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a dream by the lake

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SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter XXIV, Chapter XXV and Chapter XXVI

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 and Chapter XIX / Chapter XX and Chapter XXI / Chapter XXII and Chapter XXIII

Chapter XXIV

"Ah, Percy Jackson! I didn't see you there. Have you been waiting long? I came to pick up Nico from work.”

No! Nico wanted to scream, he would never do that. But Will was still there and the threat had been clear enough. He was forced to let Will guide him by the shoulder and place him in front of Percy. He… he swallowed hard. Nico didn't think he had ever seen Percy like that; the man wasn't angry or upset like he imagined, no, it was such a neutral expressionlessness that… that made him fear the worst.

"Nico, you’re late." Percy stressed each word perfectly, his chest puffed out and his breathing deep and slow. Maybe… oh… maybe, in the end, fear wasn’t the right feeling.

Gasping, Nico felt a knot in his throat and walked the rest of the way to Percy, feeling smaller and shyer than he had in a long time.

“Lift your head,” Percy told him, and Nico found himself obeying without hesitation. “Ethan called me. He thought you needed help.”

Nico swallowed hard for the second time that morning. He was wrong, there wasn't an absence but an excess, a controlled excess of everything Percy didn't even try to hide. Percy just looked at him, his hot, stormy eyes fixed on his, making him fidget with anxiety.

Ah, why was this so hard? He felt… he felt that if Percy gave the order, at that moment, he would do whatever was asked of him.

“I…”

"Do you need help, Nico?" Percy insisted again and he couldn't lie. He merely nodded, letting out his breath slowly.

Percy offered him his hand and Nico accepted, Percy’s large hands covering his, guiding him to the car parked inside the large, solid iron gates, completely ignoring Will who continued to watch them.

"Hey, you can't do that! Nico and I--”

But he wasn't listening to what Will was saying, he preferred to focus on Percy's hand on his and the feeling that this innocent touch caused him.

When they got to the car he just… just let Percy grab him by the waist and lift him up, helping him sit in the passenger seat, allowing Percy to put on his seatbelt for him. Percy slammed the door and walked around the car, pulling away as soon as he sat in front of the steering wheel, his large hands gripping the steering wheel with more force than necessary. And the silence. If the sound of Will's voice turned his stomach, Percy's silence made him feel sick, made him want to jump out of the moving car just so he wouldn't have to face disapproval at Percy's every move and breath.

"I…" Nico said, trying to break the silence. "He didn’t do anything. Will just wanted to talk.”

"Hm.”

"He didn't kiss me or anything…”

"Hm.”

"Will, he wanted--”

“Enough,” Percy finally said, his voice low and gravelly, but in the silence of the car it sounded like Percy was shouting. “You don’t have to explain yourself to me.”

“He--”

"That's enough, Nico.”

Nico flinched, shrinking back against the car seat, the feeling going straight to his stomach as if Percy had punched him. Percy had never spoken to him like this, so cold, so rigid, so… domineering. Percy seemed to take up all the space and press him against the car seat with just his voice; it was like the man expected to be obeyed, demanding nothing more or nothing less. He felt like he had made a mistake, like a naughty little boy who deserved to be punished. And worst of all, he felt strange, like maybe he really did deserve the punishment.

And you know what was even stranger? Percy wasn't ignoring him, like Will used to do when they fought or like Hades did when he was angry. No, Percy still glanced at him from time to time in the rearview mirror and other times he even turned his head, staring at him before to get his attention back on the road. Nico just wanted... he just wanted to hide his face and cry like the helpless little boy everyone said he was.

***

The rest of the morning passed like a slow, uncomfortable but painless torture. Nico waited for the kids to finish eating, took them to school and when he came back, Percy was still there, in the living room where Nico usually spent most of his time. Percy sat on the couch right across from where Nico always sat – on the floor in front of the coffee table – where he would spend hours studying until lunch was ready.

Nico paused for a moment at the entrance to the living room and took a deep breath when he saw him there. He forced himself to take the few steps inside and picked up his books, placing them in a neat pile on the table and taking out his notebook and pens next. Percy just stared at him for a few seconds, returning to his reading, looking less… stiff.

"Have you eaten yet? I didn't see you put anything in your mouth.”

Okay, food… Nico lowered his head, pretending to grab something from his backpack and felt himself blushing. It wasn't his fault, when Percy spoke to him like that, all hoarse, deep and so serious it made him wonder… what else he could put in his mouth…

No! What was he thinking? Nico jumped and raised his head, Percy was watching him, his face still serious and not a hint of his usual smile. Percy should just want the answer, right? So why… Ah! He couldn't take it anymore!

Nico put his arms on top of the coffee table and hid his face in them, looking like he would melt in mortification at any moment! How could one look and ten words do this to him? Maybe Will was right and he just wanted to…

"Nico, take a deep breath." Percy touched his arm, his hands going to his hair, stroking it slowly. But this time that innocent touch only served to make him even more nervous, at the limit of what he could bear. He groaned, embarrassed and irritated.

"Then stop looking at me like that!" Nico practically shouted, he thought he was whining too, still with his face hidden.

“Okay,” Percy said, his voice softening. “Look at me, okay?”

Nico obeyed. There was nothing he wouldn't do for Percy. And if with his deep voice Nico couldn't deny him, with that soft voice that caressed his senses, he would do much more.

"I… I’m sorry." Nico murmured weakly. "Don’t be mad at me.”

"Okay, that’s right." Percy kept talking and touching Nico's hair, his hands sliding around the back of Nico's neck, pressing down there, preventing him from doing anything other than paying attention to him. But Percy wasn't smiling, still serious. Percy was kneeling next to Nico, his gaze level with his. However, what Percy said next made his breath stop. "I have to apologize. I have no right to act like this.”

"Act how?”

"I was jealous." Percy said bluntly, that deep tone of voice returning, intense eyes capturing his, making Nico get close to him without even realizing it. "I'm a very jealous man, I don't like other people touching what's mine.”

He blinked and took a deep breath, looking into Percy's green eyes. The man didn't seem to be joking, because in fact, Nico had never seen him so serious. Did he belong to Percy? Did he? Nico didn't know what he was doing or thinking anymore.

"I…" Nico didn't think or hesitate, he threw himself into Percy's lap and hugged him tightly around the neck.

Nico was actually doing it, he was sitting on Percy's lap and he didn't care at all, he needed this, he needed to make sure Percy wouldn't leave without letting him explain himself. 

So Nico wrapped his legs around Percy and quietly so as not to break the mood, he started whispering in his ear: "Will wanted to get back with me. He said you just wanted to play, that you would never... never be with me. That I just... he said he's going to talk to the police... I didn't know what to do. He didn't kiss me, I swear... I never--”

"Shh… it's okay. I believe you. Don't worry about it." Then, finally, Percy's arms wrapped tightly around his waist and hugged him, only then did Nico know he was forgiven, feeling Percy's lips whispering in his ear as softly as he had done, sliding down his face, brushing against his skin, stopping at the top of his head, making him sigh and close his eyes, feeling welcomed and warm inside. Nico wished Will could make him feel that way or evenJason would do, any other boy he had met other than Percy. Things would be so much easier and he would never have to feel guilty for feeling this way, as though he was doing something wrong every time Percy offered what he needed so much.

But it didn't matter. Just this once, Nico would let himself be rocked and touched in this soft, affectionate way, maybe when this was all over it wouldn't seem so damning.

Chapter XXV

Nico took a deep breath and walked into the house with the children. Ever since that incident with Will, things seemed to be… heating up and calming down at the same time, slowly settling down as the days went by. He couldn't explain it, it was like he was inside a pressure cooker and with the slightest touch everything could go up in a smoke. Nico could swear, something in Percy's eyes and attitude had changed, the smiles returned, but the intensity in them only increased, cooking and cooking with each passing day until… well, the food was ready.

And as usual, Percy Jackson proved to be the kindest and most gentlemanly person Nico had ever met in his life. Maybe a little too much. Even though he had the key to the house, Percy was always awake to welcome him. It was their routine, they had breakfast with the children, Percy said goodbye to them with a kiss and always had a caress for Nico, soft and discreet, but that made him melt every time. If it wasn't his hands sliding through Nico's hair when Percy passed by the room or got up from the table, it was that small touch on his shoulders that usually followed to the back of his neck. However, it was the soft and husky voice, all the careful and attentive looks, always paying attention to the smallest details that really drove him insane.

That day was no different. Percy had wiped his mouth, stood up and, smiling at Nico, walked around the table to say goodbye to the children. Then, Nico felt those big hands caress his hair in passing, Percy slowly moving away, climbing the stairs to the second floor, like nothing was happening.

He couldn't help but follow with his eyes the figure that disappeared down the stairs, Percy's scent already impregnated his senses, bringing together everything Nico liked most in the world; strong black coffee, books, a woody perfume and mint, all of this reminded him of his house in Italy where there was a mint and a coffee plantation right next to the window of his old room.

Nico looked at the children, trying to see if they had noticed anything and sighed in relief. They looked back at him, innocent and well-behaved, as if they were waiting for something.

"Okay." He said, confused. Nico looked back once more as though he could see through the walls and let out a breath. That meant nothing. Nothing at all. The affectionate gestures. The money. And much less this domestic and peaceful routine.

In the end, he decided it was best to just stop thinking and get on with his day. So Nico got up from his chair, the kids followed him, and they left the house and headed for the car Percy had bought for the kids. It was already dinnertime, which was ridiculous to think about when the kids were right there, eating and talking happily to Percy, while Percy responded, hanging on every word. In fact, he was the one who hadn't eaten much, playing with his food and fantasizing about the man who should have just been his boss. It was better not to think about things that were beyond his reach.

"Nico, do you want the cook to prepare something else? You haven't touched your plate. This has been happening for some days." Of course it was Percy who spoke, always paying attention to everything and everyone, or rather, his control complex speaking loudly once again.

"I'm not hungry." He said, keeping his gaze on the food, just looking at Percy made him feel guilty. And hot.

Seriously, how could he be so pathetic? How? Even the kids were starting to notice.

"Is it your anxiety?" Alice asked, all worried.

"Hm." Nico stated, which was a complete lie. Anxiety was not what he would call that desire.

Yeah, Nico had finally gone over the top.

"Did you take your medicine?" Percy asked and he finally looked at the man.

It was a mistake. Percy had a smile on his face, but it was that kind of smile. Percy knew exactly what was happening to him. How bad would it be if Nico said that he was his medicine? Nico hated it when Percy looked at him like that, all satisfied and in control. Because, in truth, he didn't hate it at all. So, Nico forced himself to sigh, shoving a forkful of some random food he couldn't even taste into his mouth, resigning himself to his fate.

***

It was one day that his pot finally burst.

Nico was there, minding his own business and studying for a change, when strong arms came around him from behind, wrapping around his waist. Percy's head rested on his shoulder and large hands pressed against his abdomen, making him moan in surprise. But that hadn't been a cry of fright, no, it was a high-pitched, needy moan that would make even Luke, the most perverted person he knew, blush.

"Now, now. Do you need help with that?”

Nico was embarrassed, but he admitted it. He had gasped, arched his spine and froze, shocked by his own reaction when he realized what was happening. He was… hmm… erect? Because of a hug? How old was he? This couldn't go on, Nico wouldn't survive.

"Nico?" Percy asked in that gentle voice of his, still hugging him from behind, his hands caressing his belly through the fabric of his shirt. But not this time, because Nico knew what Percy was trying to do; the humiliating thing was that it was working.

"Percy, I need you to stop.”

"Do you need it?" His voice sounded playful now, but he wouldn't fool him.

"I want you to stop.”

Percy let go of him and Nico turned toward him, feeling his throat tighten. Why did it feel like he was breaking up with someone else in less than a month? Maybe because he was. Nico couldn't jeopardize his own future and Percy's future over something that would eventually end in drama and lots of tears.

So, he took a deep breath, let it out and opened his mouth:

"Per--”

"I know what you're going to say. You don't have to tell me anything.”

"No, you don't understand.”

"Yes, I understand. You want me to stop.”

Nico stared at him and Percy stared back, his green eyes blazing. It was like Percy had expected this, the rejection and betrayal clear on his features. Percy didn't even look sad or disappointed, he just seemed to accept things as they were.

"I love you." There, finally Nico had said it. "I love you." He repeated.

“Do you love me?” Percy repeated in disbelief, a slow smile forming on his lips.

“That's why this has to end. If it were anyone else, I would take advantage of you and threaten you for money. I can't do that. I wouldn't sleep well knowing that I was the reason for your downfall.”

"Nico!" Percy laughed, laughed so happily and held his hands, his eyes shining with happiness. "Don't be so dramatic.”

"No, I can't take it anymore! I'm leaving right now and--”

"Calm down, okay?" Then, Percy moved closer and turned his face towards him, his hot breath against Nico's mouth, his hands pulling him by the back of his neck, his lips so close to his and… Nico couldn't! He placed his hand in the middle of Percy's chest, preventing Percy from moving any closer.

"I can't! This is wrong. This is so wrong! You gave me money and now you expect me to... to do this?”

"Nico!”

"And what about our age? How can things work out?”

"It doesn't matter. If you love me and I love you, it's not wrong, honey. It's just human nature. Hmm?" Percy leaned closer to him once more and the only solution Nico found was to get up and run away from him.

"Percy, no!" He walked around the couch and tried to put some distance between the two of them.

"Percy, yes." Percy whispered, standing up as well.

Nico swore, he felt like he was in a romantic comedy or maybe the beginning of a very cliché porn. That was his mistake, in his one moment of carelessness Percy launched himself towards him and caught him by the waist before Nico could run away once more. Percy grabbed him by the neck, pulling his head back and then his breath was against Nico's face once more, mere millimeters away.

"I want to resign." This time Nico didn't try to run away and just closed his eyes, waiting for the worst.

The kiss never came. What came was a disappointed grunt.

" You're serious.”

“I am.”

"Nico, are you going to let these people tell you how to live your life?”

"This isn't about them, it's about whether I'll be able to sleep with a clear conscience. I've barely started my life, you already have an established career. What if I need to move to another country?”

"I'll go with you.”

"What if I don't have free time?”

“I wait for you.”

“And if--”

"I’ll do everything for you.”

Percy seemed as determined as he was, but… but Nico couldn't do that to Percy or to himself.

"Next semester I'm going to college, but until then I hope you can respect me.”

Chapter XXVI

"I’ll do everything for you.”

Percy seemed as determined as he was, but… but Nico couldn't do that to Percy or to himself.

"Next semester I'm going to college, but until then I hope you can respect me.”

Nico closed his eyes again and when he opened them, Percy was still there, his green eyes staring at him and his hands holding him by the waist, stroking his hair as if nothing was happening. And since when was this something normal? Since when did being around Percy become something so instinctive, something so comfortable?

"Percy! You're not taking me seriously.”

"That's not true. I always listen to you, I choose not to agree.”

Nico hit Percy's shoulder, trying to push him away, which only caused them both to fall to the floor; Percy on top of him, of course, and he against one of the beanbags on the floor. Percy's hands broke his fall and his hoarse voice echoed through the room, the sound of Percy's laughter making that little part of his stomach turn and his heart start beating fast again.

"Come on, baby, don't be so serious. It was just a joke.”

"Is this all a game to you? Is this what I am? A joke?" Nico turned his face away from Percy and focused on keeping his breathing calm. He couldn’t help it, he could still hear Will’s words… “Do you think he’ll stay with you? Some useless guy who’s good for nothing?” Nico couldn’t help but think, to wonder if deep down it was all just fun and games, something Percy use to pass the time.

"Nico, darling. Look at me.”

In the end, it wasn't up to him to decide. Not when it mattered. Because, without waiting for his permission, Percy simply grabbed the back of his neck and made him look at him, so close to Nico and more serious than before, enough to make him tremble, but in a different way, almost encouraging him to act in the way that, deep down, he knew was what they both wanted. But there Percy was, just holding him gently, watching him, without hesitation or masks that could hide what was happening at that moment.

Which was a relief, he didn't know if he could say no to what Percy was going to ask. That is, if Percy stopped playing around and decided to take action.

"You will always be important to me." Percy said, finally being honest. "I will always take into account your words, your opinion. If it were up to me, we would be in bed and I would treat you the way you deserve.”

“I--”

Nico thought he moaned. His face so close to Percy’s, their breaths mingling, bodies pressing closer with each passing moment.

"Don't you realize that when I try not to take you seriously is when I want you the most?”

He understood. It’s like… he was starting to understand, because Percy was between his legs and even through the fabric of his jeans, he could feel the bulge and pressure against his groin.

"You…" Nico swallowed, his hands that were resting against Percy's shoulder slid down without his permission, stopping against his abdomen.

"I respect you, I would never do anything against your will. I can wait. If you wait for me.”

"Hmm.”

This time Nico had moaned, he had really moaned and he had even thrown his head back. He couldn't help it, to the point where he almost wet his pants. Almost two months of this, Percy teasing him and slowly torturing him until he couldn't take it anymore. It wasn't fair, especially when Percy hadn't even done anything; it was Nico who had accidentally rubbed himself against Percy.

"No, no, no! I can't!" He practically screamed. Well, it was more like a desperate whimper. Nico pushed Percy harder and crawled across the room, getting as far as he could only to lean his back against the living room couch and cover his face with his hands, focusing only on breathing deeply.

"Where do you think you're going, kitten?" Nico heard the laughter in Percy's husky, velvety voice, making him squirm, feeling even more miserable.

"Percy!”

"I'm sorry, baby.”

"No, you don't!”

"It's true, I don't.”

Then Percy's voice came closer and he knew the man was sitting next to him, but not touching him.

"I don't want you to be uncomfortable. I never meant for this to happen. It's like those things that catch you by surprise, things you didn't even know you needed.”

"Hm." Nico murmured, his face still covered.

"I'm not proud of it. We... just fit together, you know?”

“I know.”

"It's so natural. It feels like I've known you for years.”

“I know.”

"So, you know that I love you? That I'm in no hurry?”

" I… know. " Nico hesitated, feeling his chest warm.

"Then you should know that I'm not the romantic type or to get attached easily.”

Nico nodded this time, trying to forget everythingJason had told him.

"And you're so good with children. Even Annabeth likes you, even if she denies it.”

"Please, can you stop?" Nico found himself saying, or rather, pleading. He wasn’t ready for this conversation.

"Look, I get it. I want you to know that this is a new feeling for me too and that--”

"Are you here if I need you?”

"Yeah, that too. I'm not going to change my mind. I'm not going to play with you. I'm not that person anymore, I have kids, a career--”

"So why would you stay with me?" Nico raised his head and looked at him, he needed to know if Percy was serious.

The sad look he saw on Percy's face surprised him.

"Because you're worth it. Isn't that enough?”

So Percy stroked his hair one last time and stood up, saying:

"I'll be in my room if you need me.”

Nico watched Percy walk away and almost followed the impulse to follow him upstairs. He didn’t know why, but to Nico it felt as if those words had been a farewell.

***

"Nico? Nicoooo, I can't solve this problem." It was Logan who called him, probably for a while if it were for the hand that the little boy was waving in front of his face, all anxious and frustrated.

"Let's see." It was a mathematics problem. "It's easy. You have to add from right to left, top to bottom. One plus five equals?

"Six!”

"Three plus two?”

"Five!”

"That's right, so we have sixty-five. See?”

"Ah. I had--”

He heard footsteps across the room and there was Percy, tall and charming as ever, his hair slicked back, he was wearing a tailored dark blue suit and carrying a briefcase in his hands.

As soon as Logan saw him, he ran towards his father and hugged him tightly around the waist.

"Where are you going? You promised you would have dinner with us!”

"A promise is a promise in this house. I need to go to work quickly, I'll be back before you know it.”

"Daa-ad." Logan whimpered and Percy just smiled. He stroked Logan's hair and picked him up.

"Behave yourself, okay? I'll be back soon.”

Percy sat Logan down on the couch and said goodbye to Alice, who was watching the dramatic scene, disinterested as always. She received a caress and a kiss on the cheek then Percy turned to him. Nico saw in slow motion Percy's hands come towards his hair and stop before reaching it, frozen in the air.

It would be funny if it wasn't so sad.

Percy cleared his throat, the kids looked at each other and Nico looked away, pretending nothing was happening. The worst part wasn't even the aborted touches, it was the silences that followed, they explained much more than Nico could put into words. Because, in fact, Percy hadn't lied, he was respecting what Nico had asked. Even more so if he could be honest. 

Percy didn't touch his hair anymore, didn't hug him, didn't smile as much and didn't spend time with him anymore until the movie sessions disappeared too, happening only when the kids were around. Nico just... missed him. At first, he thought this thing was about the physical contact, like Will had said, but now, Nico saw how much Percy talked to him, how Percy always listened to him and never judged him, it was only at that moment that Nico realized how the sweet and patient words had left a hole in his chest bigger than touches and almost kisses could.

"Okay." Percy said. He looked around the room, avoiding his gaze, put his hands in his pockets and also pretended that nothing had happened. "I shouldn't be back too late. Wait for me.”

This time, Percy was talking to Nico, he knew that. That's why Nico nodded and looked at Logan's notebook that was still in his hands. He flipped through it like there was something very important and only raised his head when he heard Percy's footsteps heading towards the entrance chamber. Sighing in relief, Nico leaned back against the couch behind him, letting his head fall back. When he asked Percy to stop, he thought that would be the most intense part and not... any contact between them.

With Percy it was all or nothing, right? He didn't imagine it could be so literal.

"Nico, are you okay?" Alice asked beside him. "What happened between you and Daddy?”

"What happened? Nothing happened. These are adult things, you don't need to worry.”

"Are you leaving?" Logan asked.

"I…" Nico thought about lying to them and saying he would stay forever. He wouldn’t want them to do that to him, so… "I will, but not now. Next semester. Did you know I’m working to save money for college, right?”

Both children waved, moving closer to Nico, each from one side.

"Now I have enough money, your father--”

"He's very generous. That's what everyone says!" Logan told him.

"Yes, he is.”

"Don't listen to what Daddy says." Surprised, he heard Alice tell him. She held his hand and looked at him deeply with those green eyes as intense as Percy's. "He's not usually so... mean.”

Nico opened his mouth, but he didn't know what to say. What could he say? That he really liked this evil side when Percy was focusing it on him?

"He's lonely and he's always put us first. But I think... I think he deserves company too. I don't mind if you and Daddy go out.”

"What? No. Nothing is going on between us. It's serious.”

"Are you going to be our mother?" Logan asked in his innocence, his bright blue eyes watching him with joy. But if even he had noticed, it meant that the innocent one was himself.

"Logan, I could never replace your mother.”

"Why? You're much better than her.”

“I…”

"You don't like Daddy?" Alice said again. "I thought you did.”

"It's not about liking.”

“So, you like him?” She insisted, leaning closer to him, just like Percy would do.

Nico found himself laughing and hugging them both by the shoulders, really tight.

"It was Percy who asked you to say that, I'm sure.”

"Well… he’s been so sad. I swear daddy didn’t say anything.”

"Alice." He scolded her.

"Maybe he said something…”

"What would that be?”

"Like... he's been sleeping a lot. Eating little. Distracted. It's been a while since I've seen daddy like this.”

"What does this have to do with me?”

"You're distracted, too.”

"You even burned the soup the other day!" Logan finished for Alice.

"Children, you are exaggerating.”

"So why don't you guys talk anymore? Why don't you stay in the same room for more than five minutes?”

"I…" Yeah, Nico had no excuse for that. "It doesn’t matter. What matters is your well-being.”

"It's okay if you change your mind one day.”

"Yes! We love you very, very much!" Logan said and hugged him tightly around the waist, Alice followed, hugging him on the other side. Nico was left to return the gesture of affection. But he and Percy would have a good talk, that's for sure.

Today was a big chapter. As always, I appreciate your feedback! If you want, I'd love to hear from you.

first time writing fanfiction of a character : uughh i hope this is all canon accurate... it cant be canon innacurate at all or the enitire fandom will throw rocks at me...

10057th time writing the character: heres them working at a mcdonalds

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!

it's always so fascinating and heartbreaking when a character in a story is simultaneously idolized and abused. a chosen prophet destined for martyrdom. a child prodigy forced to grow up too fast. a powerful warrior raised as nothing but a weapon. there's just something so uniquely messed up about singing someone's praises whilst destroying them.

People used to comment on web comics.

People used to comment on fanfiction.

People used to comment on fanart.

People used to comment on OCs.

I hate "content" culture.

I hate "consuming content" and scrolling immediately to the next thing.

People used to be excited about the art that other people created.

People used to want to share that excitement with creators.

I hate this future.

gonna start asking for tumblr followers like a youtuber

An awesome Percico work from the amazing Rihanna! <3

(https://www.rhiannaguptill.com/)

Look at those details! SO FUCKING PERFECT. Seriously, one of the best Percico fanarts I've ever seen! And what would a perfect fanart be without a perfect backstory?

This fanart is inspired by a Tartarus scene, from the fanfic "Bonds", by the fabulous BobInTheComments! Seriously, read the works, the fanfics are fascinatingly precious.

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter X, Chapter XI, Chapter XII e Chapter XIII

Hi, how are you? Today we have a few more chapters, over six thousand words. I hope you enjoy it.

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

A few chapters earlier…

“It’s the least I can do,” Percy said, forcing Nico to accept the money. He saw Nico’s face tighten, creating a cute grimace.

He couldn't help himself. Percy swore he tried to stay serious to show that his intentions were honest, but just looking at Nico made him smile. The little boy was so innocent that Percy almost couldn't resist the urge to pinch those cheeks that seemed to have a redder tone than normal.

No, that wasn't what he meant. No, it was about the money; the right thing to do was to replace what Nico had spent.

"Sir, I can't--”

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

Nico didn't answer him, he just took another step back and staggered. The boy closed his eyes and took a deep breath, probably not even realizing what he was doing, because while Nico was walking backwards he accidentally got closer to Percy, almost leaning against his chest. Nico crossed his arms and hesitated, tripping over his own feet.

"Nico? Are you okay?" He worried.

Giving up on respecting Nico's space, Percy grabbed him by the shoulders, keeping him standing, finding his attitude strange.

"I'm sorry. I have to go.”

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

And what was he sorry for?

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

Percy paused for a moment, afraid to let him leave in this state, and asked, "Do you need a ride?"

Nico nodded, but he remained standing where he was. He didn't pull away from Percy for touching him without permission or blush, nor did he say a word. Nico didn't even seem to be breathing. It was when the boy collapsed in front of him that Percy's heart nearly jumped out of his throat. If it weren't for him being so close, Nico would have hit his head on the edge of the table.

“Dad!” Percy heard Alice scream and a whimper came from Logan. They rushed around the table and helped Nico sit in the chair, carefully supporting him against the back.

"Dad. Nico isn't breathing! He's not breathing!”

"Is he going to die?" Logan said and Percy for a moment didn't know what to do.

He tried to touch Nico's face, shook him gently, and even patted his pale cheek twice, but nothing happened. Nico remained motionless, passed out in his arms, growing a little paler than before, looking like he would stay that way. Then, in a flash, Percy remembered that Tyson, his younger brother, had had an asthma attack as a child; one of the few things that had helped was talking to him and encouraging him to breathe, calming him down, if Percy could.

"Stay calm, okay?" Percy told them and, contrary to what he wanted to do, he stood up with Nico and hugged him, keeping their chests together.

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

Percy grabbed the back of Nico's head and kept his back straight as he breathed as slowly as he could, trying to set an example. Nico looked like he was in pain, a grimace fixed on his face, but his mouth was open struggling to breathe. Relieved, Percy held Nico's neck up for better oxygenation and massaged his back, whispering softly so the boy wouldn't be startled. His skin was so cold and sweaty that Percy feared the worst. When Nico finally took a deep breath it was like a weight had been lifted off his back.

“Again." He said.

Nico obeyed like the good boy he was, taking a long breath and then letting it out even more slowly. Of course, it was at that moment when he thought the danger had passed that Nico just… relaxed, relaxed so much that his head rested on Percy's shoulder and his body leaned completely against his. Well, leaning wasn't the best word to describe it. It was more like collapsing, as if someone had cut the strings of a puppet and it had fallen, just like that, lifeless.

Percy held Nico’s face again and only then did he calm down, seeing that Nico was breathing normally and the grimace of pain had disappeared, replaced by one of happiness and contentment.

“Daddy, is he going to be okay?” Logan asked beside him once more, his childish voice sounding scared.

"Shhh… don't worry. Everything is okay now.”

***

“Do you feel better?” Percy sat up in bed with Nico and finally saw him opening his eyes. Nico seemed a little dazed and slow, looking around, but at least Nico was moving, leaning gently on his shoulder, his small hands around Percy’s neck, limp and lifeless.

Percy couldn't resist the temptation and touched Nico's face, turning him towards him. Nico didn't seem to mind the contact, and in fact, he lowered his face and rubbed himself against Percy's hand, like a needy kitten. The important thing was that it had worked, Nico was now looking at him and seemed more attentive, although he hadn't completely returned to normal yet. Percy adjusted him better and held his back, not letting him look away until Nico answered him.

"Hm." He finally said.

Well, it was more like a mutter, almost soundless. Nico looked tired, without the energy to even hold his head up. Percy wanted to ask if this was common, if he often fainted or had panic attacks. But right now, he just wanted Nico to be okay. Nothing else mattered.

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

Nico just blinked at Percy with those big black eyes and continued to stare at him. He licked his lips and settled himself on Percy's lap. Slowly. Distracted. Slow. He would say, even lazy.

Was that… a blush appearing on his face?

"I… I'm fine. I'm sorry. I have--”

"You don't need to explain yourself.”

“I want to.”

He nodded, letting Nico speak.

"When I was eight, I had a panic attack and was diagnosed with GAD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I'm always anxious, but I can usually control it without it interfering with my work. It's been years since that happened. I... I'm so sorry. Routine and feeling stable helps. I'm really sorry. I know I should have told you.”

"It's okay. It wasn't your fault.”

"No, it’s not that. I recently came off the meds. The doctor told me I would be able to control it. It’s just that…”

"What happened?" He asked curiously. Nico was like a box of surprises.

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

Percy understood exactly what he was talking about.

"I understand. I'm sorry if I caused this. It won't happen again.”

But wouldn't he? Percy worried about himself, that maybe he wouldn't be able to control himself, and about Nico, too. What if something happened while he was driving? What if it was when Nico was walking home alone? Did Nico have someone to look after him? Someone who would come to his rescue if he needed it? What if…

Percy snapped out of his thoughts when Logan and Alice entered the room. Logan was crying, his big green eyes puffy while Alice just watched attentively and quietly, both trying to smile at Nico.

Nico smiled back and he could finally breathe a little easier.

"Okay, you can rest now." He murmured when he saw that the children weren't going to say anything and Nico was almost falling asleep. "Do you have your cell phone? I'll let your family know.”

“Oh.” Nico said. He frowned, but soon raised his head.

Nico looked at Percy, stared at him closely, and then gave him the most beautiful, happiest smile Percy had ever seen.

"It's in my bag.”

And so, in the middle of the sentence, Nico closed his eyes and Percy felt as if something inside him was being stirred and rearranged in a way he didn't know was possible, but which seemed like a good change, even if painful.

Chapter XI

Percy placed Nico on the pillows, covered him with the blanket and stayed by his side for a few more moments until he was sure that the little boy was okay. Percy just watched him, his breathing calm and his face content, nestled against the sheets of his bed.

What was he doing? Why had he brought Nico to his room? Why did he keep acting so irresponsibly, like a teenager meeting his first crush? Percy knew it was a bad idea, he had known it from the moment he looked at that small, defenseless boy. Now he was sure, Nico really was defenseless, as vulnerable as a flower in the middle of a battlefield. He should--

"Daddy, is he okay?" It was Logan who asked once again. Apparently, Percy wasn't the only one who was getting attached.

No, really, he wondered: how had they become so attached to Nico in less than a week? How had this happen? Percy shook his head and decided, there was no point in thinking about such things now. It was too late.

He took the children's hands and smiled at them, leading them downstairs.

“Dad, what happened?” Alice said. She was quieter than usual, her voice almost a whisper, clutching her phone between her fingers like it could save her life.

“Nico has a disease,” Percy told her. “A type of intense anxiety. That’s why he’s so calm. If Nico gets too stressed, something like this could happen again.”

"Can anxiety do this to someone?" She asked.

"Yes. There are different levels of anxiety. Everyone has some, it's normal. When this anxiety prevents you from doing something or makes you feel sick, it is considered an illness.”

"Ah." It was Logan's turn to murmur. He had stopped crying and was now sitting on the couch with his legs up and his head resting on his knees, hugging himself.

"Do we have it too? Sometimes… I don’t feel so well." Alice confessed.

"Do you want to talk about it?”

She shrugged. 

“I mean, there’s so much to do, and exams coming up… I’ve got fencing and running, and all these exams piling up. It’s hard sometimes. I didn’t think it was anything unusual, you know? It’s always been like that. I feel like I’m going to explode sometimes.”

Percy looked at his daughter and once again felt useless. How had he never noticed this? And how had the subject only come up because their nanny had been sick? He… he was the worst father.

"It's okay, honey. We'll figure it out. Don't worry.”

He approached Alice and hugged her tightly, feeling a lump in his throat. She gasped slightly and hugged him back with all the strength an eleven-year-old could muster. Percy pulled Logan into the hug and they stayed like that for longer than they could count.

"I want you to know, you can tell me anything. It doesn't matter what it is.”

Percy heard a couple of sniffles and closed his eyes, trying to control himself. He promised himself that he would be a better father from that moment on.

***

"Come on, kids. You stay here. I'll be right back.”

And just to be sure, Percy gave each of them a tight hug before walking away. They had barely moved, watching a movie on television, but they hugged him back now with happy expressions after lunch and all the drama had passed.

He walked up the stairs, heading towards his room, and stopped in front of the door before going inside. These were the types of situations Percy least liked to face, the ones where he would be forced to be the adult one and ask the right questions. Straightening his spine and giving in, Percy couldn't prolong himself any longer than he already had; how much longer would Nico need to sleep? The morning had already passed and the afternoon was coming to an end with the sun setting on the horizon and he was still there, standing in the middle of the hallway like an idiot, avoiding what was of vital importance.

Percy pushed the bedroom door, which was half-open, and stepped inside, in his own room, where he definitely shouldn't have taken Nico to. He walked over to the bed and without making much noise, sat on the edge. Nico was there, of course he was. He was snoring softly on his back and holding the pillow against his chest, the blankets were thrown onto the floor and the lower part of his belly was exposed, making Percy notice the sparse hair that continued in a trail towards his pants... Percy closed his eyes for a moment and concentrated. He didn't understand why this boy affected him so much, to the point of awakening these feelings that he thought were buried, especially for someone so young that could be mistaken for his son.

Even knowing all this, Percy moved a little closer and placed his hand on Nico's head. First on his forehead, making sure he didn't have a fever and then, as a passing thought, he stroked his soft, long, slightly wavy black hair, combing it back so he could see his beautiful, flushed face. But Percy was a man of his word and before he could give in to temptation and do something he would regret, he moved away enough to avoid contact between them and called for Nico, touching him on the shoulder until Nico opened his eyes, heavily, as if he were going to fall asleep once more.

"I spoke to your parents.”

"Hm?" Nico murmured, blinking slowly. He rubbed his eyes and sat up in bed, staring straight ahead as if he saw nothing, and then the boy looked at him, his gaze a little lost. Something happened next, because Nico smiled at Percy, one of the sweetest expressions he had ever seen, Nico stretched out one of his hands until it rested on Percy's, which was resting on the bed.

"Thank you. With all my heart. I don't know how to thank you. You didn't have to.”

Percy swallowed and nodded. Okay. Nico was grateful and seemed to have recovered from his crisis. Was this the time to ask more questions? Try to provide some assistance? Take him to a doctor?

"You don't have to look at me like that. I promise I'm fine. It's the endorphins. My bad mood will come back soon. Don't worry.”

"Are you sure? Your mother sounded worried on the phone.”

"She worries too much. And I'm sorry about my dad.”

The fact was that Percy had not mentioned anything about the honorable Mr. Di Angelo. Let's just say it was better not to comment on him.

Nico shrugged and dragged himself out of bed, stretching and lounging as he went, as if he’d just taken a mid-afternoon nap. This time, he didn’t stagger. He searched for his discarded sneakers in the doorway of the room and turned to Percy, now looking uncertain.

“Everything is fine?”

He wanted to say yes, he wanted to pretend nothing had happened. But... what if the same thing happened again and he was the one causing these crises?

"Nico, sit with me. Please.”

"What? It was nothing.”

"I'm asking you.”

Nico huffed and his shoulders slumped forward. The important thing was that he did what Percy asked. Nico walked slowly over to him and sat on the bed, staring at him and paying attention.

“What happened today was very serious. Do you know that you stopped breathing? That you fainted and almost hit your head?”

"Well…" Nico looked away and stared at his own hands.

“Tell me.”

"It's happened a few times over the years. It was an accident. I forgot to meditate and then I ended up maybe a little bit tense and overwhelmed. Mentally. Psychologically. Sometimes… It's hard.”

It had been exactly what Alice had said, that it was difficult.

"Does meditation help?”

"Most of the time. It’s about self-knowledge and control. Not letting yourself be carried away by any emotions. It’s about accepting that we have limitations and trying to deal with problems instead of… running away from them.”

"So, that's it? You were running away?" Percy asked, curious.

"I'm not running away anymore." That's when Nico raised his head and looked him in the eyes, biting his lip. "I'm not going to do anything about it, but I'm not going to run away from it either.”

Hmm… was that really what he had heard? Nico was saying that…

Without really paying attention to what he was doing, Percy leaned towards Nico while Nico simply continued to stare at him, his dark eyes opening wider and his pupils dilating comically; Percy felt like laughing and teasing him just a little bit more… just…

“That’s not what I meant! I—I have a boyfriend!” Nico practically squeaked, though Percy could see Nico’s lips twitch in a suppressed smile, widening without his consent. “I mean that I’m not going to let these… these feelings control me anymore.”

Percy knew very well what those feelings were.

"If this happens again, what should I do?”

"Just… talk to me? Don’t let me get hurt? It worked well.”

“Just that?”

"You don't need to worry, it won't happen again. I mean... if you want to fire me, I'll understand.”

"It’s not necessary.”

Nico smiled at him and Percy finally let his tiredness get the best of him. He ruffled Nico's hair and stood up.

"Let's eat. Then I'll take you home.”

This way, Nico happily got up and followed him out of the room.

Chapter XII

"So, this is where you live?" Percy parked the car on the road and looked around.

From the driver's seat, he could see what Nico meant by living in the countryside. The property was surrounded by wide fences, full of trees that climbed high above the barbed wire that protected the perimeter of the property, and there was a large wooden gate that allowed a view of the land that stretched for miles.

“It’s no big deal,” Nico finally said, shrugging.

Percy watched him for a while and didn't want to accept it. He wasn't that kind of man, was he...? A man who was attracted to a boy who barely had a beard on his face? Because there he was, a man in the body of a teenager, so handsome that Nico almost seemed delicate, so vulnerable that Percy began to worry for his safety.

But there it was, he couldn't deny it, this was the sign Percy needed to see, the clearest indication that something between them had changed. 

It didn't take long for Percy to realize what was happening. He noticed it just as Nico was finishing his soup and was getting into the car. What was supposed to be a trivial joke, something to see how long Nico would continue to act like this responsible and honorable person, had become something he couldn't have predicted, because, in the end, the one who had lost was him.

Soon they were on the move. Nico had followed him down the stairs, eating while he and the children watched him closely, and just as he was leaving, Nico gave the children a tight hug as if he were saying goodbye. Then he grabbed his bag from the couch and when the children finally let go of him, he walked out of the house, Percy following closely behind, afraid that he would faint at any moment. 

Still, Percy couldn't quite pinpoint what had changed. The air around them had become lighter and, at the same time, static, with a soft electricity that emanated as the minutes passed by, something that made the hairs on his arms stand on end, forcing him to pay more attention to Nico, appreciating him in a way that had a certain... fantasy involved, he admitted, something forbidden that was so close that, if Percy really wanted, he just had to reach out and take what he desired.

Nico didn't act like he used to either, it was like he suddenly felt comfortable and didn't feel the need to fill the silence with idle conversations. The look he gave him when their eyes met the few times during the car ride was an obvious "I want you, but I'm taken." Nico didn't even try to hide it, his eyes said much more than his previous words could; which in turn made him anxious and positively physically uncomfortable. 

Percy refused to accept that. Someone having a crush on you was one thing, knowing that the possibility of it was real was another. It must be cosmic revenge, Nico doing to him what Percy had done first.

"Percy." Nico called his name and in the silence of the car, it sounded hoarse and low, something intimate, just to tease him a little more.

Percy stared at him, now paying all the attention he had to offer. Nico wasn't exactly smiling, it was more the way his eyes sparkled, as though he was hiding something behind them. His lips were also relaxed, almost showing his dimples.

"I think I have a solution for you.”

"Solution?" Did Nico have a cure for… this?

"Yes, a cook." Nico said amused.

"A cook?" He repeated.

This time, Nico actually smiled and shook his head.

"You know the restaurant where I bought the food? They always accept work. Are you interested? I have their phone number.”

"Ah." Percy muttered. He ended up smiling too, feeling ridiculous.

Nico picked up his bag from the floor of the car and took his cell phone out of it.

"I'll share their phone number. Tell them Nicollas recommended you.”

"Nicollas, is it? How charming.”

Nico blushed so beautifully that Percy was happy to know that he was still capable of causing that in him. Satisfied, he got out of the car, walked around it and helped Nico out, holding him by the waist and placing him on the ground, soon after hearing a soft thank you and a deep voice coming from inside the property.

"Nico Di Ângelo! Ah, he finally graces us with his presence.”

Percy looked at the gate and there stood a tall, muscular black man, no older than forty but who looked too young to be anyone's father. Percy only recognized him because of his rough, gruff voice, the same one he had heard on the phone and with the same Italian accent that Nico had. No, Percy was lying. Nico also had the same dark eyes, thin nose and full lips.

Percy immediately put a smile on his face and approached the gate, extending his hands in greeting:

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you.”

"It's a shame I can't say the same." Mr. Di Ângelo replied. He crossed his arms and stared at him without showing any sympathy. "Aren't you ashamed? He's old enough to be your son.”

“I think--”

“Papa! What are you saying!?” Nico practically screeched beside him. He ran forward and unlocked the gate, speaking very close to his father. Unfortunately, Percy could hear every word.

"He's my boss. He was kind enough to come to my rescue. Could you be a little more polite, please?”

"Nico. This is not the behavior I expect from you. I let you date the Solace boy, now, this… straniero? What are you thinking?”

"Papa!”

"You slept at his house!”

"He had an event and I ended up falling asleep! He wasn't even there!”

"Nico.”

"You don't believe me? Okay. But don't interfere in my life.”

"Listen here! As long as you live under my roof--”

"Really? Don't worry. Soon you won't have to worry anymore.”

"Who do you think you are, you brat!”

That's when Percy saw that things were getting out of hand. Mr. Di Ângelo raised his hand and Percy feared the worst. Before he could think straight, Percy moved and placed himself in the middle of them, being hit squarely in the right shoulder. If it weren't for Percy defending himself by raising his arm, he would have been punched right in the jaw.

"Mr. Di Ângelo. Calm down, nothing happened. I never--”

"I know very well what men like you want. Fancy cars and weak little boys. Something easy to manipulate, hm?”

The man then gave a wicked little laugh that not even he could have done better and marched into the property, leaving him and Nico open-mouthed because of his fury.

***

"What just happened?”

"Welcome to my life." Nico murmured absently. He was still staring at his father's back, watching him as the man disappeared down the dirt road and into the vegetation.

"Nico." Percy said, moved. Now Percy understood everything. He understood why Nico at that age was working instead of studying.

"Oh, did you hurt yourself? My father can be heavy-handed.”

Percy stopped and watched, feeling like he was just a spectator. He watched Nico reach out and touch his shoulder and arm, he saw the careful way Nico massaged the place, looking into his eyes, asking for permission, his expression saying how guilty he felt. He couldn't help it, Percy smiled at Nico's reaction and returned the caress, touching the little boy's black hair, thinking that although he was the injured one, Nico was the one who needed help. I mean, it wasn't even hurting. Much. Just a little.

"Ouch." It escaped before he could stop it when Nico's fingers brushed against the spot Mr. Di Ângelo had hit.

“I’m so sorry!” Nico hurried to apologize. He massaged more gently and the pain eased.

"It was nothing.”

"You should fire me! In less than a day I traumatized your children and got you beaten. What kind of professional am I?”

"Nico, really.”

"No, let's put some ice in there, okay? It'll be quick.”

So, leaving the car in the middle of the road, Nico took him by the hand and guided him to the huge house in the center of the property where Percy could hear more voices, sounds of chairs and instruments rumbling only to find a group of people standing outside it.

"Mamma!" Nico ran to where his mother was and knelt on the ground with her, hugging her tightly.

"Figlio mio! Mamma was so worried. Did they take good care of you? Let me see.”

Maria took off the thick gloves she used to work the soil and held him by his face, and only when she was sure that everything was okay did she let him go, smiling slightly, and very satisfied.

"Don't do that again, okay? Now, have you eaten? Have you had a good rest?”

"Mamma, stop it. Percy is the one who needs help.”

"Percy, hmm?" She asked with a smile, winking at Nico.

"My employer " Nico made it clear.

"What an employer, huh!”

"Mamma! Don't let Papa hear you.”

"That silly old man." Maria waved her hands in denial. "He never learns.”

Percy found that interaction funny and decided to approach them. The most incredible thing was that Maria Di Ângelo was not what he would expect from a mother who lived in the countryside. She was no more than thirty years old, with light brown skin tanned by the sun, honey-brown eyes and thin lips that were now stretched into a sweet smile, identical to the way Nico had smiled at him that same afternoon.

"Welcome. I'm glad Nico is making friends." He found those words strange, but accepted the greeting when she offered her hands. "I know it must have been a hassle to come all the way here. Thank you for taking care of him.”

"Mamma! I give up, you're incorrigible." Nico shook his head, denying it to himself, but with all the affection possible.

"And you." Nico said to him "Stay here, I'll get some ice.”

"Ice?" Maria said.

"It was a little accident--”

"Papa hit him. Can you believe it?" Nico said as he walked away, making him feel a little embarrassed, but enjoying himself more than he should in a situation like this. It was funny, it had been over a decade since he felt like he was going to meet the parents of a new girlfriend. Or boyfriend. Percy wasn't the prejudiced type.

Maria put her hand over her mouth and gasped. He had to laugh, it was exactly how Nico would act. Well, it was exactly how Nico had acted, all over the place and dramatic.

"I'm so sorry, Percy. I don't know how to apologize.”

"It's no problem. It was just a graze, nothing a good night's sleep can't cure.”

"You are very polite. Thank you for understanding. We want the best for Nico. I would like you to consider that.”

Consider… oh. Did they really think…?

"Ma'am, there's nothing to consider. I pay Nico to take care of my children.”

"Just that?" She placed her hands in her lap and looked down. "Nico is an impressionable boy. He never had many friends, you know? So when men, especially like you, show up…

“Ma’am.” Percy sighed, wearily. “Nico is too young. I would never… consider that.”

"I'm glad. As long as we can protect him, that's what we'll do. We're afraid that the worst will happen at college.”

“And what would that be?" He wanted to know.

"That I act like a slut." Percy heard Nico's voice coming from behind him and turned around. And indeed, Nico was carrying an ice pack in his hands. "Even though they know I have a boyfriend.”

“Hm.” Percy said, not commenting on it. Because at that moment, Nico didn’t seem like the innocent and shy or even vulnerable person that everyone thought he was. No, Percy could see someone who would be successful in the future, someone capable, someone who wouldn’t let anything get in his way.

He liked that.

"You want me to…" Nico showed him the ice pack and he understood.

Percy shrugged and, right there, in front of those people, took off his shirt and let Nico place the ice against the red spot on his shoulder that was starting to turn purple.

He gasped and Nico stared at him, his eyes wide and full of guilt.

“Sir…”

"I thought that had stayed in the past.”

"Percy. I'm really sorry.”

But Percy didn't feel it. How could Percy when Nico looked at him like that and touched his shoulder so gently? How could he be angry when those sweet eyes looked at him with such concern?

He heard someone clear their throat beside him, making him turn towards them. It was a little girl with curly hair the same shade as Maria and the same honey-colored eyes that lit up even more vividly under the sun's rays.

"Hi, I'm Hazel. And this is Bianca. And that's Thanatos." She smiled at Percy and indicated each person, each ranging from thirteen to thirty years old.

"Nice to meet you. "He said back, still distracted by Nico's hands that were now sliding the ice pack over his reddened skin, only now realizing that maybe they were too close.

Chapter XIII

“Nice to meet you,” Percy said. And him? Nico continued to run the ice over Percy’s broad shoulders, allowing himself to look. Maybe touch a little. What? Weren’t they so sure he was a whore? Nico was just trying to live up to their expectations.

Unfortunately, Nico had to pay attention to Hazel when she started talking and making conversation with Percy. Nico loved his sister, he really did. Hazel was his favorite person in the whole world, but Nico felt like if he didn't butt in, they'd even ask about the tenth generation of Percy's family. Nico knew he rarely brought people home, the only one being Will, so maybe they weren't so wrong after all?

It didn't matter, before the massacre could happen, Nico turned to his brothers, glaring at them.

"Yeah, everything's great. Now it's time for me to walk Percy to the door.”

"Nooo! We never have visitors. And no one is so--”

"Hazel!”

"I was going to say, generous.”

Hazel let out a soft chuckle, her eyes sparkling and he looked at Bianca, asking for help with his eyes. She shrugged, seeming to enjoy the show while Thanatos, his adoptive brother, just watched everything with a smirk on his lips.

"Percy has to stay for dinner! Dad even cooked.”

"I don't want to abuse the hospitality." Percy smiled at Hazel and something inside him turned, seeing them like this, so... comfortable with each other. Hazel practically hanging on to Percy's uninjured arm and Percy smiling, all charming, still holding the shirt in his hand.

He took a deep breath and opened his eyes again, seeing that Hazel was already dragging Percy into the house. His brothers followed them happily, of course, while his mother just laughed as happily as they did, still kneeling in the dirt, going back to making holes in the soil and throwing the seeds to fill the holes again.

In the end, Nico reluctantly followed them into the house. He followed them in, took off his shoes, and walked through the front door, leaving his bag by the foot of the door. The house was a compact but a spacious building, built in ancient times. From where he stood, he could see the entrance to the dining room, an open space that divided the living room, right in front of the exit door and next to the kitchen, with the bedrooms and most of the bathrooms located upstairs.

He didn't think much, he walked barefoot to the table where all his brothers and father sat and stopped in front of Percy. He barely paid attention to the smile on the man's face, he just took the shirt and the ice pack from his hands and went to get rid of them. He hung the shirt on the coat rack that was in a corner of the room and took the ice pack to the kitchen, putting more ice on it and returned to the room. He placed the ice pack on Percy's shoulder once more and then took his plate, putting pasta, meatballs and salad on it.

"Do you like wine?”

"Nico, it's not necessary--”

Nico wasn't really listening; of course Percy liked it, he had seen several types of drinks at Percy's house. He opened the bottle of dry wine that was on the table, poured a shot for Percy and in the other glass, he put some water, finally sitting down and making his own plate.

"Percy, do you need help? Let me…" He didn't even pay attention to what he was doing, he cut the meatballs for Percy and then, he heard a noise. Someone cleared their throat, breaking the silence that Nico didn't even realize was happening.

Nico looked up and put down his cutlery. Why were they looking at him like that? He was just helping, it had become a habit in the few days he had worked for Percy.

"Did I do something wrong?" Nico turned to Percy since it seemed like no one was going to tell him.

"Of course not, dear.”

It was his turn to remain silent, as the one who had answered him and called him “dear” had been Percy.

"I'm not your, dear.”

“That's what it looks like when you do these things.”

"Oh." So that was it?

However, Percy didn't speak to him in that ironic tone, it was more like he was trying to show Nico something without shocking him too much.

“But thank you." Percy finished.

Percy brought his hands to Nico's shoulders and squeezed gently, his smile sincere and small. Nico swallowed, of course, preferring to look at Percy rather than face his family watching them. Maybe inviting Percy in hadn't been such a good idea, maybe if he ran to his room he could escape the humiliation.

In slow motion, Nico watched Percy take the first bite of pasta to his lips and groan before swallowing, feeling something uncomfortable and warm take over his body. Fortunately, that was the moment Hades decided to interrupt the path his thoughts were taking.

"Percy Jackson, hmm? Why haven't I heard anything about you until now?”

So it was going to be like this? Straight to the point?

"I started working for him a week ago.”

Another silence fell and perhaps he was beginning to understand their reason.

"Did you know each other before?”

“No, sir,” Percy replied this time, his smile changing, becoming sharper.

No, gods! Don't say anything. Don't say anything. Don't say anything... was all Nico could think. Though he knew what was about to happen by the way Percy tilted his head, listening in disbelief to what came next:

"It must be our chemistry.”

Nico saw Hades' face turn red with fury while Hazel lowered her head, laughing discreetly. Bianca, unlike her, threw her head back and laughed like she had heard the best joke of all times.

"My little brother is finally learning. He even seems like a normal person. I'm so proud!" Bianca said happily and put her hand over her heart, her eyes tearing up from laughing so much. And Nico? All that was left was to cover his face and not burst into flames instantly.

***

"No, no! He's joking. Right?" Nico said as soon as he was sure he wouldn't die of embarrassment.

"Of course, Nico. We're just playing around.”

Someone help him, please!

"I'm sorry." It was Percy's turn to laugh. He grabbed Nico's shoulder again and didn't seem the least bit sorry, staring at him for a long moment.

Percy came closer and whispered so that no one but them could hear.

"I'm sorry. I promised I wouldn't do that again. Are you okay? I'll behave now, seriously.”

"Whatever." Nico sighed in defeat. "You always do that.”

"I won't do it anymore. It's just that you're so easy to tease. And your father is even easier, he's so hot-headed.”

"Could you please not bring me any more trouble? Could you?”

"I can. I promise. I'm really sorry.”

Percy then pulled away a little and caressed the back of Nico's neck, massaging the hair there and making him gasp softly. Nico didn't know where this gesture had come from, but he knew he shouldn't allow this to happen. Mainly because he knew Percy only did this to annoy Hades even more.

Well, that was the moment he realized his mistake; they were standing too close, whispering in each other's ears. How could Nico say that there was nothing between him and Percy when they were showing the exact opposite to his family? He had even… even taken Percy to meet them! It was like Nico was introducing his new boyfriend!

Trying to hide it, he moved away from Percy as if he had been shocked and looked at Hades. He was looking at him seriously, neither angry nor happy. There was something calculating, almost analytical in his gaze, as if his father was making up his mind, dissecting the information he had received.

"What do you do, again?”

"I am a researcher and have a master's degree from a federal university.”

"What exactly does that mean?”

"I develop theses, I do tests if necessary and I am a teacher.”

"Interesting. In what areas?”

"History, art, finance and administration.”

"Wow, that's so cool!" Hazel commented.

"So, you're a scholar. Does that make money?" Hades asked again.

"Not at first. My parents have a biophysics lab and a pharmacy. So I usually help them with the financial side.”

What was going on? His father was…

“Children?”

"Two. They love Nico.”

"Wife?”

"Technically, yes.”

W-what?

"Alright." Hades finally said.

"Everything okay? What was okay? Are you guys speaking in a language I don't understand? What's okay here?”

"Nico, I think Hades is deciding your future… again." Bianca said beside him.

"Percy Jackson!" He said through gritted teeth.

Percy just smiled at Nico and raised his hands, as if in surrender.

"Come on, don't be like that. You told me about yourself and introduced me to your family, the least I can do is tell you about mine.”

"Are you serious?”

"I am. It's no big deal. It's nice to know who's taking care of my kids. That way everyone knows what we're dealing with.”

Percy stood up, took a card out of his pocket and placed it on the table.

"In case you want to talk to me.”

This was shaping up to be one of the most awkward and embarrassing moments of Nico's life. But at least it seemed to lighten the mood. Hades relaxed back into his chair just in time for Maria to enter the room and everyone to start eating. It was like none of it had happened as the platters of food were passed around the table and more arrived from the kitchen.

Comments are welcome. See you next Monday!