Someone Said ‘the Version Of Me You Created In Your Mind Is Not My Responsibility’ And Wow

Jenna, I'm not gonna lie to you. I have felt things these past few weeks that I didn't know I could feel anymore. But I have realized in these past few days...you can't just turn back time. Why not?

13 Going on 30 (2004) dir. Gary Winick

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

Hi! We are back. I tried my best, so I hope is acceptable.

Good Reading^^

The bell rang just as Nico yawned, making him bringing a hand to his mouth.

“Do you want to go home?” Percy asked, pausing to write on the physics question sheet momentarily, seeming to think seriously about something to hurriedly get back to writing, without taking his attention away from the task, all while holding it in one of his hands, as if Nico were going to leave any minute now. running in case Percy wasn't there to stop him. It was almost funny, both of them sitting in a circle of six or seven people on the library floor while he watched Percy do all the heavy lifting.

He wanted to tell Percy that he wasn't tired, that it was just jet lag. Even though he arrived two or three days ago, he still hadn't got used to it and he’d barely been able to sleep the previous nights, not to mention the climate which was much milder than in Italy, the cold weather making him sleepy and slow. The problem was, Percy said that it would be ten minutes that turned into thirty and now, an hour and half later, sitting in the middle of his classmates, they were solving the questions that the teacher had given them. He knew he should be helping Percy with the task, just like the others were doing, working in pairs, but as Percy seemed happy to write alone, Nico let Percy enjoy himself, watching the serious and concentrated expression on his friend's face that finally raised his face and looked at him, smiling, as if only at that moment Percy had remembered Nico's presence.

"Sorry. I always end up doing these things by myself. I don't have the patience to wait around.”

Percy was right. The people around were writing, but they were also talking in low voices, discret but obvious.

"I promised. Let's go.”

“You can finish, I don't care.”

"I have finished.”

Percy was right once again, Nico peeked at the sheet in Percy's lap and saw that all the questions were filled with complete answers.

"Do you want to take it home and study?"

“No, thank you.”

So he got to his feet, Percy behind him, and supporting him from behind, Percy put the sheet into his bag. Nobody seemed to see them leave, only the librarian greeted them on the way out and finally they were free; the late afternoon sun was still shining, bringing some of the humidity and warmth that he missed so much. Satisfied, Nico took a few steps out of the halls towards the open courtyard and closed his eyes, letting the sun's rays gently warm his skin. Of course, soon Percy was at his side, holding his hand, as he always had. Percy's presence was always comforting, even if he could feel his friend's gaze on him.

"What?” Nico had to ask, eyes still closed.

"I held you captive, didn't I?"

"Don’t be ridiculous.” Nico nearly rolled his eyes in impatience, wanting to get out of there, but felling content in spending a few more minutes in the sun.

"Don’t get mad at me.”

“I'm not.” He almost didn't care about what Percy said, feeling the teasing tone returning with force. Because, in the end, he knew that what Percy wanted was attention.

“Hmm, no. It can't stay like this.”

Nico opened his eyes and saw that, without realizing it, they were already in the school's parking lot. That had been his biggest mistake, while he was distracted by the clear skies and nice weather, he'd missed the moment when Percy had cornered him against the wall of the parking lot and lifted his own hands and… and shoved them against his belly and abdomen, starting a tickle war. He couldn't remember the last time someone had the nerve to do that to him. In fact, Percy had been the last one, two years ago, before he traveled far away. Back then, when Nico was quiet for too long this was Percy's favorite tactic to get him to talk or react; he had to admit, he didn't miss this humiliating torture, but the touch was welcome. Contradictory, no? It seemed that anything Percy did at that moment would be welcomed.

"Percy Jackson!” He squeaked and uncoiled himself from Percy's grasp, running away from those long restless fingers. Of course he would have no peace! Percy came running after him, laughing like a maniac and with legs twice as long as his. Percy in mere minutes reached him, holding him by the waist.

"Ni-coo…" And okay, now that he analyzed things… they didn't have the most innocent banter, because the way Percy held him tight, back to chest and mouth right next to his ear… that was exactly how things used to happen in the past.

"I forgive you! I forgive you.”

"Realy? You're not saying this to then get back at me in slow and cruel ways?”

"I would never do that!”

“Liar.” Percy said in the same sweet, quiet way against his skin, looking like he wasn't going to let go of him anytime soon.

“Percy! We are not children anymore!”

"That’s very true. I don’t feel like a kid.” Percy murmured again and gave a dry chuckle that made the hairs on the back of Nico’s neck stand up. That is, before Percy turned him around and walked even closer to him, touching his forehead his own. And maybe, this gesture would be something common when they were away from prying eyes, under the covers, in the thousands times he slept at Percy's house, since only the maids and Bianca would be waiting for him at home. When they were little, it seemed kind of affectionate and innocent, but now… well… it still seemed affectionate. "Do you want dinner? The restaurant is still open.”

But how could he think about food when they were so close, breathing each other's air? When Percy's hands were on his waist and in his hair, not allowing him to look away? When Percy hugged him so tight? Their bodies pressed together and even through their clothes he could feel Percy's heat.

"Nico… Niccolas…" Why did Percy have to whisper his name like that? Why did he have to touch him like that? So strong and steady, as if he feared he was going to disappear at any moment. He… he didn't know if he was ready.

So close now... Percy's head came towards his and... and... and he let out a breath, closing his eyes.

"Food. Food is good. Right?” He swallowed hard for a moment, but when Percy did nothing but keep hugging him without moving any closer, Nico opened his eyes, seeing his intense eyes on him, burning like flames.

"You are afraid of me.” It was a statement, the light in Percy's eyes seeming to fade along with his playful smile.

"No… I don't… I'm just… not ready?"

"That's right? Or is it something else? I don't want to be one of those people.”

He understood what Percy meant. Percy would never do something to abuse his trust even if he tried. He trusted Percy, it was himself that Nico didn't trust. If he was already like this in less than twenty four hours around Percy, what would happen if he got carried away? He feared… that the obsession would return even more intense than before.

"Can we take it slow?" Nico finally managed to spit it out, feeling himself shudder.

"Sure. Everything you want.” And Percy seemed to mean it.

Percy watched him for a few more moments, as if deciding something important and took a step back, just enough to grab his waist and guide him to the car that was parked near the exit of the parking lot.

Percy opened the door for him, grabbed both of their backpacks and placed them in the backseat, quickly coming around to sit beside him, looking anxious. It wasn't that anxiety of the kind of person who was angry or irritated, it was more… someone who was full of energy and didn't know what to do with it. All Nico could do was to relax against the car seat and rest his head on the window, maybe by the time they arrived at the restaurant the tension he felt would have run off.

*** 

"What do you think?”

It was a very warm and welcoming place, the decor was done simply and in comfortable red tones, like something he would have seen in his deceased grandmother's house a few years ago. He felt like sitting in one of the armchairs near the reception, making himself a hot chocolate and sitting by the fireplace with a blanket over his shoulders.

"I liked.”

“I have a reservation.” Percy said all proud. It was six o'clock sharp, which meant that Percy had planned this whole thing, killing time at school to get him there on time.

"What do I do with you, huh?"

“How about saying, 'Thanks, Percy. You are so generous.”

"Is this how you hit on people?"

"It's working?”

Nico sighed and accepted the hand Percy offered, guiding him towards the maitre. The place was too specific. Other people their age probably wouldn't like the place as much as Nico had. The worst part was that he didn't hate it at all, Nico appreciated the effort Percy had put into finding something so… so like him, like he'd found a little piece of Italy just to make him feel better.

“You didn't have to.”

“I wanted you to feel welcome.” He didn't need to look at Percy to understand what those words really meant, because what Percy really meant was "I want you to feel at home so you never have to leave me."

He didn't know since when everything was so obvious. Every word and every gesture. It was like they were dancing, as if they knew each step and were just waiting for the music to end before finally… yeah, okay. He then lifted his head and faced Percy who at that moment seemed like the most perfect man in the whole world, the one Nico had always dreamed of having; kind, understanding, handsome, well dressed, so tall and strong he knew he'd never have to worry about defending himself again. But Percy had always been like that, the perfect prince. In the end, it really was obvious, wasn't it? That was the reason for his problem. No matter who he looked for, Nico would always end up in this same place, looking for Percy in every face. Maybe he should just… stop looking elsewhere.

"We can go home if you want." Percy told him, now stopping in front of him. He must have been making a fool of himself again, looking at Percy without saying anything.

“No, we can eat.” When the smile returned to Percy’s face, he knew he had made the right choice.

They followed the maitre down the row of tables until they climbed a pair of stairs and then entered a room that was larger than the floor below but emptier, filled with small round tables and more private ones at the back of the room next to large windows that let in daylight, but as night began to fall, aromatic candles were already lit out in the middle of the table.

"I hope you gentlemen approve the seats?" They waved and were soon offered the menu.

The truth was, Nico wasn't interested in food, that wasn't why they were there. Or was it? So he had decided, he would let Percy tell him.

"What do you want?” Percy asked, hands gripping the menu, but his eyes were on his, eyes that looked greener than ever under the candlelight, the dim night making the atmosphere even more intimate and personal.

"I don't know, a wine? You choose.”

Percy stared at him for a moment, seeming to consider the answer, and moved a little closer, putting an arm around his shoulder and closing the rest of the distance between them.

“I wanted to talk about us.”

“I know that.”

“I just…need to know.”

"I know that.”

“It's been ten years in this. I need to know.”

And Percy was right. They were so little and innocent back then, and then... then they were still little, but not so innocent until... until he freaked out and then Percy freaked out and he left without telling anyone. So, out of nowhere, and just as he did, out of nowhere, Percy had called him, so different from what Nico knew and so familiar at the same time that it left him confused for a long time. He remembered that for long months he only had the energy to fulfill his obligations and cling to these daily calls until he knew what to do. And here they were, practically in the same place, the difference was that now they understood what the consequences would be, no matter what the decision at the end.

"I like you.” Nico dicided for the simpler answer. He admitted that he wasn't the most assertive person or make the best choices.

“That's not what I asked.”

"I don't know. I miss you. That's enough?”

" No.” Percy said it all so seriously that he kind of... wanted to laugh. Or moan. Maybe it was a little bit of both. Nobody could blame him for that.

“So, it's up to you.”

“Nico! You said you weren't ready!”

"I'm not. I will never be. I don't want to destroy what we have. I really don't want a relationship. But…”

"Why do you have to be so confusing!"

“It's not about sex. That's the easy part.”

“Nico, I know. What can I do for you to--"

"Gods, Percy! I am the problem. I'm very unstable. You don't want to walk around with a time bomb in your pocket, do you?”

“Baby, you can explode whenever you want, as long as you explode with me.”

Nico moaned and put his hands to his face, this was ridiculous! They both knew why he was gone and they knew perfectly well why he had come back. Nico was still getting used to the idea that this time he had nowhere to run when his feelings erupted everywhere, forcing Percy to pick up the pieces.

"Can you be serious for five minutes?"

“I know all that, darling. Every little thing you think you can hide from me.”

"It will be worse than before!"

“You said I could decide.”

"Yes, but-- I want to take it slow."

"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 pulling 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.

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What did you think? I already warn you that the surprises will keep coming and that Percy and Nico are not exactly nice. Like, they're rich and that will become clearer later on. I hope it's been fun. Comments are always welcome. See you next week.

Seven years after the break-up.

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME - PERCY/NICO AU HIGH SCHOOL - CHAPTER XXVIII, CHAPTER XXIX, CHAPTER XXX

Hi, how are you? Chapter finished early? That's right! The good news is that I've moved things forward a lot, the bad news is that I'm going to have to take a break from translating this one in order to write the last few chapters of the story. As a gift, I've decided to post the last three chapters I have ready. I also have a few chapters of “Sitter's love” ready. It will be out later today.

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

Chapter XXVIII

"Please!" Nico screamed at the top of his lungs. Luckily, the rest of the family was helping out at the restaurant, so there was no one to witness this scene.

"I don't know. Have you learned your lesson?”

Nico whimpered once more and wiggled in his lap.

You know, Percy was very patient, almost a saint, so charitable and kind. And do you know why? Percy had taken Nico to the car, put their things in the backseat and driven calmly for the next fifteen minutes to his mother's house. He had put away the bags, offered Nico water and made him eat something before taking him upstairs, where their room was. Then, only then, after locking the bedroom door and putting the key in his pocket, he turned to Nico, letting the little boy see his true intentions.

“Take off your clothes,” Percy said without hesitation. However, it was Nico who hesitated. The boy looked at the door, then at the window, and finally looked at him, uncertain.

"Are you sure?" Nico asked. "You didn't reacted very well, before.”

Hmm... it was true. But that moment was in the past.

"Take off your clothes." Percy repeated.

This would be the part where he would usually be moving and he would be taking Nico's clothes off himself. The point here was not about taking off the clothes or even about the spanking that would come, but rather to make Nico feel this really was a punishment, and for that to happen the first step was to make Nico feel humiliated and then reprimanded. The pain would just be a way to release all these emotions.

"What are you waiting for? Do you need encouragement?”

"I... no!" Nico's eyes widened in surprise and he began to take off his clothes. Or rather, he tore them off and threw them to one side of the room, standing in front of Percy with his head slightly lowered and his hands behind his back.

Percy always forgot that Nico understood how the relationship between dominance and submission worked. 

Even so, he watched Nico for a few moments. His face was beginning to blush, his spine was curved as if to protect himself and his posture was tense like he knew what was coming. Percy let the moment drag on for a few minutes, without speaking, and only when Nico started to fidget with anxiety, he decided to show some mercy.

"Do you know why we are here?”

"Did I... embarrass you?”

Silly. Percy would never be ashamed of Nico. No matter the reason.

"Do you think I'm ashamed of you?" He grabbed Nico by the chin and made him look at him. And when Nico did nothing but stare back at him, completely docile, Percy was finally satisfied. This was the way a good boy should behave, he should be obedient and well-behaved and the reddish tone on his olive skin made everything even better.

Well, even though he was a good boy, Nico was one of the most stubborn people he knew. And sometimes, trying to talk about the problem didn't work with Nico. So, the solution was to show him. Percy held Nico by the hands, sat on the edge of the bed and placed Nico on his lap, face down.

Percy could do this in many ways. Nico on all fours on the bed, lying on a pillow, kneeling on the floor, standing facing the wall... but no, Percy wanted it to be something more intimate and personal this time, because he wouldn't use any tools, like a paddle or even a hairbrush. He wanted Nico to feel every spank and every touch on his skin, he wanted Nico to regret and apologize. However, Percy stopped for a moment and admired the beauty of his baby, the soft skin, the firm and round ass checks, the slender waist and hips, the body that trembled as Percy caressed the brown skin. He knew he was torturing Nico more than necessary, but in the end, he would be sure that Nico would never doubt him again.

"Are you ready?”

Of course that wasn't a question, it was more of a warning. Percy didn't wait for Nico to answer and brought his hand against the right side of Nico's buttocks, and the first moan came. Or had it been a grunt?

"I... oh! I've been... it's been so long! "A louder moan came with the next slap, without warning, allowing Percy to see the first tear break free.

"I'll ask you one more time. Do you know why we're here?" And then, another slap. Nico bent over and grabbed the sheets, trying to close his legs. "Answer me.”

"I was a bad boy.”

"And what else?”

"I don't know!" Nico shouted, feeling the next slap coming.

Percy was disappointed. Although the spankings weren't exactly weak, it shouldn't have been too difficult to understand why Nico was being punished. He gave three more spanks, one after the other and in the same place, and let Nico rest for a few moments, watching the little boy in his ecstatic misery; his little member was fully erect, about to expel, but his crying was so intense that Nico sobbed, anxious and anguished. A well-applied punishment in his point of view.

"It's okay, baby. I'll help you.”

“Are you?” Nico said in the smallest, sweetest, most vulnerable voice he had ever heard.

"I would never be ashamed of you. So what could it be, hm?”

"I... "Still crying and sniffling, Nico frowned and his eyes furrowed in concentration. "I was jealous?”

"No, it's not that. You can be jealous whenever you want.”

“Then...?”

"It's about trust.”

"Oh.”

Ah, now, yes! The expression he wanted to see, guilt and regret.

"I trust you." Nico muttered, embarrassed.

"Do you think I'm going to cheat on you? Trade you for someone else? If I haven't done this for two years, why would I do it now?”

"I don't know." Nico said even more quietly, tears rolling down his dark skin again. "I just... I can't believe that someone like you would want to spend the rest of their life with me.”

Gods, now Percy was the one who wanted to cry. He picked Nico up and made him sit on one of his legs, keeping Nico's small member pressed against his jeans. Nico gasped at the same time, his member and his aching ass being rubbed at the same time.

"Well, that's not right. My baby should never doubt me.”

"I don't doubt it! Ah!”

"Until that sinks in, we'll keep doing it. Over and over, until there's no doubt left.”

"Please!" Nico screamed again, feeling the burning sensation spread across his skin once more.

Percy admitted, he was at his most sadistic moment, there were so many things he had to do and plan that, he confessed, Percy was letting the stress out through his pores as he watched Nico scream and beg for mercy.

"Then I want to see you beg for forgiveness.”

“I’m sorry!”

There it was, exactly what he wanted to hear. The look of anguish on Nico's face was so beautiful that he could have come just watching it. Percy continued to spank Nico's skin, and with each new spank that was accompanied by a shouted "Sorry!", something inside him expanded and was satisfied, as if Percy were at a banquet with all of his favorite dishes.

That is, Percy would have been content to watch that scene for the rest of his life, if he hadn't caught the exact moment where something in Nico seemed to have changed, one moment Nico was all tense and distressed, and the next, well... Nico went limp in his arms, the lines on his face softened and his dark eyes rolled back, then closed in complete climax. And if Percy hadn't been so close, he would have barely noticed, the only clue was the small pool of liquid against his hip where Nico was leaning.

What could Percy do? He never said Nico couldn't cum or that he couldn't enjoy the moment.

 ***

Nico sighed and allowed himself to be hugged, while Percy comforted him. He thought he was still crying, tremors making the sobs more intense than expected, his empty and numb head spinning slowly. Nico knew that one day Percy would kill him, but he would die happy and content. Nothing could affect him at that moment.

Which was fine. In fact, Nico couldn't be better, traveling on the endorphins that only a good session of pain could bring. If disobeying Percy more times was what it took to be "punished" more often, Nico would become the worst of the good boys. He wanted to laugh at these silly thoughts, but Percy still held him in his arms, still caressed his back and still massaged the sensitive skin of his buttocks. It was difficult to have a coherent thought in those moments, moments when he focused only on obeying. Nico knew that once the endorphins left his body, being a good boy or not would make no difference, but in those long minutes, feeling Percy's hands on him and lips against his, nothing was more important.

"Shhhh... it's okay." Percy murmured against his lips, making him open his eyes. Nico took a deep breath and moaned, feeling Percy's wet fingers brush against his entrance, the position they were in perfect for penetration; he sat on Percy's lap with his legs wrapped around Percy's waist.

It wasn't long after that, one finger turned into two and then the head of Percy’s cock was touching his entrance, applying a little pressure until it entered, sliding into the tight passage and making him arch his spine, moaning as he felt Percy penetrate him completely. This was something Nico didn't understand, he used to hate that feeling of his muscles stretching, the slight burning that made him hot without hurting him. Now? He loved feeling his body open up and allow Percy to enter him, a pleasure that Nico didn't understand if it was completely physical or if it was also emotional.

Nico let out another moan, feeling the pain come back with a vengeance, when Percy grabbed his buttocks, making him contract all over.

"Hmm. So good. You like it that way, don't you?”

He... Nico loved it. He liked every gesture and every touch, every word, every movement. But Nico had a problem, he was afraid to say how much he liked everything Percy made him feel, whether they were positive or negative emotions. Because, sometimes, Percy was a bit... cruel, dominating him beyond what Nico was comfortable with. Percy used what Nico said against him, even if it was in the best possible way. Even if Nico didn't want to admit it. What if one day, a day that was very far from coming, Percy dominated him in such a way that Nico would never be able to get out of this submissive state of mind and became only what Percy wanted him to be, nothing more than a patchwork doll?

In fact, Nico felt like it could happen at any moment, with the slightest touch and words spoken sweetly in his ear. He felt like his mind would float away from him and only the part inside him that lived to satisfy its owner's desires would remain.

"Baby?" He heard Percy's voice calling him back in the distance, as if pulling him with a rope back to the earth. "Here you are. So beautiful.”

"Ah, I'm going to... cum..." Nico moaned, shuddering, Percy holding him by his back and neck, affectionately, moving his waist towards another orgasm, his bones feeling like they were made of jelly and his muscles completely relaxed.

"That's it. Like that?”

Nico couldn't take it anymore. Percy reached that little spot inside him, the sensation coming suddenly. One moment he felt like melted butter and the next, Nico was twitching, coming, wrapping his legs around Percy's waist and throwing his head back in a silent scream. And without being touched, he expelled, for long moments feeling himself go empty, only stopping when exhaustion made him relax once more.

"Per.” He whimpered, his nerves hypersensitive. The sensation coming as suddenly as his orgasm.

"It's okay. I'm here.”

A kiss was placed on his neck, another on his face and finally on his lips. And then, everything seemed to get better. Nicos’s breathing calmed down and his heart slowed down.

"Good boy. So obedient.”

If he had a tail, Nico would be wagging it happily right now. Because that's how Nico felt, like a pet who had been praised for learning a new trick and being a good boy.

"I'm not a... a..." Nico couldn't find the words even if he wanted to, his head was too empty to form complex thoughts.

"Oh, aren't you my good boy? My baby? Papa will be sad.”

This was too much for his dopamine-fueled brain. Nico chose to close his eyes and hide his face in Percy's shoulder, feeling safe and protected, agreeing with Percy even though he couldn't admit it.

"Oh, my baby don't to worry. I have a gift for you.”

Nico heard the sound of plastic being opened and something being placed in his hand.

"Eat.”

Nico obeyed, entranced. He took a bite and pleasure spread across his tongue. It was chocolate. Well, it was a candy made of chocolate that they used to eat as children. It used to be his favorite, something he made with his own hands to remember his mother.

"Thank you." Nico found himself saying between bites, content to stay exactly where they were; in bed, sitting on Percy's lap with his head resting on his shoulder and eating his favorite candy.

"My baby deserves the best.”

Nico wasn't sure about that. He would let Percy decide that for him, like he always did.

Chapter XXIX

"Baby, are you okay? "Percy had to ask.

Usually Percy wouldn't worry if Nico stayed in his happy and submissive little world for long periods of time. The truth is that he liked to see Nico completely under his control, obeying his every order and trying so hard to fulfill his wishes that if it were up to him, these moments between four walls would never end. However, the sky was already starting to darken and he could hear the sound of his brothers' laughter and his mother's voice scolding them.

It was at times like these that Percy wished he was an adult and didn't have to share the time he had with Nico, much less let them see Nico at his most vulnerable. Honestly? Percy didn't care how other people would react, but rather how Nico would feel when he finally emerged from his light and content state.

Percy did his best to make Nico feel safe enough to snap out of his trance. They took a long bath, he washed Nico's hair, fed Nico his favorite food, and then made him take a nap. That was usually enough to get Nico back to normal. Today? Nico seemed especially determined to keep his distance.

"Baby?" Percy called again.

Nico merely lifted his head from his chest and settled himself more comfortably under the covers, blinking slowly, seemingly waiting for the next order.

"I need you to come back to me.”

"Come back?" Nico frowned and sat down, trying to reason.

"It's been five hours. Do you want dinner?”

"Oh." The crease disappeared from Nico’s face, but he remained as he was, slow and meek, not questioning anything. "Okay.”

Nico then stood up. He dragged himself out of bed and calmly put on his shoes, walked to the bedroom door and waited for him, patient, obedient, almost bowing, holding his own hands behind his back.

Percy sighed, at least Nico wasn't completely spaced out. This was all his fault, he knew that well. Wasn't that what he wanted? Nico completely obedient and submissive one hundred percent of the time?

In the end, Nico was right. What Percy really wanted was to have fun and fulfill his darkest fantasies.

Moments later, Percy realized that he had no reason to worry. They went downstairs, ate without anything strange happening and Nico even interacted with Tyson and Grover, helping Sally put the dishes on the table. There was a moment when Nico and Sally disappeared into the kitchen and only returned ten minutes later, at which point Percy thought he was in trouble, but all he saw was Nico sitting on his lap and resting his head on his shoulder, and Sally, who smiled at him proudly.

***

Sometimes Percy wished he could go back to the time when his parents were still married and his family had a lot less money. It would mean less responsibilities, more free time, and less stress in his life. First, his mother had the brilliant idea of making him wake up at five in the morning that weekend to help with the monthly billing and inventory, something an accountant could easily do. But no, Sally had suffered a setback in the past and was not willing to take another one. So everyone in the family was forced to help. Nico was a special case, of course. He already helped Sally more than his share in the kitchen, so Nico was exempt from that hard work. And if that weren't enough, they had a meeting with the restaurant's suppliers.

Apparently, the quality of the vegetables wasn't pleasing Sally, and apparently Percy intimidated anyone who looked at him for too long. Go figure. So, that was one of his duties; whenever they had to deal with an insufferable customer or service provider, he would be there. And this time, it was the vegetable supply; his new mission was to stand behind his mother and face the men until they agreed to the new contract. It would be funny if he didn't have to leave Nico alone at home.

But before going to the meeting, Percy made sure to wake Nico up. He knew it was still eight o'clock in the morning on a Saturday, but he still remembered how Nico had reacted when he hadn't found him in bed that time he had visited Apollo’s club. So, without making a sound, Percy took the stairs and went towards his room, seeing that the door was ajar, and he could see inside the room through the crack in the door.

Percy pushed open the door and what he saw took his breath away.

Nico stood in the middle of the room, naked, wet hair and barefoot, with his back to the door, sitting on the edge of the bed. In it was the black box with the collar, the same collar that they had both decided to ignore, like a taboo that should never be mentioned. But there was Nico, holding the collar against his lap, seeming to admire its weight in his long, thin fingers, completely calm and composed, and with the same quiet and docile attitude that he had adopted for the last few days.

For the first time, he decided that taking no action was the best course of action. Because no matter what he said or even ordered, this was something Nico would have to decide for himself. And if in the end Nico decided he didn't want any of this, Percy would have to accept it.

It didn't take long for Percy to get his answer. Slowly, Nico brought the collar up to his own neck and wrapped it around his skin, still without fastening the clasp, seeming to measure the weight of the leather on his skin. When nothing happened, Percy watched as Nico buckled the collar and continued to hold the leather against his skin, as thought the collar were too heavy for his neck to bear. 

Nico stood up, and still with his back to the door, he walked over to the mirror that stood on the other side of the room, near the wardrobe. Nico was admiring himself, that's what it was; he touched the leather of the collar, as if stroking the fur of a pet, and even from this distance, Percy could see the olive skin darkening with a blush, although Nico wasn't panicking like he had before. After all, why would he? It was just fantasies, wasn't it?

Percy couldn't take it anymore. He marched with determined steps into the room and stopped behind Nico, almost glued to his back, now observing both of their reflections in front of the mirror. It was something automatic, his hands went to Nico's neck, his fingers circling the long neck, right at the part of the collar that now hid the choker, massaging the skin he found there.

“So you liked it.” It hadn’t been a question, because the answer was obvious. The look on Nico’s face told Percy everything he needed to know, and the surprised, shy gasp even more so.

"I didn't... I was curious!" There it was, anxiety coming like a bullet train. So the problem must be his presence. Or maybe the expectation that Nico himself placed on himself.

Nico took a step forward, trying to free himself from his hands, and this time, Percy allowed Nico to escape; this was not something he should joke about if he wanted the sight of Nico wearing a collar to be an everyday occurrence in the future.

"It's okay. I didn't mean to scare you.”

"You didn't scare me. It's just... you know... I don't know if I can do what you expect of me. The diary, it's just fantasies and... I never thought I would... I would like it so much that I would have sex with someone. I just... I don't know.”

“I understand,” Percy said in his most affable voice.

"Do you?" Nico opened his eyes wide, looking surprised and so innocent that Percy came closer again, touching his black hair, trying to comfort him.

"It's okay if you want to play. It's okay if you don't. We don't have to try something new just because I want to.”

"I thought the role of a submissive was to do the dominant's wishes?”

"This is a fantasy, isn't it? You said it yourself. I don't want to force you.”

"Oh." Nico murmured, relaxing in Percy's arms, resting his head on his shoulder and wrapping his arms around his waist. "Sometimes, I feel like I should do certain things... I mean! You never asked me to do this...

"It's okay." Percy said once more, smiling at Nico, deciding to put him out of his misery. "From now on, whenever I want to do something, I'll ask for permission. It doesn't matter what it is, even if it's a kiss.”

"Always?”

"And you are under no obligation to accept or reciprocate, or to feel pressured.”

"I don't feel like you're forcing me, I just..." Then Nico looked down, all shy, and turned his face to the side trying to hide. "It's this uncontrollable urge to... to do these things.”

"Like what?”

"To obey. Not to disappoint you." That's when Percy saw Nico close his eyes, squeezing them tightly, still with his face against his shoulder. "I want to be your baby and your good boy for the rest of my life. Only yours.”

Percy hadn't expected that! They had definitely come a long way to get here. Percy found himself straightening his back and taking a deep breath, a somewhat manic smile forming on his face, a reaction faster than he could control. And just as quickly as it had come, that sense of satisfaction and sick possession was also gone, leaving Percy to pull Nico against his chest and hug him tightly.

"Thank you for telling me. You are so brave. My perfect baby, hm?”

Nico didn't say anything, but he groaned, hugging him tighter around the waist, curling up against his chest, almost melting into him. Percy wouldn't trade this moment for anything in this life.

***

"Thank you for telling me. You are so brave. My perfect baby, hm?

Yes, he was! Gods! Hearing Percy say these things, even though Nico already knew this fact, made something inside him explode with joy.

Well, what could he say? He had decided to let himself go.

I mean, what could be so bad besides Percy taking him deeper and deeper into this sea of pleasure that he didn't even know was possible? What was the point in running away and fighting against these feelings when without even realizing it he found himself in the same place? This light feeling reminded him of a game he and Percy used to play as children; each time they won a challenge, the game took them to the next level, climbing step by step until they reached the final level.

The problem was that this innocent and silly game seemed to have no end, the steps stretching endlessly until they were lost from sight. That was how Nico felt, the further Percy took him, the harder it was to find the same Nico who had started on the first level. Sometimes, Nico barely recognized himself. He didn't feel as small as before, as shy or as defenseless. It was as if during the game he had gained special powers and they were still with him, as if Nico had sucked them into his being, forever absorbed into his skin. But sometimes, even if he didn't want to, the old Nico would make his appearances, he wasn't proud of it, forcing Percy to take a step back in this waltz where no one knew what the next step would be. However, what could he do but to get into the rhythm of the dance?

This was a good example, the best of them. Feeling Percy stroking his hair and sliding his hands down his back, always trying to comfort him no matter the reason. Even when there was no reason or when the culprit was Nico himself. At that moment, Nico realized that this time he didn't need to be comforted, but that he liked the kind gesture anyway.

“I know I can be… strict,” Percy murmured in his ear, brushing the stubble growing against his neck, making him shiver. “You have to tell me if I’m being demanding.”

"You never demand what I don't want to give.”

That was the truth. No matter how much he hesitated or said he didn't want to, it was hard to lie to himself when the object of his only obsession in life was right in front of him, offering everything he thought he would never have, yet was so intense that it felt like he was about to pass out at any moment. Not because it was bad, but because Nico lost his breath every time Percy looked at him for more than two seconds.

Then, Nico felt lips touching his in a sweet, slow caress, and he closed his eyes, relaxing as the kiss continued; a nip and a lick later, a gasp, tongues meeting in a perfect fit, like it always had been, like that first time when he had run away and only returned two years later. It seemed like that was all Nico had done up until that moment, run and dodge until he had no other choice, until his only thought was to make up for all the lost time.

“Good boy,” Percy said against his lips, pressing their mouths together one last time before pulling away, smiling at him.

Nico wanted to follow Percy, ask Percy to throw him on the bed and continue up the stairs. Percy had other ideas, like walking away from Nico and opening the closet, taking out a blazer and a pair of khaki dress pants.

"Didn't you have to go out with your friends? "Percy said, still with his head inside the wardrobe.

That was true. That was why Nico had woken up so early on a Saturday, distracting himself with the thought of putting on that collar and kneeling at Percy's feet, swearing eternal fidelity and obedience was not in the cards. Maybe after the wedding, if it actually happened.

When Percy emerged, he was fully dressed. Italian shoes, black shirt, full suit, and slicked-back hair. Nico was so lucky! How he had managed to get engaged to someone so handsome and charming was beyond him.

Nico didn't even try to contain himself, he walked over to Percy, stood on his tiptoes and kissed him again, something quick and soft, and said: "You never dress like that for me.”

Percy smiled at him, one of those sideways, dimpled smiles that made him look like a shark, and grabbed him by the hair, making him groan.

"What's the point of me getting dressed like this if my clothes are going to be taken off in less than five minutes?”

Percy kissed him hard on the lips, eliciting another moan from him and let him go, looking at himself one last time in the mirror.

"Why don't you get some rest, hm? They can wait for you.”

Well, rest wasn't the right word.

Nico followed Percy's eyes and looked down at his lap. Nico had a certain amount of bulge to him, and Percy looked like he would kneel down on the floor at any moment and help him with it. Then Percy looked back into his eyes and smiled again.

"Later. I promise." Percy, his cruel dom, said, walking away slowly towards the door. But before he went, he said: "Don't have too much fun without me.”

Chapter XXX

"Later. I promise." Percy said, walking away slowly towards the door. "Don't have too much fun without me.”

Nico didn't intend to. Ever since he had returned from Italy, he rarely had fun if Percy wasn't around. The friends he still had around kept telling him how Percy was the worst villain, and the ones who didn't say anything kept their distance, hesitant and afraid at the mere thought of what Percy could do to them.

Wasn't that ridiculous? Nico wasn't interested in them either. He admitted he missed his friends in Venice, his family, the scorching sun, the centuries-old buildings, and the clean air. But he would miss Percy even more, and if being away from his hometown was necessary, that's what he would do.

The door finally closed behind him, allowing him to look at his reflection in the mirror again. That was another thing he admitted, he liked seeing that collar around his neck; Nico could see himself wearing it without shame in the future. 

He saw himself and Percy in a large house in the countryside, the sun beating down on his skin as he knelt, resting his head on Percy's lap, Percy’s thick and long fingers caressing him as if he were a little lap dog. Being a submissive was not what he had imagined, the pain was fleeting, barely registering in his brain, and the pleasure lasted for hours, days if he allowed himself to. It was strange, and sometimes, it seemed wrong to put himself in these situations, to let himself be used as Percy saw fit. The looks of pity were what really bothered him, as if at any moment his "friends" would offer to help him. Beautiful friends who, when he needed them most, offered little in the way of comfort or safety.

That was the only reason he had come back, besides the jealousy that had eaten away at him when he saw Annabeth and Percy so close together on social media. Nico didn't need to go through all that torture again, seeing Annabeth in the hallways or the same people who had tried to abuse him more than six years ago. All that was left for Nico to do was take a deep breath and overcome his trauma, or rather, ignore them until they didn't matter. Because this, the collar around his neck, was proof that in the end it would all be worth it. Somehow, the weight that had suffocated him a few days ago, now kept him trapped in reality; it was a promise, an oath that in the end everything would work out if he held on a little longer, just a little longer, and then he could free himself from everything that was dragging him down.

Well, in the end, Percy was right. It was best for him to get some rest, leaving in the state he was in would only lead to more worry and advices he hadn't asked for. Feeling exhausted, Nico ignored his phone that was beeping, indicating a new message had arrived, and collapsed onto the bed. He crawled onto his pillow, covered himself with the duvet, and closed his eyes. Ten minutes would be enough. Maybe thirty.

***

When Percy got home, he went straight to his room, where he knew Nico would be. He could encourage Nico to go out with his friends, have fun and be independent, but deep down, he liked things the way they were; Nico always at home, always waiting for him like a well-behaved boy should. And even though he knew Nico would be in bed, ignoring his friends once again, Percy took the stairs two at a time and slowly pushed the door open. Just as he imagined, there was his baby, covered with the duvet up to his waist, sleeping peacefully, like a little angel, his little angel, always very obedient.

Instead of going in and changing his clothes, Percy closed the door again, letting Nico sleep for a few more minutes. He went downstairs and entered the kitchen, finding his mother there, helping her put away the basket of vegetables they had received from the supplier.

"Where's Nico? I can't wait to try that stew.”

"He’s sleeping.”

This was the moment Percy expected the complaints to come, but they never did.

Sally turned to him, walked towards him, and held his shoulders, smiling sweetly.

"I'm so proud. Nico has been much less tired and happier." Then, Sally straightened her spine and put her hands on her waist. "I still don't like seeing you guys doing these things behind my back, but it's working.”

"Is that why you don't bother me anymore?”

"You're doing a good job. Keep doing that, hm? Then I won't need to do it.”

"Hey! Who's your son here?”

"Honey, I know you." Sally smiled once more and turned her back on him, finishing putting away the vegetables, picking up other things and starting the stew.

Percy just smiled, shrugging. The truth was, he wasn't doing anything special. It was Nico she should be praising. In fact, Percy felt that he wasn't even trying and that maybe they were good for each other. Well, Percy planned to keep doing it even if Nico never wanted to have sex with him again.

***

When Nico wakes up the sky is still bright, the sun shining brighter in the midday heat. However, the feeling of despair has disappeared and in its place, contentment has emerged. He does not open his eyes immediately, feeling the heat warm his face and gentle fingers run over his scalp, making him sigh.

It was Percy who woke him up. Nico would recognize that scent anywhere, the way Percy touched him, the velvety voice calling his name, making him feel like he was still asleep, dreaming of his grandmother's house, where he and Percy were in the strawberry fields, walking calmly through the long rows of berries, the sun beating down on his face.

"Are you feeling better?”

Nico could barely remember why he had been so sad. So he just nodded. He got out from under the covers and crawled until he reached Percy who was sitting on the bed. He sat on Percy's lap and wrapped his legs around him before hugging him by the neck, kissing him slowly, sealing their lips together softly.

"Hmm... does my baby want to play?”

“I don't know.”

"You're still wearing the collar.”

"Oh.

It was true, Nico hadn't noticed. After all, it wasn't that heavy. Although it didn't feel right to be wearing it right now.

"Take it off for me?”

There it was, the disappointment on Percy's face. He tried to hide it, of course, behind an innocent smile. As usual, ignoring certain things until the right moment came was always the best thing to do.

Without rushing, Percy grabbed his neck and unbuckled the clasp, running his fingers over his skin, seeming to say goodbye to the leather and welcoming the now exposed skin, placing a little kiss between the choker that was under the collar and the gap between his collarbone.

"So handsome. I can't wait to see you in a white suit. Will you wear the collar for me? Will you wear something pretty underneath, hm?”

Nico felt his face heat up immediately, knowing that Percy was staring at him so closely. He hadn't thought about it. Was this the moment where they truly became submissive and dominant? Where he would kneel at Percy's feet and remain that way for the rest of their lives? Nico knew that technically nothing would change, but then why did it feel like they were about to take a big step in their relationship?

He had to lift his head and look at Percy in a way he rarely did, seeing his green eyes shining with something Nico preferred not to examine too deeply, the smile still resting on his beautiful lips, showing perfect white teeth. Which made Nico wonder, did he know what he was getting himself into?

“Is this what will happen when we get married? I thought it was just a fantasy.”

"It can be whatever we want.”

But all Nico could hear was, “It’ll be whatever I want it to be.” And strangely, that thought didn’t scare him; it wasn’t like he was going to become a sex slave and be thrown into a dark dungeon where the sun could never reach him.

"What if I don't want to?" Nico finally asked, getting that off his chest.

Nico watched Percy continue to look at him, as if Percy had no doubts in the world, seeing a much more sincere smile appear.

"Then we don't do it.”

"Sure.”

“But... aren't you curious to know what it would be like?”

“I don’t know.”

Nico looked away, pretending to think about it. It was clear that he was curious. Just when he thought Percy couldn't surprise him anymore, a new avalanche of emotions caught him off guard. He felt like he would spend the rest of his life being surprised, drowning in a sea of pleasure next to Percy.

"Hm." Was all Percy said before standing up and taking the collar with him. Percy walks to the wardrobe, takes the black box with him and puts it inside, closing the closet with a final movement. "Looks like the game will have to wait for another time.”

Either way, it was better like this. That way, no one would be tempted to do anything beyond what they were both willing to face.

***

Percy felt strangely light and carefree that morning. As usual, they were all sitting at the table for breakfast. He and Nico walked into the kitchen hand in hand and sat silently, side by side, moving in sync, listening to Grover and Tyson argue about something unimportant, while Sally tried to make them behave. The good thing about living in the middle of chaos was that their plates were already on the table with a glass of juice and another of coffee for each of them.

He admitted that he hadn't been paying attention to what they were saying, because now he understood why Nico liked to be lost in his own little world so much. Don't get him wrong, Percy loved his family, he would do anything for them in a heartbeat, but sometimes, all he wanted was a moment of peace and quiet; he couldn't wait to marry Nico and have a place just for them.

"Per? Aren't you going to eat?”

"Not today." He answered without paying attention, holding Nico's hand again. This made him look at his baby who was looking at him curiously, a discreet smile on his lips, his eyes shining with amusement. "It's okay.”

Percy stretched, took a sip of his coffee, and picked up a croissant. "Satisfied?"

He didn't wait for Nico's answer. He helped Nico down from the chair, pulled him out of the kitchen, and went after his bags, finding them where Percy had left them; at the entrance to the front door, along with his mother's purse and the car keys. The car ride to school was even quieter and calmer, making him feel that today nothing could disturb him. What more could Percy want in this world than Nico's company? A good morning kiss? Nico's hand under his? The certainty of a future together? Percy already had all of that. So, no matter how many obstacles there were, there was no reason to worry.

That's how Percy got out of the car and opened the door for Nico, wrapping his arms around his waist. They walked into the school and ignored the stares, Percy focusing on Nico, watching his baby's face heat up the more he looked.

“What’s gotten into you today?” Nico finally said, allowing Percy to hear his voice for the first time that day. A low, husky voice still from sleep, caressing his senses.

Percy doesn't say anything, he just brings his hand to Nico's face and caresses it, watching Nico's eyes close in pleasure, watching Nico's smile come back with a vengeance, almost blinding him, content. Then, Nico tilts his head towards Percy and their lips meet, but it's just that, a peck, a gesture of affection. Nico's eyes open again and that's how they stay, standing in the middle of the hallway, hugging each other, as if only they existed.

Percy felt like they were talking through those looks and smiles. The best part was that he understood every word.

"You're an idiot." Nico says. Percy agrees.

But then they hear the bell ring. It was time to return to reality. Percy and Nico are forced to walk again, heading towards their lockers, in fact, towards Percy's locker because it was the biggest of them both; Nico had stopped using his, years ago, even before going to Italy. Most of their classes were the same, so they shared their books, the teachers had long since given up on separating them. In fact, their grades were so good that the teachers had no reason to separate them; and Percy was sure, he had never been so ready in his life. It was Nico's influence, making him study without even realizing it.

Unfortunately, when he got there, his bubble of contentment was broken.

"Well, well. Look who we have here? The golden couple.”

Percy snorted, about to turn around and show up to class without his books, when Nico grabbed his arm. With just one look from Nico, he understood everything. Okay. They would get their books and notebooks, and go to class, as expected. Percy took the lead. He walked the rest of the distance to the locker fourteen, grabbed what he had to get and closed it, slamming the door as hard as necessary.

"Hmm... looks like someone is tense. I know a way to relax you. Why don't we meet later?”

This was too much for Percy. He lifted his head and stared into those cold gray eyes, took a deep breath and opened his mouth when he felt gentle hands grip his arm. Nico was staring at him closely, his furious black eyes telling him more than his words could. Annabeth didn't deserve even his disgust and contempt. Great, Percy would do what Nico asked.

Percy didn't look at her again, deciding to kiss Nico's face, trying to calm him down, and hugged him by the shoulders, taking him away. Soon Annabeth would be just the memory of an envious and inconvenient girl.

They walked into their first class of the day, placed their notebooks and books under the table and sat down. Soon the tests would begin.

That's it for now. Now I'll try to wrap up all the loose ends and solve the problems. Wish me luck.

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

I hope you enjoy it.

CHAPTER I / CHAPTER II / CHAPTER III / CHAPTER IV / CHAPTER V / CHAPTER VI / CHAPTER VII / CHAPTER VIII / CHAPTER IX / CHAPTER X / CHAPTER XI / CHAPTER XII / CHAPTER XIII / CHAPTER XIV / CHAPTER XV / CHAPTER XVI / CHAPTER XVII / CHAPTER XVIII / CHAPTER XIX

Percy felt like he had gone back in time. He remembered as if it were yesterday, the long, tortuous days and the whispers wherever he went; the desire to disappear was also there, the disconnection with reality, as if no one could break his bubble of self-blame and depression, feeling the emptiness that hit him when he least expected it; the feeling of inadequacy telling him that he would always be that lonely, violent boy who didn't deserve what he had or the love of others. In the end, no matter how detached he felt from reality and how unprepared to deal with life, time waited for no one. When Percy blinked, they were already at the end of first quarter of the year, which brought him to that verymoment, barely able to focus on what was right in front of his face. A surprise test, a piece of paper that would tell him if he had a chance of passing the first assessments or not.

"Per?" Nico whispered beside him, still writing. "You didn't study at all, did you?" 

Could anyone blame him? The guilt was still eating at him up inside, paralyzing him, fighting against the urge to do exactly the opposite of what his conscience was asking him to do. Nico being around him twenty-four hours a day wasn't helping, making him want to break that bubble of anguish and, at the same time, tempted to stay exactly where he was just so he wouldn't have to make a decision. Percy still woke up in the middle of the night tense and without remembering why, forced to get out of bed to calm down or get some fresh air on his face. Because he had to--

"Don't worry, we'll figure it out." Nico touched his shoulder and showed him one of the sweetest smiles he had ever seen, making Percy relax immediately, feeling like there was a light at the end of the tunnel. He watched Nico pick up both of his answer sheets, walk over to the teacher and hand them to him, who smiled charmingly at Nico.

No, he wasn't going to go down that path. That was why Percy had gotten himself into such trouble. He was committed, he would be a better person even if he died trying. So, Percy put his things in the bag and took a deep breath, counting to thirty.

1… 2… 3… 4… 5… 6… 7--

“Let’s go?”

Percy looked up and there was Nico, sweet and smiling, holding out his hands to him. The fear of worrying Nico was the only thing keeping him on his feet at the moment, if someone gave him a nudge Percy would crumble immediately; he couldn't accept the fact that... that in the end he was the monster people accused him of being. Feeling on automatic mode, Percy picked up their bags and held the hand Nico offered to him, barely missing the disappointed expression on the teacher's face.

Usually Percy liked this class and it wouldn't need much to get a high mark, but what could he do if his obsession was right in front of him, wanting his attention all the time? The bad thing was knowing he would sink into this obsession if the world around them didn't remind him of what a mistake this would be. Sometimes, Percy asked himself if what he felt was love or was just a codependency, a crutch to help him deal with the problems and traumas that not even the best psychiatrist could fix.

“Is everything okay? Do you need a break?”

They had become masters at creating barriers that weren’t there before, useless and cruel barriers that only served to hurt both of them.

If Percy were honest, he would say it’s exactly what he needed, although it wouldn’t make anything better. The longing would only increase, the pain in his chest would spread and that bad feeling in his stomach would grow stronger, making him act impulsively. Basketball practice would be a good excuse for his issues if the coach hadn’t banned him from practicing until he could focus on the game.

“Do you want to come with me to band practice? We’re going to play at the dance.”

Gently, Nico held his arm with both hands and kissed his cheek, making Percy forget about his inner demons for a brief moment, warming the emptiness in his body. “Come on, it'll be nice. You can join in if you want.”

“I didn't bring my guitar.”

“The teacher can lend it to you.”

“I don't know…” After all, there was a reason he didn't join in the group practice.

“I've been thinking about what you said... that I don't have many hobbies. You were right.”

“Was I?” It’s good to know he’d done something good.

“In Verona, I went out with my friends, drew, played and sang, wrote and cooked every day with my grandmother and cousins. I just... I feel like I don't need to do all those things when I'm with you. Now I understand the problem with that. You are doing the same.”

Well, that was exactly the problem. They were an obsessive, compulsive couple who were obsessed with each other. It was hard to see the rest of the world when the person he loved the most was so close, but for that reason it was so wrong to want those things. His desires became so intense that everything ended up being somewhat toxic.

Percy wanted to say all of this to Nico, but if he did, it would only encourage him to stay with him in this intense and traumatic bubble they had created.

“I’m glad you understand.”

“That’s exactly why I want to show you something. Will you come with me?”

He would do anything Nico asked.

Luckily, Nico was too kind to demand anything of him, or that was usually the case. So when Nico asked, Percy would be happy to oblige. He took Nico’s hand once more and they headed towards the music department, letting Nico lead him for the first time in his life. Maybe it would be a good change for them.

***

“Nico, where have you been these days? We couldn’t find you anywhere!”

Percy now remembered why he didn’t like coming to band practice. Because the one who had gotten up and ran towards them was Lou Ellen, the most fervent defender of the defenseless and oppressed, and according to her, Percy was one of those who oppressed other people.

Lou stopped in front of them and crossed her arms, looking him up and down. Percy chose to pretend he hadn't seen her, this was another ex-member of his fan club. 

Percy may or may not have gotten involved with her, he may or may not have used her and then thrown her away. It wasn't his fault if people put expectations on him when Percy didn’t promised anything, not even love or friendship. In the end, people believed what they wanted, but he wouldn't be the one to stroke their ego.

"I get it. Why did you bring that psychopath here?" She mumbled, as if she had eaten something sour, and turned to Nico. "Nico! We're late. Did you get the song?"

"Better yet, I wrote one." Nico, like the angel he was, ignored what she had said and held his hand tightly; Nico knew very well what Percy really wanted to be doing.

Instantly, Lou Ellen's face transformed in the blink of an eye, from frowning to glowing.

"Perfect! Are you going to show us?”

Lou hadn't given Nico time to answer, she pulled him along and Percy had no choice but to follow them into the music auditorium where less than ten teenagers were waiting. He remembered at some point in the past being among them, he must have been what? Twelve years old? But since music had always been something Nico liked, Percy choose to focus on other things, like sports, something that could give him a better future.

Percy didn't say anything or greet anyone, he followed Nico to the center of the stage and watched from afar. Nico picked up a guitar provided by the school and sat down on the floor, where the other people approached and sat around Nico, looking at him with admiration and something else he would rather not question. Honestly? Percy couldn't blame them, Nico looked even more handsome with a guitar on his lap and that look of contemplation as he strummed a few notes on the guitar strings, his sweet and velvety voice coming right after, echoing through the room, words and notes that Percy didn't recognize, but he also didn't make an effort to pay attention to their meanings, letting the music surround him like a sweet caress that insisted on flowing through him only to leave him throbbing and wanting more. 

He couldn't resist, Percy put their bags in a corner and got close to Nico, sitting directly next to him, placing one of his hands on Nico's back. 

Nico merely turned his face towards him and continued singing, perhaps in a slightly lower tone, a little more intimate, as if those words were meant for him and no one else. Nico smiled, then, calmly, and finally when the song reached its end, the sound of the guitar echoed for a few more moments, waking him up with its ending

Looking only at him, Nico asked in a low voice:

“Did you like it?”

“It was really good.” Because it was true. Even if he hadn’t paid attention to the words, the song itself spoke enough. “What’s it called?”

“There’s no place like home.”

The people around him applauded, stealing Nico’s attention, who thanked them, making something inside Percy rage. Who did they think they were!?

“Nico, we recorded it. Is that okay?” Lou said from somewhere in the audience. “It's perfect. Can I share it with the others?”

“I… I put it online? Can I send in the chat group?” Nico said, feeling unsure. Of course, Percy thought, as if they would deny it when the people around seemed to love him.

“That’s great,” Lou said again, excitedly.

“Excellent, Nico. Thank you for sharing something so personal with us. Can we use it for an exercise?” Euterpe, the music teacher, congratulated him. When Nico nodded, she continued. “For the next class, I want you to create an arrangement for the band. Re-record the song and also bring suggestions for other songs to perform at the dance.”

With that, the auditorium exploded into activity, people organizing themselves into two or three groups while the two  remained where they were, leaning towards each other, with Nico still holding the guitar and Percy holding Nico's waist.

"Do you want to play?" 

Percy accepted the instrument when Nico offered it to him, although he hesitated for a moment. It had been a while since he had held a guitar, long enough to almost make him forget how to position his fingers. But as they say, there are things in life that we never forget and that’s what happened when the first note sounded, clean and firm on his fingers, the fingering exercises coming back with full force, making him remember the long hours in that same auditorium, one of the few things that kept him in touch with reality when Nico had left. One of the thousands of crutches he carried through life, but that kept him standing on his feet. 

Percy concentrated for a moment and let himself go, lowered his head and allowed himself to remember, felt his fingers fly over the strings and allowed a strange calm to take over him. And for long minutes that’s all he heard, his breathing and the sequence of fast notes, that is, until his sequence came to an end and he found himself embraced by Nico.

"That's beautiful. Why didn't you tell me you could play like that?" Nico said calmly, not as if he was demanding something but as if he had received a valuable gift.

"I was busy with basketball. And with the teenage drama." Well, Percy was never good at making jokes. So, he wasn't surprised by Nico's attitude, who just kissed his cheek and rested his head on his shoulder.

"Play some more. Everyone liked it.”

“Everyone?" Percy looked around the auditorium and saw that people were indeed watching him in silence without the usual mockery. And he could swear that there were more people in the room than before.

"What do you want to hear?" 

"A romantic ballad." 

That's what he did, the notes coming out slower and simpler. Imagine his surprise when he heard people singing along with Nico, clapping and swaying.

Well, what could he do? Maybe not everything needed to be drowned in drama and angst.

***

“Sorry.” Percy said, admitting defeat. Sometimes, he forgot that Nico couldn't guess what he was thinking and, if he wanted their relationship to work as it should, Nico wasn't the only one who needed to be honest.

“You didn't do anything wrong.”

A few days had passed, but that moment in the music room had stayed in his mind. Percy knew he had a tendency to get lost in his own thoughts, imagining how the whole world was against him, when in fact, no one cared e he shouldn’t either; gossip was fleeting, these things had no effect on his life and not everyone had something bad to say about him. Nico was the reminder of that, that he still had a family, friends and someone who would stand by his side unconditionally.

To repay all the effort Nico was making, Percy had sat next to Nico on the couch at home and hugged him tightly, pulling him onto his lap. He kissed him back, but not the innocent little kisses they had grown accustomed to over the past few weeks, but rather open mouths and tongues intertwining, hearing Nico moan, sprawled and surprised in his arms.

“What was that?” Nico gasped, still in his lap, holding onto his neck.

“Thank you for being patient.”

Nico blinked slowly at him, his cheeks flushed, breathing fast, an obvious bulge in his pants. Percy knew this was Nico trying to reason through the excitement that was suddenly invading his brain.

“You know I love you, don’t you?”

“I know.” Percy said, feeling truly content.

“Sex… it’s not important. You’re my best friend, my partner.”

“Nico.”

“I could go without sex for the rest of my life, but I never want to be without you. I can wait.”

“I’m sorry.” And Percy really was, especially seeing the frustration on Nico's angelic face, seeing that Nico was ready to beg at the slightest positive sign.

The truth is that celibacy was not for him. It was a torture every day that he didn't touch Nico, he was afraid that if he allowed himself to do what he wanted, he would go back to the same bad habits. Although Percy had been questioning himself if all of this was wrong or if it was all inside his head due to the guilt of not having paid more attention to what was happening with Nico.

“Enough. I don't want to see you like this. I don't want to hear that you're sorry and that you're going to change. I don't want you to change, I mean... you don't have to do all these things because of me.”

Nico was practically pouting now, angry, it was beautiful to watch as Nico tried to convey the seriousness in his words. Nico kept trying so hard to make sure he was okay that Percy felt like doing something crazy; it could be anything. What he really wanted to do was throw Nico on the bed and make him forget the worry written all over his face. Maybe he should? Just to see if he could control himself?

“I understand. I won’t apologize again.”

“You won’t?” Nico tilted his head to the side, like a confused puppy, and that made Percy smile. He grabbed Nico by the hair and kissed him once more, feeling Nico melt against his chest.

“You deserve a reward. Do you know why?”

“Why?” Nico moaned, shifting in his lap.

“Because good boys deserve the best things.”

“Am I…? A good boy?”

“The best.”

Percy felt like he was at a tasting in his favorite restaurant. He stared at Nico’s burning face for a moment and finally allowed himself to do what he wanted. Slowly, to see what Nico would do, he took his hand from Nico’s waist and brought it to the boy’s groin, touching him gently over his jeans. Like a flower, Nico spread his legs and moved his hands out of the way, looking up at where Percy's hands were going, moaning softly when Percy finally covered his member over his clothes.

"Is it okay if I do this?" Percy asked, stopping his movements.

"Yes, please." And then, as an afterthought, Nico said: "Thank you!"

"Hmm, good boy." 

Then, as he had promised, he opened the button on Nico's pants and lowered the zipper, seeing the small bulge over his underwear. Even more slowly, Percy massaged his member for a few moments and pulled it out of his underwear. He couldn't deny it, Nico was beautiful everywhere; his dark skin, his sweet voice, his soft body. Down there he was all of that too, the member that fit in his hand, the reddish and wet head right at the tip, the  thin, well-trimmed hair at the base. Percy felt like devouring him and would only stop when Nico came all over himself, in pleasure, on his hands, on his knees, surrendered at Percy's feet. 

But not today, today Percy would take everything as calmly as he could.

“Please!” Nico whimpered, tears welling up in his eyelashes.

Percy closed his eyes for a moment and focused on his breathing. It was that heavy feeling in the pit of his stomach that was taking over him again, that possessive, controlling voice telling him that if Nico was his and he was offering himself to him like this, Percy could do whatever he wanted.

"It's okay, baby," Percy murmured, barely recognizing his own voice as he heard Nico moan. He hesitated only a moment to pay attention to Nico's reaction.

Oh, his sweet Nico. He was staring at him with wide eyes, pleading, showing so much trust in him that Percy had to move. The hand that had been near Nico's groin finally found its way and wrapped around his throbbing member. He had almost forgotten the feeling of touching such an intimate place on someone else’s body. Percy tested the waters by holding around Nico and then brushing one of his fingers over the tip, collecting the pre-cum and bringing it down, fingering the length to wrap it around him completely again, applying a little pressure.

"Like this?" He asked.

Well, Nico didn't answer him exactly, but the way Nico was leaning against his chest, moaning shamelessly, should have been a good indication.

Suddenly, Percy felt curious. After so long he felt like he had forgotten the shape of Nico's body. He used his other hand and wrapped it around Nico's lower belly, caressing his belly. He moved up a little further and found his abdomen, his ribs and chest, touching the hard nipples, where he lingered for a few moments.

"Percy!" He heard Nico whimper, rubbing himself against him.

"I know. I'm torturing you."

Keeping Nico pinned against his chest, back against shoulders, Percy continued his exploration, going down and massaging between Nico's legs again.

"Could you... lower?" Then, Nico murmured, all docile and obedient.

"Here?" His curious fingers did as Nico asked, passing over Nico's testicles and finding Nico's entrance. A light touch told him what Nico wanted.

“Have you been having fun without me, hmm?”

“I didn't know if… when… ah!…”

Well, he was still curious. Slowly, Percy brushed one of his fingers around the entrance and soon Nico opened like a flower. And even dry, his finger entered, almost without resistance, going all the way in. Percy could bet that while he was trying to give Nico time to think, Nico was having fun without him.

“Is this what you did when I wasn't looking?”

Percy tried to put another finger in and surprising him, the finger entered almost without resistance again. Nico bent over in a way that seemed painful and screamed at the top of his lungs: “It's all your fault! I tried… I tried… it's not the same!”

Oh, that made him want… no! Not today. Today, he would settle for touching and watching, who knows, maybe in a few days Percy would feel strong enough to move forward. 

So, Percy did what Nico so desperately asked him to do. He watched Nico's member throb, without anything touching it, while he continued to massage Nico's insides, moving his fingers slowly around, opening them very delicately until he found the right place. Nico shuddered and moaned for a long time, arching his spine and like magic, he saw Nico expelling, jet after jet, Percy without having to touch anywhere else.

"I hate you!" Nico groaned as he finally collapsed against Percy's chest, an expression of exhaustion and ecstasy still etched on his features.

Well, Percy believed in Nico. Sometimes, he hated himself too, especially when he had to control himself like this.

"I love you too." Percy continued to hold Nico against his chest and only moved when he was sure that Nico would no longer hate him.

So, how was today's chapter? I'm trying to develop their D/s relationship in a way that feels natural. Percy may know a lot about the bdsm world, but knowing isn't the same as understanding or practicing. Like, there's something called domdrop, you know? The guilt of doing something that socially might be discouraged, like taboo fantasies and kinks. Just like Nico has or will have some kind of subdrop too. It's not all roses and I wanted to show this side of this kind of relationship in the story. I hope you enjoyed it. Likes, reblogs and comments are always welcome. Suggestions too.

I make a post about how smut writers shouldn't be discouraged if their smut has a low hits to kudos ratio, because people are just afraid to kudos smut.

I get told in response that AKTUALLY smut has a low kudos to hits ratio because people are re-reading that smut.

I make a post about how if you're re-reading a fic a lot you should tell the author because they won't know that and will think no one likes their fic.

I get told that authors should just ASSUME that it's re-reads without needing to be told.

I post a smut fic that gets 100+ hits in its first 24 hours of posting (therefor no re-reads counted) and this smut fic with 100+ hits gets zero kudos.

I make a post about how if you read a fic on AO3 it creates a 'hit' and if the author gets a lot of hits without kudos or comments or response, the author will assume no one liked their fic.

I get told that authors should just ASSUME that everyone who clicks their fic likes it, without needing to be told that.

I make a post reminding people that fanfiction authors are not mind readers and that there's no way for them to tell a hit from a person who clicked a fic by mistake, or hated the fic, from a hit from a person who liked it, and if you don't tell the author you liked their fic they will assume you didn't.

I get told that authors aren't entitled to comments or kudos, or to a certain ratio of kudos to hits.

NO SHIT.

But if they don't get comments or kudos, they're gonna assume ya'll didn't like the fic!

friends are wherever a-yuan is

Death will not free you of your duties, Jason Grace

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

Hi, how's everyone? I was happy to see the votes in the poll^^ it's a good way for us to communicate. One person voted for no more +18 scenes! Does that mean you like my plots and characters? (Because you know I only write AU) I feel honored, really, from the bottom of my heart. So I'll always try to say when I have these kinds of scenes.

Without further ado, thank you for following me along this story!

CHAPTER I / CHAPTER II / CHAPTER III / CHAPTER IV / CHAPTER V / CHAPTER VI / CHAPTER VII / CHAPTER VIII / CHAPTER IX / CHAPTER X / CHAPTER XI / CHAPTER XII / CHAPTER XIII / CHAPTER XIV

Nico didn't know what was happening to him. Or better yet, he did knew. The question was why.

"Baby." Percy said against his ear, digging his fingers into his hair for a brief moment that almost made him come. But too soon, Percy's hands traveled to his shoulders and down to his waist, stopping both their movements. "They will hear us.’’

Nico closed his mouth and tried to stifle the next moan, but he couldn't stop himself, rocking on Percy's lap and bending over him, and that’s what he didn't understand. Nico had never had sex with anyone like this before and suddenly, it was all he could think about. How could this be happening to him? The worst thing was that Percy was being a perfect gentleman. Or that was the case until Nico woke up the next morning. He'd gone to the bathroom and when he came back, Percy was still there, all stretched out on the bed, with nothing covering him... when had Percy gotten so tall or gotten those muscles? And those arms? Nico couldn't help himself, he went back to bed and... well, Nico would like to say that he had just watched Percy sleep.

Even though he felt sensitive from the night before and  had a headache from his hangover, Nico crawled across the bed and sat on Percy's waist, trying to be careful. This was so wrong, the talk of consent coming back with a vengeance. But maybe if he woke him up in an interesting way, Percy wouldn't be so angry with him. So, Nico did what he'd wanted to do for a long time, he put his hands on Percy's abdomen and slid them up, fingering the muscles and coming back down, feeling the hairs stand up against his fingers What would he have to do to get Percy to wake up? Maybe if he... Nico bent over Percy and reached up to sun-tanned face, feeling the beard that was beginning to grow, seeing a smile on Percy's wide lips.

"Per?" When Percy still refused to open his eyes, Nico continued his exploration. He massaged the broad chest and rubbed the erect nipples with his fingertips, watching them get hard.

It looked like he would have to do everything himself in the end, which was fine, it just gave him the courage to carry on. 

With gentle motions, Nico slid his ass down and found a bulge that hadn't been there five minutes ago. Should he? Nico knew it would hurt a bit, but he didn't want to look for the lube. It couldn't hurt that much, right? 

Testing the waters, Nico once again sat on Percy's lap, brought his hand behind him and found Percy's cock fully erect. Maybe he was a masochist, was the only explanation for the groan he let out when he forced himself against the resistance and the head passed through the tight entrance, sliding in much more easily than he had expected. Gods! The tip was so wet that he ended up finding the bottom faster than he expected. Nico thought he had screamed, he thought he had squeezed Percy's member inside him with all the strength he had. How could that translate into pleasure for his nerves, how?!

"You're going to hurt yourself." He heard Percy say in the background and felt hands squeeze his legs tightly. It was hard to concentrate on anything other than the member stretching him and the tremors of pleasure and pain that hit his senses. But... but everything would be all right, because a few moments later Nico felt warm hands caressing his back, the member pulling out of him and then wet fingers were massaging inside him for Percy's member to slide in him again, deep and delicious, reaching that place that until last night Nico hadn't known existed.

"What is it, hm? Why is my baby crying? Where does it hurt?’’

He denied it, shook his head, and let himself loosen. He put his arms around Percy's neck and relaxed, which made everything feel better. But Percy was still motionless there, breathing fast against his neck and holding him tightly around the waist. 

"Per... I need it.’’

"Doesn't it hurt? From last night?’’

Nico denied it once again, settling himself better on Percy's lap, making the member inside him hit the best spots with just that accidental movement.

"Please... I want you... I want you to... ah!’’

"Like that?" Percy asked and demonstrated again. He lifted Nico up by the waist and brought him down once more, meeting him halfway with a sharp thrust.

"They will hear us.’’

"Percy!’’

He thought he was really screaming now. It hurt! It hurt so much, and yet, he couldn't stop, feeling each of his muscles fall apart every time Percy's hips met his.

"You have to take responsibility for your actions, baby." Percy whispered in his ear. That was too much for him.

Whimpering and not knowing what his body wanted, Nico pushed Percy by the shoulder and crawled out of Percy's lap, moaning and sobbing, his legs failing him halfway, causing him to fall face-first into the pillows. Nico didn't understand what was happening to himself, he just... just... was going to explode at any moment if the world didn't make sense again. How could pain be so mixed with pleasure like that to make him delirious? Because the look on Percy's face could only be an illusion his mind was creating. It felt like... like he was the prey and Percy the predator.

"Where are you going?’’

"I... I don't know!’’

"Baby.’’

A shiver ran up his spine and made his legs shake. There was something in Percy's voice that made him freeze where he had fallen. What was happening to them? He couldn't look at Percy, he was afraid to see what he would find there, and he wanted to run away, but... but Nico didn't want to move and maybe find out what was scaring him so much. Either way, he was moving just the same, crawling across the huge bed towards... he didn't know, anywhere was fine. So why did he stop at the edge of the bed, still trembling and... and feeling an anticipation that he didn't know where it came from? The door was right in front of him, either the bathroom or the exit. If he felt so trapped, why wasn't he heading towards them?

Nico moaned in surprise when Percy's hand touched the middle of his back and gently slid up and down in one of the most comforting gestures Nico had ever experienced.

"Do you want to play?" Percy then asked, still not moving closer. "Or do you want to sleep some more? It's still early.’’

"I..  "Nico curled in on himself and hid his face in the pillow.

He didn't understand what was happening to him. Nothing made sense. He didn't want to be feeling these things and he didn't want to be that kind of person. Like, a few days ago he was fine with what was going on. So what was the problem?

"You can tell me.’’

"I want to cum." Nico admitted, his face buried against the pillow.

"Then look at me. Yes?’’

Nico denied it, curling up even more.

The bed around him rocked and then Percy was beside him, warm hands were on his spine along with lips that slid down the length of his back until they reached the curve of his buttocks, nibbling on them.

"Are you ready to talk?" Percy murmured against his skin.

When Nico denied him once again, Percy's lips moved down a little further and found his entrance, kissing the area gently. "Don't ever do that again. I don't want to see you hurt.’’

Nico had no other reaction than to shudder and moan against the pillows, feeling himself melt as Percy's tongue caressed a deeper place.

"Do you want me to touch your cock?’’

Nico denied it. All he did was deny it. What was going on!

"Do you want me to stop?’’

So, he denied it once again, surprising himself.

"Baby." Percy said in the most affable voice he'd ever heard and it made him feel strangely... happy, satisfied even.

"I want you... inside me.’’

"Really?" Now Percy sounded almost condescending, even ironic. Which made sense. They were doing exactly that until Nico had a panic attack.

"Tell me if it's too much.’’

All Nico could do was gasp, breathless from the sudden movement. The mattress sank slightly behind him and Percy tucked himself over his back. Hands encircled his waist, pulling him closer and fingers dug into his hair, strangely forcing him to inhale deeply. The funny thing was that Percy didn't even use much force, his head spinning, trying to come up with explanations for why this moment seemed so different from the others. What made him feel so distressed and so excited at the same time? At the moment, it didn't matter. Nico felt the head of Percy's member against his entrance once again and then everything in his vision blurred, his head clearing of any thoughts for a few moments. It was hard to describe. Nico didn't know if it was Percy's grip getting tighter and tighter on his skin, if it was Percy gasping against his ear or if even it was the decisive and forceful way Percy fucked him, slowly but with purpose with each short, well-placed thrust.

Maybe he just wanted Percy to keep him under control and tell him what to do next. Would he be forced to talk about it too? Before that could happen, Nico would rather run away and never come back. Or he would have, if Nico hadn't felt Percy's hands holding him against his broad chest, preventing him from moving too much.

"Everything's fine. With me, okay?" Percy held him between his arms and slowed down his movements, but it was too late. Something in the way Percy held him finally made Nico let go. Nico allowed Percy to continue holding him and shuddered for the next few minutes, relaxing against Percy's chest, feeling Percy go with him. 

"All right?" Percy said after a few moments when neither of them did anything to move.

"I'm not sure." That was the most sincere thing that had come out of his lips since he woke up.

***

"I'm not sure. "Nico said, still sunk against Percy's chest, finally feeling safe and at peace.

He felt so strange that Nico would never have the words to express it. What had changed in five minutes that made him feel so good now?

"Everything is fine. You were great." Percy still had one hand in his hair and the other on his waist, which was now massaging his belly and lower abdomen, gently rocking him.

"What's going on? I didn't... I didn't want to run.”

"I know you didn't’.’

"I just..’’

"It's okay if you let yourself feel it.’’

"Let me feel what?’’

"I've learned that sometimes our minds go to strange places. As if our body wanted one thing and our minds, another. So it's okay to feel, whatever it is.’’

"Since when do you know so much about feelings?’’

"I...looked for help.’’

"Psychological?’’

Percy nodded against his back and Nico had to turn around to see for himself, but Percy wasn't facing him; he was looking out of the window.

"When you left, I realized that it was bad to suffer so much for someone, that made me want to kill myself.’’

"Percy! I never wanted this to happen! Why didn't you tell me?’’

"You're not responsible for my actions, and I'm not responsible for yours. Or at least, that wasn't the case back then.’’ 

Then Percy gave a mischievous little smile and Nico rolled his eyes. Looks like they had a lot to talk about. 

"The point is that I couldn't ask you to come back and it wasn't fair to let depression sink me down. I did what Sally asked." Percy shrugged. "I went to the doctor. And even with help, I still missed you. I had no choice but to see you having fun and growing up without me.

"I... it wasn’t forever." Nico muttered, feeling like a monster. "It was supposed to be a few months, then a year. I didn't have the courage to face you again.’’

"What made you change your mind?’’

"A photo. Annabeth and you, sitting on your bed.’’

Nico watched as, in slow motion, the look of sadness turned to amusement and happiness, Percy hugging him tighter.

"Oh, if she only knew.’’

"Knew what?’’

"Annabeth did it on purpose, thinking she was going to hurt you. I think she did it, didn't she?’’

"Percy!" Now Percy was laughing for real, throwing himself backwards onto the bed and taking him with him, trapping him in a bear grip.

"Let me go!’’

"No, it's serious now. Do you want to talk about what happened?’’

"I don't think so.’’

"Aren't you even going to give me a clue? A pointer? Nothing at all?’’

Nico could even imagine the nightmare. If Percy knew what Nico really wanted... it would be the end of him.

"All right. I got it.’’

Percy stretched and put Nico against the pillows. Before getting up, he kissed Nico and smiled at him, turning around in bed. He opened a drawer on his side of the bed and took out a diary with a blue cover, similar to the one he had given Nico.

"I think I'll write after I've had a bath. It's relaxing, don't you think?" Percy put the diary on his side of the bed and kissed Nico once more, going to the bathroom inside the suite and closing the door.

Nico heard the sound of water falling on the floor and felt like the dumbest person in the world. His own diary was right next to him on the dresser and the last thing he wanted to do was write about his feelings. He felt forced and manipulated into doing something he didn't want to, but, after all, it was only fair; Percy had told him something deep and personal, which left him in the position of telling something just as personal. In the end, wasn't that what he wanted? For Percy to... tell him what to do? Nico just didn't think it would spill over into life outside of sex. But if Percy wanted to know, he'd make Percy regret it.

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So, how was it? The update came faster, didn't it? It's easier when the chapters are shorter. I hope you enjoyed it. Did Nico overdo it? I don't know. But I think he's a bit touch starved, you know? When you miss someone so much that being close to them overwhelms you. I think the same goes for Percy.

Any way, It was fun. I hope you are enjoying. I would like to know what you think about it. See you all next week!

I kind of suck at tagging, so I made this infographic to help make it easier.