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

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

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

Previously:

''My baby is jealous, hm?’’

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

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

''But, Percy! You promised!’’

''I didn't promise you anything.’’

''Your lying--’’

''I won't repeat it.’’

With that, he took Nico by the hand and led him into the house, leaving behind a curious crowd and a blonde foaming with rage. The worst thing was that instead of getting angry at the display of possessiveness, his chest felt warm again. He couldn't even judge Nico's behavior when he himself had done worse thinfs. In fact, Percy loved seeing Nico so affected and emotional, so different from the little boy who kept everything to himself and never showed his feelings. Percy felt relieved, like he didn't have to carry these feelings alone and that maybe, just maybe, Nico wanted him as much as Percy wanted Nico.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

''Is it true?”

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

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

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

''Why?’’

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

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

''How do you know that?’

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

So that was the problem.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

''What-what are you doing?’’

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

''Percy!’’

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

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

''Per-cy!’’

''Come on, just a word.’’

''No!’’

''Do you want me to stop?’’

''Percy!’’

''Please?’’

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

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

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

***

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

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

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

''Sir.'' Percy greeted.

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

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

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

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

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

''I see things are going well?’’

''They are. Thanks.’’

''How is Nico?’’

''Very good. Better than before.’’

''That's good. Keep it up.’’

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

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

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

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

''Did he ask how I was?’’

''Yes.’’

''Ridiculous.’’

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

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

''It tickles.’’

''Tickles, sure.’’

''You dork.’’

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

''I don't know why I still care.’’

''He's your father.’’

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

''I know.’’

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

''Shhh. He's not worth your worry.’’

''It's so frustrating!’’

''Nico.’’

''What?’’ 

''Would you like to dance with me?’’

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

''Let's dance.’’

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

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

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

''Per-cy!’’

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

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

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

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

***

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

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

''Baby.’’

''Hm?’’

''It's time to go to bed.’’

''Bed?’’

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

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

''Hmmm... Per.’’

''Shhh. Hold on tight.’’

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

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

''We're almost there.’’

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

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

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

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

''I'm not drunk!‘’

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

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

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

''No, I'd make you beg.’’

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

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

Hi, I came earlier than expected. As I had some time free, here's another chapter. There's probably more until Friday, but I'm not sure. Hope you enjoy. And thank you for your support in advance.

In this chapter I need to give some warnings. For those who know me, they know that I always write about sex, whether in the beginning, middle, end or during the whole story, but as this blog is new, I thought it would be good to let you know. Another thing is that, as I am posting as I write, some things may change. So, if there's something new that has changed, I'll let you know in the final notes or here at the beginning. And like, I mean, I don't like very... nice characters, so Percy and Nico's personalities will start to show, okay? Nothing villainous, but it could generate some kind of discussion, and I don't warn you about that things. In fact, I rarely do announcements, although I do enjoy talking about the story. (Warnings are about things I don't usually write about, subjects too taboo, or some kind of non-con). In this way, you are invited to give your opinion on any aspect of the story, whether in Portuguese, English or Spanish. Yes, I'm almost trilingual or would I be polyglot? srsrsr Anyway, I hope it's a good read!

Previous chapters: CHAPTER I / CHAPTER II / CHAPTER III

"Then, let me decide. I just need your permission.”

"Permission to do what?"

Nico watched in slow motion as the hand that had been around his shoulder traveled to the back of his neck, massaging the spot, and gently pulled him closer, tilting his head until it reached just the right position for Percy's lips to finally come down against his in the sweetest, most innocent kiss he'd ever tasted, as if Percy was determined to regain everything they'd lost, starting with a tender, chaste kiss, a light brush of lips, candlelit dinners, and... and a lot of hugging?

The problem was things didn’t stay chaste for long. Moaning and shuddering, Nico felt one of Percy's hands slide down his back in a slow, willing caress, slipping inside his shirt, pressing him against his chest just as he opened his mouth in a needed gasp to have his tongue captured and sucked, so deliciously that he found himself closing his eyes and moaning again, clutching Percy's shoulders fearing he would fly away.

"That’s good, hm?" Percy murmured sometime later, lips still glued to his, nibbling slowly, hands safe and away from any sensitive parts. For now.

That was so unfair! Nico had waited so long for this moment! And now it was hard to think, let alone return an acceptable answer. He had missed that closeness and mostly had missed kissing Percy, even if Nico had only kissed him once before heading off to Italy, embarrassed and with his tail between his legs.

"Baby.” Percy whispered once more against his lips and licked them, catching him off guard once more, his tongue finding Nico’s, sealing their lips together, Percy's hands digging into his hair, pulling it a little, making him moan, while the other hand on his waist dragged him across the bench, pulling him closer, almost putting him in his lap, that is, when coughing was heard somewhere near them.

"Are you gentlemen ready to order?"

The kiss was broken with a wet sound and a needy whimper that came from Nico himself. The truth was simple, Nico was flying, floating in sensations he didn't even remember ever having, and not even the waiter trying to get their attention could stop him from feeling it. Then, his back was placed against the seat of the bench, and Percy's hands returned to his shoulders, now massaging him slowly as if that would calm him down. He heard a chuckle, and then Percy's voice came through the room, husky and slow, asking for wine and the dish of the day. Just one dish. Anyway, it's not like they're going to eat a lot.

"Thanks.” Percy said after a few minutes, Nico was content to sit still and watch the waiter walk away in embarrassment.

“Bad boy, embarrassing poor servants. What will they say about us?”

"Who's bad here?" he found himself saying, not the least bit sorry, although he was not the one who started it.

“You're right, I am. As long as you're good to me.”

He didn't even bother to answer, just looked at the smug expression on Percy's face, so arrogant he had the urge to show him who was in charge. Then, as if by magic, Percy smiled and held his face and pressed their lips against his for a long time in an affectionate gesture that warmed his skin the way something more intense would.

"Don’t be mad.”

"Do you think you can solve everything with kisses?"

"Not everything. Sex and gifts can also help. Who knows a very relaxing massage?”

Nico felt like hitting Percy until he couldn't anymore. Luckily, their food arrived, and an entire bottle with two glasses was placed on the table.

"Are you trying to get me drunk?"

“It's your favorite.”

It really was his favorite, dry and red, strong. A good vintage too. He wondered if every Italian family was like that, looking like they had wine in their veins instead of blood. It didn't matter, so Percy opened the bottle and filled their glasses to the brim.

“To new beginnings and old friends.”

They toasted, taking a few mouthfuls in between kisses and laughter, and drank some more until the bottle was empty, the sky outside long ago dark, lost in the black of the night along with any inhibitions they might’ve had.

***

And as he'd said before, his life was one big cheap cliché. Nico didn't remember how he got home, who opened the door, or how they got upstairs to his room. Had they locked the door? Where was his backpack? And the guitar? Had they--

"Nico… baby…" He threw his head back and moaned. He was so drunk, his legs on Percy's shoulders and hands gripping anything he could get hold of.

It hadn't been long since Percy had thrown him onto the bed and ripped off his shoes and pants, boxers, jacket, and shirt all at once. He barely had time to climb onto the pillows before Percy was there, between his legs, touching, kissing, marking with his teeth wherever they landed. Everything was going so fast that when he least realized it, Percy was licking his cock quickly, from top to base, to go past his balls and then…then his entrance, nibbling and using his fingers and tongue, both of them fighting the drunkenness and the narrow path, so narrow... it'd been so long since he had tried anything, even if that thing hadn’t been successful.

“Nico, are you sure--”

"I am! I am!”

“Is everything fine? It's so tight… hmm…” But Percy was moaning as if he was the one being touched. "And it smells so good…"

Nico was so glad he'd been prepared! He didn't even have time to finish the thought when he felt... he felt Percy's fingers slip out of him, replaced by Percy's tongue, wet and slightly rough, brushing around the puckered area to force himself in, moving rhythmically… he wasn't going to make it, it had been so long since anyone had tried to touch him there, it felt so much better this time, so good he could… his spine bowed and he groaned, a deep sound coming from his lungs, escaping his lips. And, of course, Percy's mouth was already there, momentarily helping to prolong his orgasm, Percy's fingers penetrating him again, now sliding around more easily, the lube finally doing its job. But it was too late. Percy's lips on his cock were too intense, more than he could handle. He finally felt himself coming and coming as Percy sucked him hard, licking the head, making it ache so good he had to pull Percy by the hair to push it away from his cock, still pulsing with the semen that escaped from Percy's lips, trickling down his neck.

"All good?” Percy asked, but he didn't know. It felt like Percy had ripped his soul through the orgasm. Nico could barely open his eyes or breathe, still feeling himself throb and shudder. "I hurt you?”

Nico could only shake his head, trying to control his body. It’d been so sudden that his nerves were still trying to keep up with the events, and he… Nico couldn't remember anyone ever doing this for him, so… so… thoroughly.

“Nico.”

He was trying. He swore he was. He was just having a hard time getting his head to stop spinning.

“Nico, look at me.” So he did, because it seemed simple enough.

"Here you are. My Nico lied to me?”

"I lied?” Nico didn't understand the question. Why would he lie? He blinked slowly and saw that Percy didn't look angry. He was lying between his legs, still fully dressed. Percy held Nico’s hair and stroked it with a pretty smile on his face.

"When was the last time?”

"I don't know. Never? I never got to… you know, go to the end.” He found himself sighing, his eyes growing heavy from Percy's fingers on his scalp, slowly lulling him to sleep.

“That explains a lot.”

“Hm?”

“Why don't you get some rest?”

"Where are you going?” But it was too late. With another sigh, his eyes closed once more, putting him to sleep faster than any pill ever could.

***

When Nico opened his eyes again, it was still dark, and the clock on the wall marked two in the morning. They were still in Nico’s bed, and as usual, Percy had kept his promise; they were sleeping on their sides, the sheet covering them, Percy behind him, hugging him around the waist, with his other hand under... under his head, curling around his neck, chest against back, face against the back of his neck and, maybe, he was holding on to this one arm around his neck like he was hugging a teddy bear close to his chest. Strangely, he didn't feel suffocated the way he would with anyone else, it was like… like a physical reminder that they were here together, and this time Percy wasn't going to let him get away.

What was he doing? A few hours ago he was saying that he wasn't ready and that he didn't want a relationship, and now… what? Was he comfortable staying in that position, trapped in that more than possessive hold, and still… still enjoying it? Approving Percy's attitude? He had sworn he would never let anyone get that close again, in that affectionate way, but this was Percy, wasn't it? Nico knew he could trust him. Right? And after all, it was just sex. What was wrong with that? Even if he was talking about Percy, the person who knew him the most in this world...

That is, he had come back because he missed Percy, but he didn't expect to be reciprocated and much less so quickly, also because they had so much time together and nothing had happened in the past, so why would it happen like this? Out of the blue? He knew Percy tried to be the best version of himself, though, knowing Percy the way he knew him?... Well, Percy wasn't the kind of person to forgive easily, a trait they both shared. Then, no one could blame him if he was expecting to spend time with his friend to finally come to terms with the fact that things between them weren't going to work out. Now, he found himself at this dead end, actually being reciprocated. The truth is, Nico hadn't prepared for any of this, hadn't planned or thought about what Percy liking him back really meant for his future. He would probably have gone back to Italy after graduating in a few years, staying long enough to take care of what he needed, and then…then he would do what his father had been asking him for years.

What was he supposed to do now? This couldn't be a good idea, he was sure something would happen and destroy everything because that was what happened to him, and he would have to deal with the consequences. So why did he get carried away? Was it because of the wine? What excuse would he use now that he wasn't drunk anymore? Why was he still in the same position, as content as he'd ever been, letting himself be held like that and feeling Percy practically press him against the bed in his sleep? And if he--

“Nico?” Percy said hoarsely, his sleepy voice drawing his attention.

"Did I wake you up?”

"Your heart. Is racing.”

To prove his point, Percy brought his hand to the middle of Nico's chest and massaged the spot, moving his hands up and down, making things worse. Nico wanted to cry and wanted to struggle. He wanted to run back to Italy and hide where no one would ever find him again. In the end, all Nico did was lie still, barely breathing, feeling Percy move against him. Percy tucked one of his legs between Nico’s, making him gasp as Percy brushed his lips against the back of his neck, turning Nico’s head slowly toward him until Percy brought their lips together in a slow, affectionate gesture.

"What happened, hmm? What's the problem?” Percy said, sounding more like he was asleep than awake, grinding against him, slow and calm, in control.

Nico didn't know exactly what was going on, he just knew it was working. Feeling skin on skin and so safe, he let his breath out and opened his mouth, finding Percy right there, ready to welcome him sweetly, going back to hugging him tightly, sliding their tongues together, easy and delicious, as if they had always had done that, as uncomplicated as breathing.

"Aren't you going to tell me?" Percy pulled away for a moment and blinked slowly at him, a little more awake.

Nico just looked at Percy, hair tousled and lips swollen, eyes almost closing with exhaustion. That's when reality hit him like a punch in the stomach. He loves Percy, really loves him. Nico didn't like Percy because no one else wanted to be his friend at his worst or because Percy stood up for him during childhood, it wasn't even because Percy had always been his best friend and always would be. Now, looking into those green eyes, he finally realized the truth. How could he not love someone so generous and caring, someone so kind? So helpful, always willing to solve his problems without Nico even having to ask for help?

"I love you.” Nico said without thinking, distracted by the way Percy leaned towards him once more, about to give him another kiss. That made Percy stop in his tracks, wrinkle his nose in a confused expression, and then smile, moving the rest of the distance closer, touching their lips in a light brush.

"I love you more. Very. A lot more.”

It was strange. He didn't feel any different than he had five minutes ago, but it was good for his heart, allowing him to lift a weight off his back that Nico didn't even know was there. Percy saying he loved him didn't make him feel better or worse, either. It was a pretty obvious fact, especially after seeing everything that had happened these last few years. The only apparent effect was to warm his heart, like the phone calls did, like looking into Percy's face and seeing the warm smile there, always available for him, or how Percy's arms were always open to receive him.

“No need to worry about it." Percy said, going back to caressing the middle of his chest, turning him to face Percy and hugging him again, not an inch of distance between them, Percy's hands sliding down his back, one of them digging into the hair at the back of his neck, Percy's favorite place to touch him now, and in the past when he didn't know what that gesture meant. Or when he chose to ignore the fact.

"Worry about what?"

“I can see it in your face.”

"I did nothing.”

“But you want to. So, before you create these stories and act impulsively, talk to me.”

“Per.”

“You promised you wouldn't run away.”

"When was that?”

"When you said you come back to stay."

Nico didn't promise anything, but it was like he had.

In the end, Percy was right. He should worry less. What was the use of anticipating what might happen if the future had so many possibilities? Or those positive, happy thoughts could be Percy's influence on him. Nico suspected that once Percy stopped touching him, those worries would come back like an anvil thrown at his head. However, at that moment, he would let himself be comforted and hugged, he would let Percy's smile light up the darkness around him, and he would let one more kiss make him sigh and forget that tomorrow was a new day and that with it, more problems would appear to worry him.

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Thanks for reading! Comments are always welcome^^

“Hot diggity dawg”

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

In this chapter we have a super 18+ scene. It's a gift for the delay in updating the story. And while I'm on this subject, I'd like to know what you guys think about something. Like, technically, I should indicate that the blog is for adults, which would hide it behind that annoying warning and consider me a sex bot, you know? If someone reports me, the blog will be deleted. So, should I continue with the +18 scenes here or put them somewhere else? I've already put up a poll in the Portuguese version, but I'd like your opinion too.

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

Percy learned something very interesting these last few days. He had found out the right way to have a happy ending, both between Nico's legs and in the heart of his beautiful baby. The secret to satisfying Nico was doing the right thing, at the right time and at the right pace. If he took things slowly at first, treated him with affection and made Nico relax, the chances of him getting everything he wanted and going much deeper than that were high. Honestly? Percy didn't think someone so innocent in everything he did could have such an uninhibited side behind four walls. The funny thing was seeing the rare moments where Nico remembered that he shouldn't act like that, feeling embarrassed, only to have Nico open his legs the next moment, asking for more.

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

“Hmm… that you would let me cum?'' Nico tried, hopeful.

“No. I said, I would make you beg.’’

''Oh.'' That's all Nico said before being thrown onto the bed and his pants being ripped off him.

But Percy did everything with care. He took off Nico's sneakers, pulled his pants down along with his underwear and enjoyed the moment; it wasn't often that Nico let him see all that exposed skin. He stroked Nico's long legs and kissed them slowly, nibbling where he went, tortuously slow in his touches, moving up and up, finally reaching Nico's groin and lingering there, massaging the junction of his legs with his pelvis and touching Nico's member, then, he heard a whimper.

''What's wrong, baby?’’

''You… you‘re torturing me!’’

“Am I?’’

“Hmmm.'' Nico nodded, bringing his hands to his own face, like he was trying to hide it,  and ended up biting his fingers just as Percy looked at him, seeing Nico’s face flushed and his eyes almost closing with sleep, holding back the next moan. Percy had to admit, he was in the mood to do exactly what Nico accused him of doing. So, he ignored Nico's erect member and went a little lower, stroking his entrance, rubbing in soft, delicate circles, until it opened up like a flower for him, pulsing against his fingers.

But Percy didn't  push right all the way like Nico wanted. No, he kept rubbing and rubbing, watching Nico open and close for long moments, hearing the sweet moans that his baby couldn't contain inside himself.

''Percy!’’

“What it that?’’

''I…’’

''Yeah?’’

''I need you! Inside of me!’’

''Oh, no. Don't cry. We haven't even started yet.’’

“T-thank you.'' Nico whispered, all tearful, and leaned towards him, grabbing his shirt, begging sweetly, his big black eyes looking at him so desperately and frustrated that Percy took pity, although only now Percy was recalling their deal. If Nico didn't know what to say and wanted to continue, he would say “Thank you” and when it felt good and still Nico wanted to stop, he would say “Please”.

‘So sweet’ Percy thought. He would make everything better. So, Percy pulled Nico against his chest and comforted him, kissing his hair, mumbling:

''There, there. It's already gone. See? All good.’’

''I… I wanted…’’

''I know what you want.’’

With Nico in his arms, Percy turned to the side and opened the first drawer on the bedside table and took out a tube of lub. He put some on his fingers, warming the gel in his hand, and brought his fingers to Nico's entrance. Exactly as before, Nico moaned sweetly and threw his head back when Percy rubbed around Nico's hole, feeling Nico melt like butter in his arms, surrendering to the sensations he felt.

Percy couldn't help the heat that spread in his chest, both from pleasure and affection, but from lust too, that feeling that made him forget everything and encouraged him to take everything he wanted.

''Is this what you wanted, beautiful? For me to fuck you at my parents' house?’’

Percy tried to be as delicate as possible, as delicate as his pleasure-drunk mind would allow. And He had to admit, it wasn't enough for him, it never would be, because, deep down, he knew this wasn't the way he should treat his baby. If Percy had his head on straight, he would never do this, but something inside him dominated his body, making him act the way he never thought he would.

The truth was, since Nico’s return, he wasn’t acting like himself, he wasn’t behaving like Nico deserved. But, in the end, care and kindness wasn't what he wanted and it wasn't what Nico wanted either. Percy wasn't proud of himself; the next thing he knew, he had three fingers inside Nico, opening him slowly, but eagerly and more deeply than he had done in the past. Percy had to stop for a moment and take a deep breath, he had promised that he wouldn't let his feelings get in the way of his relationship with Nico. What could he do if Nico became even more beautiful, moaning with his back bent, about to come while he just kept playing with Nico's body, discovering the places that made him moan, and what made him cry with pleasure, or even that little place that was making Nico scream, shaking from head to toe?

That's why Percy forced himself to take his fingers out of Nico and take a deep breath. It wasn't right to treat him like a plastic doll, a little toy he could use and then put away in a box.

''Baby? All good?'' Percy forced himself to see through the haze of lust and see his baby and not… a lover where he could satisfy all his desires.

Percy watched in slow motion Nico opening his eyes, unfocused and dilated, breathing as deeply as he had done, looking confused.

''No... ah... don't stop... I... thank you.'' Nico said in the softest and sweetest voice Percy had ever heard, all obedient and happy, smiling dreamy, saying: “I'm so drunk.”

And then, Nico was laughing, looking more stoned than any drink could make him, putting his arms around Percy’s neck and kissing him softly. 

Percy couldn't blame him, he felt as high as Nico seemed to be, but what Percy hadn't noticed until that moment were the tears that were flowing, seeping from Nico's eyes that, in addition to being unfocused, were also teary;his dark skin warm to the touch, marred by invisible lines. Why did Percy know this? He had to raise his hand and wipe Nico's face, sliding them until he held Nico by the back of his head and neck, keeping them there, buried in Nico's hair. And Nico? Well, he just moaned, letting Percy lean him closer to him, and spread his legs wider, offering himself to Percy.

Percy didn't want to think about this, this… show of submission. That made something inside him wake up, something Percy was ashamed to admit he had inside him. But… he looked down and saw that Nico had cum at some point. They should stop, right? So, why was Percy unzipping his own pants and applying lube to his own cock?

Percy grunted when he felt the tip of his member's head come into contact with Nico's entrance. They should use condoms, shouldn't they? But he knew Nico was a virgin before he fucked him, which Percy knew was just another excuse for his endorphin-filled brain not to force him to stop. But, Nico had asked, hadn't he?

He didn't hesitate any longer, Percy grabbed Nico by the waist and pulled him against his member, letting gravity do its work. It was an out-of-body experience seeing Nico's small, tight little hole, accommodate his size, watching him go down slowly, taking him in inch by inch, seeing his member disappear inside Nico with almost no effort at all, now hearing the high-pitched moans and gasps against his ear, chest against chest, feeling Nico hug him tightly around the neck and wrap his legs around his waist, bouncing around in his lap so deliciously that for a moment Percy found himself without reaction, only able to gasp against his baby's black hair, helping him in any way he could.

Then, Nico let out a long, breathy moan against his neck and bit him hard, stopping moving immediately, squeezing him so hard that Percy didn't know how he hadn't come at that very moment. Yet, knowing Nico had just cum, Percy didn't have enough strength to stop, but he didn’t try to move either. So, he waited,  staying in that same position for long moments, sitting motionless on the bed, thinking that maybe Nico had fallen asleep, or that Nico didn't want to continue anymore. That was the moment when Percy heard a sly little moan and felt Nico move, just a little, rotating his hips, as if trying to find a better position. And Percy, like the gentleman that he was, helped him. Still holding Nico's waist, he moved him a little to the right and then forward, finding a more comfortable angle. 

Yes! Percy thought he had found it, feeling Nico squeeze him tightly and whimper like he was dying.

''Is it here? Like this? Feels good?’’

''Ah… ah… thank you!'' Nico squirmed and forced himself against him, hugging Percy tightly again. And since Nico was so determined to kill them with pleasure, it was the best way Percy could die.

Percy held Nico's hips tighter and, almost immobilizing him, pulled him up and then took him down, slowly and deliciously, feeling Nico squeeze him so hard it almost hurt.

''Baby, you gotta relax, hm? Take a deep breath for me.’’

Nico did, because he was the best boy in the world, and let himself fall onto his chest, relaxing with his head resting on his shoulders.

Ah, that was much better, because, suddenly, his member was sliding in and out of Nico without any effort, Nico moaning shamelessly with his head thrown back. Percy watched for a moment as Nico gave himself to him without any fear and forgot about himself, regretting that he had almost lost Nico forever.

''Do you want to cum?'' Percy asked, feeling himself float away.

''Per… I… ah! I don't know!'' And again, in the sweetest voice, but now panting and desperate, Nico opened those black eyes and pleaded with his gaze, something that Nico himself seemed to not know what it was.

Percy didn't really know what he was doing, but if Nico wanted it, he would make it come true.

''Touch yourself.’’

''W-what?'' Nico asked without understanding.

''I want you to touch yourself.’’

Percy then held one of Nico's hands and took it between their bodies where Nico's member was erect once again.

''I want to see.'' Percy repeated and waited to see what Nico would do.

Nico  blinked slowly at him and, still looking uncertain and stoned, wrapped his fingers around himself, beginning to slide his hand up and down, in the most delicate, gentle touch Percy had ever seen. He did nothing but watch Nico touch himself with him still inside Nico, feeling Nico pulse and squeeze him rhythmically for a few short minutes.

It didn't take long, as slowly and gently as Nico had started, Nico came, with long strokes and even sweeter moans. And this time Percy saw Nico ejaculating, the small member twitching and finally releasing the last drops until Nico stopped moving his hand and looked at Percy, blinking slowly and breathing quickly, as if waiting for the next order.

That was a slightly strange and wonderfully extraordinary moment for Percy. He was content to just watch Nico's pleasure and let his erection go away on its own. The fact is that Nico was still looking at him, still looking uncertain and honestly confused.

''Aren't you going to cum?'' Nico asked him, and Percy almost laughed, thinking he was going crazy.

“What do you suggest, hm?’’

“Oh.'' Nico murmured, tilting his head and gently placing his hands on Percy's shoulders. ''Can I decide?’’

“Sure.’’ Percy shrugged, why not?

The surprise came immediately; Nico lifted his hips, moaning softly and let Percy's member slip away from him. Soon after, Nico knelt on the bed, sat between Percy's spread legs and holding the base, kissed the head for long moments. He licked and sucked without rushing to finally suck it whole, starting a light suction, in the most beautiful and erotic sight that Percy had ever had the pleasure of witnessing, thinking that this would be the fastest orgasm of his life.

Nico started to move his hands too and suddenly, his member was sliding into Nico's throat. What finally made him cum was when Nico swallowed around him and gasped, choking slightly. And again, Percy had no reaction other than leaning on the bed and throwing his head back, moaning for a long time. Surprising him again, Percy watched as Nico continued to suck him, now so gently he could barely feel it, only sliding away when Nico was sure Percy had finished, finally softening against his lips. It was as if a new world had opened up right in front of Percy's eyes; he didn't know that someone sucking his cock could rock his world like that. But, of course, Nico wasn't just anyone and no one but Nico could cause these feelings in him.

''Per?'' He heard Nico's small voice call him. Percy opened his eyes and realized that he still had his head thrown back and was staring at the ceiling. It was difficult to even open his mouth.

''Hmm?’’

''I… I'm sorry… I didn't mean to…’’

He didn’t mean what? Percy wanted to laugh in hysteria and pleasure.

Content and truly satisfied, Percy finally gathered the strength to move and sat down on the bed, seeing that Nico was still between his legs. The funny thing is that Nico didn't look happy, looking like he would burst into tears at any moment.

''What's wrong, baby?’’

''I hurt you.’’

''Hurt me?’’

''You looked like you were in pain, but I didn't want to stop. You never let me do that.’’

Percy smiled and pulled Nico onto his lap, hugging him to his chest. He could tell Nico was right; It felt so good it hurt, like his orgasm was being pulled out of him and Percy had no control over it.

''You didn't hurt me. In fact, you only had to ask. You were great.’’

“Was I… great?'' Nico sank against Percy's chest, but he still looked doubtful. ''If you say so, I will believe it.’’

Percy smiled again and kissed Nico's hair. He just hoped that Nico wouldn't fight with him the next morning when they were both completely sober.

***

''If you say so, I will believe it.'' Percy hears Nico say, watching him close his eyes and sigh before relaxing against his chest, now breathing deeply in his sleep.

Percy was almost tempted to do the same and sleep in that exact position, sitting in the middle of the bed with Nico using him as a pillow. But unfortunately, he had to be the responsible person. Feeling his legs still shaking, he placed Nico on the pillows, covered him with a sheet and got up. He entered the suite's bathroom and after cleaning himself and arranging his clothes, he returned to the room with a damp towel and cleaned Nico, saying "I'll be back soon", which Nico didn't seem to hear, and left the room, closing the door softly behind him, leaving Nico under the covers in just socks and a t-shirt. 

He went downstairs and, already regretting it, saw that there were still people at the party. Not that it mattered to him, it was just another day at the Jackson house, so he walked with determined steps towards the kitchen, but when he got there he had an unwanted surprise.

It was Annabeth, of course! Who else? Who else could it be? His relaxation vanished in the blink of an eye, especially when Annabeth turned to him and smiled, holding a crystal glass with red wine against her lips, her favorite drink, Percy unfortunately knew.

Maybe he had hidden some things from Nico and, maybe he had spent more time than he’d wanted with Annabeth in the last few years; Nico was gone and Percy was feeling lonely, imagine his surprise when Annabeth showed him a little sympathy.

Percy had let his guard down, he admitted. In the name of old times and childhood friends, Percy decided that giving another chance to the first friendship he had made in his life could work. The fact is that everything was fine for some time, the gang got together once again and everything was going well, that is, until Annabeth, in a drink-fueled study session, their best friends and books scattered on every surface of his room, she had tried to kiss him. In the end, all Annabeth wanted was to be homecoming queen and take advantage of his family's influence to get a scholarship and a cheerleading position at the best university in the country. If she had asked him for these things, Percy wouldn't have minded helping, but since she decided to take it by force, Percy returned it in kind.

Now, here they were. Annabeth in a long red dress that hid nothing, standing in front of the refrigerator, seeming to observe some photos stuck in it, photos of them and their other friends from when they were children and Percy hadn't met Nico yet. Percy almost believed her longing look, almost got fooled once again, and all because he was trying to get his baby a glass of water with painkillers, hm?

Not this time.

''What are you doing here? I thought I was clear.’’

''I wanted to talk to you.’’

''You'd better go home.’’

''Don't you miss us? How it used to be?’’

Annabeth then turned completely towards him and placed the glass on the counter, moving closer to him, parading herself, trying to seduce him. All it did was make his stomach churn. What would he miss? Of feeling alone, as if he were invisible? Living to fulfill all the selfish desires of a spoiled girl? Of not being able to do something if Annabeth didn't allow it? The worst thing would always know that no matter what he did, Percy would always feel cold and abandoned, even if she was less than five steps away.

''How did you intend to do that? Breaking into my room in the middle of the night?’’

''It's a good idea. I still remember where it is.’’

''Have you gone crazy? That’s it?’’

''It's you who doesn't understand! It should be both of us. This is not natural. What would your father say if he saw you like this?'' Annabeth touched his shoulder and then the urge to vomit really came, almost materializing itself.

''My father has nothing to do with this. You’ve crossed the line.’’

''Percy, darling. It's not too late yet.'' Annabeth touched his face and looked at him with those cold gray eyes, something he had once found beautiful and magnetic, but that now froze his body and soul. If there was one thing he had learned from Annabeth, it was that manipulation came in all sizes and shapes.

He took a step back, out of Annabeth's reach and took a deep breath, feeling free from a ghost that had continued to haunt him since he decided he liked sweet, well-behaved little boys more than manipulative, cruel girls. Maybe Nico was right and the only way for him to really get rid of Annabeth was to run away and disappear, just like Nico had done before.

''You need to leave. Now!’’

''Percy, I know you're confused. He's so cute he almost looks like a girl, doesn't he? He will never give you what I can. A family. A home.’’

“Nico can’t give me…?'' Percy asked himself for a moment, distracted. Then, he felt like laughing. Nico gave him exactly what he wanted and in the exact way he wanted it the most.

''Are you sure about that?’’

Percy knew he shouldn't, knew it wasn't Annabeth's business, and yet, he did it. Percy opened the top buttons of his shirt and showed the mark in the middle of his chest from teeth and nails, close to his neck, but discreet enough to cover with his shirt.

''Do you think Nico doesn't give me what I need? He is so much better than you will ever be.’’

''You will regret it! How do you trade me for that--’’

''In fact, even if I wasn't with him, you'd be the last person on earth who--’’

Plaft!

Percy even didn't felt the pain coming, he just heard the sound of Annabeth's hand against his face, the cold touch of her hand freezing him face. The shock came when his face turned to the side with the impact, it came when her scream of fury reached his ears, completely enraged, like a demon had possessed the body of the beauty with light eyes and blonde hair.

''Do you think you can talk to me like that? That you can treat me like this? Who do you think you are!'' Annabeth shouted, going at him once again. But this time, Percy refused to submit to her wishes, he wasn't afraid of what they would say or what the consequences would be.

This time, Percy held Annabeth's arms and faced her, without fear, before the next slap could arrive.

''We're done here. I don't want to see you, hear your voice or know about you. You are not welcome in my life or Nico's life. And if you try something, you will regret it. This is my last warning.’’

With that, Percy turned his back on her and left the kitchen, still hearing Annabeth's screams. When Percy returned, Annabeth was still in the kitchen pacing back and forth, furious, with the crystal glass in her hand. But if it were up to Percy, Annabeth should keep the glass as a souvenir. He didn't want anything she had touched.

''Make sure she never sets foot in this house again.’’

Standing in the middle of the hallway that led to the kitchen entrance, Percy watched the men nod and go towards the intruder. Each one held Annabeth by an arm and without another word, Annabeth was taken away by the men, screaming and offended, because finally, the person who haunted Percy’s nightmares was banished from his home and life once and for all.

***

Still hearing the blonde's screams, Percy was finally able to get the glass of water and the painkillers that Nico would need. And feeling exhausted and with his face throbbing, he climbed the stairs to the upper floor and entered his room at the end of the corridor, finding Nico awake, leaning against the bedpost,  looking at his own lap covered only by the sheets with the saddest, most gloomy expression Percy had ever seen on his baby.

Everything got worse the moment Percy closed the door and step in the room. Nico raised his head and looked at him with those big black eyes, now all teary.

''Where were you?'' Nico said in a low voice, sounding hoarse and tired.

''I went to get some hangover medicine.’’

''I'm not hungover.’’

But Nico looked like he would fall asleep at any moment, continuing to look at him, as if he didn't believe him, and Percy gave up trying to convince him. Because, in that way, they were similar. Once they set their mind to something, nothing would make them change their mind. It would be worse if they found out that the other was lying. So, resigned, Percy walked quickly to the bedside table, placed the water and medicine on it and sat down next to Nico, pulling him onto his lap.

''What happened, hmm?’’

''It's nothing.'' Nico buried his face in the crook of Percy's neck and hugged him tightly around his waist, relaxing, and only then did he feel comfortable enough to say what he thought. ''I saw Annabeth at the party. After you sent her away. I hate knowing that she's still around, hanging around us and waiting for the right moment to attack.’’

So, that was the problem.

Well, Nico was more right than he thought.

Percy hugged Nico tighter, completely wrapping him in his arms, and sighed, laying his head on top of Nico's hair.

''Is what you think of me? That I would rush to her side after being with you?’’

''No, I don't think so. I just… she has a strange influence on you. I just… I don't like it.’’

''What don't you like?’’

''The way she looks at you. Like she wanted to… dominate you. It kills me to think that… to think that she can get what she wants.’’

‘Exactly what I do with you?’, Percy had the impulse to ask, but stopped before they got into an argument that they both weren't ready to face. Even though he knew their situation was different, and even though Percy wanted to dominate Nico, it was completely consensual between both parties; with Annabeth, he couldn't say the same. Just the thought of it turned his stomach.

''You don't need to worry.'' Percy said finally, trying to relax.

“Sure.’’

''Nico.’’

Percy grabbed Nico's face, pulling his head up and forcing him to face him:

''I love you. Just you and no one else. When will you understand this?’’

''I understand. Believing is more difficult. I remember the times when you smelled different... or had marks in suspicious places… '' Nico took his hands to the place he himself had left a mark, moving the shirt away to touch the skin and making Percy understand everything.

''They meant nothing more than… stress relief.'' Percy said, touching Nico's hand on his chest. ''They never meant anything more than that. You need to believe me.’’

''At the time I couldn't understand. It was so confusing. You slept in my bed and had sex with them.'' But now, Nico seemed to understand better, going to Italy and feeling the need to relieve that same kind of stress.

''You were… a perfect angel, delicate and immaculate. I didn't want to get you dirty.’’

''Get me dirty?'' Nico said, looking confused once again.

''I didn't want to force you like those boys did.’’

Nico raised his head, ready to say that those boys would never compare to Percy, looking back at him. However, when Nico saw a large mark on the right side of Percy's face, confusion was replaced by concern.

''What happened?'' Percy was immediately surprised by the change in Nico. The little boy was making a face, somewhere between confused and irritated.

''Your face. Who hit you?’’

Would it be too corny to say that Nico made him forget the pain? Percy decided yes, it was one of the cheesiest things he had ever thought of saying.

''It was nothing. Just a scratch.’’

''I want to know.'' When Nico realized that demanding wouldn't work, he gently touched Percy's face and kissed him sweetly on the lips, saying very delicately and quietly: ''I'm worried about you. Please, Per. Tell me who did this to you.’’

'It doesn't even hurt anymore.’’

''Please?’’

''Annabeth. It’s Annabeth. I found her in the kitchen.'' Percy sighed and closed his eyes, almost purring at Nico's affectionate touch. ''She didn't take no for an answer.’’

''Per! You should file a complaint!’’

'Maybe tomorrow. When Sally sees my face and makes me go. Or Paul arrives from a trip and drags me there with Tyson's help.’’

''Per.'' Nico murmured weakly, his eyes filling with tears, making Percy's heart clench and fill with affection in equal measures.

''I'm fine. I swear.'' To prove his point, Percy kissed him softly and stroked Nico's hair, combing it back. “See? Everything’s fine.’’

“Only if you take the pills.’’

''But I brought it to you.’’

''Let's share.’’

Percy smiled and shrugged. He broke the medicine in half, gave one part to Nico, swallowed the other part and held it in Nico's hands.

''How about a shower before bed?’’

Nico accepted the offer, of course. Because Nico was the most obedient and well-behaved boy in the world, always wanting to please him and take care of him, even if Percy didn't deserve it.

So, Nico took the medicine with the water and they stripped off the rest of their clothes, taking a quick shower and were soon under the covers. It had been a long day and all they wanted was a moment of peace and quiet.

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Soo... We finally begin to understand a little about Annabeth's relationship with Percy and Nico. Honestly? I didn't want to write about Annabeth, because it's a bit cliché. But here we are, I've been forced to introduce our antagonist properly. This way, Annabeth will be much more present in the story, but not too much, just enough to move the story forward. What did you think of her? And the development of the other characters? I'd love to hear what you think.

Thank you for reading!

If you liked it, leave me a comment, suggestions and constructive criticism. Even an emoji is valid, just so I know the story is pleasing you.

Until next time.

“You can’t think about saving the whole world. You have to think about saving one person, Miles. Just think of someone you love.”

“My mom, and…my uncle and my dad.”

“In that order? Wanna talk about that?”

“No.”

Another redraw, this time from that great deleted scene.

AMOR DE BABÁ - Nico!Babá, Percy!Professor - Capítulo III, Capítulo IV, Capítulo V, Capítulo VI, Capítulo VII

Olá, como vai? Então... eu acabei esquecendo de atualizar a versão em português. Aqui está todos os capítulos atrasados. Mil desculpas!

Boa leitura!

Capítulo III

— A culpa não é sua. Entre.

Sr. Jackson deu espaço para Nico entrar e fechou a porta, logo em seguida caminhou para dentro da casa, o guiando pela câmara de entrada.

Nico tentou seguir pelo cômodo na velocidade do homem, mas teve que parar por um momento. A primeira coisa que viu foi o branco em seu tom mais puro, vendo que conforme ele andava e seus olhos percorriam o saguão, o branco se misturava a outras tonalidades mais claras e neutras. As paredes também eram brancas e os móveis eram de uma cor igualmente clara, neve pálida, que contrastavam com os quadros bonitos no qual ele nunca poderia reconhecer seu real valor mesmo que o pagassem, decoravam tais paredes intercaladas por grandes janelas que iam até o chão em pontos estratégicos; tudo era tão imaculado, tão limpo e claro que ele teve medo de dar um passo à frente e sujar alguma coisa.

Ele piscou, e se perguntou o que mais iria encontrar naquele lugar. Por isso, com o maior cuidado possível, Nico pisou no tapete branquíssimo que se estendia por toda a entrada e andou o mais rápido que pôde tentando alcançar Sr. Jackson que já lhe esperava na entrada para a sala de estar.

E como todo o resto, o chão daquela casa também era de um granito branco que reluzia quase lhe cegando. Ele tinha mencionado a grande escada em caracol que levava ao andar de cima? Era lindo, algo saído de algum conto de fadas. Nico podia muito bem imaginar uma princesa descendo por aqueles degraus claros e lustrados. Ele escutou um pigarro e enfim desviou o olhar da escada vendo que havia duas portas à direita e uma a esquerda, e o cômodo que ele pensava ser uma pequena sala de estar se abriu ampla mais à direita, bem iluminada pelas grandes janelas que também havia ali mostrando o jardim bem cuidado, mais paredes brancas, sofás creme, uma mesinha de centro e uma televisão de setenta polegadas presa a parede.

Feito um idiota, ele continuou andando enquanto olhava para os lados e sem querer tropeçou no fim do tapete, parando no início da sala de estar. Já o Sr. Jackson, tinha andado a passos confiantes pelo longo corredor, lhe esperando, parecendo a cada minuto mais impaciente agora parado no meio da sala.

— Entre. Por favor. — Sr. Jackson lhe disse tão sério quanto antes.

Por algum motivo que Nico não podia explicar, ele se sentia em conflito, embora… embora soubesse ser um tipo diferente de conflito. Era uma sensação engraçada no pé do estômago que fazia os pelos em sua nuca se arrepiarem, como se… podia parecer ridículo, mas ele sentia ter entrado em uma armadilha de forma que se pisasse em falso seria devorado. Ele admitia, tinha atração por um tipo específico de homem. Alto, forte e… decidido. 

Bem, ele não sabia se “decidido” era a palavra certa, mas Nico gostava de acreditar nisso. Ele não sabia, talvez fosse toda aquela pele à mostra, a forma que o homem seminu estava parado no meio do cômodo como se não tivesse nada a esconder, a forma que o Sr. Jackson parecia usar sua altura para exigir… exigir algo dele. Também era o jeito que aqueles olhos que brilhavam intensos pareciam o espreitar, contidos, atentos, tentando comunicar algo que Nico se negava em compreender.

Também poderia ser aquele lugar gigante e deserto que lhe dava essa impressão de sufocamento, como se ele fosse minúsculo e a vastidão branca fosse engoli-lo naquela casa que parecia ser a perfeita prisão feita de ouro. Ou ainda pior, poderia ser algo inédito, algo que Nico recusaria até o fim por puro senso de moral; ele odiava essa sensação que subia por sua coluna e lhe deixava mais confuso, pois, não era justo, ele estava irritado com o homem há menos de dez minutos! E agora, bem… Nico não conseguia esconder, era algo que vinha a ele naturalmente; essa sexualidade que ele tentava enterrar o máximo que pudesse e que era óbvio se Nico pudesse comparar, era a semelhança na postura desse homem que o encarava dos pés à cabeça tão intensamente que lhe deixava desconfortável e ao mesmo tempo com vontade.

Mas tudo estava bem, Nico podia admitir isso para si mesmo. O único motivo de hesitar tanto era a lembrança do que havia acontecido ontem, era exatamente por conhecer pessoas como esse homem, autoritário e confiante, como se fosse óbvio que os outros viviam para atender seus desejos, que ele tinha perdido o emprego. Nico não queria que acontecesse a mesma coisa tão rápido. Ou que acontecesse algo pior.

Ah, por que ele não escutou sua intuição e foi embora quando pôde? Quer dizer… ninguém o obrigava a estar ali, certo? Sr. Jackson apenas tinha segurado a porta, lhe dando passagem e andado para dentro da casa. Talvez um pouco com a cabeça empinada? Talvez se colocando mais ereto do que antes como se… como se estivesse estufando o peito? E só talvez… só talvez ele pudesse ver um brilho meio sinistro naqueles olhos que por algum motivo Nico não conseguia desviar a atenção… Não, devia ser coisa da ansiedade que gostava de lhe pregar peças.

Nico respirou fundo e fez o seu melhor para se convencer, ele fazia esse sacrifício apenas pelo dinheiro. 

Ele inspirou profundamente, mais uma vez, e deixou o ar sair, dando o primeiro passo para dentro da sala. Depois deu mais um e parou na frente do Sr. Jackson que o encarou por mais uns segundos, seu rosto ilegível, braços cruzados em frente ao peito, parado no meio do cômodo com as pernas afastadas. Era difícil impedir seus olhos de seguir a direção natural das coisas.

— Me siga.

Sem esperar por Nico, Sr. Jackson andou a passos largos em direção aos sofás na sala de estar e se sentou pesadamente contra uma das milhares de poltronas que enfeitavam o cômodo, o forçando a ir atrás dele.

— Não vou enrolar. Minha esposa viaja a maior parte do tempo e eu cuido das crianças. Sou pesquisador e não tenho tempo a perder. Elas têm uma rotina. Você deve acordá-la às sete em ponto, trocar elas, me ajudar com o café da manhã, levá-las para a escola, buscá-las, ajudá-las com o dever de casa, mantê-las entretidas até a hora de ir dormir e dar banho nelas no fim do dia. Durante o resto do tempo, eu não me importo com o que você faz. Se você fica aqui ou em outro lugar, não é da minha conta.

— Hmm… tudo bem? — Nico disse meio confuso, a irritação voltando a subir por seus nervos. — O senhor vai estar presente em algum momento? Ou devo fazer alguma coisa a mais?

— E o que seria isso?

O homem finalmente sorriu para Nico, mas era algo tão zombador e cínico que ele quase se levantou da cadeira para dar um soco nele.

— Olha, eu não sei o que você faz na casa das outras pessoas, mas aqui você vai fazer o que foi contratado para fazer. Cuidar das crianças e arrumar a bagunça que elas fizerem. Duzentos reais por dia é o suficiente?

— Duzentos reais? — Nico disse, surpreso. Isso era o dobro do que ele esperava.

— Duzentos reais mais transporte e almoço. Você está livre para comer ou fazer o que quiser.

Sr. Jackson deu mais um sorrisinho na direção de Nico e se espreguiçou lentamente ao se levantar, Nico observando cada movimento com mais atenção do que o necessário, ainda levemente confuso e se negando a corar. O pior era saber que ele era tão óbvio, não conseguindo evitar o constrangimento.

— Não se preocupe. Acontece com todo mundo. — Sr. Jackson piscou para Nico e enfim se afastou, mas não sem antes falar: — Subindo as escadas, estou no primeiro quarto à direita. As crianças devem ser acordadas em vinte minutos.

Nico acenou meio zonzo e viu a silhueta dos ombros largos de seu mais novo chefe desaparecer escadas acima.

Capítulo IV

Nico se virou no sofá, se apoiando de costas e colocou a mão sobre os olhos. Piscou devagar e sentiu a claridade do começo do dia cegá-lo, feito uma flecha que acertava o alvo. Quando os abriu novamente, viu que o sol já brilhava forte em todo o cômodo, banhando as paredes frias e brancas com os raios cálidos do amanhecer, iluminando e aquecendo o lugar que antes parecia tão ausente de vida ou de calor. 

Ele piscou mais uma vez, tentando despregar as pálpebras e coçou os olhos, a visão clareando conforme Nico se acostumava com a luz da manhã. Olhou ao redor e enfim se lembrou de onde estava, se inclinando para a frente em busca de seu celular. Tateou a mesa de centro e os bolsos de sua calça até que uma imagem que ele não esperava ver se fez nítida; tudo o que Nico conseguia enxergar eram olhos verdes azulados, tão intensos quanto o mar em dias chuvosos junto a um nariz fino e lábios bonitos, abertos em um sorriso mais bonito ainda, embora ele sentisse que esse sorriso não indicasse boas notícias.

Em um pulo que fez seu coração disparar, Nico se lançou para fora do sofá bem no momento em que o despertador tocou lhe avisando que a hora de acordar as crianças havia chegado. Decidido a recuperar o controle da situação, ele deu alguns passos para trás e colocou certa distância entre ele e o homem que se inclinava sobre o sofá, insistindo em lhe perturbar e que agora sorria em sua direção, lábios bonitos se alargando e o prazer no rosto bronzeado deixando claro que a diversão estava longe de acabar.

Ainda meio sonolento e com a face em fogo, se sentindo como se observasse a própria vida por uma lente desfocada, viu quando o Sr. Jackson endireitou a coluna e ainda sorrindo, se aproximou dele. O homem parou na frente dele, colocou uma das mãos sobre os ombros de Nico e o encarou no que parecia ser algo amigável. Porém, dessa vez, Nico pôde notar que o Sr. Jackson tinha se dignado a usar roupas e até tinha penteado os cabelos que agora estavam jogados para trás, permitindo que ele percebesse o quanto o homem realmente era bonito. Barra feita, dentes brancos e sorriso de canto, parecendo tão charmoso que por um momento Nico se esqueceu de onde estava.

Se Nico dissesse que algo tinha lhe possuído e controlado sua mente, alguém acreditaria? Pois, foi o que aconteceu. Em câmera lenta, ele se viu levantando a própria mão e segurando nos dedos que repousavam sobre seus ombros, os encarando meio sem ver nada e sem acreditar. Dedos sobre dedos, sua palma curvada sobre a dele, observando como ambas as mãos, juntas e de tonalidades tão diferentes, se encaixavam tão bem que por um momento Nico apenas se permitiu observar. Ele ouviu um pigarro e apenas assim voltou sua atenção para o Sr. Jackson; seus olhos verdes, rosto bonito e sorriso cordial finalmente o fazendo perceber que o silêncio durava por mais tempo do que o normal.

Esse era um fato que ele não podia negar, Percy Jackson podia ser estranhamente irritante e agradável ao mesmo tempo, mas ele era uma das pessoas mais bonitas que Nico tinha conhecido, mesmo que seu rosto tivesse uma forma levemente arredondada e agora estivesse usando óculos de grau, sem se esquecer do sorriso mais doce que já tinha visto.

— Noite difícil?

— …algo assim. — Nico disse sem ter certeza. A cada momento que se passava mais a confusão crescia em Nico o deixando… desconfortável, o fazendo sentir aquela sensaçãozinha que agora saia de seu estômago e passava por sua coluna, provocando um rastro de calor e arrepios, algo além do que ele estava disposto a admitir.

A verdade era que Nico não conseguia evitar, a voz do Sr. Jackson soava tão rouca e tão aveludada que ele não pôde suprimir outro arrepio e tão pouco pôde evitar a forma que suas mãos agarraram mais firme as dele. Em contrapartida, Percy Jackson não parecia estar atrás. O aperto em seu ombro era tão forte e decidido que a atenção de Nico foi imediatamente para o que o homem falava, lhe fazendo prestar atenção em sua boca, em como seus lábios se moviam, em sua língua que veio para fora e molhou os lábios levemente secos, Nico pouco a pouco se sentindo enlouquecer a cada segundo em que passava perto daquele homem; numa hora, Sr. Jackson parecia que ia lhe expulsar da casa e na outra, eles eram os melhores amigos. Nico não se sentia confortável com nada disso, incomodado com a mudança repentina do homem. Isso lhe deixava inseguro e incerto de como agir.

Percebendo o que acontecia, Nico se soltou dele e deu outro passo para trás.

— Senhor, se você pudesse--

— Não, é minha culpa. Não me expressei direito. — Sr. Jackson levantou a outra mão e quando viu que Nico se afastava novamente, a abaixou e continuou num tom de voz bem mais suave, mantendo seus olhos intensos sobre os de Nico. — A gente pode começar de novo?

Nico sentiu um tipo diferente de calor subir por sua coluna, ele abriu a boca para xingá-lo de doido bipolar quando parou no meio do que ia dizer. Sim, Nico se calou. Ele se calou porque Sr. Jackson continuava olhando para ele como se Nico fosse a única coisa digna de atenção, ele se calou principalmente porque Sr. Jackson sorria novamente, um sorriso pequeno e bonito, mas tão sincero que tinha lhe acertado completamente e com força total, lhe fazendo perceber que ele estava mais encrencado do que pensava.

Quer saber? Nico não sabia o que estava acontecendo consigo mesmo ou com esse homem, ou o porquê dessa súbita mudança de comportamento. E ele nem queria saber. Será que Nico devia ir embora ou…

— Eu juro, estou sendo sincero. Me desculpe por antes. A última babá que ela arrumou não deixou a melhor das impressões, entende?

— Ela?

— Annabeth Chase, minha esposa? A pessoa que te contratou? Não importa, ela fez isso de propósito.

— Eu entendo se o senhor--

— Não, eu insisto. — Percy Jackson disse, soando mais… firme do que antes. — Vamos ver o que acontece até o fim do dia. Veja isso como um experimento, sim?

E assim, o assunto se encerrava. Sr. Jackson acenou para Nico, endireitou a coluna e se virou, indicando o caminho. Ele andou a passos largos na direção apontada e subiu os lances de escada, percorrendo um longo corredor que dava no quarto das crianças.

Ainda meio zonzo com tantas mudanças de humor, Nico não teve escolha senão segui-lo praticamente correndo para alcançá-lo. Ele subiu os degraus de dois em dois e, já arfando, alcançou o Sr. Jackson no andar superior.

— Eu pensei… que o senhor… não fosse participar?

— Eu não estava falando sério. Vou estar presente sempre que possível. Então, relaxe. Não sou esse tipo de pai.

Por algum motivo, Nico sentia que Sr. Jackson continuava zombando dele mesmo que o deboche não fosse óbvio. Do mesmo modo, ele o seguiu mais uma vez para dentro do quarto, sendo recebido por duas crianças que já estavam acordadas. Elas correram até o pai, gargalhando, e cada uma delas segurou em uma das pernas do homem, a felicidade delas sincera e contagiante, logo o fazendo esquecer do que havia acabado de acontecer.

Capítulo V

Percy tentou segurar a risada e deu as costas para Nico, subindo as escadas, no fundo tentado a continuar e ver até onde poderia provocar Nico. Ele gostava de pensar que não era tão sádico assim. Na maior parte do tempo fazia o seu melhor para ser um bom pai e se mantinha fiel à imagem de Annabeth. Querendo ou não, no papel, eles ainda estavam casados, mesmo que Annabeth não fizesse o mesmo esforço que ele, e no momento, Percy tentava especialmente ser um bom anfitrião; era visível que Nico era um bom garoto, paciente e respeitoso quando ele não o tratava da mesma forma, mas era tão fácil provocar aquele garotinho… quando menos viu, estavam perto demais, Percy se divertindo mais ainda enquanto tentava se controlar e esconder o divertimento por trás de uma carranca.

Tudo bem, ele era o culpado nessa história, Percy admitia, estava testando o garoto. Nico parecia bonzinho demais e jovem demais para estar trabalhando, era como ver uma criança cuidar de outras crianças, além do fato dele não saber nada sobre o garoto. Não podia ser possível, aquela carinha bonitinha e toda inocente não devia passar dos quinze, talvez dezesseis anos. Ele era tão magrinho que Percy temia que as crianças sem querer o quebrassem no meio quando fossem brincar. E mesmo sabendo que iria se arrepender, Percy subiu o resto das escadas e abriu a porta, sendo recebido por seus pequenos anjinhos arteiros que lhe abraçaram forte antes de voltar a seus afazeres.

— Papai, Papai! Onde você estava? A gente tá atrasado! — o pequeno Logan gritou de sua cama, colocando os sapatos e já vestido. Ele era um doce, inocente e bem-comportado, sempre tentando fazer o certo. Isso também tinha a ver com o fato de Logan odiar chegar atrasado.

— Kelly não veio hoje? — Alice perguntou de maneira bem mais calma, quase distraída, lendo algo em seu celular enquanto se esparramava na cama.

— Ela teve que se ausentar. Nico ficará com a gente hoje. O que vocês acham disso?

— Mais uma foi embora? — Alice disse.

— Eu não gostava dela mesmo. — Logan falou. Ele sorriu para seus sapatos, satisfeito com um trabalho bem feito e deu de ombros. — Ela não sabia brincar, ficava o dia todo no telefone.

— Eu sei, querido. Com sorte, o Sr. Nico vai ser diferente. Vocês querem conhecê-lo?

Obedientes, as crianças interromperam o que faziam e se levantaram da cama, cada uma parando de cada lado de Percy e enfim avistando a pessoa parada atrás do pai. Com suas colunas retas e olhares curiosos, esperaram pacientes quando Percy enfim saiu da frente delas, permitindo que elas o vissem. E Nico que em todo esse tempo tinha estado encostado ao batente da porta e permanecido observando a interação entre ele e as crianças, deixou que um sorriso tomasse conta de seu rosto.

Percy viu Nico dar um passo para dentro do quarto, se aproximando delas, e continuou observando de longe, tão curioso quanto elas olhavam para Nico.

— Crianças, o que dizemos quando conhecemos pessoas novas?

— É um prazer te conhecer! — Logan disse todo animado, seus olhos chegando a brilhar quando se encontraram com os de Nico.

— Espero que você dure mais do que um mês. — Foi a vez de Alice murmurar. Logo em seguida, ela desviou o olhar para o celular e fingiu que nada estava acontecendo. 

Percy entendia perfeitamente, era a forma que Alice tinha para se proteger; ela iria ignorar o problema até que ele desaparecesse ou até que alguém o resolvesse para ela. Porque, de fato, ele já tinha perdido a conta de quantas pessoas tinha contratado nos últimos anos.

— O prazer é todo meu. — Nico disse, o tom de sua voz o surpreendendo.

Percy não podia negar, aquele tom era algo bem mais amoroso e amável do que Nico tinha usado com ele. Isso o surpreendeu ainda mais quando, ao contrário do que ele pensava, Nico se ajoelhou até ficar na altura das crianças e segurou nas mãos delas, sorrindo gentilmente enquanto falava: — Espero que a gente possa se divertir.

— Você vai me levar pra escola? As babás sempre fazem isso. — Logan falou.

— Vai ajudar a gente com o dever de casa? — Alice completou.

— Sim, vamos fazer isso e muito mais.

— Você não devia estar na escola? Quantos anos você tem? — Alice voltou a dizer, parecendo desconfiada.

— Eu tenho vinte. E você?

— Onze. Meu irmãozinho tem sete.

— É verdade! O papai vinte e nove. Mamãe, trinta e um! — Logan falou animado como num jogo. Quem falasse mais rápido, ganhava.

— É muito bom saber. — Nico sorriu e Percy não pôde deixar de sorrir junto.

Ele bagunçou os cabelos de Logan e sentou na cama enquanto continuava a observar a forma leve e fácil que Nico falava com as crianças.

— Você… estuda? — Alice perguntou.

— Não, estou juntando dinheiro para pagar a faculdade.

— Você mora na cidade? — Foi a vez de Logan.

Percy viu Nico sorrir ainda mais, um sorriso tão aberto e angelical que ele tentou disfarçar o interesse enquanto Nico continuava respondendo às crianças sem hesitar. “Não, eu moro mais para o interior, há uma hora da cidade. Sim, tenho quatro irmãos, duas garotas e dois garotos. E sim, tenho namorado”.

— Por que tantas perguntas? — Nico perguntou depois de um tempo.

— Estamos ajudando o papai! — Logan contou a ele, sentado ao lado de Nico no chão junto com a irmã.

— Quando a gente pergunta, as pessoas mentem menos. — Alice acenou, confirmando.

— Quem já mentiu?

— A última babá. Uma mulher de vinte e cinco anos.

Percy sentiu vontade de se estapear e sair dali de fininho bem no momento em que Nico se virou para ele e levantou a sobrancelha, claramente lhe questionando quanto a isso. Ele deu de ombros, fingindo que não sabia de nada e se ajeitou na cama, disfarçando com o celular na mão como se ele lesse algo muito importante. Nico se voltou para as crianças, mais uma vez prestando atenção no que elas diziam, mas… é… Percy podia ver um leve rubor subindo pelo pescoço de Nico, parando em suas altas maçãs do rosto, dando a Nico uma tonalidade ligeiramente mais escura.

— Acho que por hoje foi o suficiente. Quem está pronto para ir para a escola?

Surpreendentemente, não era Percy quem tinha dito isso. Tinha sido o próprio Nico, já entrando em modo de cuidador infanto-juvenil. Tudo pareceu tão natural que Percy se pegou acatando a ordem de Nico. Ambos ajudaram as crianças a pegarem as bolsas, livros e garrafas de água, cada uma delas pegando nas mãos de Nico e o puxando para a porta de entrada, descendo as escadas e parando na câmara de entrada.

Se sentindo satisfeito, entregou as chaves do carro nas mãos de Nico e disse: “Divirta-se!”

— Você não deveria…?

— Você não sabe dirigir?

— Não é isso!

— Então, está resolvido. É o Jeep preto.

Sendo arrastado pelas crianças, Nico fez uma careta engraçada para Percy e ele se viu novamente os seguindo enquanto as crianças continuavam a arrastar Nico pela casa. Eles deram a volta na casa, passaram pelo jardim, e atrás dela onde havia um longo jardim estavam os carros, um conversível que Percy tinha ganhado de presente em seu aniversário de dezoito anos e um Jeep, um monstro de quatro portas com rodas que ele amava dirigir, quase mais alto do que ele próprio.

Percy indicou o carro para Nico e prestando atenção no rosto de Nico, se sentiu ainda mais satisfeito. Nico parou no lugar e ficou um tempo admirando o carro, seus olhos bem abertos com uma expressão tão surpresa que o deixava ainda mais bonitinho.

 Nico balançou a cabeça e olhou para ele, parecendo vencido pelo cansaço.

— Vamos, destrave o carro. — Nico fez, é claro. Nico apertou o botão e assim que o alarme foi desativado, Percy abriu a porta para ele e então pegou as crianças, as colocando no banco de trás e ajeitando o cinto de segurança para elas.

— Você consegue subir?

Nico acenou, deu um impulso para frente e caiu de cara no banco do motorista, todo desajeitado. Percy teve o impulso de o ajudar, mas como Nico não tinha reagido bem antes quando ele tocou no ombro dele, Percy parou antes que Nico interpretasse aquilo de forma errada. 

É, parece que ele teria que comprar outro carro para eles. Um… que fosse mais rebaixado? Era uma boa ideia.

Percy enfim bateu a porta do carro, acenou para eles e só entrou para dentro da casa quando Nico de fato mostrou saber dirigir, continuou observando o carro se afastar até que Nico fez uma baliza para completar o retorno em direção à saída. Parece que as coisas seriam mais interessantes do que Percy pensava.

Capítulo VI

— Sem correr, por favor. — Nico murmurou sabendo que as crianças já estavam muito longe para escutarem.

Felizmente o dia tinha passado sem muitos problemas. Depois daquela apresentação calorosa, ele tinha deixado as crianças na escola e sem nada para fazer lhe restou voltar para a casa do Sr. Jackson. Foi apenas quando Nico se viu parado na ampla sala de estar que encontrou um bilhete em cima da mesinha de centro:

“Nico, preciso que você cuide das crianças essa noite. Pago horas extras. Espero que você não tenha problemas. Desculpe o aviso tardio. Estarei em casa até as 17hs se você tiver alguma pergunta.

Percy Jackson.”

Percy Jackson só podia estar brincando com ele, certo? Era seu primeiro dia e o cara já pensava que ia o fazer de escravo? Que família mais estranha! Pelo jeito, Percy Jackson era do tipo que ficava preso no quarto por horas e a misteriosa senhora Annabeth Chase era pior ainda, ela nunca estava em casa e ainda por cima parecia praticar abandono maternal. Era até engraçado, ela o contratava e nem estava em casa para explicar as coisas enquanto que ele tinha que aguentar o marido bipolar dela? Mas estava tudo bem, como sempre. Iria ficar, de qualquer forma.

O problema real apareceu quando Nico foi para a cozinha naquela tarde em busca do almoço se deparando com uma geladeira cheia de comida, sim, porém toda a comida ali estava crua. Ou estragada. De fato, parecia que ninguém abria aquela geladeira há meses. E já que ele estava ali, por que não?

Respirando fundo e se sentindo meio enjoado, Nico enfiou a cara dentro da geladeira e começou a tirar tudo o que tinha cheiro ou aparência suspeita, hortaliças, verduras, legumes e até um pedaço de carne que parecia ter uma coloração diferenciada. No fim, deu um saco de lixo gigante, cheio até a boca que exalava um odor fétido, havendo muito pouca coisa que poderia ser usada. Ele tinha algumas possibilidades, é claro; ou passava a tarde fazendo uma sopa, ou poderia comprar comida. E como Nico era o único que iria comer, ele achou melhor comprar alguma coisa por enquanto. Dessa forma, ele pegou novamente as chaves do carro e saiu antes que ficasse tarde demais. Na volta trouxe um pouco de arroz cozido, legumes, carne assada e uma saladona que poderia ser dividida com mais três pessoas. O bom era que ele tinha chegado bem há tempo do almoço, quase passando das treze horas.

Foi assim que Nico passou sua primeira tarde na casa dos Chase-Jackson, lendo um livro sobre literatura, comendo devagar e depois explorando o resto da casa, ele até achou uma piscina no quintal mais à direita da propriedade enquanto esperava pacientemente até que a hora de pegar as crianças chegasse. E quando essa hora finalmente chegou, ele pegou as chaves do carro, se lembrando da comida que tinha sobrado na geladeira e bem embalada em seus potes. Então, Nico decidiu, o Sr. Jackson também merecia um pouco de comida; quer dizer, o homem não podia ficar o dia inteiro dentro do quarto sem comer, podia?

Ele fez um prato caprichado para o chefe, bateu na porta e colocou o prato com a bandeja no chão. Sem olhar para trás, se virou e desceu escadas indo direto para fora da casa em direção ao carro, felizmente chegando à escola das crianças antes delas saírem. Não demorou muito e veio aquele mar de estudantes, todos apressados para irem embora. 

Quando menos viu, Nico foi atacado por mãos e braços que se fincaram nele de uma forma que não seria possível se soltar.

— Você veio!

— Eu não devia? — Perguntou confuso a Logan.

— As babás sempre chegam atrasadas. — Alice completou a fala do irmão. — É chato ficar aqui esperando. Será que é tão difícil chegar na hora, sabe?

— Eu entendo. Comigo vocês não precisam esperar.

Contentes, as crianças seguraram em sua mão e andaram com ele até o carro, com a ajuda dele se sentaram no banco de trás sem parar de falar; até Alice que naquela manhã pareceu ser quieta agora gesticulava e contava de seu dia. Nico fez o melhor para prestar atenção no que elas diziam e acenar nas horas certas, preferindo prestar atenção ao dirigir pela cidade, logo entrando no condomínio. E Agora? Agora ele tentava acompanhar o ritmo delas. No momento em que chegaram em casa, Nico as ajudou a sair do carro e logo que elas se viram livres, lhe deram um abraço apertado cada uma e ambos correram pelo jardim, já subindo pela pequena varanda e passando pela porta da frente.

E, ele, num rompante de energia correu atrás das crianças, levando consigo suas mochilas e lancheiras, ouvindo elas conversarem dentro da cozinha, essa cena o fazendo lembrar que elas não teriam nada para comer.

— Nico! Nico! Estou com fome! — Ele ouviu uma delas gritar.

— Você sabe cozinhar? — A outra completou.

Admitindo a derrota, parecia que Nico no fim das contas teria que cozinhar, não?

Ele colocou a bolsa deles e as chaves do carro perto da mesa da sala de estar e andou em direção à cozinha até entrar nela; Nico já se arrependia de não ter pedido mais comida. Por mais que quisesse fugir de mais interrogatórios, ele não teve escolha. As crianças tinham sorte de serem tão fofas. O bom era que depois de passar parte da tarde limpando a geladeira, Nico sabia exatamente onde encontrar tudo o que precisava; legumes, temperos e verduras, indo direto ao armário e pegando uma panela. Ele a encheu com água e a colocou no fogo, tentando disfarçar de frente para o fogão, simulando que estava ocupado apenas para não ter que encarar esse suplício.

E sinceramente? Ele já estava ficando cansado disso.

— Nicoooo… onde você aprendeu a fazer isso?

— Foi seu papai que te ensinou?

Ele já disse que estava cansado disso? Nico sabia como crianças podiam ser curiosas e ter mil perguntas. Mas isso ia além de pura curiosidade, era a obra de um ser feito inteiramente de crueldade. Entretanto, algo o fez parar no meio do caminho em direção a geladeira. Ele se virou em direção a Logan e viu como o garotinho mostrava a maior expressão de inocência que ele já tinha visto. Seus olhos verdes-azulados iguais aos do pai e cabelos loiros devendo ter herdado da mãe, cintilavam como raios de sol que reluziam intensamente em sua direção. Sim, Nico não pôde mais ignorá-lo. Parou o que fazia e levantou a cabeça, a última pergunta lhe pegando de surpresa.

Nico sorriu e em seguida abriu a geladeira, tirando todos os legumes que precisaria; batatas, cenouras, alho, cebola e coentro. Alguns pimentões também e chuchu para tornar tudo mais saudável.

— Por que o meu pai? — Nico teve que perguntar. A pergunta era específica demais para ser coincidência.

— Papai ensina tudo pra gente! — Logan disse. Seu rosto expressivo, orgulhoso de contar isso para ele.

— E sua mãe?

— Ela nunca fica em casa. — Dessa vez foi Alice que respondeu, desviando a atenção do celular que ela segurava. Alice deu de ombros e voltou a seu aparelho, embora ele soubesse que Alice prestava até mais atenção que Logan.

— Ah. — Ele disse. Pelo menos isso parece ter freado a sequência de perguntas intermináveis que eles insistiam em disparar.

— Você gosta da sua mãe? — Alice perguntou.

Nico olhou pelo canto dos cílios e viu que dessa vez não era o tipo de pergunta para arrancar informações dele.

— Ela é uma das melhores pessoas que eu conheço. Me ensinou a cozinhar e a estudar. Cuidar da casa e dos meus irmãos.

— E seu pai? — Logan quis saber.

— Ele… ele fez o melhor que pôde. Me ensinou a cuidar da terra e a ter respeito por todas as coisas vivas. Mas ele pode ser violento quando provocado.

— Que nem a mamãe e o papai?

— Logan! — Alice o repreendeu. Ela colocou a mão na boca do irmão e tentou sorrir para Nico.

— Entendo. — Nico disse depois de um tempo, sabendo exatamente o que Logan queria dizer com isso. Quando o silêncio se tornou desconfortável, completou: — Esse vai ser um segredo só nosso.

Felizmente após essa revelação as perguntas pararam completamente. Nico voltou para o fogão e vendo que a água estava quase fervendo, descascou rapidamente os legumes. Fritou o alho e a cebola, juntou com os pimentões e colocou tudo no panelão, esperando que a mistura cozinhasse adequadamente e o caldo engrossasse um pouco. Lidar com crianças era sempre estranho e apesar dessas crianças terem tudo o que qualquer pessoa poderia querer, se sentia mal por elas. Elas pareciam tão solitárias e conformadas com isso, como se fosse tudo o que poderiam ter, o fazendo lembrar de sua própria infância. Agora ele sabia que poderia ter muito mais se quisesse, sentindo o impulso de mostrar que eles podiam ter isso e muito mais também.

Só tinha um detalhe, ele não era o pai deles e não cabia a ele se meter no que não era de sua conta; Nico tinha que se lembrar disso, sabia que o Sr. Jackson era o responsável por todas essas perguntas que as crianças insistiam em lhe fazer e ele não tinha o direito de descontar nelas ou influenciá-las dessa forma. Assim, enquanto a sopa não ficava pronta, Nico foi até a mesa, sorriu para Logan e Alice e se aproximou até estar na altura deles, beijando cada um nos cabelos, tentando passar tranquilidade e afeto.

— Então, o que vocês querem fazer? Dever de casa?

— Vamos jogar 10 perguntas!

Logan não tinha jeito, ele sempre seria o filho do papai.

— Boa tentativa. — Ele apertou o nariz de Logan e Logan gargalhou, tentando afastar as mãos de Nico. — Vamos, vai ser rápido. Você não precisa de ajuda? Vou fazer com você.

— Vai mesmo? Papai nem sempre tem tempo…

— Certo. Se levante. Você também, Alice.

— Eu não sou uma criancinha que precisa de ajuda.

— Ei! — Logan, reclamou, cruzando os braços.

— Sem exceções. — Foi tudo o que ele disse antes de abaixar o fogo e se encaminhar para fora da cozinha.

Logan foi saltitando atrás dele e, a Alice, só restou revirar os olhos e os seguir até a sala de estar onde eles espalharam os cadernos e livros sobre a mesa de centro enquanto Nico os fiscalizava. Foi estranhamente agradável, as crianças fizeram todo o dever de casa e ainda tiveram tempo para assistir um pouco de televisão antes de voltarem para a cozinha.

No fim, a sopa tinha ficado melhor do que Nico se lembrava, a receita de sua nona nunca falhava ou era o que ela costumava lhe dizer. Ele foi até o fogão, o desligou e inspirou o aroma apetitoso e fragrante, levou a panela até o centro da mesa, colocou três pratos na mesa e serviu porções generosas. Sentia que deveria esperar pelo dono da casa, entretanto, como o Sr. Jackson já devia ter saído, seriam apenas ele, as crianças e o sofá confortável na sala de estar. O que ele não se importava; a companhia delas sempre seria melhor do que a daquele homem que ficava o tempo o encarando, seu olhar inquisitivo fazendo algo dentro de Nico se remexer inquietamente. Sua pele esquentava e a base da sua nuca formigava por horas. Então, essa ansiedade, diferente de qualquer outra, lhe tomava de uma forma que o forçava a levantar ou fazer algo útil com as mãos. Por isso, tardes como essas fazia bem para seu coração, sua ansiedade se mantinha em níveis normais e ele podia relaxar mesmo que em meio as milhões de perguntas que aqueles pestinhas insistiam em fazer.

— Nossa! Isso tá tão gostoso!

— Está mesmo. — Alice concordou com Logan. Ela assoprou devagar e tomou mais uma colherada, gemendo de prazer.

 Nico sorriu satisfeito com o elogio. Era bom saber que alguém ainda gostava do que ele fazia.

Capítulo VII

— Nico? Nico? Está na hora de ir pra cama. — Nico escutou alguém chamar por ele na forma de um sussurro ao pé de seu ouvido. Na verdade, fazia tempo que qualquer pessoa usava aquele tom de voz com ele, algo cuidadoso e gentil, suave, tentando acordá-lo sem assustá-lo. Então, a mão de alguém tocou em seu ombro, pesada, porém reconfortante ao deslizar e pousar sobre suas costas, o movendo e o ajudando a levantar delicadamente do sofá.

Nico abriu os olhos devagar e dessa vez não reagiu como ele próprio esperava. Era o sr. Jackson, é claro, em um terno negro de grife e cheirando tão bem que Nico se viu inclinando em direção ao homem, observando os cabelos escuros penteados para atrás e a barba que já crescia ralinha pinicar as pontas de seus dedos.

Como ele sabia disso? Bem… talvez ele tenha tocado no rosto do Sr. Jackson, dedilhando a pele enquanto tentava se sentar e encarar quem lhe chamava. E talvez, ele tenha mantido sua mão ali um pouco mais do que o necessário, apenas um pequeno erro de percurso, vocês entendem, certo? Era só isso. O bom disso tudo era que o Sr. Jackson pareceu não se importar; ele sorriu para Nico e estendeu a mão para que ele pudesse levantar, lhe guiando pelo meio das costas enquanto andavam pela casa. E Nico, com a maior cara de paisagem que foi capaz de fazer, enfim sentou direito no sofá e o seguiu, fazendo seu melhor para fingir que nada estava acontecendo. Agora, porque esse homem vivia lhe pegando nessa situação, Nico não sabia explicar.

— Cama? — Nico murmurou enfim. Ele coçou os olhos e tentou pensar em que cama seria essa.

— Já são duas horas da manhã. Me desculpe, a reunião durou mais do que eu pretendia. E obrigado pela comida.

— Ah… então eu… eu acho que vou indo.

— Não, você pode usar o quarto de hóspedes. Por favor.

Sr. Jackson não deu nenhuma outra desculpa ou tentou explicar porque Nico devia dormir ali. Não, o homem apenas afirmou como se fosse obvio que ele iria obedecer. E pronto, simples assim, as coisas estavam resolvidas. Nico pensou em discutir, em dizer que eles não deveriam fazer isso, mas… mas ele sabia que as coisas seriam mais fáceis se ele apenas aceitasse e já que Nico não tinha direito de escolha, deu de ombros; afinal, o que de mal poderia ter em dormir uma noite fora de casa? “Isso. Não tem problema”, ele voltou a pensar. Nico teria que acordar cedo e estar ali às sete, então… só dessa vez… só dessa… não tinha problema. Certo?

Sentindo o corpo mole, deixou que o Sr. Jackson o segurasse pelos ombros e continuasse a lhe guiar pela casa.

— Você está com fome? — Sr Jackson perguntou a ele.

Nico piscou devagar, tentando pensar e se virou para ele, vendo o sorriso do homem retornando com força total.

Ah, era verdade! Ele tinha se esquecido.

— Eu fiz sopa.

— Você fez sopa? — Sr. Jackson repetiu, como se para ter certeza.

— Está na geladeira.

Tudo bem, essa nem era uma situação tão estranha assim, certo? Devia ser comum jantar com seu chefe…? Nico balançou a cabeça e decidido a não fazer mais nada impróprio, se sentou perto da bancada da cozinha, enquanto ainda sorrindo o Sr. Jackson andou até a geladeira, a abrindo. E lá dentro, como Nico havia dito, tinha um vasilhame gigante cheio de sopa de legumes e um com o resto da comida que ele havia comprado. 

Sr. Jackson claramente surpreso, pegou o contêiner e o abriu, inspirando o aroma.

— Isso são legumes de verdade? — Sr. Jackson pergunta mais surpreso ainda, percebendo que não era o tipo de sopa instantânea.

— Não é assim que se faz sopa? O senhor sabe que não tinha comida para as crianças? — Murmurou incerto.

— Nah. Temos comida congelada.

— Ah. — Nico disse. 

Sua vontade era dizer que comida congelada era horrível e nada saudável. Mas é claro que ele não disse o que pensava. Ao invés disso, observou o homem tirar um pouco da sopa, colocar em um prato fundo, o levar ao micro-ondas e depois se sentar de frente para ele, dando a primeira colherada. Quando Nico diz isso, ele não está brincando; Sr. Jackson fechou os olhos de uma forma contente e gemeu tão alto que ele parecia ter alcançado o paraíso.

— Sr. Di Ângelo , quem diria! Você é cheio de surpresas. O que mais você pode fazer?

E não é que a pergunta soava… estranhamente dúbia? Nico sentiu o sono se dissipando mais rápido que um foguete enquanto seu rosto pegava fogo. Ele não podia evitar, era algo físico, sentia a pele esquentando e suando e seu coração disparando por algum motivo. Não era sua culpa se o Sr. Jackson olhava daquele jeito para ele, o sorriso do homem parecendo… ligeiramente diferente.

— Qualquer coisa. Comida, sobremesas e massas. Minha mãe… — Ele engoliu em seco e pigarreou, sentindo a garganta se fechar por algum motivo que não podia entender. — Ela aprendeu com a mãe dela. E como minhas irmãs não se interessam… gosto de passar meu tempo ajudando ela.

Ele deu de ombros, não era algo tão incomum assim. A diferença era que ele preferia ficar em casa enquanto outras crianças corriam pelos campos brincando.

— Quantos anos você tem mesmo?

Foi o exato momento em que Nico percebeu que o questionário retornava com força total.

— Eu queria falar sobre isso com o senhor.

— Por favor, me chame de Percy.

— Certo, Percy. Será que você podia parar com esses interrogatórios? —  Nico falou com a maior seriedade que pôde. Endireitou a coluna, colocou as mãos em cima da bancada e completou, para não parecer muito rude: — Por gentileza. Se o senhor quiser saber de alguma coisa, é só me dizer. Não tenho nada a esconder.

O encarando de frente, Sr. Jackson, quer dizer, Percy, colocou a colher sob o prato e se inclinou para perto dele, ficando um pouco perto demais.

— O que foi? — Nico teve que perguntar.

— Tudo bem. Vou pedir que as crianças parem. Mas você tem que ser sincero comigo.

— Certo…?

Ele viu Percy respirar fundo e não pôde acreditar no que escutou em seguida:

— Como você encontrou o anúncio? Você estuda? O que pretende fazer no futuro? Como tem tanto jeito com crianças? Quantos anos você tem? De onde sua família vem? E sobre--

— O-o quê? Espera aí! Eles não te deram essas informações?

— Me dar informações? Eu nem sei quem são eles!

— Oh. — Agora ele entendia.

— Eu não tive escolha! A garota que limpava a casa pediu demissão, logo depois da babá ser despedida. Eu não tive escolha mesmo. Você sabe como é difícil cuidar de crian…

Nico colocou o braço no balcão e apoiou a cabeça nele, observando meio fora do ar Percy bufar irritado, tentando não rir na cara do homem e só quando teve certeza que Percy tinha terminado, respondeu:

— Então… tenho vinte anos. Estudo direito na faculdade comunitária aos fins de semana e trabalho durante a semana para pagar minha faculdade desde os dezessete.

— Oh. — Foi a vez de Percy murmurar.

— Minha família é da Itália, viemos para cá quando meu avô paterno morreu há alguns anos e como meu pai não tem irmãos, ele tomou responsabilidade pelos negócios da família.

— Ele não devia pagar sua faculdade? — Percy disse.

— Nós… a gente não se dá muito bem. Ele acha que fazer direito é perda de tempo.

— Vejo que você gosta de crianças…

 Nico deu de ombros mais uma vez.

— Eu ajudava minha mãe em casa. Crianças são… puras e elas não mentem. São melhores companhias que muitos adultos.

Depois disso… Nico não tinha certeza de mais nada. Sr Jackson, quer dizer, Percy, continuou tomando sua sopa enquanto que Nico apenas ficou ali pensando que, no fim, Percy tinha um motivo para agir daquela forma, esperando por Percy terminar seu jantar. Ele sabia que não precisava esperar e até sabia onde ficava o quarto, Nico só… só não queria se mexer, sentindo aquela sonolência retornar. Era mais interessante ficar onde estava, sentindo o sono voltar minuto por minuto a ele, parecendo quase hipnótico o movimento que Percy fazia com a colher, a levantando e baixando, até que o prato estava vazio e Percy tinha se escorado no assento do a cadeira.

— Você sabe que amanhã é sábado, não sabe?

— É? — Ele tinha esquecido completamente.

— E nessa casa ninguém acorda cedo no fim de semana.

— Hmm.

— Então, se você quiser tomar um banho e dormir até o meio-dia…

— Oh. Certo.

Nico parou de olhar para as mãos de Percy e levou a vista para seus olhos em seguida. Ele estava confuso… Percy estava lhe convidando como um hóspede? O homem parecia tão diferente de antes que parecia ser uma pessoa totalmente mudada. Nico não sabia se gostava disso, dessa mudança rápida, e ainda continuava sem saber se era correto uma pessoa que prestava um serviço dormir na casa de seu empregador.

— Eu não tenho roupas.

— Vou te emprestar algumas. Olha, não posso te deixar sair uma hora dessas. Então, seja um bom garoto e me obedeça, sim?

Assim, Percy se levantou, lavou o próprio prato e na saída o puxou pela mão. Nico se viu sem escolha além de segui-lo feito um cachorrinho sonolento, como se fosse guiado pela coleira, todo obediente e sem dizer uma palavra sequer.

Obrigada por ler!

comments on fanfics

I thought about writing this post for a long time and decided, fuck it, I'm gonna write this.

All over my dash I see people being disappointed because nobody is leaving comments on ao3 anymore/rebloging things on tumblr.

And the only thing I can think about this is: it's so true.

Two weeks ago I posted the epilog of my 60k words fanfic (I've been writing on it for almost a year and got some positive feedback on it) and I got ZERO comments, or kudos on the epilog.

I can see that people kicked on it, but I have no idea whether they liked it or not. (And I used to get a comment on my story now and then)

Last week I posted the first extra chapter (I planned three of these) and also got no reaction.

No I'm just sitting here, wondering if my writing is just true shit.

This is also the reason I was hesitate to post this. Maybe it's not the people and just that shithole of a story I've been writing.

Things like are just running around my head now and must say that the motivation to even finish those extra chapters is gone.

GUYS, IF YOU LIKE A FANFIC PLEASE LET THE AUTHOR KNOW, IT MEANS SO MUCH TO THEM.

So if you read a good story, not some bullshit like mine, write that comment.