resist, faced with this vision that had been recurring in his darkest dreams, and that was now presented to him on a golden platter? How could he look away from that plump, red mouth, the long, elegant neck and the slender body that was finally exactly where Percy wanted it most? And since Nico was already on his knees in front of him, without Percy even having to ask, still looking at him with that deceptive expression of innocence and shyness, Percy wouldn't miss the opportunity he was being given.

Before he did anything stupid, Percy closed his eyes, trying to think through the fog of lust that was overtaking him. Gods! What was he doing? Or rather, what was he about to do? Percy never thought Nico would be capable of doing something like this, he was his sweet young babysitter, the little boy he had seen growing up, running around with the other children, always smiling at him and stopping in front of his house to talk to him. But now, the immaculate image of the little boy with the olive skin and deep black eyes was transformed, and all Percy wanted was to touch Nico, it was all he had wanted since Nico had started working for him and his wife, noticing how the shy little boy had become a man, handsome and tall, always helpful and available, no matter when he and his wife needed his babysitting services.

“Please, sir. I... I want... I know your wife doesn't touch you anymore. Please, I can show you that I'm better than her.”

Percy was beginning to suspect that Nico was right. Annabeth had no interest in sex, and he had no interest in having sex with her. That didn't make what was about to happen any better or right. Although he didn't need to worry about being caught, his wife wouldn't be back from her trip until next week, probably longer than that if he knew her, and his children were upstairs, sound asleep by now. If they acted quickly and were quiet, he was sure no one would know.

“Are you sure about this?” Percy couldn't help himself and reached out, touching Nico's face, soft and velvety, letting his fingers slide over Nico's cheekbones and then touching his lips, fingering the outline of them, which opened once more, Nico's tongue coming out and meeting his fingertips, sucking them leisurely, staring at him, as if challenging him.

Well, Nico hadn't used words, but the gesture was more than enough. Percy couldn't keep a sigh from escaping his mouth when he finally unzipped his pants, pulling his hard member out of his underwear. Percy massaged the length for a few moments before guiding it towards the lips that were still waiting for him, wet and open, Nico gasping slightly.

In the end, letting Nico wrap his member around those soft lips and suck on it for long minutes had been one of the easiest decisions of his life, and when he finally reached Nico's throat after a few moments, feeling him choke slightly, his second easiest decision came too; Percy grabbed Nico's hair and let himself go in and out, watching Nico's dark eyes water, fixed on him, while Nico, now with his lips relaxed around him, swallowed around Percy and touched his own member, small and wet, Percy feeling Nico shudder and moan, enraptured by the scene he was seeing. 

ShortStory #3 - Just married (fingering+orgasm denial+chastity)

Nico woke up that morning, slowly. First there were the soft rays of sunlight coming through the blinds, then, broad shoulders against his back, arms encircling his hips and finally, he felt fingers sliding between his legs, gentle, even if the feel of them left a rough, warm track by his exploration, briefly navigating over his tightly locked member and finally reaching his entrance, rubbing gently, making Nico shudder just at the delicate touch around the slightly wrinkled entrance, his muscles still relaxed from last night.

Nico responded immediately, and in the only way he could, the way Percy had taught him. He groaned against the pillows and remained exactly as he was, the way Percy had positioned him on the bed; lying on his side, facing the bedroom wall, legs slightly apart, relaxed against the sheets. In fact, this was one of the most comfortable positions for them. For Nico, it was the lack of any kind of discomfort or pain, for Percy, free and unimpeded access, no matter what Percy had planned for that moment.

He arched his back and gripped the pillow, trying to breathe slowly, feeling Percy's fingers finally apply a little more pressure, still without penetrating him, rubbing around and sliding in a little just to withdraw again with those circular movements around, although it was the right pressure and the perfect rhythm, driving him a little crazier with each movement.

But it was all right, because this was a special moment, the first day of the rest of their lives, their first day as a married couple. And after going the whole night without having an orgasm, months in fact, Percy had kept him locked up for the entire engagement period, as the proof of fidelity Percy had asked of him.

At first Nico hadn't seen a problem, they'd dated for three years, two months without cumming in the way he was used to didn't seem too difficult. What he soon discovered was that it meant not having an orgasm at all.

Nico admitted that their relationship had changed completely, but if he could be honest, they had just taken it a step further, as if they were testing the likelihood of their marriage actually working out.

It wasn't a surprise exactly, perhaps at most it was the consequence of what would happen sooner or later.

He had always been more... quiet and reserved, while Percy liked to take charge and do things his way, if possible, Percy would take matters into his own hands.

Deep down, it was the main reason that brought them together and kept them connected for so long; three years of dating and two months of engagement.

So, when Percy asked, Nico obeyed, discovering that cumming... wasn't even that important. Of course, that was the gateway to other things happening, things he didn't even hesitate to do, and only because he trusted Percy with all his heart, soul and body.

Still, Percy didn't need to torture him like that, in fact, he didn't need to torture him for two months straight, relentlessly and mercilessly, and no matter how much Nico begged, just once, just one orgasm, the key to the cage remained hidden or around Percy's neck, mocking him, even if Percy made up for it by always being around, asking for his opinion on something that in the end Percy would have the last word on, or by his touch that every day became more intense and permanent, like a mark becoming more visible and vibrant.

Nico swore, he was trying to be a good boy, just like Percy liked, the most obedient and the most patient, he swore, but... he felt something in his chest, something that squeezed his throat and choked him; he wanted to wait a little longer, he tried to hold this feeling inside, but he felt that he was about to cross a line, he would cross a limit that Nico didn't know he had and only realized when he first met Percy one Saturday morning in an expensive, gourmet diner, seeing a tall, smiling man flirting with the waitress.

He couldn't hold back the next moan, a gasping whimper that stole his breath when, finally, feeling himself tense up, Percy massaged around for a few more moments and inserted two fingers inside him. Nico felt his head spin for a moment and spread his legs wider, he loved to come while he was being penetrated, and he felt that feeling of completion come faster than ever.

As Percy's fingers went deeper and became more energetic, the more Nico lost control of his body. But this had never happened before, as if he was going to come even with the cage, a tight, suffocating piece of metal around his member that didn't even allow him to get hard, something that Nico had thought impossible until a few months ago. But then Percy stopped moving his fingers, pulling him even closer, as Nico prepared to finally explode, saying:

“I thought you were too tired to continue.”

“I'm sorry, I...” Nico didn't know what to do. Percy usually didn't ask questions that required him to actually think. The worst thing was that Percy didn't even sound mean or merciless, as he sometimes did; it was an almost curious, exploratory tone, as if Percy knew something he didn't and wanted Nico to find out for himself.

“I...” Nico didn't know what the right answer was. Usually, he would know. Percy wasn't even giving him a clue. Sometimes Nico felt bad about it, guilty for some reason, it was strange to feel that his opinion didn't matter and that his only duty was to fulfill his owner's wishes. He didn't even know why he was thinking about it now, things had always been like this, even though neither of them had expressed it in words, they were both comfortable and their relationship had worked that way from the start. So why, exactly when he was already married, were these thoughts haunting him?

When Nico didn't answer, Percy grabbed his hair and made him face Percy with a tug that brought stars to his eyes, making his mind go blank for a few moments and his thoughts quickly disappear.

“I asked you a question.” Percy whispered in his ear, hoarse and in control.

For a long moment, all Nico could do was close his eyes and whimper, confused.

“It's not that hard. I asked if you deserve it, not if you want it.”

“No, sir. I don't deserve it!”

“Hmm, that's right. You don't deserve it.”

Percy moved his fingers inside him again, and it felt even worse, somehow Nico felt himself becoming even more sensitive to Percy's touches, feeling those fingers opening him up again even more slowly than before, twisting and fingering around, one of his hands holding him around the waist, Percy's calm, contained breathing against his ear.

“I know you want to come, baby. That's better for you. You'll get used to it in a few more days. If you need to, just tell me and I'll make it all better. Isn't that nice, hm?”

Percy was right. He had never felt so much pleasure like he had in the last two months, and in fact, he felt so much pleasure that he thought he was going to explode with the need to come and to allow that pleasure to flow out of him.

Nico could still remember the first time he had come with Percy, it had been perfect, a sensation that seemed to come from deep inside him and emerge through his spine, long and intense, that left him satisfied like nothing else had ever been able to do. But now, it was the opposite, it was something that remained on the surface of his skin and that didn't let him think about anything other than Percy, his touch and his voice, when he would finally be allowed to feel that sensation again.

“Shh, don't cry. I promise it'll get better.”

He wasn't crying!

“Shhh, it's okay. See?”

Nico knew what was coming and yet he moaned, sobbing as if his mother had died a second time. Percy replaced his fingers with his member, rubbing the big head against his entrance, penetrating him on the first try. He... he really loved feeling Percy fill him like this, without warning or permission, making him take every inch until he couldn't go any deeper.

“There. My baby is so obedient. Just a little bit more, okay?”

“Hm?”

He thought he had moaned again, like a purr, something that made Percy laugh right next to his ear, for some reason embarrassing him, making the familiar feeling of humiliation crawl up his spine and lodge in his brain like a worm.

“That's perfect, baby. Just a little longer.”

Percy took hold of one of his legs and slipped one of his between Nico's thighs, changing the position, allowing for a deeper penetration.

“Are you ready?”

Ready for what?, Nico wanted to ask. That is, he would have if Percy had given him time.

At first Nico didn't understand what was happening, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Percy began to move, hitting that little spot that always made him tremble, but something seemed... seemed different. Percy let go of his legs and his hands slid up his thighs and towards his abdomen, massaging gently, making Nico understand that Percy was touching the very member that was inside Nico, making the bulge there more evident. However, what really surprised him was that Percy's other hand went up and up, past his nipples and stopped at his neck, his fingers holding him firmly there.

For a moment, Percy stopped moving and Nico felt like he had stopped breathing, and when he did nothing more than gasp, still feeling Percy's fingers around his neck, Percy started moving again. It felt good at first, Percy seeming to reach for his prostate with every movement and the hand around his neck comforting him in some twisted way, but then something changed, and he was moaning like he'd never moaned before; he'd swapped places with a rag doll who had only one duty, to moan and be obedient. The hand around his neck tightened, just a little, the member inside seemed to go deeper and hit him harder, drawing gasping sobs from him.

“Just a little bit more, baby.” Percy whispered in his ear, again and again, the sound of their bodies meeting insistently. With each word and each precise movement, Nico felt his mind emptying, felt Percy's fingers taking his air, until all that was left was the sound of Percy's voice against his ear and the sensation of eternal pleasure that transformed him into this rag doll with no life or will of his own.

“Look at that, baby.”

Percy grabbed his hair and turned his head in the right direction. Nico looked down at his own lap, at his member trapped by the cage that was now stuffed, and in the central hole, he could see what Percy could also see. He was cumming, or something close to it, with every movement of Percy's hips, a liquid overflowed from his member in weak jets between long intervals of seconds. Nico felt... felt his soul leaving his body with each of these jets, nothing reminiscent of an orgasm, but similar to the months trapped inside the cage, only now intense and painful, something that made him lose the rest of his sanity.

“Fuck, baby. I'm so proud. Fuck!”

Nico didn't understand exactly what was happening, only that he had to close his eyes to feel himself leaking a little more, while Percy held him tighter in his arms, finally sighing and stopping his movement, still inside Nico.

“I love you, baby.”

“I love you more.” Nico answered, because it was the one thing he had no doubt about.

So, what did you think? I even thought about continuing the third story, but then that would go against the purpose of the project. Maybe I can continue it in the future? Let me know what you think!

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

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

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

Chapter VI 

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

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

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

Percy Jackson.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You came!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And honestly? He was already getting tired of this.

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

"Did your daddy teach you?”

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

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

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

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

"And your mother?”

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

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

"Do you like your mother?" Alice asked.

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

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

"And your father?" Logan wanted to know.

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

"Like mom and dad?”

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

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

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

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

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

"Let's play 10 questions!”

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

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

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

"Okay. Stand up. You too, Alice.”

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

"Hey!"Logan complained, crossing his arms.

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

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

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

"Wow! This is so delicious!”

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

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

Chapter VII 

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

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

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

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

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

"Ah… then I… I think I’ll go.”

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

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

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

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

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

Oh, it was true! He had forgotten.

"I made soup.”

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

"It's in the fridge.”

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

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

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

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

"Nah. We have frozen food.”

"Ah." Nico said.

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

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

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

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

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

"How old are you again?”

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

"I wanted to talk to you about this.”

"Please, call me Percy.”

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

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

"What is it?" Nico had to ask.

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

"Right…?”

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

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

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

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

"Oh." Now he understood.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I see you like children…”

Nico shrugged again.

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

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

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

“Is that so?" He had completely forgotten.

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

"Hmm.”

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

"Oh. Right.”

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

"I have no clean clothes.”

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

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

Thanks for your support!

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

Look who's back! Since I wasn't going to be able to post over the weekend, I decided to release the chapter today. I hope you like it!

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

Previously:

''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 leading Nico away from the crowd, Percy turned to Annabeth: "You weren't invited. Go away.”

''But, Percy! You promised!’’

''I didn't promise you 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 rage. The worst thing was that instead of getting angry at the display of possessiveness, his chest felt warm again. He couldn't even judge Nico's behavior when he himself had done worse thinfs. In fact, Percy loved seeing Nico so affected and emotional, so different from the little boy who kept everything to himself and never showed his feelings. Percy felt relieved, like he didn't have to carry these feelings alone and that maybe, just maybe, Nico wanted him as much as Percy wanted Nico.

''Stop smiling.'' Nico murmured against his shoulder, still holding him by the waist. It was okay because Percy was holding him back, just as tight as Nico, guiding him back and up the stairs, into his room once again, both of them sitting on his bed.

''You want to talk?'' Percy tried. He loved knowing that Nico had acted that way because of him, the problem was that this wasn't Nico's usual behavior. And if there was something wrong, Percy wanted to fix it before it was too late.

Not that he really expected Nico to hide anything from him, but...

''It's nothing.'' Then, Nico lifted his head from his shoulder and stared at him with those big, black, watery eyes, and grabbed his shirt as if he was going to rip it out of the way. ''It's just... it's just that she keeps stalking me! Saying that you hook up with her and... and that you spent a lot of time together and that's why you were going to the dance with her!

''Nico. Baby.'' Maybe Percy was sounding a bit... authoritarian. Rude. Cold, even. Sometimes it was the only way to get Nico to listen to him, which worked perfectly.

Nico immediately stopped complaining and his face flushed an incredible shade of red. Percy loved these moments when he could see the old Nico resurface, all obedient and well-behaved, so shy that it made Percy want to lock the door and show how insignificant Annabeth truly was. Maybe he should, actions would always speak louder than words.

''What's the problem?'' Percy tried one more time.

''Is it true?”

''I hooked up with some boys. Luke is one of them. She only helped me with a few study sessions and in return I would go to the prom with her.’’

''That's it?'' Nico moved closer to him, kneeling on the bed and crawling to sit on his lap.

''I would never date her. After studying with her twice, I ended our sessions.’’

''Why?’’

''I didn't need it anymore.'' Percy shrugged, but that didn't seem to convince Nico even in his inebriated state.

''She tried to kiss you, didn't she?’’

''How do you know that?’

''She may have implied something like that…’’

So that was the problem.

''Darling, you don't have to worry. I'm going to marry you. Isn't that enough to prove how much I love you?’’

Nico looked at him for a long moment and bit his lips, looking anxious: "Just because you gave me a ring doesn't mean that a wedding is going to happen.’’

Gods! And Percy thinking he was the insecure one in the relationship.

''Do you want to set a date? How about the month after our graduation? The summer before college?’’

''I…'' Nico opened his eyes wide, seeming to wake up, and sat down better on Percy's lap, putting some distance between them. ''We didn't even had an engagement party! How could I arrange… arrange…

Now Nico looked like he was going to throw up. Or maybe run away of anxiety.

''Shhh... it's an idea I want you to think about. I want to be with you for the rest of my life. A party and a document saying we're a couple is just a detail. Do you understand me, Nico?’’

''Per!'' Nico squealed and threw himself at Percy, catching him off guard. Nico knocked them backwards onto the bed and Percy laughed, surprised and pleased, hearing Nico sniffle: "Why do you do this to me? I want to get married somewhere beautiful and outdoors! With lots of music and food. Then I want to travel all summer with you and take you to meet my Nona!

''That's great. But why are you crying?'' Percy smiled at Nico and put his hand to his slightly flushed face, now beginning to swell  because of the tears. ''Don't cry, okay?’’

''Then don't say those things to me! My heart can't take it.'' To show how sincere Nico was, he took Percy's hand and brought it to his chest. 

In fact, Nico's heart was racing, beating wildly against his hands. Maybe Percy should give one more reason for Nico's heart to continue beating so hard because of him. Then, watching Nico's rushed breathing, Percy slid his hand from Nico's chest to his abdomen, slowly and sensuously, down a little further and found Nico's pants. A few gentle touches were all it took and with a slight pressure, a small bulge formed there, Percy deciding that if they hurried no one would notice their delay.

''What-what are you doing?’’

''Showing how special my boy is to me.’’

''Percy!’’

It was already too late for Nico. Percy took Nico off his lap, put him on the bed, knelt on the fluffy carpet and pulled Nico to the edge of the bed. In a few moments, Percy unzipped Nico's jeans and pulled out his cock, all erect and wet at the head, a few fine hairs decorating his crotch. Percy liked that about Nico, he liked everything about him, from the small member to the discreet hairs, he loved that with the gentlest of touches Nico always got aroused, sometimes trying to hide it, sometimes slyly letting himself go. Today, they seemed to be in the middle ground, Nico touching his shoulders, looking like he was going to stop him just to moan and throw his head back when Percy stroked the base, feeling the soft skin, wrapping his hand around Nico's entire cock, massaging slowly until a real mess was done.

''Do you want to cum in my hand or in my mouth?'' Percy asked, intending to let Nico decide, only to have the pleasure of seeing the same e shyness emanate from Nico's features. ''If you don't tell me, I won't let you cum.’’

''Per-cy!’’

''Come on, just a word.’’

''No!’’

''Do you want me to stop?’’

''Percy!’’

''Please?’’

When Percy saw that this time he had lost, he gave up.

''This time, I'll decide. But next time, I'll torture you until you beg me.’’

Percy was a man of his word. Without warning, he grabbed Nico's legs, put them over his shoulders and grabbed Nico's hips, holding him in place. He'd like to say Nico had lasted, the problem was that they didn't have much time. A long lick, a kiss on the head and a few sucks were all it took for Nico to come, Nico's legs wrapped around his shoulder and long, slender fingers dug in, tugging at his hair. It was a wonderful sight for Percy. Under two minutes Nico had come and now the little boy was gasping at the ceiling, melted against the sheets. Percy could safely say, it had been a record even for him. But that was okay, they had the rest of the night and Sunday to enjoy themselfs.

***

After five minutes, Nico and Percy appeared at the party  hand in hand and both much calmer than before. Nico had a flushed face and a relaxed expression, while Percy had his hair slightly out of place and a big smile on his face. It was obvious what had happened to anyone with a lick of common sense, although it was something new for the small crowd at that dinner. Nico used to be an untouched angel, but it seemed that now he had become human like everyone else. 

Well, Percy didn't mind the gossip, which didn't mean he liked the way people looked at Nico. Would it be too bad if he took Nico and went somewhere else? Maybe…

''Percy, my boy!'' Percy heard a voice booming behind them and immediately knew who it was. The infamous Hades. Not for him, but it wasn't Percy who had to live with an absent father. Poseidon may have betrayed his mother, but the man was present at every stage of his life.

''Sir.'' Percy greeted.

''I see you've finally got your act together.’’

Hades approached and, with a big smile full of white teeth and eyes as black as Nico's, shook his hand energetically. When it was Nico's turn to be hugged, the boy took a step back, his previously happy features turning bitter faster than a rotten fruit falling to the ground.

''Hades.'' Nico said, and just to make sure, he took another step back, away from Hades and Percy. ''Who invited you?’’

''Sally. I came with Bianca. She must be here somewhere.’’

''Good.'' Without another word, Nico turned his back on them and walked into the crowd, disappearing from sight.

''I see things are going well?’’

''They are. Thanks.’’

''How is Nico?’’

''Very good. Better than before.’’

''That's good. Keep it up.’’

With that, Hades touched his shoulder, waved and as quickly as Nico, disappeared among the crowd. 

What could Percy say? The Di Angelo's were known for their brevity. They were always direct and said only what they needed to say. It might seem strange, Percy knew that. The fact was that he and Hades had a deal. Percy would tell him what was going on in Nico's life and Hades wouldn't meddle in their relationship. It worked well for everyone. There was a time when Percy thought that Hades would stop him and Nico from being friends, but then the next day Hades paid a visit to his house, spoke to his mother and apologized. They've had this agreement ever since. Nico knows this, of course, which doesn't make it any easier. Percy was always worried when father and son met, so it was his turn to get into the crowd, looking for Nico's black hair.

It didn't take long to find him. Nico was sitting at one of the empty tables; plates, bowls and cutlery were already arranged on the table for the dinner that would take place later. No one needed to be told what was going on. Percy came around the table and hugged Nico from behind, squeezing him tightly between his arms.

''I'm so sorry.'' He whispered so that only Nico could hear.

''Did he ask how I was?’’

''Yes.’’

''Ridiculous.’’

And it really was. Instead of Hades talking to his son, the man preferred to ask him, or anyone other than Nico himself.

''I'm sorry.'' That was all he could say. Then he put his face against Nico's neck and kissed him there, listening to Nico laugh, contracting all over.

''It tickles.’’

''Tickles, sure.’’

''You dork.’’

Nico turned in his arms and finally hugged him back, sighing and leaning his face against Percy’s shoulder.

''I don't know why I still care.’’

''He's your father.’’

''He didn't even had the courage to visit us at Nona's house! And then he shows up like this, like everything’s fine.’’

''I know.’’

''Do you know how long it's been since I've seen him? A whole year! I had to call him to let him know I was coming back. What kind of father does that?’’

''Shhh. He's not worth your worry.’’

''It's so frustrating!’’

''Nico.’’

''What?’’ 

''Would you like to dance with me?’’

''What'' This made Nico stop in the middle of another rant and raise his head, his eyes watering without shedding any tears.

''Let's dance.’’

Percy took Nico's hand and pulled him gently across the lawn until they reached the center of the garden, where a makeshift dance floor had been set up. Percy stopped in the center of the dance floor made of a kind of plastic flooring and approached Nico, putting one of his hands on Nico's waist and the other on his shoulder, while Nico just stood there in the middle of the other people dancing, his frozen reaction drawing even more attention than usual.

''Percy! They're looking at us!'' Nico muttered between his teeth, trying to hide against Percy's chest.

''Let them look. They must be jealous. Look at you, so beautiful and intelligent. How could they not admire something so pretty?’’

''Per-cy!’’

''Okay.'' Percy smiled at Nico and pulled him closer until not a inch remained between them. ''Look at me, okay? Just look at me.’’

The expression on Nico's face softened and only then did Nico relaxed, placing his hands on Percy's shoulders.

''Thank you.'' Nico murmured, looking at him through his eyelashes. ''I don't know what I'd do without you.’’

Percy wanted to crack a joke to see if it would ease the weight on Nico's heart, but when it came to family, there was no way to fix things. So, he decided to do what Percy did best: he grabbed Nico's neck and kissed him in the middle of the dance floor. The world stopped spinning and a silence fell inside his head, because Nico wrapped his arms around his neck and opened his mouth, allowing their lips to touch, without shame or any kind of embarrassment. That was when Percy finally knew that there was nothing to fear or hide. Even with all their problems, he now knew that Nico was finally his.

***

The party had been a great success. The plates had already been cleared away and the half-eaten bowls of desserts were scattered around the tables, although glasses of drinks were still being offered. Champagne, wine, whisky and beer, only the people who liked to drink or who were still dancing were present, with most of the guests saying goodbye to their families on the way out. Well, the fact was that it was getting late and they could finally leave the party without seeming rude.

He waved to Luke, Thalia, Clarisse and Cris who passed them, deciding it was their turn to go too.

''Baby.’’

''Hm?’’

''It's time to go to bed.’’

''Bed?’’

Percy held Nico by the waist so that he wouldn't fall and Nico settled into his lap, resting his head against Percy's shoulder. It was now or never, or it looked like they would spend the rest of the evening sitting around and drinking uncontrollably, which would end up making for a bigger spectacle than Percy was prepared to handle.

He kissed Nico's cheek and stood up, holding Nico's legs, while Nico leaned on his shoulders.

''Hmmm... Per.’’

''Shhh. Hold on tight.’’

That's what Nico did. They walked across the lawn, Percy carrying Nico like a baby and Nico complaining about being woken up. The good thing was that there was no one left to embarrass them. His mother had already left with Tyson since Paul, his mother's new husband, was away on a business trip, Hades and Bianca had stayed at the party for as short as little time as possible, and all their friends were either too drunk to remember anything or had already left. Percy wanted to say that Nico was heavy and that it was hard to see where they were going, but that would be a lie. Nico was so light that he hardly felt the weight, what he felt was Nico glued to him, his legs around his waist, the bulge between them too obvious for him to ignore.

“Per," Nico said again, in that same soft, sweet tone. Only he hadn't expected Nico to be the one to start things off, kissing his neck and breathing against his ear, or rather, moaning and grabbing him tightly.

''We're almost there.’’

They really were, Percy just needed to walk a few more steps and open the door. Or that's what he would have done if Nico hadn't chosen that moment to lift his head and, with his eyes blurred and dilated, and his face flushed, to hold his face and brush his lips against his in a gentle and soft, almost innocent touch.

''Are you going to fuck me today? In your bed, where your family can hear?’’

Percy froze in mid-stride, his legs giving out as the blood in his body rushed to his cock.

''Gods, Nico! How much did you drink?’’

''I'm not drunk!‘’

The way Nico could barely keep his eyes open or his slow speech showed him the other way around. Fortunately, Percy was sober enough to continue the few steps to his room and lock the door, making sure no one interrupted them.

''You've been a very naughty boy today. You deserve a punishment. My little boy, remember what I said earlier today?’’

''Hmm... that you'd let me come? ''Nico tried, hopeful.

''No, I'd make you beg.’’

''Oh'' That's all Nico said before he was thrown onto the bed and his pants were ripped off.

do you ever not write for so long that you’re almost afraid to? like what if I’m dumb now