Sorry For The Vague-ish Posts That Aren’t Inherently Directed At Anything Nor Are Tethered To A Single

O começo do fim

#desafiodascempalavras

Prompt: Apocalipse

Tema: Eles estavam procurando por sobreviventes, mas eu escolhi ficar quieto. Eu gostava daqui.

Prompt tirado de https://promptuarium.wordpress.com/2020/01/06/survivors-2/

O começo do fim

Eles estavam procurando por sobreviventes, mas Nico escolheu ficar quieto. Ele gostava dali, era tranquilo, não havia problemas e nem monstros a serem destruídos.

Ele nunca pensou que fosse gostar tanto de um mundo onde noventa e cinco por cento da população tinha perecido por culpa de uma nova vacina contra o câncer e, ao invés de prevenir tumores, a vacina acabou por mudar o DNA das pessoas, as transformando em um tipo de zumbi que não representava qualquer tipo de perigo; eles andavam por aí durante dias e dias e quando a energia deles acabavam ou eles se definhavam devido a desnutrição, as pessoas infectadas apenas caiam no chão e não se levantavam novamente.

Mas é claro que Nico tinha que ouvir a voz “dele”.

Nico se abaixou atrás de um arbusto, fechando sua bolsa cheia de frutas e ouviu novamente a voz chamando.

— Tem alguém aí?

Nico se virou, se preparando para rastejar para longe dali quando uma voz falou novamente, bem as suas costas:

— Eu sabia que era você. Eu pensei que era minha imaginação, porque faz tempo que eu não sinto a energia de um semideus, então quando eu--

— Cala a boca! Eles vão te escutar!

Nico pegou Percy pelo braço e o puxou para longe, subindo por um caminho íngreme e entrando em uma caverna escondida pela árvores. Era a única opção se ele quisesse continuar escondido.

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

Hi, how are you doing? Things are finally calming down. Maybe there'll be another chapter later this week!

In today's chapter we have another scene from the past. I hope you like it^^

And I have some news. I've made a cover for this story! Also made with artificial intelligence. I feel like I should get paid since I'm practically training them already! But it looks cute.

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

I hope you enjoy it!

''You're funny.'' Nico told him.

''You are.’’

And like third graders, which they both were, they laughed again as they heard the bell ring. Percy hadn't even realized that half an hour had passed, what was more time than he'd usually spent with his old friends these days. And what that said about him, hm?

''We have to go.'' He heard Nico say.

They really had. In a hurry, he helped Nico collect the lunch boxes and accompanied him to his next class, discovering that Nico was in fact in the same classes as him. Was Percy so distracted by trying to hide that he didn't see what was going on around him? Well, that would change from that moment on.

***

A few more days passed and with them, Percy began to pay attention to his surroundings. 

It was strange. How had Percy not noticed Nico's presence until that moment? Everytime Percy looked around, Nico would be there, at any place or time of day, too. That is, until they both went off to their respective homes, rehearsals or trainings, and even then, Percy would still be thinking about Nico; while waiting for his older brother to pick him up or at home helping his mother cook, trying new dishes.

That's what continued to happen for a long time, days, weeks, months, even, was hard to get a sense of time when the hours passed so quickly and the days were all the same. Percy felt like he was emerging from a paralyzing sleep, finding something that finally held his attention. One day he noticed that Nico sat at the front of the room and was very close to the exit door. On another, Nico was more towards the middle of the room and then the little boy appeared next to him, sharing the double desk with him. Grover was in the desk next to his with Juniper, Luke behind him with Thalia.

Percy looked at Nico once again and saw him writing something around a drawing, a black helmet, the handwriting as beautiful as the features of the figure. Percy wanted to ask since when they had sat together. Since when had Nico been part of his group of friends and since when had he felt so comfortable with Nico's presence, with the quietness that Nico's actions brought. Instead, he said in the lowest voice possible:

''What's that?”

''Hm?' 'Nico muttered and looked at him, as calm as ever. ''A design for a novel. I don't know if I'll finish it.”

The strangest thing was that he knew exactly what Nico was talking about. Percy had seen the draft of the novel in one of the breaks shared with food, and like everything Nico did, it was beautiful and delicate, as if Nico put a part of his soul into everything he touched with his hands, whether it was a piece of paper, art, food or homework.

''You should. It's beautiful.”

Nico didn't say anything, he just lowered his head and continued scribbling, his face hidden behind long, black hair that shone as it reflected the sunlight. Nico then doodled a sword and an armor, leather gloves, a crown of roses. The more Percy watched Nico draw, the less Percy understood what was holding his attention so much. Maybe it was the slim hands, the long, elegant fingers, maybe it was Nico's concentrated attitude, or maybe was the relaxed body next to his, his head next to Nico's, admiring the soft lines that revealed so much beauty.

'''Alright, guys. Get your books.'' The teacher said and out of nowhere, part of the magic was broken.

The drawings were still in Nico's notebook, just as beautiful as before, and they were still stuck together, leaning over the shared desk. The difference was that Nico had tensed and looked up at Percy, as if Nico hadn't paid attention to what was happening around him until he heard the teacher's voice. Percy also realized something, maybe he was very close to Nico, hugging him by the shoulders like a prison with no escape.

''Sorry.'' Even with all this in mind, Percy made no move to pull away or let him go.

Percy thought Nico was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. There was nothing like seeing the blush spreading across Nico's face, the darker skin taking on a warmer hue, to look at and to touch too, because even over his clothes, Percy could feel the heat emanating from Nico at the points where they touched; at his shoulders and hips, almost making Percy touch that delicate, beautiful face.

''...mind.”

''Sorry?”

''I don't mind.' 'Nico repeated in the same low, discreet tone, then turned to his notebook and picked up the books they would need.

Percy got the impression that Nico cared, yes, but in a... positive way. He saw the little boy open the book to the right page, lean against the back of the chair and up his arm, starting to read while the teacher explained the subject, like that scene was something completely normal. This made Percy wonder once again: had he ever done this with Nico? Since when were they so close? Wasn't it Annabeth who should have been by his side? Sure, they'd never been that close or acted the way he and Nico were acting, but... since when did she sit on the other side of the room with Clarisse and Silena? Shouldn't he have cared a little more than just being slightly surprised? She was his friend, wasn't she...? Shouldn't Percy miss her? So why had he only noticed Annabeth's absence now?

''Is everything all right?' 'He heard a soft voice beside him, and then, Nico's hand rested on his arm, Percy noticing in his friend's face a worried look.

Percy took a deep breath, letting his shoulders relax, and found himself smiling, something inside his chest warming and pulsing, as if the spark of an unknown feeling inside him was waking up.

''Everything is great. Wonderful. Incredible.”

''You dork.'' Nico rolled his eyes and leaned back against him, continuing to read the text the teacher had asked them.

Well, after that, Percy quickly understood what was going on; or rather, his psychiatrist had helped him understand. Nico wasn't stalking him, but in fact, Nico was doing the same thing he was; Nico was trying to live a discreet life away from prying eyes. Even he, at the age of eleven, admired the image that Nico made. The little boy stood out so much among the other studentes that Percy could clearly see the difference. Straight, wavy, thick hair, a small, fleshy mouth, intense black eyes, it was such a beautiful set that it gave Nico an androgynous, feminine look, although it was impossible to mistake Nico for a girl.

The point was, Nico had found the best places to hide, the same ones that Percy had found too. The music room, the forest, the bleachers near the sports fields further away from the classrooms.

Percy couldn't help himself, day after day, he found himself doing the same steps.

In addition to spending his time in class close to Nico, always during breaks, whether during the day or in the afternoon, he found himself walking and finding his way to the familiar bleachers with the familiar mop of hair in the far corner trying to hide. They never agreed out loud, it was just something that had become routine.

Nico would leave first, Percy would exchange a few words with his remaining friends and then he would follow Nico; he would practice basketball for a few minutes on the courth floor and then he would sit down next to Nico, accepting a lunchbox filled with the things he loved most, cake and pie, blueberry juice too, and sometimes, Nico would surprise him, baked potatoes or pancakes; if Nico was in the mood, lasagna or something Italian. No matter what it was, Percy would happily eat every grain and every bit of food. If Nico made it for him, the least he could do was repay him by eating it all. But it seemed so little compared to what Nico did for him... Percy wanted to share something with Nico that was important and valuable too. But what could be more valuable than sharing the food you've made yourself with someone?

''Your drawings are very good. Where did you learn?’’

They were once again in the stands, Percy ignoring the ball still in his hands to watch Nico take a forkful of food into his mouth, stopping midway with the fork between his lips.

''Hm?’’

''Where did you learn to draw?’’

''Oh, that?'' Then Nico looked down at his lap, where the notebook was, and put his lunchbox down. ''I had a lot of free time.”

Percy didn't know if he had understood… but Nico smiled at him, seeming to understand his confusion.

''I don't have any friends. I never had. Imagination was all that I had.”

''And what am I? A tree?’’

''No, you're a popular and rich athlete.’’

''You're right. I have many riches, how about you share them with me?”

''What are you saying?'’ Nico smiled again and Percy felt a throbbing in his chest that had nothing to do with the asthma he had as a baby.

''My mother likes to cook.’’

''Isn't that obvious? I mean, she has a restaurant, doesn't she?'' Nico said and tilted his head to the side, like that would make him understand what Percy meant.

''She'd love the company.”

''Don't we... have a paper to finish?’’

''I have plenty of space at home. My mother won't mind.’’

''Are you sure? I've never been to anyone's house.’’

This only made Percy's chest tighten even more.

''There's always a first time, right?’’

Nico looked at him, seemed to analyze him from head to toe and ended up shrugging.

''I will trust you.’’

At the time, Percy didn't know why he was having so many palpitations or why the feeling of relief had seized him so intensely. Later, he would recognize it as the fear of being rejected, and even if he didn't understand it yet, he knew that someone as sweet, beautiful and talented as Nico would never reject him so rudely. Thiat way, they finished eating and went on to their next classes, arranging to meet at the main gate after the last class.

***

Percy admitted, he had wasted more time than intended talking to the literature teacher. Apparently, he needed to try harder if he wanted to have a future at that school. She argued with him, went over every little thing he'd done wrong, and even gave him extra assignments to make sure his mistakes were corrected. Percy left the classroom as quickly as he could, and as soon as he saw the time, Percy ran down the corridors towards the school's main gate. When he arrived at the place he and Nico had marked, he remembered why Nico was always hiding in corners, which made Percy remember why he was hiding too.

They had already experienced this scene. Nico was pressed against the wall outside the gate and two other boys surrounded him, one of them was holding Nico by the neck while the other looked around suspiciously. The difference this time was that a crowd was watching them and no one was doing anything to stop what was about to happen.

Percy approached them, pretending to be another spectator, and listened the murmurs, while one of the boys spoke:

'Who's going to protect you now, huh? Because of you, our friends were expelled. Why don't you put yourself in your place and--’’

''What place would that be?’’

Percy couldn't help himself. This time, he didn't want any explanations. 

He stepped out of the crowd and the next thing he knew, he was face to face with the boys, or rather, his fist was against their faces. The pain came immediately, as he felt his nuckes collide with the nose of one the boys who were older than him, but who were no match for Percy.

''It's easy to mess with people smaller than you, isn't it? Why don't you play with someone your own size?”

''Would that be you?”

''What do you think?”

The silence fell, a silence that had become common no matter where Percy went. The nose of the boy he had punched was now swollen, blood trickling down his face, and the other, who had been too shocked to react, seemed to wake up from his trance. That would be the perfect moment for them to fight back, wouldn't it? Well, that's what people say, cowards soon give up if they find someone to resist them. And that's what they did, the boy who had watched his friend get knocked down with a single punch, pulled the other by the arms, helping him up and they both staggered into the crowd, running away with their tails between their legs.

Percy watched them fleeing in the distance between the cars and turned to Nico who was still leaning against the wall, the corner of his lips reddened and and on his arms and neck, marks of fingers and nails. The worst part was seeing the tears that kept falling or how Nico cowered, expecting other people to come and do the same to him. Percy didn't think, realizing that this was becoming something usual for them, and Percy didn't like it one bit, the fact that Nico had to hide in corners because of people's prejudice. 

He walked over to Nico and stopped in front of him, offering his hand. He had learned the hard way that touching someone when you don't feel safe or when you're in shock is the worst thing to do. So he just stood close without touching Nico, and tried to get his attention:

''Nico.'' Percy said in the softest voice.

''No, I… Percy?'' Percy held on and tried to be strong, Nico seemed to be reacting to everything worse than the previous time.

''I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... I was waiting for you... then, these... these boys showed up and…’’

Percy didn't know what to do. He felt his heart break when Nico took a step towards him and opened his eyes wide, his pupils unfocused and wet, as if Nico was waking up from a nightmare, and held onto his hands, trembling and breathing fast, still curled up on himself.

''It's allright. Can I hug you?”

''Hug me? Why... why would you want to touch someone like me?’’

''It looks like you need it.’’

''I... I need?'' Then, Nico looked at Percy with the most desolate and lost look he had ever seen.

''Nico. It's allright.'' Percy said it again, refusing to accept what those people were doing to Nico.

''I have to... I have to talk to Bianca, my... my sister.’’

''We will. After we get to my place. Yes?’’

''You promise?’’

''I promise.’’

Then, as if a key had been turned, Nico grabbed his arm and picked up their bags from the floor, saying: ''You dropped it.'' Just like that, like nothing had happened. But Nico was still shaking, gripping his arm tighter and handing one of the bags to Percy, holding his own against his chest in the hope that the bag and Percy would protect him.

Gods! How could someone do this to such a vulnerable and defenseless being? What had Nico done to be treated like this? Then, Percy looked around, recognizing these people. Some were in the same class as them, others Percy knew in passing, and none of them had the decency to help a classmate being abused. That's why they said he was a "rebel", and if it was up to him, things would continue exactly as they were.

''Are you ready?'' Percy said when he saw that Nico was beginning to calm down.

''Hm. Thank you.’’

Percy took Nico's backpack from his shoulder, put it with his own, and led Nico by the hand between the cars parked near the school, spotting a familiar black pick-up truck.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for reading. And if you can, send your appreciation in the comments. Until next time!

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

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

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

Chapter XVIII

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Nico, what happened?”

"Nothing. Nothing happened.”

"Did you get my message?”

He nodded and wiped his face.

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

"More complicated, how?”

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

"Nico, dear. It's okay.”

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

"Never know what?" Percy had to ask.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I don't know, Per.”

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

Nico grimaced and shook his head.

"Come on, everyone needs help.”

"Are you sure? Is it really communal?”

"I wouldn't lie to you.”

"I… thank you.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

"So, you are the famous Nico.”

"Am I?" Nico asked, confused.

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

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

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

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

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

"Those keys, they're not--”

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

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

Chapter XIX

"You finally showed who you really are.”

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

"Really? Who am I?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Percy, I never meant to hurt you.”

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

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

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

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

"He's just a kid who needs help.”

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

"You were the one who abandoned me first!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Percy!”

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

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

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

***

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

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

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

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

"Nico eats. The children too.”

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

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

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

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

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

"Nico, join us.”

"I don't want to bother you.”

"I insist.”

"Yes, Nico. We insist.”

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

"Hm." Annabeth said after a while.

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

"You are thoughtful.”

"…”

"You are… happy.”

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

"You've made up your mind.”

"I already told you--”

"Yes. But this time is serious.”

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

***

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

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

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

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

"What are you studying again?”

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

"He's going to be a--”

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

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

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

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

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

It was Percy's turn to swallow something sour.

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

"You don't have to?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Percy--”

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

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

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

"No, it's not.”

Nico read the address on the card and frowned.

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

"Well… you discovered my evil plan.”

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

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

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

"Yes, we are those Jackson.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I didn't promise anything.”

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

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

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

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

Thanks for being here. Comments are always welcome.

Writing Characters With ADHD

...From someone with adhd.

I very rarely see books with well written characters with ADHD, and when I do, it’s always represented the same way. It ISN’T, ‘yeah so I was at Jane’s house on- oh, look, a squirrel!’.

Here’s what (in my experience), it IS:

there’s a common stereotype that people with ADHD talk a lot- but no one ever mentions that we talk fast

bouncing your leg a lot when seated

losing your train of thought often, and getting sidetracked trying to find it again.

forgetting instructions relayed seconds before

repeating a story without realizing it in conversations (‘did I tell you about..’)

feeling that ‘tired yet wired’ feeling at the end of a long day

accidentally talking over people often

having really poor time management skills. constantly misjudging how much time certain tasks will take. losing track of time often

Iiking distraction (i.e. usually having an earbud in)

leaving projects until the last minute and then doing them at the speed of light

NOTE: the absolute worst thing you can do is make having ADHD a characters only trait. They should be a full, interesting character who just happens to have ADHD. Here’s an easy test to see if you’ve done it right: If you ‘take away’ the ADHD and the character has no defining traits? You’ve done it wrong.

Again. This is my experience and therefore may not apply to everyone, but I just thought I’d share in case it helps anyone out!

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

The real reason that percico wasn’t endgame and Percy got stuck with someone who is essentially a mortal is because if Nico “literally split open the earth on accident” di Angelo and Percy “son of the earthshaker” Jackson ever banged, there’d be major seismic activity and California would actually become an island.

Thats the weirdest erotic sentence i’ve read all month

It’s a secret recipe 🤫

Stop it! You're giving me ideas!

Imagining being Percy's children and asking your father about this certain man with whom your father cannot stand face to face, is always awkward despite having been acquainted for 10-20 years, doesn't know how to address, referring to him as 'friends' half of the time and 'it's complicated' in the rest. But also, who your father would rush to help and would rush to help your father and by association your family in kind. what a guy.