Percico - Blog Posts

I crash out when a tag I looked for is tagged but no where to be found in the post. Like ah yes a will x Nico art tagged Percico… for some reason

hear me out a fic where Percy doesn’t lose his memory’s when being reincarnated for whatever reason and find Jason or Nico(Nico for peak angst) in that life and falls in love and Slidell realizes he was in love with him in his previous life to. He’s in love with Jason in every life no matter who they are or why they are. If someone writes this please put link in comment or repost it with link to account or fix so I can read it please!! I can’t write well :(

I’m a fishstyx

Me rocking up to the pjo fandom late with starbucks: The Percy x Nico ship better be called Fishstyx or I'm gonna be very disappointed.

🐟💀

I love this so much! Especially because Nico's horrible decision reminds me of his dad's own unhinged behavior when it comes to how to handle romance.

I can't help but imagine Nico asking Hades for romance advice and Hades just says to kidnap him haha. It works every time.

So here is an idea with a slightly dark Percico, during the time where Percy has amnesia, rather than deny knowing him, Nico in a moment of weakness says that they are dating that he missed him so much. Percy goes along with it, seeing no reason not to trust Nico and something about him being his boyfriend just feeling right. Eventually they reunite with Annebeth who is pissed at Nico for lying but can’t convince Percy that he is, making Nico into even more of an outcast, only for Percy to reveal that has already gotten his memories back long ago and now that Nico has lost most of his friends Percy has him all to him. Now they can be messed up possessive people together

Nico couldn't take it anymore.

The glares, the disappointment, everybody looked at him like he was a monster, and not even for the reasons they usually did.

If it was about being a son of Hades, Nico would at least feel outraged, like he didn't deserve what was happening to him, but this time it was different, this time he deserved the scorn of those around him.

"What's wrong, babe?" Percy asked, concerned. Nico bit his lip.

It had been a moment of weakness. Percy had just said he was important to his nonexistent past, and Nico had just said 'Well, as your boyfriend I sure hope so!' He had planned to dismiss it as a joke soon after, but Percy had just nodded like it made all the sense in the world and kissed him as an apology.

Nico hadn't been able to come clean after that.

"Percy, we need to talk," Nico said softly.

"Is Annabeth giving you trouble again?" he put his arm around him protectively. Nico saw a dark shadow fall over his eyes. "She really needs to stop that. Like I'd ever go for her when I have you."

Yes, things had only gotten worse once Annabeth had landed on New Rome. Nico had been sweating bullets. Surely seeing the actual love of his life would return Percy's memories. Then Percy would hate him for lying and taking advantage... again.

Yet what happened was even worse. Percy had rejected Annabeth, saying that he knew they were friends, but that he had rejected her to be with Nico. Percy weaved a story from the half-truths Nico told him and his own imagination, but the way he had talked made it sound as if Nico himself had been feeding him all those stories.

Annabeth had tried to claw his eyes out, and had only been stopped by Percy. The daughter of Athena had demanded him to break whatever spell he had put on Percy, but her boyfriend had refused to believe her.

"She has calmed down a lot," Nico lied. After Percy had remained 'loyal' to him, Annabeth had tried to prove their relationship with pictures and witnesses, and everyone had believed her, even his sister... everyone except for Percy. "It's about um... us."

Nico was now not only the untrustworthy son of Hades, he was also a homewrecker, an oportunist who had bewitched an amnesiac man into forgetting his girlfriend out of sefishness.

Everyone had turned their back on him, except for Percy, who kept kissing him and complimenting him like nothing was wrong.

"Did I do something wrong?" Percy's voice had a tint of worry as he looked around. "Was I too clingy? Or too clueless?"

Yes, Percy had been, but that was not the problem. If anything, Nico felt guilty over how much he enjoyed Percy's affections.

"No, it's not—"

"Is there someone else, then?" Percy's gaze turned possessive, even darker. At that moment, he was reminded of Poseidon being the god of storms and earthquakes. "Don't think I don't notice."

"N-notice what?" Nico couldn't help but stutter. When angry, Percy was almost a force of nature himself.

"Jason Grace and Leo Valdez, they look at you sometimes," Percy said dangerously. "Everyone should know that you are mine."

Nico blinked. No. There was no way that Percy was that oblivious.

"They look at me with nothing but disgust!" he finally exclaimed. "And they're right to do so!"

Percy's face softened as he turned to hug Nico properly, combing his fingers through his hair.

"Nico, there's nothing wrong with you... with us," he said. Nico wanted to scream in frustration. "If they can't accept us, we're better off without them."

"It's not about acceptance!" Nico sobbed. "Annabeth was telling the truth. You are her boyfriend, not mine!"

"Nico, you don't—"

"I lied Percy!" Nico screamed into his shirt. "That kiss you gave me on Camp Jupiter was our first. You've never seen me as anything but a friend or a traitor. I took advantage of you!"

He just wanted it to stop. To at least mend the relationship with his sister, even if everyone else, including Percy, hated him.

The son of Poseidon just hugged him tighter.

"Oh, Nico," he said, sounding disappointed. Nico braced himself. "I already knew."

Nico's eyes widened, he tried to pull away, but Percy just held on tighter.

"What?"

"My memories came back during my quest with Hazel and Frank," Percy explained. He caressed the top of his head. "I have known you lied since before Annabeth came back."

"But then why—?"

"Honestly, it was pretty hilarious to see her all mad," Percy laughed. "I almost cracked then and there, but I needed to keep at it, until everyone took her side, at least."

Nico shivered. It had all been Percy's ellaborate plan. To alienate Nico from everyone who could be on his side. To make him even more of an outcast. All to get back at Nico for lying about their relationship.

He didn't know the son of Poseidon could be that machiavellian.

"I guess I deserved it," Nico whispered. "I'm really sorry, Percy."

"Sorry for what?" Percy asked. He seemed honestly confused. "You know what I remembered when I got my memories back? How devoted you are, how many times you have saved me, how much you're willing to do for me. How utterly perfect you are."

Nico wasn't understanding. What was Percy getting at?

"You even lied to have me for yourself." Percy's voice was filled with amazement. Nico felt the hug tighten once again until it was almost painful. "But I also remembered all the people who could take you away, just as I realized how precious you were to me."

"Percy!" He struggled to get out, but Percy didn't let him.

"People like Connor Stoll and Will Solace, always looking at what's not theirs," he continued, almost snarling. "I knew if I wanted to keep you, I needed to make sure they wouldn't look at you twice."

Nico's heart was hammering in his chest. The worst part is, he wasn't sure if it was from fear or excitement.

"You did all this... so I'll stay?"

"I remember Nico, you have a knack for just leaving," there was a reproach in Percy's voice. "But that's in the past. Because now you know how much I love you."

Yeah, and now there was nowhere else that would take Nico in.

"It hurts, being hated by everyone," he admitted quietly. Percy's hug became slack.

"I know, and I'm sorry." Percy at least sounded sincere. "I know I made it worse but... I couldn't lose you."

And it was like something switched inside Nico's brain. Like everything made sense now. He had always been an outcast anyway.

But now he had Percy.

"You'd never lose me, Percy," he said, giving him a kiss. "Because I'm as yours as you are mine."

And Percy smiled like Nico had just told him the moon really was made of blue candy.

"I'm glad we both think the same way."

Nico nodded and kissed Percy again.

The whole world could hate him for all he cared. Percy was his, and it was more than worth it.

Destined

1. Distress

****3rd Person P.O.V****

Nico felt somewhat empty as he walked towards Will Solace after clearing things up with Percy. He felt empty yet full, if that makes any sense. Both because of what he had just done. Empty because it was finally out and filled with fear of...........he couldn't pinpoint what, but it was still there.

Nico still loved him, that's for sure, even if he had just said otherwise. He didn't want things to be cleared up between them. He wanted to latch himself to even the slightest bit of hope left. But he was also scared; scared that he would be left with nothing if he put even a little bit more into the hope. And now he had already said that he didn't like him anymore.

His head was clouded with these thoughts, all the emotions overwhelming him as he moved with his head lowered, mind in a deep in conflict. This almost caused him to crash into Will who caught him by his shoulders, calling his name; snapping him out of the trance.

"Huh? What did you say?" the smaller of the two asked as a slight blush of embarrassment dusted his cheeks.

"I asked: what did you say, Nico? Percy seems to be frozen in shock, Annabeth is grinning wider than the cat from Alice In The Wonderland and you seem......exhausted." Will asked with a hint of worry in his voice.

"Nothing too important." Nico replied. 'Well, he is right. I am pretty exhausted'. He thought. "Okay, lets head to the infirmary to fulfill the 'doctor's order'." He said as he walked ahead, a tinge of sarcasm in his tone. He saw Will blush ever so slightly, making Nico smirk as he once again fixed his gaze at the ground.

A few minutes of walking got them to their destination, the infirmary. Nico stepped in as Will stood by the doorframe indicating the son of Hades to do so.

The infirmary was filled with people injured from the war. The young doctor pointed at a bed that had a glass of Nectar at the bedside table it with a straw sticking out, at least that's what Nico presumed the apple juice look-alike liquid to be; beckoning the skinny boy to go over and get some rest with a slight nod of his head.

The blonde then clutched a clipboard that lay on an unoccupied bed and made his way towards one of his siblings nodding as they discussed the condition of the patient lying unconscious in front of them in soft whispers. The guy talking to Will, Jerry, looked over at Nico and an impish grin spread across his face. He then whispered something to Will, making him turn a bright shade of red.

Nico wondered what could make the son of Apollo so flustered and not to mention just how adorable the golden haired boy looked. He shook his head to stop his thoughts right there, it was none of his business. Will glanced towards him and did a 'shoo' kind of motion with his free hand, a small smile gracing his slightly chapped lips with his tan cheeks still tinged with that reddish color; the action clearly telling him to go ahead and get some rest.

Nico obliged. He sat with his legs crossed on the bed, the glass now in his hands and the straw in his mouth. He wasn't exactly told to drink it, yeah, but he was dead tired. He never really liked Nectar or Ambrosia; he couldn't figure out what they tasted like, maybe that's why it isn't as effective on him as it is on others. He was told it was supposed taste like a comfort food that held great sentimental value to the consumer and with his memories not exactly there, he couldn't recall what it was. 'Just my luck' a sigh left his lips as he set the glass back on the table.

He plopped on the bed, his head burring in the linen pillow and inhaled a deep breath, the smell of disinfectant filling his nostrils. As soon as he closed his eyes all the anxiety came crashing down on him, causing him to inhale a sobbing breath through his quivering lips. The sound produced was minimal but still managed to catch a certain blue-eyed healer's attention.

Will looked over to Nico and tilted his head as if making sure he heard what he heard. When he saw the position the black-haired was at, he figured he might as well go and check in on him.

He softly patted Nico's shoulder to get his attention. He then tenderly grabbed the wrist of the boy who was now sitting, to check his pulse. He then peered into his dark eyes for any signs of sickness, drowning in them, eyes that reminded him of chocolate, soft and sweet.

'Just a little longer' Will stared. Nico blinked, making the taller of the two realize that he had been staring. Will turned away as he felt his face heating up while Nico didn't seem to comprehend what the matter was.

"Feel free to look for me if needed." He said in that gentle doctor tone of his and started to leave, just to stop after taking a few steps and looking back at the demigod who was at awe of how different he was with his patients, Nico remembered him yelling at Octavian not long ago. "Three days' rest, Nico, physical and mental, you need it."

Those words caught Nico by surprise and a small smile tugged at his lips. "Sure" was all he said before laying back down on the bed. He once again closed his eyes, this time inhaling a deep breath to get ready for drifting off into the realm of Morpheus.

Nico was free-falling; falling into what seemed an abyss of eternal darkness that sucked all the light. 'Ughh.... Not this again!' He thought, clutching his sides and shutting his eyes tight. The air rushed past him as he fell with impossible speed, making it hard for him to breathe. The never ending cycle had begun yet again; he had been having the same nightmares ever since he fell there; he had different dreams too. Well, not exactly dreams, but yeah.

Nico curled up in a ball as he continued to fall down, entirely helpless. But this time something changed. Just as his curled up body was about to hit the red surface of Tartarus he slowed, the air rushing calmer than before. He opened his eyes and peeked from between his knees to see the ground shuffle and churn until it was no longer red but yellow. 'Okay, that's new.' This change confused him, causing him to let go of his knees that he had hugged oh-so-tightly and straighten his body so that his feet gently touched the soft ground.

'Sand, land covered by sand.' Cold sensations ran from his pale cheeks and all over his exposed skin as he felt tiny droplets of water hit him. Nico, surprised by the sudden feeling jolted his head up to take in his surroundings. He was not wrong; the ground indeed was cored with sand as waves crashed on the shore not too far from him. 'A beach?'

The blue sky was turning more and more orange with each passing minute as the sun set over the horizon. The beach seemed decorated for some sort of occasion; seats lined up, occupied by his "friends", fairy lights intertwined on poles and an aisle decorated with baby blue and grey theme; it was all breathtaking.

'A wedding! A wedding........?'. Nico froze as his gaze wandered over to the groom. Inhaling a sharp breath he locked eyes with the groom, with his perfect windblown ebony hair and slightly teary sea green eyes. He wore a white three-piece suit accompanied with a sky blue bow tie, smiling and holding out his hand. Nico's heart sped up to a million miles per second as his own eyes started to well up.

Nico stood in a frozen daze for a few seconds; recovering only when a single tear slipped out of Percy's eyes and rolled down his tan cheek only to be wiped by the son of Poseidon. Nico took a step forward, the groom still looking his direction expectantly. That's when it hit him: Percy was looking his direction, yes, but not at him.

The raven haired boy turned around just to find Annabeth adorned in a white fishtail wedding gown that flowed behind her and on the carpet that was laid. The gown had boat neckline with sleeves that ran all the way to her palms where she held a rather full bouquet that consisted only of blue flowers. Hydrangea, Forget me or not's and Blue carnations just to name a few.

The girl's golden locks were done in a neat crown braid with a few strands out to perfectly frame her face. A beautiful silver locket rested on the middle her chest, just above where the gown started. The pendant was a cute-little owl, its eyes embedded with two bright sapphires and matching earrings to top it off. She looked gorgeous.

Nico's heart painfully contracted.' Obviously,' he chided himself as he scrambled out of the way with clumsy steps. 'What was I expecting, Percy to marry me? Who was I kidding?' He watched as Annabeth walked past him, towards the son of Poseidon who took her hand in his with a face dripping of love as she climbed up the steps. Nico daren't move a muscle as he watched as the 'couple of the day' smiling at each other with the purest expressions of utter adoration.

His eyes stung as his small frame began to shake. The vows were now being said. His knees were giving out and he stumbled; tears made their way down his cheeks as he heard the boy who he loved vow himself to someone else for the rest of their lives.

Nico crashed onto the ground, head held in hands, uncontrollable sobs racking his hunched body. Between his sobs he heard the priest say "Now the groom may kiss the bride." His head shot up involuntarily. His vision was blurred but he could still make out their silhouettes leaning in to kiss as the crowd cheered them on with claps.

He felt immense pain spread through his chest and all over his body as he tried to breath. His head feltlike exploding as he yelled in pain and blacked out.

His eyes shot open as he himself shot up and in a sitting position. He was sitting on one of the infirmary beds, his cheeks tear-stained and hair sticking out from different places. Someone rushed to Nico's side and sat beside him. They put their hands around his shoulders; making him flinch hard.

The person withdrew nervously. Nico looked at their direction; the silhouette looked like a male's. He couldn't tell who it was though, it was too dark and the tears that blurred his sight didn't help either. The only thing he could take in were the blonde hair that shone golden with the little moonlight that filtered through the windows hitting them. "It's just a nightmare, it's not real." Will said in a soothing voice.

"It's okay." He reassured Nico, putting his arms on his shoulders once again; this time much more cautious and slower, giving the boy time to protest if his touch was unwelcome. But this time around, Nico welcomed the comfort that the warm hand radiated.

"Let it all out. It's good to cry it out when you are in pain." Nico couldn't see him but he heard a weird emotion in his voice. 'Worry?', he thought as realization struck him. "You wanna talk about it?"

That question made him wince and shake his head in denial, still trying to calm his breathing down. "Hey....It's okay. You don't have to if you don't want to." He said, patting his back. Nico buried his face in his slightly calloused hands as the son of Apollo sat there, comforting him with gentle pats on his back and soothing words.

After about half an hour of sobbing and sniffling, Nico finally calmed down. He decided to rest his eyes as they stung. Too tired to open them again, he kept them closed. Will peered over at the boy's face to find his beautiful chocolate eyes hidden behind pale eyelids. He let out a sigh as laid him down.

Will Solace sat there, staring at the now-peaceful face of Nico Di Angelo. "How am I gonna hold back if you lay so unguarded and vulnerable in front of me?" He whispered as he brushed a stray tear off of one pale cheek and brushing the hair that had now fallen to cover the small boy's eyes to leave lingering kiss on his forehead.

With another sigh leaving his lips, he stood up and walked away. Little did he know that Nico was awake and had heard and felt everything Will had said and done. The son of Hades lay there; his eyes wide open, the exhaustion no longer a bother; face a deep crimson.

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(Word count: 2187)

Hope you like it!!

This is @HopeDiAngelo from Wattpad and @hopediangelo on Insta, the author of Destined fanfic.

I am having a severe block rn. Please request smn so I can get back into writing...... I can write:

Percy Jackson/ Heroes Of Olympus

Harry Potter

MARVEL

Boku No Hero Academia

I can also try JJK and Demon Slayer but I haven't read even a bit of the manga

Or just make a new character according to your needs?

Oh, and, if you are reading this and ship Percico please check out Destined on WP? Or not, no pressure, I mean! UPDATE: So, I had to unpublish by story due to plagiarism. You can message me here(or in WP or Insta) if you really wanna read it...... here is what I wrote in description if you are interested:

Hi. This is my first work ever, therefore, please excuse my sorry butt for being unexperienced. So, here goes nothing:

Nico felt somewhat empty as he walked towards Will Solace after clearing things up with Percy. He still loved him, even though he had just said otherwise. He didn't want things to be cleared up. He wanted to latch himself to even the last bit of hope left. But he was also scared, scared that he might be left with nothing if he put even a little bit more into the hope. Nothing at all.

I do not own any characters unless I say so. They are all owned by Uncle Rick. I also do not own the art in the cover.

Anyways, have a nice day~

Serviço Mandatório (Mandatory Service) [bi-lingual] #Dom!Nico #Sub!Percy #role reversal - Parte II

Post Biligue! Versão em Português na segunda parte!

Privious Chapters (Capítulos anteriores): [I]

Since three people seem to have liked the story, according to the poll, I'm going to continue! However, I don't know if there will be new chapters every week. Anyway, thanks for being there. This is an unfinished story, I've got about 80,000 words finished, so it should give us plenty of entertainment, shouldn't it? I hope you enjoy this chapter. It's going to be a long one.

Part IV

"Nico! I'm glad you could come." Roberta opened the door, smiling,  brightly. "And you even brought our dear Perseus."

"Shouldn't I?" I went inside, escorting Percy with a hand on his waist, and waved to Roberta, closing the door behind me.

"Not for what we're going to talk about today."

"Then--"

"Don't worry." Roberta waved and we walked away from the door, approaching them, while Carla came practically running and held Percy's hand, taking him to a corner of the room.

"Oh, Percy, dear. How are we today?" Carla grabbed Percy's arm, and Percy made a serious face, trying to keep the smile away from his face. He was trying so hard that even I could tell.

"Good."

"I'm happy for you."

Percy waved excitedly and moved closer to Carla, whispering something to her.

"No way!" Carla exclaimed, holding Percy's shoulders.

"Hmmhmm ." He murmured, all proud. "He…"

That's when Carla and Percy walked further into the room, going to the opposite side of the from him, and sat on a sofa against the wall.

"It looks like things are going well."

"Yes, they are."

"And how was the first night?"

"Normal, I think?"

"Do you think so?"

"Yeah. Percy asked me to put the chastity belt on him, then we went to bed and had breakfast."

Roberta put her hand to her face and sighed, she walked to an oak table near the door and sat down in the chair.

"You have a lot to learn, Di Ângelo."

"Learn? And what would that be?"

"I feel sorry for Percy. When he finally finds someone decent…"

"What do you mean by that?"

"How could I say…?" Roberta picked up one of the folders on the table and began to leaf through them, stopping at a specific page. "Do you see here? This is the questionnaire Percy answered when he arrived here two years ago."

"What? Two years?"

"Calm down. We're not a prison. He stays here for a week at a time, sometimes less, depending on whether he finds a suitable Dom. He usually comes back here every three months, but he's not always interested in trying."

"I don't think I understand."

"Things work differently for submissives here. They receive information and photos of available dominants and choose whether they are willing to submit. None of them are forced to come here or to accept a dominant. This is a completely safe and secure environment, and controlled, if they so wish.”

"Controlled?”

"Yes. There are cameras in every house, even in the bathroom. These images are confidential and will only be used in cases of psychological or physical abuse. Didn't you read the documents we sent you last month?”

Well… maybe I chose to ignore the problem until it knocked on my door. Literally.

"Is there anything else I should know?”

"There's a lot you should already know." She said, rolling her eyes. "First, the house rules. We do not tolerate any type of abuse or non-consensuality.”

"Is that all?”

"What did you expect? That there would be a curfew and homework? I'm not your mother and it's your duty to be a responsible citizen. Speaking of which, where's Percy's leash?”

"In… somewhere.”

"Nico! He can't walk without one. As long as he's with you, Percy must wear it.”

"Why?”

"Why? Because the collar identifies that he is a committed submissive. It may not make a difference here, but in the real world, it does. Not everyone is as correct as we are.”

"I never realized that.”

I rolled my eyes and lied. Yes, I lied to her face. I knew exactly what a collar meant, I just didn't like Percy wearing a collar given to him by another dominant.

"…what planet do you live on? That must be why you reached this age without a sub.”

"What do you mean by that?" This time, I stood up, tired of that ridiculous conversation.

"You can deny it all you want. You are a dominant and only a submissive will satisfy you. So why don't you sit down and listen to what I have to say?”

I sat up and turned my face away, holding myself back from saying exactly what I thought about this. I saw Percy looking at me with a scared expression, asking, without having to say a word, if everything was okay. I smiled at him and waved, watching him turn to Carla and continue their conversation.

"Very well. So, tell me what is sooo important.”

"Could you please read Percy's profile? It will tell you a lot more than I ever could.”

Rolling my eyes, I took the folder from her hands, tempted to throw it all away. I gave up and turned the first page, reading it.

Right at the beginning there was a picture of a smiling Percy along with his full name, address, nationality, and profession . It seemed like we lived close to each other, Percy in the upscale part of the neighborhood, while I was still in a student residence. We worked close by, too. I was at a supermarket bagging groceries and Percy was at a national investment firm.

"Are you sure he and I are compatible?”

"Only you can decide that.”

I shrugged and keept on reading, my eyes widening when I saw Percy's resume. It listed all of Percy's achievements in life; from school and professional swimming trophies, to undergraduate and graduate degrees in economics and physical education. I quickly scanned through the titles until I found… Berkeley. Was this serious? Why would someone as talented as Percy need a place like this?

I read more and got to the point that said about the dominators that Percy had already had within the institution. There were seven in total, now eight, if you counted om me and only names, without any other type of information.

"Seven?" I asked, shocked."What's wrong with these people?”

“They weren’t suitable,” Roberta replied for the first time with a neutral expression. “Not all of them were bad, but none of them were right. We care for our submissives like they are family, and if one of them needs help, it won't be long before it comes.”

Was that a threat? Oh, if only she knew that all it would take was a snap of his fingers and it would all be over. But of course I wouldn't do that, I would never give Hades that pleasure.

“Which one was it?” I said instead, without needing to ask directly. Roberta seemed to understand. One of those people had abused Percy, whether it was physically or psychologically, I would never know.

"Confidential." Was all she said.

I sighed and continued my reading, arriving at Percy's preferences.

Wow ! I was a certified dominator and I didn't know what half of it meant. Or rather, I had made a point of forgetting. Some of it I still remembered, and the other part I could only guess at. As for the others, I hoped I would never find out.

"Shibari? 24/7? I don't even know what Abrasion means! And…" I read further down and mumbled: "Ageplay?”

I raised my head and saw Roberta smiling, convinced.

"Don't you think that's an exaggeration?”

"It doesn't depend on me and no one is forcing you to do anything. They are just... possibilities.”

"Ageplay? Is this serious?”

"Do you need me to draw it for you?”

"What would that consist of, exactly?" I said, just to maintain my cover.

"It depends. The basics are to act and be cared for like a baby. Calling Percy a baby would work. Why don't you try it next time?”

"I don't think I can." Or rather, I don't think I want to.

"Like I said, you have a lot to learn." Roberta tapped her fingers on the table, seeming to come to a conclusion.

She opened a drawer under the table and handed me some pages, along with a thick, heavy book.

"I want you to take this, it's the same questionnaire Percy answered. This book will also help you. Don't forget to read the entire document. We made some notes on Percy's profile, he's made a lot of progress since he got here.”

"What was he like before?”

"Vulnerable, almost scared. At least regarding his sexuality." Roberta said as she stood up."I hope this doesn't happen again.”

That's what I expected too.

"Tomorrow we start our sessions.”

Hadn't we already started?

With a nod from Roberta, Carla brought Percy and we both walked out of the office hand in hand. I just hoped I wasn't making a mistake.

***

I spent the rest of the day thinking about what Roberta had said. Not exactly what she had said, but what she had refrained from saying. Okay, apparently, I was irresponsible and didn't deserve to be called a dom, and that was more than clear, I admitted it. The reason for that was quite simple, first of all, I never wanted to be a dominant, much less a submissive. What was the problem in being nothing, in being different? Was it such a bad crime to still want to be just me? Well, that didn't matter, I had made a commitment to Percy and I would see it through to the end.

And speaking of Percy, he had also spent the afternoon busy. From the looks of it, Percy Jackson really was a successful businessman, CEO of his own company, especially if it was the way Percy spoke on the phone and typed on the latest generation notebook, thinner and lighter than a pen. The change was visible, the shy and insecure submissive gave way to someone who sat on the couch with his spine straight, modern framed glasses perfectly fitted on his square face and such a serious and determined expression on his face that I would have thought he was someone else, that is, if Percy wasn't just in his underwear in the middle of the living room.

"Do you want to eat?" I asked, watching Percy close the computer and take off his glasses, stretching out on the couch, practically sitting on my lap.

"No." he denied.

Percy glanced at me from the corner of his eye and placed his computer on the coffee table. Then, turning toward me, he dropped all pretense of stretching. He lay down on the couch and rested his head on my thighs, watching me as he looked up.

"Enjoying the reading?" He said, relaxing against my lap.

I stared at the book in my hands and grimaced. So far I had read three chapters of this book that seemed to have come out of the dark ages, wondering if I had understood anything, all of it very nostalgic, but in a completely horrible way. The good thing was that they seemed to have updated the ideology of everything, now all that was left was to change how the act itself was done. If I really were a newbie all I would have understood was: handcuffs blah bla blah, chains bla blah...

"Not really. Why don't you help me?”

“What do you want to know?” Percy asked, for once not sounding uncertain. In fact, he sounded like a completely normal person, someone I would see walking down the street and never think would be a submissive, or even a dominant; a completely normal person.

"What does being a submissive mean to you?”

"Being a submissive means submitting--”

"I asked what it means to you. What makes you want to be one?”

“No one has ever asked me that before,” Percy muttered softly, closing his eyes.

I felt a sudden urge to touch him, so that's what I did. I put the book aside and stroked his hair slowly, combing it with my fingers and massaging his scalp, while I heard him sigh and smile, all content.

"It means this. With you. Right here.”

"That, what?”

"This moment.”

"You'll have to be more specific.”

"It's feeling that the responsibility of the world is not in my hands. It's having someone who will support me if necessary. It's knowing that the house won't be empty when I get home from work, that my bed won't be cold.”

"Is that all? Couldn't you have it this being a Dom or with a normal person?”

"No, you don’t understand." Percy opened his intense blue-green eyes and stared at me, anxious."When we’re together, I feel safe. It’s my little paradise. I don’t have to make decisions or worry about the consequences, because I know that if I fall, you’ll catch me, you’ll protect me and take care of me. That’s the duty of a submissive, to trust in your Dom and give yourself to him, giving everything I can, everything I have. And in return, receiving it all back in the form of care and attention.”

"Is that it, then?" I wanted to know, still in doubt. I didn't see how all this could be possible. And how did Percy already trust me if it hadn't even been forty-eight hours since we had met? “And the sexual part?”

"I like it too." Percy smiled at me, a beautiful, open smile, all dimples and white teeth, reaching his eyes.

"Yes?" I pressed again, interested in the development.

"At first, I just wanted to get out of my own head for a bit, you know? Be someone different for a few hours. Then…”

"Then?”

"I started to like it, to try new things. That's why my list of preferences is so long. I just want to... feel something different.”

"Even if it hurts?”

"Especially when it hurts." This time, Percy opened his eyes and didn't look away, trying to say something I refused to understand.

"Why? Why would you want that?”

"The problem is not the pain, it's how you face it.”

"I don’t think I understand…”

"We think of pain as a form of punishment, but what if… what if it’s just a way of experiencing sensations… a way of letting tension out? It only hurts you if you let it.”

Well, if I looked at it that way, it didn't seem so bad, although I still wasn't willing to feel pain for such a... pointless reason.

"I still don't understand why you would let someone use you like that.”

"Nico, I'm not being used. That would be true if I didn't give permission. But I'm not.”

"What if someone traped you and did things you didn't want to do, what would happen?”

"That's happened before. It wasn't completely consensual, but I enjoyed it.”

I blinked for a moment, processing what Percy had just said, pausing my movements in Percy's hair.

Did Percy mean he had been raped?

"Don't look at me like that. The guy ended up getting carried away. He apologized and everything. I broke up with him, of course, and since then I decided to seek help here. Things have been working out much better.”

"But… how can you like this?”

"I like it, period." Percy shrugged, turning his face to the side, his face all tense and serious. "If you can't understand…

"No, I can't understand." I finally said when the silence stretched on. "But I accept it. I'm trying to understand what drives a person to follow this kind of life. It's a lifestyle, isn't it?”

"Yes, it's not just about sex. It's about companionship and giving what the other needs. It's about... hierarchy.”

"Hierarchy?" I asked, feeling strange. Those damned words coming back to me, like an echo from the past.

"Yes. Outside of a scene, we are equals, no one is above anyone else. But there is a certain order. Dominants tend to want to maintain order, submissives like to follow them. It's part of the dominant-submissive dynamic.”

"Dynamic?" I hated that word too.

"It's more of an instinct. It's how we act.”

"And what would that be like?”

"Don't you notice? The way you act around me? How you held my face on the first day? How you looked at me and told me you wanted me, like... like you were in charge, and with just one order I belonged to you?”

"I did it, didn't I?”

"Hmmhmm…" Percy murmured, still serious, but in a sly tone of voice. "Don't you realize that you already do these little things… like… like… worrying if I'm hungry, if I'm comfortable, how I feel after a scene?”

"I know…”

"I like it. I really like it. When you touch me I feel… unique, special. I feel like nothing can go wrong.”

"So far nothing has come of it." I finished, agreeing. "But that still doesn't answer my question. What does all this mean to you?”

Percy sighed and looked me straight in the eye, with nothing to hide.

"It means I'll never be alone, have lots of sex, and be able to feel everything I want to feel without having to feel guilty. Because when I hurt myself alone, it's not healthy and it's all my fault, but when others hurt me…”

"It's never your fault.”

Percy nodded again. “I… I’ve always had a hard time being alone. I used to be that kind of kid who wanted to please everyone, I wanted everyone to be my friend. I’ve done things that most people wouldn’t do, all just to get someone’s approval, and I’ve never felt bad about it. It’s who I am and who I’ve always been. The difference is that I’m tired of feeling bad for wanting something that others consider wrong.”

“That’s the point, isn’t it?” I asked, beginning to understand. “You’re looking for someone who will hurt you, but also help you … heal?”

"I guess we could say that. Although I want much more than that.”

"You want, like what?”

"To kneel at your feet and fulfill your most hidden desires. No matter what they are.”

Hearing this, I smiled and went back to stroking Percy's hair, hearing him almost purr.

"Maybe you regret saying that. There is no one more boring than me.”

"That's what everyone says.”

After that, I couldn't contain myself. I grabbed Percy's hair and pulled it until his mouth was on mine, panting and open, tangling our tongues until all this business of domination and subjugation disappeared from our minds.

Part V

"Maybe you regret saying that. There is no one more boring than me.”

"That's what everyone says.”

After that, I couldn't contain myself. I grabbed Percy's hair and pulled it until his mouth was on mine, panting and open, tangling our tongues until all this business of domination and subjugation disappeared from our minds. I felt Percy holding my neck and I pulled away to see his face bathed in the late afternoon light, all anxious, his eyes escaping from mine.

Hmmm … was this the sexy part? I smiled, amused by my own joke. But when I saw Percy starting to get impatient and frustrated, I turned serious again.

"Are you sure about that? It's not too late to seek a more experienced Dom.”

"No, I want… I want you.”

I took a deep breath and focused on what Percy meant by that. I was starting to think he wasn't saying these things because it was what I wanted to hear, but because he felt it was what I needed to hear; and maybe it was, maybe it was exactly what I needed to know so that everything that had happened before could be in the past. Or at least so that I could try one more time.

"Okay, I'll be your Dom. On one condition.”

"Yeah?" Percy raised his head and stared at me for a moment, looking like the same shy sub I had met the day before.

"You have to tell me if I do something wrong.”

"Have you ever… dominated someone?”

"Not exactly." When I saw that Percy seemed interested, I continued. "There was this boy in high school, we were in the same class.

"Was he a submissive?" Percy asked, all excited.

He got up, sat on the couch facing me, and rested his hands on my knees, forgetting about everything else.

I smiled and continued:

"Yes, raised and educated to be the perfect sub. Everything he did was to please someone or gain favor from whoever mattered. He was small and short and handsome. The perfect sub, honestly.”

"What happened?”

"What always happens when I tell the truth.”

“Oh.” Percy muttered, looking disappointed. I almost felt guilty for lying. I mean, the story was true. It wasn’t the first time I’d said I didn’t know how to dom.

"Yes, at first I even tried, but…”

"But?”

"Well, he found a Dom that wasn't as sensitive as me.”

"So, you're a Dom." He leaned toward me, all pleased.

"What?”

"That's what you said, ‘he found a Dom that wasn't as sensitive as me.’"

Percy had me at that.

"Yes, I think I am.”

"So, what's the problem?”

"There’s no problem." None I want to share, I thought, watching Percy’s face fall.

"I understand.”

"What you understand?”

"You don't trust me. Why would you?”

"Percy, this has nothing to do w--”

"You don't have to lie, Nico. I'm old enough to know when I'm not wanted. I think you --”

"Percy, listen to me." I said calmly, standing up with him. I grabbed him by the shoulder before he could get away from me and pulled him close, now touching the hair on the back of his neck. "I want you. I don't know why, but I do.

"Do you want me?" He bent over and stared at me with wide eyes, asking me in a whisper, like a lost and scared little boy would.

"Yes." I confirmed. "And you're right, I don't trust you. These things take time and if you want to be with me, that's how it's going to be.”

"Whenever you want and whenever you're ready." Percy finished as if it were obvious. I hadn't exactly meant to say it, but now that Percy had said it… it made sense, after all, I was the one in control, wasn't I? That's what dominators do.

"Yes." I confessed. "I want you to take a hot bath and wait for me in bed, okay?”

Percy gave me a wet kiss on the cheek, smiled at me happily and walked through the room, disappearing upstairs that led to the upper floor of the house.

***

Okay, I could do that.

I took a deep breath, walked up the rest of the stairs and entered the room, passing through the half-open door. The blinds were closed and the lights were off, with only the lamp illuminating the suite. I took a few more steps inside, familiarizing myself with the room, trying to convince myself that this was the right place for us. Percy was there, of course he was, lying on the bed, with only the cage covering his body, looking at something on his cell phone and smiling at whatever it was he was reading. His wet hair lay on the pillow and the rest of his body took up most of the mattress, relaxed on his side of the bed.

Come on, I forced myself to move forward again. I could do this, one step at a time. Yes, one more step and I could see the contours of his body clearly. Angular face, broad shoulders, six pack abs and his  tightly locked cock. Everything about Percy screamed comfort, as if he accepted who he was, no less and no more, without any inhibitions when it came to his shape. I took another step forward and he lifted his head, looking at me from under his lashes, smiling. Neither of us moved until I took another deep breath and approached the bed, still not daring to start anything.

Gods! Why was it so hard? When I thought it was all for fun and nothing more than playing house, things were great, but now that I saw that someone's mental and physical health depended on my next steps... all I wanted to do was run away. It wasn't that I was inexperienced, but having all that responsibility... I didn't remember it being so complicated. Maybe I just made a point of forgetting.

Still, without saying anything, I took off my shirt and pants, along with everything else, and lay down next to him, still as a statue. That was what I was supposed to do, right? Lie down next to him? Should I…

"You're thinking too much." Percy said in my ear.

I hadn't even seen him come closer, I just knew that we were very close now, his head close to mine, nose to nose, him lying on his side while I lay on my back, fighting against myself. I just needed to relax.

"What should I do?”

"Whatever you want.”

What do I want? How about doing nothing? Sleep. Yes, sleep was a good idea. But Percy… oh, Percy looked at me in a way that was hard to describe, in a way that made me want to be someone else just to have the courage to move on. Should I? Probably not. But I would do it anyway.

A kiss? It seemed like a good idea.

I leaned over him and pressed our lips together. Slowly. Carefully. Lips against lips, brushing together. That was a good start, right? Then came a gasp, and I found myself nibbling lightly on his bottom lip, opening my mouth, capturing his tongue at that moment and sucking on it like I hadn't done in a long time. I felt hands... hands holding onto my shoulders, just supporting them. Legs... my legs slipping between his, finding something hard and metallic in the middle, reminding me of who I was with.

"Okay?" I asked, just to be sure. His face was blushing softly and his chest was rising as he took a deep breath and I… maybe it wasn't that hard, I already felt ready to give him what he wanted.

I let my gaze fall to the middle of his muscular legs and observed the bulge there. The image still took my breath away, he looked so small and swollen in there… I wanted to bend down and see if Percy would feel as good under my mouth as he did under my hands. But no… not at that moment. I turned my attention back to Percy's face and saw that he was staring at me attentively, with a some fear? Or was it expectation?

“Do you have lube?” I asked, trying to be objective.

"I… I don't need to.”

"Excuse me? "I said without understanding.

Percy looked at me discreetly, but with a soft smile on his lips. He raised his hands that were holding onto the headboard of the bed and touched mine, taking one of them between his legs, towards his entrance.

"You…?”

"I wanted to be prepared.

Then, when I finally let my fingers explore the place better, I saw that Percy… that Percy was already wet, his insides soft and already dilated.

"Is all this for me?”

"Yes, Nico. I want to be a good…”

"Boy? "I finished for him, trying to make a joke. But apparently, it wasn't funny at all.

Percy shifted uncomfortably and closed his eyes tightly, the blush deepening on his face, though he still nodded and tried to hide.

“You’re--” I stammered, swallowing hard. “--you’re a good boy, the best of them.”

I let the words out and realized they were true. In those moments, it was like Percy actually turned into a shy, scared little boy, making me want to protect him and pull away at the same time, afraid of hurting him.

“Is everything okay?" I asked again to make sure my touches were welcome.

Percy nodded, looking at me from behind his long eyelashes and only after that, I started moving again, I sank my fingers a little deeper inside him and added one more until Percy moaned softly, almost afraid to make a noise, a broken sound escaping his lips.

"Here?”

"Again, please.”

That was all it took to insert the fourth one. I pressed them against the walls of Percy's interior and he practically arched off the bed, throwing his head back.

I guess it was now or never.

I held my own cock, only now noticing how much it hurt, and guided myself inside, letting myself relax for the first time since I had arrived in that place.

***

And to think that someone will one day understand the chaos that dances inside me to the sound of my melancholy, I thought as I watched Nico, my Dom, mine alone, trying so hard to be the perfect dominator.

Do you know what that means? A Dom? My Dom? Only mine? One that I didn't have to share with anyone and that pays attention only to me, like no one else did or had the interest to do? Do you know what that was?

I knew I should pay attention to how he tried to please me and how careful he was, as if I would break with the slightest sudden movement. But that, skin on skin and sweat and kisses, all of that took a back seat; I never thought I would say something like that. When would sex take second place? Not in my life, not when the escape from all my problems had always been this. In the end, it felt like I was putting my efforts in the wrong place and maybe on the wrong person too. Just the fact that Nico was there, between my legs, trying to do something he wasn't sure about just to make me happy... it was the best feeling. It wasn't exactly how his hands touched me or how they lifted me a little higher with each touch, it was... it was the purpose behind all of it, all of the effort and care and affection.

"Percy…" I heard his whispered voice and shivered when he brushed his large head against my entrance. It wasn't exactly the biggest thing I'd ever felt, and it wasn't small either, it was just… perfect. He applied a little pressure, holding my waist tightly and pushing himself inside with a broken grunt.

In fact, it had been a long time. Too long if it was the tight fit and the difficulty with which he advanced. I didn't hold back, I held onto the pillows and moaned, arching all over, not caring about anything, probably putting on quite a show.

I don't even know why I liked it so much. I was sure I wouldn't cum until the end of the night, but the feeling of him inside me... was something else... I felt full and complete and warm... so hot and so good... also, it wasn't just about the pleasure, I liked watching Nico and seeing what he would do next.

One thing was certain, Nico wasn't like the other dominants I had met. There was something so natural about him that sometimes it enchanted me, and surprised me too... and Nico didn't even realize it; it was like he was always giving orders or going against other people's will just because he thought it was the right thing to do.

He also lacked that selfish arrogance so characteristic of people who held power, or even the greed that always seemed to be ingrained in other dominators. I couldn't explain it properly, it was an absence of so many things that I thought were part of dominators, that it made my head spin, much more than any sex could. Although... although I couldn't deny it, when Nico touched me like that, I went to heaven and I didn't even need the touch to be sexual, I just needed it to be... real. Like... like now! He held me so tight and went so fast...

"Baby, are you close? I… I can't take it anymore.”

Nico… Nico had called me… baby? My gods. 

I held my breath when Nico… oh! When he grabbed my waist and went that inch deeper. He lifted me up a little and sank inside me in a way that made me close my eyes and moan, just moan, so good and so in that little place that no one bothered to look for, that I arched my spine, feeling my body wanting to reach the climax, always wanting to get there and never being able to, never!

It hurt… oh! It hurt so good… I moaned again and locked my legs around Nico, opening my eyes to see the magical moment when Nico just… stopped, pulsing and gasping and grunting, reaching parts inside me that were rarely reached, pulsing and pulsing until I felt even hotter, a funny sensation inside me, making everything more… slippery, my caged member feeling like it wanted to explode out of the metal, making me ache and gasp harder and faster.

Oh, my Dom was cumming! Did I make him cum? Me ? Percy Jackson? Who's been called worthless and worse? I smiled at my Dom and he swayed, almost falling forward, breathing fast, his frantic gaze analyzing me like a radar and touching me everywhere; my waist with his finger marks, my abdomen, my arms, neck and even my face. Then, he said:

"Did I hurt you? Does something hurt? I… I shouldn’t have… what about you?”

I wanted to laugh, I wanted to cackle with happiness, which probably wouldn't sound good. Nothing hurt, it was exactly the opposite, I would be cumming without even being touched if I wasn't wearing the cage, but then I would miss this magnificent moment, watching Nico kiss my hand and then my arm, moving up my shoulder until he reached my mouth, soft and delicate.

"I'll make it up to you, I promise.”

Should I say I didn't need it? That seeing him pleasure himself was all the reward I needed? But... I wanted to see how far he would go, so I nodded and watched him slide out of me, looking around the room as if searching for something.

"Do you have anything around here?”

"Like what?" I asked, curious.

"A vibrator?”

I smiled at him and pointed to the wardrobe.

"On the right side, at the bottom of it.”

"Ah." He said and walked to the wardrobe, opening it and sticking his head inside.

Nico came back with a battery-operated vibrator and lubricant.

Was he really going to do this? The dominants I knew wouldn't even bother to ask if I was okay, let alone… oh! I moaned, genuinely surprised, when he lubed up the toy and, with it already turned on, slowly inserted it inside me. Ohhh … I had forgotten how it felt.

"Is it good?" He asked me, not expecting an answer. "Maybe I'll try it later.”

Him? Experiment it? That's what he meant…? Ah, I moaned again as I felt Nico take the toy a little deeper, reaching my prostate.

"Here?”

I nodded, wanting to cover myself. Why did he have to be so careful… so… so meticulous. The worst part was seeing him looking at me, analyzing my every action. No one had ever paid so much attention before.

Yes, I know. I was repeating myself, but… oh!... This time, even I heard myself squeal, he kept pressing the vibrator right in that spot, putting more force and moving the toy in such a…

"Well?" He finished for me. But I couldn't speak, I could only look at him and pant like a bitch in heat.

I wanted to cum and I wanted him to finish that torture with the same intensity that I wanted him to continue and not stop until it hurt, until I couldn't anymore, until... Ah! I was feeling it... I was! It was that sensation that came from the bottom of my spine and rose slowly, so slowly and that sailed... sailed... I gasped, as if I was short of breath while both, me and him, saw my entire member trapped, contracting inside my metal cage until... until... hmmm, yes! I was ejaculating, never a complete orgasm, a similar and alien sensation at the same time, until the liquid that came out inside me, decreased in intensity and only a few drops remained that dripped, running down the cage and reaching my thighs.

“That was beautiful,” Nico commented, as if observing a work of art. “So beautiful, baby.”

There I was, I felt the praise go straight to my eternally excited cock and rise to my cheeks as I was once again surrounded by the strong and safe arms of my Dom, still feeling so excited that it hurt, in an eternal torture that I was destined to suffer.

Part VI

"Come on, talk to me." Nico whispered against my lips, licking them slowly and sticking his tongue inside my mouth.

I felt myself shiver and moan, hugging him tightly around the neck and returning the kiss, my breath knocked out of me when his hands ran down my back, touching the place where the vibrator had been moments before.

"So wet and so open. I did some serious damage. Do you want more or do you want me to stop? Hmmm?”

"I… ah!" I gasped as his fingers penetrated me again, fast and deep, curling inside me. It hurt… it hurt so much … but I liked it, I wanted more. However, I felt so weak, like a rag doll, that the only thing I could do was to roll on his fingers, feeling them go a little deeper, reaching where I needed it most.

“Here?” He asked, his lips against my earlobe and his voice low and husky. “Do you want more? Yeah, I think you do.”

That's when I gave up on any words that could form on my lips. He pulled me closer, making me sit on his lap and placed one of his hands between our bodies, while the other made room for the fat head of his member to enter.

I couldn't explain it, he felt bigger than before; wider and longer, brushing against my tight entrance and sliding in with slow back and forth movements until he was completely inside me, finding just the right spot.

“Is this okay?” He said when I said nothing but moan, hunched over him, my nails digging into his back. “Should I stop?”

No, I wished he would never stop. I opened my mouth, trying to say no, that this was one of the best moments of my life. But when only a gasp came out, I decided I had better show him. I tried to lift my hips and move, but I was so limp that all I could do was rock on top of him.

"I think that's a no." He chuckled softly against my neck and held my waist again while grabbing my hair, making me look at him, his dark eyes searching mine for permission. Which was very interesting, almost contradictory if it were because he had all the control. "I need you to touch my neck or ask me to stop if it's too much. Okay?”

I waved. Or so I tried. Honestly, I felt like I was losing track of what was going on around me.

One moment I was on his lap, feeling his cock move inside me, and the next I was lying on my back on the bed. My legs were spread and up on Nico's shoulders as he fucked me so hard that my vision was starting to blur, the world spinning and pleasure shooting back up through my nerves like a smoking rocket.

"Ah, here's my baby." I heard Nico's voice, as breathless as mine, his hands going back to digging into my hair. He stopped inside me for a moment, long enough to kiss me, and then he moved again, fast and hard, spreading my legs a little wider and making me bend over, practically folding me in half.

"N-nico." I murmured uncertainly, trying to understand what was happening, panting and moaning, feeling so free and so safe as I had never felt before.

"What does my baby need?”

I… I didn’t know. I only knew that Nico kept moving inside me without pause and strong, and that I couldn’t take my eyes off him, off his naughty smile and the way he kept fucking me, pulling my head back and digging his fingers into my skin, especially because of the way he never seemed to get tired or lose his rhythm. I didn’t want to, but I started to move, shaking from head to toe. I felt something running up my spine and my fingers curling, I… I contracted all over and Nico sank harder inside me, pressing me against the bed. I couldn’t, I couldn’t anymore. I held him tightly by the neck and screamed, I screamed so hard and so loud that I almost didn’t hear Nico’s grunt or feel those last thrusts that allowed me to relax and finally let the relief surround me, bringing me the most intense orgasm of my life, with or without a cage.

"Shhh … it’s okay. I’m here.”

I hugged Nico tightly and closed my eyes, still shivering, knowing he was cleaning me and trying to comfort me. I just understood that I needed his arms around me and his warmth, not letting him leave me until I couldn't anymore.

"Good boy." I heard Nico say to me, whispering very softly, like a secret that only I deserved to hear.

***

"How do you feel?" Nico asked me.

I did a quick scan and realized I felt pretty good. A little sore and tired, still all open, but very satisfied. I mean, I wouldn't say no if Nico was in the mood for more. Maybe In a few minutes.

"Fine." Was all I said, keeping my face neutral. I didn't want him to know that I had enjoyed it so much, that it was one of the best fucks of my life. I wasn't ready to give him all that power.

Yet.

"So, is that it? Are we going back to this word game? Okay? On a scale of 1 to 10, how satisfied are you?”

"Six." I said, holding back a laugh.

"You liar! I made you cum at least twice. That would be at least a seven, maybe an eight.”

"I don't think so.”

I heard a gasp and looked back. Nico was holding me by the waist, lying close to my back, talking against my neck, his other hand on my abdomen, keeping me close to him, both of us still with our heads sharing the same pillow.

"You hurt me like that.”

That's when he grabbed my hair and tilted my head back, making me moan.

"It's sad, but we'll have to figure this out, hmmm?”

"Nico…”

I moaned in surprise and a little too much excitement. I felt his hands going down and digging into my entrance again. It should have hurt, I should have told him to stop, that normal people didn't get this horny, but my complaints were left behind as he just pushed himself inside me, making me whimper, moving against him to feel him better touching all the right parts.

"Hmmm, baby, so delicious… I don't know what it is about you that makes me want you so much. I can't explain it… hmmm … do you want me to stop?”

I moaned and rubbed against him, gasping for air when his hand touched my trapped member. I didn't understand why this excited me so much. I could feel the heat radiating and seeming to transfer behind my cage and I could feel the way he held me tightly, dominating me with a simple gesture.

"Do you like it when I touch you? You looked so tortured that day… the weird thing is that I wanted to torture you even more and see how long you could take it … but that’s not the right behavior for couples who aren’t officially together, you know? I really wanted to…”

Then, Nico held me tighter and touched my testicles, grabbing them tightly while with his other hand he hugged me by the shoulder and for a moment I felt trapped, truly trapped, but so light that I left all pretense aside. I let him lean on me and press me against the bed, I let him open my legs, lifting them up and I let myself moan against the pillow, feeling Nico fuck me once again fast and hard and with such desire that tears came to my eyes and my mind was lost in sensations until I was moaning for a long time and Nico inserted so deep inside me that not even God could separate us.

***

"Now seriously, we need to get up.”

"Ni-cooooo!”

"Come on, baby. Come take a bath.”

"Why? I don't want to.”

"Percy.”

O-ow… I had never heard that tone of voice coming from him, but I knew it wasn't good. I opened my eyes and found Nico sitting on the bed, naked and with his hair messy in every direction. His black eyes stared at me with irritation and hunger and impatience.

"If you don't get out of bed, you'll regret it.”

"Yeah, what are you going to do to me? Beat me up? Will Daddy be mad?”

"If you want, we can come to an agreement. I bet that's what you want, to make me lose control and give you what you deserve.”

"What do I deserve?”

Nico smiled at me and held out his hands, waiting for me.

"If you don't get up in five seconds, you'll find out.”

Okay. I nodded. Was I ready for this? Probably not. It seemed too early for the punishments to begin.

Groaning, I moved slowly and crawled out of bed, Nico holding me as my legs nearly gave out.

"Did I mess you up, hmm? It's your fault, if you weren't so beautiful and smelled so well, and was so delicious..." Nico whispered against my ear and made my legs tremble even more.

"Am I beautiful?”

It was the first time anyone had said that to me. I had been called handsome, hot, tight, very tall, and even a slut, but beautiful… it was something new.

"Don't you look in the mirror? You are one of the most beautiful people I have ever seen.”

"Then you must not know many people. And there is a difference between handsome and beautiful.”

"Yes, you are both and much more. Now, to the bathroom.”

Slowly, I let Nico lead me to the bathroom, finding the bathtub already filled with water and rose salts. I couldn't even remember the last time I had used it.

"Are you going to give me a bath?" I asked, amused. "Are you going to use talcum powder afterwards?”

"If you want, I can. Nothing better than a good treatment after a scene.”

"You know, you fooled me… for someone who said it wasn’t a Dom…”

"Maybe… I may have lied. But if you’re complaining, I must have gone too easy on you. How about a change of tactics? I can do that. Maybe that’s how you’ll behave.”

Nico smiled at me and I paused for a moment, considering what he was saying. Nico seemed serious, but he didn't seem all that committed to following through on his words. Was he... flirting with me? Oh... funny. Maybe I wanted him to be more serious, but I wasn't the one to tell him that. If Nico didn't understand that, Nico didn't deserve to know.

With that in mind, I took a step forward, grabbed the edge of the tub, and climbed in. Nico, of course, was right behind me. He grabbed my waist and lifted me slightly, helping me sit in it and resting my head on the indicated support.

“Now, hmmm … shampoo? Shampoo.”

I relaxed against the seat, almost closing my eyes, and watched Nico, trying not to laugh at his face. It was a funny thing to witness, something you didn't see every day. Nico walked around, he opened cabinets, closed doors and compartments, and gathered the things he thought were necessary. When he came back to me, I couldn't help it; for some reason, I found it so funny that my body shook and I was out of breath from laughing so hard.

"Baby, breathe." Nico told me, holding my neck and I obeyed.

I opened my eyes wide and took a deep breath, letting the air out immediately, unable to stop the laughter that insisted on escaping me.

"Very good. Good boy." He told me and smiled, massaging my hair. He kissed my lips in one of the sweetest touches I had ever received and showed me the shampoo, still holding my head. "Now, slow down. You're in sub-drop .

"It's more like sub-high." I murmured, because I was in ecstasy, truly floating on clouds, so amazed that the world seemed to be more colorful.

"Then stay with me. Don't go too far.”

"Yes, Dom.”

I resisted the temptation to close my eyes once more and saw the exact moment when Nico stopped moving and looked at me seriously, sincerely seriously, for the first time since we had met. I knew he wanted to say something, and that it was probably something important, but I didn't think I was ready, neither of us were. So I closed my eyes, forced myself to take a deep breath and relaxed, knowing that I wasn't in the right place to make such a serious decision. After a few moments, everything seemed to become lighter and less important, shelved for later. I felt Nico's hands touch my hair again, massaging it gently, it being rinsed carefully by the jet of water from the hose that Nico was holding.

“You know you can talk to me about anything, right?” Nico murmured softly, standing behind me outside the bathtub, still massaging my hair. “This thing between us is new, but that doesn’t mean I won’t listen to you. I always will.”

I don't know why it affected me so much, they were just words spoken out of my mouth in an attempt to comfort me. But they affected me. I closed my eyes tightly and held my breath until the urge to cry passed. And it only passed when I felt Nico's hands on my shoulders, massaging me and pulling me closer to him, Nico wrapping me in his embrace and his lips.

"It's okay. I'm here. I'm here.”

I felt the air sucked out of me and I held on to his arms, holding him tight. If he knew that this was exactly the problem… if he knew… I could see a future where he and I had what he offered. A home and company and all the companionship I could ever want in the world. But I knew that wouldn’t last, nothing did. So what if he held me tighter and grabbed my face and kissed me like no one had ever kissed me before? So what if he cared for me like no one had ever cared for me before? None of it mattered, it didn’t matter, because in the end, it wasn’t real. None of it was.

But the fact worth noting was that he kept trying.

He grabbed me by the waist, got behind me and got into the tub with me, hugging me tightly around the middle of my back. He kissed my neck and held me close to him, caressing my skin without any sexual pretense. For some reason, this made me feel better, like I was loved and once again in the safest place in the world.

No one could hurt me there.

***********************************************************************

Como três pessoas parecem ter gostado da histórias, de acordo com a enquete, vou continuar! Porem, não sei se vai ter capítulos novos todas as semanas. De qualquer forma, obrigada pela presença. Essa é uma história que não esta terminada, tenho uns 80 mil palavras prontas, então, deve nos dar bastante intertenimento, não? Espero que vocês gostem desse capítulo. Vai ser bem longo.

Parte IV

— Nico! Que bom que você pode vir. — Roberta abriu a porta, sorrindo radiante. — E ainda trouxe nosso querido Perseu.

— Eu não deveria? — Entrei, guiando Percy pelas costas e acenei para Roberta, fechando a porta atrás de mim.

— Não para o que vamos conversar hoje.

— Então--

— Não se preocupe. — Roberta acenou e nós andamos para longe da porta, nos aproximando delas, enquanto Carla veio praticamente correndo e segurou na mão de Percy, o levando para um canto da sala.

— Oh, Percy, querido. Como estamos hoje? — Carla segurou no braço de Percy, e Percy fez uma cara séria, tentando manter o sorriso longe. Ele fazia tanta força que até eu percebia.

— Bem.

— Estou feliz por você.

Percy acenou todo animado e se aproximou mais de Carla, cochichando algo para ela.

— De jeito nenhum! — Carla exclamou, segurando nos ombros de Percy.

— Hmmhmm. — Ele murmurou, todo orgulhoso. — Ele…

Foi quando Carla e Percy se afastaram mais ao fundo da sala, indo para o lado oposto do cômodo e se sentaram em um sofá encostado à parede. 

— Parece que as coisas estão indo bem.

— Sim, estão.

— E como foi a primeira noite?

— Normal, eu acho?

— Você acha?

— É. Percy pediu pra eu colocar o cinto de castidade, depois a gente foi pra cama e tomamos café da manhã.

Roberta colocou a mão no rosto e suspirou, ela andou até uma mesa de carvalho perto da porta e se sentou na cadeira. 

— Você tem muito a aprender, Di Ângelo.

— Aprender? E o que seria isso?

— Sinto pena do Percy. Quando ele finalmente encontra alguém decente…

— O que você quer dizer com isso?

— Como eu poderia dizer…? — Roberta pegou uma das pastas em cima da mesa e começou a folheá-las, parando em uma página específica. — Você vê aqui? Esse é o questionário que Percy respondeu quando chegou aqui há dois anos.

— O quê? Dois anos?

— Se acalme. Não somos uma prisão. Ele fica aqui uma semana por vez, às vezes menos, depende se ele encontrar um dom adequado. Ele costuma voltar aqui de três em três meses, mas nem sempre se interessa em tentar.

— Acho que não estou entendendo.

— Aqui as coisas funcionam diferente para submissos. Eles recebem as informações e fotos dos dominantes disponíveis e escolhem se estão dispostos a se submeterem. Nenhum deles é obrigado a vir aqui ou aceitar um dominante. Esse é um ambiente completamente seguro e protegido, e controlado, se assim for a vontade deles.

— Controlado?

— Sim. Em todas as casas há câmeras, até no banheiro. Essas imagens são confidenciais e só serão usadas em caso de abuso psicológico ou físico. Será que você não leu os documentos que te enviamos mês passado?

Bem… talvez eu tenha escolhido ignorar o problema até que ele bateu na minha porta. Literalmente.

— Tem mais alguma coisa que eu deva saber?

— Tem muito que você já deveria saber. — Ela disse, revirando os olhos. — Primeiro, as regras da casa. Não admitimos nenhum tipo de abuso ou não-consensualidade.

— É só isso?

— O que você esperava? Que tivesse uma hora de recolher e lição de casa? Eu não sou sua mãe e é seu dever ser um cidadão responsável. Falando nisso, onde está a guia da coleira do Percy?

— Em… algum lugar.

— Nico! Ele não pode andar sem uma. Enquanto ele estiver com você, Percy deve usá-la.

— Por quê?

— Por quê? Porque a coleira identifica que ele é um submisso comprometido. Aqui dentro pode não fazer diferença, mas no mundo real, faz. Nem todos são tão corretos como nós.

— Eu nunca percebi isso. 

Revirei os olhos e menti, menti na cara dela. Eu sabia exatamente o que uma coleira significa, eu só não gostava que Percy usasse uma coleira dada por outro dominador.

— …que planeta você vive? Deve ser por isso que você chegou a essa idade sem um submisso.

— O que você quer dizer com isso? — Dessa vez, me levantei, cansado daquela conversa ridícula.

— Você pode negar o quanto quiser. Você é um dominador e só um submisso irá te satisfazer. Então, porque você não senta e ouve o que eu tenho a dizer?

Eu me sentei e virei a cara, me segurando para não dizer exatamente o que eu pensava sobre isso. Vi que Percy olhava para mim com uma expressão assustada, perguntando, sem precisar dizer uma palavra, se estava tudo bem. Sorri para ele e acenei, o vendo se voltar para Carla e continuar a conversa deles.

— Muito bem. Então, me fale o que é tãooo importante.

— Você poderia fazer o favor de ler o perfil do Percy? Ele vai te dizer muito mais do que eu poderia.

Revirando os olhos, peguei a pasta das mãos dela, tentado a jogar tudo pelos ares. Me dei por vencido e virei a primeira página, a lendo. 

Logo no início havia uma foto de um Percy sorridente junto ao nome completo, endereço, nacionalidade, e profissão. Parecia que morávamos perto um do outro, Percy na parte chique do bairro, enquanto que eu ainda estava em uma república estudantil. Trabalhávamos perto, também. Eu, em um mercado embalando compras e Percy, em uma nacional de investimentos.

— Você tem certeza que eu e ele somos compatíveis?

— Isso só você pode decidir.

Dei de ombros e continuei minha leitura, arregalando os olhos quando vi o currículo de Percy. Ali tinha todas as conquistas que Percy já teve na vida; desde troféus de natação escolares e profissionais, até a graduação e pós em economia e educação física. Passei os olhos rapidamente pelos títulos até que encontrei… Berkeley. Isso era sério? Porque alguém tão gabaritado quanto Percy precisaria de um lugar como esse? 

Continuei a ler e cheguei ao ponto que dizia sobre os dominadores que Percy já tinha tido dentro da instituição. Eram sete no total, agora, oito, se contasse comigo e somente nomes, sem qualquer outro tipo de informação.

— Sete? — Perguntei, chocado. — Qual o problema com essa gente?

— Eles não eram adequados. — Roberta respondeu pela primeira vez com uma expressão neutra. — Nem todos foram ruins, mas nenhum deles foi o certo. Cuidamos de nossos submissos como se fossem da família e se um deles precisa de ajuda, ela não tardará a chegar.

Isso era uma ameaça? Ah, se ela soubesse que bastava apenas um estalo de dedos e tudo estaria acabado. Mas é claro que eu não faria isso, eu nunca daria esse gostinho para Hades.

— Qual deles foi? — Eu disse ao invés, sem precisar perguntar diretamente. Roberta pareceu ter entendido. Uma dessas pessoas tinha abusado de Percy, se foi física ou psicologicamente, eu nunca saberia.

— Confidencial. — Foi tudo o que ela disse.

Suspirei e continuei minha leitura, chegando às preferências de Percy.

Uou! Eu era um dominador certificado e não sabia o que metade daquilo significava. Ou melhor, havia feito questão de esquecer. Uma parte eu ainda lembrava, e a outra parte, eu só podia chutar. Já outras, esperava nunca descobrir.

— Shibari? 24/7? Eu nem sei o que significa Abrasão! E… — Li mais abaixo e murmurei: — Ageplay?

Levantei a cabeça e vi que Roberta sorria, convencida.

— Você não acha que isso é exagero?

— Isso não depende de mim e ninguém está te obrigando a nada. São apenas… possibilidades.

— Ageplay? Isso é sério?

— Você precisa que eu desenhe?

— O que consistiria isso, exatamente? — Eu disse, só para manter meu disfarce.

— Vai depender. O básico é agir e ser cuidado feito um bebê. Chamar Percy de bebê já funcionaria. Porque você não tenta na próxima?

— Eu não acho que eu consiga. — Ou melhor, eu não acho que eu queira.

— Como eu disse, você tem muito a aprender. — Roberta bateu os dedos na mesa, parecendo chegar a uma conclusão. 

Ela abriu uma gaveta de baixo da mesa e me entregou algumas folhas, junto a um livro de capa grossa e bem pesado.

— Quero que você leve isso, é o mesmo questionário que Percy respondeu. Esse livro também te ajudará. Não se esqueça de ler todo o documento. Fizemos algumas anotações no perfil do Percy, ele teve uma grande evolução desde que chegou aqui.

— Como ele era antes?

— Vulnerável, quase assustado. Pelo menos referente a sexualidade dele. — Roberta disse ao se levantar. — Espero que isso não volte a acontecer.

Era o que eu esperava também.

— Amanhã começamos nossas sessões. 

A gente já não tinha começado?

Com um aceno de cabeça de Roberta, Carla trouxe Percy e ambos saímos do escritório de mãos dadas. Eu só esperava que não estivesse cometendo um erro.

***

Passei o resto do dia pensando sobre o que Roberta tinha dito. Não exatamente no que ela tinha falado e, sim, no que ela deixou de dizer. Tudo bem, aparentemente, eu era um irresponsável e não merecia ser chamado de dom, e isso estava mais do que claro, eu assumia. O motivo para isso era bem simples, em primeiro lugar, nunca quis ser um dominador, e muito menos, um submisso. Qual era o problema em não ser nada, em ser diferente? Era um crime tão ruim ainda querer ser apenas eu? Bem, aquilo não importava, eu tinha assumido um compromisso com Percy e levaria isso até o fim.

E falando em Percy, ele também tinha passado a tarde ocupado. Pelo o que parecia, Percy Jackson realmente era um empresário bem-sucedido, CEO da própria empresa, especialmente se fosse pelo modo que Percy falava no telefone e digitava no notebook de última geração, mais fino e leve que uma caneta. A mudança era visível, o submisso tímido e inseguro deu lugar a alguém que se sentava no sofá com a coluna ereta, óculos de armação moderna encaixado perfeitamente em sua face quadrada e uma expressão tão séria e decidida no rosto que eu pensaria que era outra pessoa, isto é, se Percy não estivesse só de cueca no meio da sala de estar.

— Você quer comer? — Perguntei vendo Percy fechar o computador e tirar os óculos, se esticando todo no sofá, praticamente se sentando no meu colo.

— Não. — ele negou. 

Percy olhou de canto de olho para mim e colocou o computador em cima da mesinha de centro. Então, se virando na minha direção, largou toda pretensão de fingir se espreguiçar. Ele se deitou no sofá e colocou a cabeça sobre minhas coxas, me observando ao olhar para cima.

— Gostando da leitura? — Ele completou, relaxado contra meu colo.

Encarei o livro em minhas mãos e fiz uma careta. Até agora tinha lido três capítulos daquele livro que parecia ter saído da idade das trevas, me perguntando se eu tinha entendido alguma coisa, tudo isso muito nostálgico, mas de uma maneira completamente horrível. O lado bom era que eles pareciam ter feito uma atualização na ideologia de tudo, agora só faltava mudar como o ato em si era feito. Se eu realmente fosse um novato tudo o que eu teria entendido seria: algemas bla bla bla, correntes bla bla bla e assim em diante. O que eu ainda não entendia era como um submisso poderia gostar de se submeter a outra pessoa, aceitando ser abusado dessa forma. Nada daquilo fazia sentido e eu não entendia nada.

— Na verdade, não. Porque você não me ajuda?

— O que você quer saber? — Percy perguntou, pela primeira vez não soando incerto. Na verdade, ele soava como uma pessoa completamente normal, alguém que eu veria andando na rua e que nunca pensaria que seria um submisso, ou mesmo um dominador; uma pessoa completamente normal.

— O que significa ser um submisso para você?

— Ser um submisso significa se submete--

— Eu perguntei o que significa para você. O que te faz querer ser um?

— Ninguém nunca me perguntou isso antes. — Percy murmurou baixinho, fechando os olhos. 

Senti uma vontade súbita de tocá-lo, então, foi o que fiz. Coloquei o livro de lado e acariciei seus cabelos devagar, os penteando com os dedos e massageando seu couro cabeludo, enquanto o ouvia suspirar e sorrir, todo contente.

— Significa isso. Com você. Bem aqui.

— Isso, o quê?

— Esse momento.

— Você vai ter que ser mais específico.

— É sentir que a responsabilidade do mundo não está nas minhas mãos. É ter alguém que vai me apoiar se for necessário. É saber que a casa não vai estar vazia quando eu chegar do trabalho, que minha cama não vai estar fria.

— É só isso? Você não poderia ter isso sendo um dom ou com uma pessoa normal?

— Não, você não entende. — Percy abriu seus olhos verdes-azulados intensos e me encarou, ansioso. — Quando estamos juntos me sinto seguro. É meu pequeno paraíso. Não preciso tomar decisões ou me preocupar com as consequências, porque eu sei que se eu cair, você vai me pegar, você vai me proteger e cuidar de mim. Esse é o dever de um submisso, confiar em seu dom e se doar a ele, dando tudo o que eu puder, tudo o que eu tiver. E em troca, receber tudo de volta em forma de cuidado e atenção.

— É isso, então? — Eu quis saber, ainda em dúvida. Eu não via como tudo isso podia ser possível. E como é que Percy já confiava em mim se nem havia passado quarenta e oito horas desde que a gente tinha se conhecido? — E a parte sexual?

— Eu gosto também. — Percy sorriu para mim, um sorriso lindo e aberto, todo cheio de covinhas e dentes brancos, chegando a seus olhos.

— Sim? — Pressionei de novo, interessado no desenvolvimento.

— No começo, eu só queria sair um pouco da minha cabeça, sabe? Ser alguém diferente por algumas horas. Depois…

— Depois?

— Eu comecei a gostar, a experimentar coisas novas. Por isso que minha lista de preferências é tão longa. Eu só quero… sentir algo diferente.

— Mesmo que doa?

— Especialmente quando dói. — Dessa vez, Percy abriu os olhos e não desviou o olhar, tentando dizer algo que eu me negava a entender.

— Porquê? Porque você iria querer isso?

— O problema não é a dor, é como você a encara.

— Acho que não entendi…

— Pensamos na dor como uma forma de punição, mas e se… e se ela for apenas uma forma de experimentar sensações… uma forma de deixar a tensão sair? Aquilo só te machuca se você deixar.

Bem, se eu encarasse as coisas daquela forma, não parecia tão ruim, embora eu ainda não estivesse disposto a sentir dor por um motivo tão… sem propósito.

— Eu ainda não entendo porque você deixaria alguém te usar dessa forma.

— Nico, eu não estou sendo usado. Isso seria verdade se eu não desse permissão. Mas não é.

— E se alguém te prendesse e fizesse coisas que você não quisesse, o que aconteceria?

— Isso já aconteceu. Não foi completamente consensual, mas eu gostei.

Pisquei por um momento, processando o que Percy tinha acabado de dizer, parando com meus movimentos no cabelo de Percy. 

Percy queria dizer que tinha sido est*prado?

— Não me olhe assim. O cara acabou se deixando levar. Ele me pediu desculpas e tudo. Eu terminei com ele, é claro, e desde então decidi procurar ajuda aqui. As coisas têm dado bem mais certo.

— Mas… como você pode gostar disso?

— Eu gosto e ponto. — Percy deu de ombros, virando o rosto para o lado, seu rosto todo tenso e sério. — Se você não pode entender…

— Não, eu não posso entender. — Eu finalmente disse quando o silêncio se estendeu. — Mas eu aceito. Estou tentando entender o que leva uma pessoa a seguir esse tipo de vida. Isso é um estilo de vida, não é?

— Sim, não é só sobre sexo. É sobre companheirismo e dar o que o outro precisa. É sobre… hierarquia.

— Hierarquia? — Perguntei, me sentindo estranho. Aquelas malditas palavras voltando a mim, feito um eco do passado.

— Sim. Fora de uma cena, somos iguais, ninguém está acima de ninguém. Mas tem uma certa ordem. Dominadores tendem a querer manter a ordem, submissos gostam de segui-los. Faz parte da dinâmica dominador-submisso.

— Dinâmica? — Eu odiava essa palavra.

— É mais um instinto. É como agimos.

— E como seria isso?

— Você não percebe? O jeito que você age perto de mim? Como você segurou o meu rosto no primeiro dia? Como você me olhou e disse que me queria, como… como se você mandasse, e só com uma ordem eu pertencesse a você?

— Eu fiz isso, foi?

— Hmmhmm… — Percy murmurou, ainda sério, mas num tom de voz manhoso. — Você não percebe que você já faz essas pequenas coisas… como… como… se preocupar se eu estou com fome, se eu estou confortável, como eu me sinto depois de uma cena?

— Sei…

— Eu gosto. Gosto muito disso. Quando você me toca me sinto… único, especial. Sinto que nada pode dar errado.

— Até agora nada deu. — Completei, concordando. — Mas isso ainda não responde minha pergunta. O que tudo isso significa para você?

Percy suspirou e me encarou de frente, sem nada a esconder.

— Significa que eu nunca vou estar sozinho, ter muito sexo e poder sentir tudo o que eu quero sentir, sem precisar me sentir culpado. Porque, quando eu me machuco sozinho, não é saudável e a culpa é toda minha, mas quando outros me machucam…

— A culpa nunca é sua.

Percy acenou novamente. — Eu… sempre tive dificuldade em ficar sozinho. Costumava ser aquele tipo de criança que queria agradar a todos, eu queria que todos fossem meus amigos. Já cheguei a fazer coisas que muitos não fariam, tudo isso só para ter a aprovação de alguém, nunca me senti mal por isso. É quem eu sou e quem sempre fui. A diferença é que cansei de me sentir mal por querer algo que outros consideram errado.

— Essa é a questão, não é? — Perguntei, começando a entender. — Você procura alguém que vá te machucar, mas que também te ajude a… sarar?

— Acho que poderíamos dizer isso. Embora eu queira muito mais do que isso.

— Você quer, como o quê?

— Ficar de joelhos a seus pés e realizar seus desejos mais escondidos. Não importa qual eles sejam.

Ao ouvir isso sorri e voltei a acariciar os cabelos de Percy, o ouvindo quase ronronar.

— Talvez você se arrependa de dizer isso. Pessoa mais chata do que eu não existe.

— Isso é o que todos dizem.

Depois disso, não pude me conter. Segurei nos cabelos de Percy e os puxei até que sua boca estivesse sobre a minha, arfando e aberta, enlaçando nossas línguas até que toda essa história de dom e sub sumisse de nossas mentes.

Parte V

— Talvez você se arrependa de dizer isso. Pessoa mais chata do que eu não existe.

— Isso é o que todos dizem.

Depois disso, não pude me conter. Segurei nos cabelos de Percy e os puxei até que sua boca estivesse sobre a minha, arfando e aberta, enlaçando nossas línguas até que toda essa história de dom e sub sumisse de nossas mentes. Senti Percy segurando em meu pescoço e me afastei para ver seu rosto banhado pela luz do fim da tarde, todo ansioso, seus olhos fugindo dos meus.

Hmmm… será que era agora que a parte sexy acontecia? Sorri, achando graça da minha própria piada. Mas quando vi que Percy começava a ficar impaciente e frustrado, voltei a ficar sério.

— Você tem certeza disso? Não é tarde para procurar um dom mais experiente.

— Não, eu quero… eu quero você.

Respirei fundo e me concentrei no que Percy queria dizer por trás daquilo. Eu começava a achar que ele não dizia essas coisas porque era o que eu queria ouvir, e sim porque ele sentia ser o que eu precisava escutar; e talvez fosse, talvez fosse exatamente o que eu precisava saber para que tudo o que tinha acontecido antes ficasse no passado. Ou pelo menos para que eu tentasse mais uma vez.

— Tudo bem, serei seu dom. Com uma condição.

— Qual? — Percy levantou a cabeça e me encarou por um momento, parecendo ser aquele mesmo sub tímido que eu havia conhecido. 

— Você tem que me dizer quando eu fizer algo errado.

— Você nunca… dominou alguém?

— Não exatamente. — Quando vi que Percy parecia interessado, continuei. — Tinha esse garoto no ensino médio, a gente estudava na mesma sala.

— Ele era um submisso? — Percy perguntou, todo animado. 

Ele levantou, se sentou no sofá virado de frente para mim, e apoiou suas mãos em meus joelhos, se esquecendo de todo o resto.

Eu sorri e continuei:

— Sim, criado e educado para ser o perfeito sub. Tudo o que ele fazia era para agradar alguém ou ganhar o favor de quem importava. Ele era pequeno e baixinho e bonito. O perfeito sub, sinceramente.

— O que aconteceu?

— O que sempre acontece quando digo a verdade.

— Oh. — Percy murmurou, parecendo decepcionado. Eu quase me sentia culpado por estar mentindo. Quer dizer, a história era verdadeira. Não era a primeira vez que eu dizia não saber dominar.

— Sim, no começo eu até tentei, mas…

— Mas?

— Bem, ele encontrou um dom que não era tão sensível quanto eu.

— Então, você é um dom. — Ele se inclinou em minha direção, todo contente.

— O quê?

— Foi o que você disse “ele encontrou um dom que não era tão sensível quanto eu.”

Percy tinha me pegado nessa.

— Sim, acho que sou.

— Então, qual o problema?

— Não há nenhum problema. — Nenhum que eu queira compartilhar, pensei, vendo o rosto de Percy murchar.

— Entendo.

— Você entende?

— Você não confia em mim. Porque você confiaria?

— Percy, isso não tem nada a v--

— Não precisa mentir, Nico. Sou grande o suficiente para saber quando não me querem. Acho que vo—

— Percy, me escute. — Falei calmamente, me levantando junto com ele. Eu o segurei pelo ombro antes que ele pudesse fugir de mim e o puxei para perto, agora tocando em seus cabelos da nuca. — Eu quero você. Eu não sei porque, mas eu quero.

— Você quer? — Ele se curvou todo e me encarou com olhos bem abertos, me perguntando em um sussurro, como um garotinho perdido e com medo faria.

— Sim. — Confirmei. — E você está certo, não confio em você. Essas coisas levam tempo e se você quiser ficar comigo, é assim que vai ser.

— Quando você quiser e quando você estiver pronto. — Percy completou como se fosse óbvio. Eu não queria dizer isso exatamente, mas agora que Percy tinha dito… fazia sentido, afinal, era eu quem estava no controle, não era? É o que dominadores fazem.

— Sim. — Confessei. — Quero que você tome um banho quente e me espere na cama, sim?

Percy me deu um beijinho molhado no rosto, sorriu para mim todo feliz e caminhou pela sala, desaparecendo pelas escadas que davam para o andar superior da casa.

 ***

Tudo bem, eu podia fazer isso. 

Respirei fundo, subi o resto das escadas e entrei no quarto, passando pela porta entreaberta. As persianas estavam fechadas e as luzes apagadas, somente com o abajur iluminando o quarto. Dei mais alguns passos para dentro, me familiarizando com o cômodo, tentando me convencer de que aquilo era o certo para nós. Percy estava ali, era claro que ele estava, estendido na cama, somente com a gaiola cobrindo seu corpo, vendo algo no celular e sorrindo para o que quer que fosse que ele lia. Seus cabelos molhados repousavam sobre o travesseiro e o resto do corpo ocupava grande parte do colchão, relaxado em seu lado da cama.

Vamos, eu me obriguei novamente a ir em frente. Eu podia fazer isso, um passo de cada vez. Sim, mais um passo e eu já consegui ver os contornos de seu corpo nitidamente. Rosto angular, ombros largos, abdômen de tanquinho e membro bem preso. Tudo em Percy gritava conforto, como se ele aceitasse quem ele é, nem menos e nem mais, sem qualquer inibição quando se tratava de sua forma. Dei mais um passo para a frente e ele levantou a cabeça, me encarando por baixo de seus cílios, sorrindo. Nenhum de nós se moveu até que eu respirei fundo mais uma vez e me aproximei da cama, ainda sem coragem de iniciar nada.

Deuses! Porque era tão difícil? Quando eu achava que tudo era por diversão e que não passava de uma brincadeira de casinha, as coisas estavam ótimas, mas agora que eu via que a saúde mental e física de alguém dependia dos meus próximos passos… tudo o que eu queria era fugir. Não que eu fosse inexperiente, mas ter essa responsabilidade toda… eu não lembrava disso ser tão complicado. Talvez eu tenha feito questão de esquecer.

Ainda assim, sem dizer nada, tirei minha camisa e minhas calças, junto com todo o resto, e me deitei ao lado dele, parado feito uma estátua. Era isso o que eu devia fazer, certo? Me deitar perto dele? Será que eu devia…

— Você está pensando demais. — Percy disse em meu ouvido.

Eu nem tinha visto quando ele tinha se aproximado, apenas sabia que agora estávamos muito perto, sua cabeça perto da minha, nariz contra nariz, ele deitado de lado enquanto eu deitava de barriga para cima, lutando contra mim mesmo. Eu só precisava relaxar.

— O que eu devo fazer?

— O que você quiser.

O que eu quiser? Que tal fazer nada? Dormir. Sim, dormir era uma boa ideia. Mas Percy… ah, Percy me olhava de uma forma que era difícil descrever, de uma maneira que me fazia querer ser outra pessoa só para ter coragem de seguir em frente. Eu deveria? Provavelmente, não. Mas eu faria de qualquer jeito.

Um beijo? Parecia uma boa ideia. 

Me inclinei sobre ele e encostei nossos lábios. Devagar. Cuidadoso. Lábios contra lábios, os roçando juntos. Esse era um bom começo, certo? Depois veio um arfar, me vi mordiscando levemente o lábio inferior dele, abrindo a boca, capturando sua língua nesse momento e chupando como eu não fazia há muito tempo. Senti mãos… mãos que seguravam contra meus ombros, apenas as apoiando. Pernas… minhas pernas se enfiando entre as dele, encontrando algo duro e metálico no meio do caminho, me fazendo lembrar com quem eu estava.

— Tudo bem? — Perguntei, apenas para ter certeza. Seu rosto corava suavemente e seu peito se levantava ao respirar forte e eu… talvez não fosse tão difícil assim, eu já me sentia pronto para dar o que ele queria. 

Deixei que meu olhar caísse para o meio de suas pernas musculosas e observei o volume ali. A imagem ainda tirava meu fôlego, ele parecia tão pequeno e estufado ali dentro… eu queria me abaixar e ver se Percy se sentiria tão bem com minha boca quanto com minhas mãos. Mas não… não naquele momento. Voltei minha atenção para o rosto de Percy e vi que ele me encarava com atenção, com um pouco de temor? Ou era expectativa?

— Você tem lubrificante? — Perguntei, tentando ser objetivo.

— Eu… eu não preciso.

— Me desculpe? — Eu disse sem entender.

Percy me olhou discretamente, mas com um suave sorriso nos lábios. Ele levantou as mãos que se seguravam na cabeceira da cama e tocou nas minhas, levando uma delas para o meio de suas pernas, em direção a sua entrada.

— Você…?

— Eu queria estar preparado.

Então, quando eu finalmente deixei que meus dedos explorassem melhor o local, vi que Percy… que Percy já estava molhado, seu interior macio e já dilatado. 

— Tudo isso é para mim?

— Sim, Nico. Eu quero ser um bom… 

— Garoto? — Terminei por ele, tentando fazer uma piada. Mas, aparentemente, não era nada engraçado.

Percy se remexeu desconfortável e fechou os olhos bem forte, o rubor se intensificando em seu rosto, embora, ainda assim, ele tenha concordado, acenando e tentando se esconder.

— Você é-- — gaguejei, engolindo em seco. — …você é um bom garoto, o melhor deles.

Deixei as palavras saírem e percebi que elas eram verdadeiras. Nesses momentos, era como se Percy realmente se transformasse em um garotinho tímido e assustado, me fazendo querer protegê-lo e me afastar ao mesmo tempo, com medo de machucá-lo. 

— Tudo bem? — Voltei a perguntar para ter certeza de que meus toques eram bem vindos. 

Percy acenou, me encarando por trás de seus longos cílios e só depois disso, voltei a me mover, afundei meus dedos um pouco mais adentro dele e adicionei mais um até que Percy gemeu baixinho, quase com medo de fazer barulho, um ruído entrecortado escapando por seus lábios.

— Aqui? 

— De novo, por favor.

Foi tudo o que precisei para inserir o quarto. Eu os pressionei contra as paredes do interior de Percy e ele praticamente se curvou para fora da cama, jogando a cabeça para trás.

Acho que era agora ou nunca.

Segurei no meu próprio membro, só agora notando como doía e me guiei para dentro, me deixando relaxar pela primeira vez desde que havia chegado àquele lugar.

***

E pensar que alguém algum dia vai entender o caos que dança dentro de mim ao som da minha melancolia, pensei ao observar Nico, meu dom, só meu, tentando tanto ser o dominador perfeito. 

Você sabe o que isso significa? Um dom? Meu dom? Só meu? Um que eu não tinha que dividir com ninguém e que presta atenção só em mim, como nenhum outro fez ou teve o interesse de fazer? Você sabe o que era isso?

Eu sabia que deveria prestar atenção em como ele tentava me dar prazer e a forma que ele era todo cuidadoso, como se eu fosse quebrar com o menor movimento brusco. Mas, isso, pele na pele e suor e beijos, tudo isso ficava em segundo plano; nunca pensei que falaria algo como isso. Quando é que o sexo ficaria em segundo lugar? Não na minha vida, não quando o escape para todos os problemas sempre tinha sido esse. No fim, parecia que eu estava colocando meus esforços no lugar errado e quem sabe, na pessoa errada também. Só o fato de Nico estar ali, entre minhas pernas, tentando fazer algo que ele não tinha certeza só para me fazer feliz… era a melhor das sensações. Não era exatamente como suas mãos me tocavam ou como elas me elevavam um pouquinho mais a cada toque, era… era o propósito por trás de tudo aquilo, do todo o esforço e cuidado e afeto.

— Percy… — Escutei sua voz sussurrada e estremeci quando ele roçou a cabeça grande contra minha entrada. Não era exatamente a maior coisa que eu já tinha sentido e tampouco era pequena, era só… perfeito. Ele fez um pouco de pressão, segurou forte na minha cintura e se empurrou para dentro com um grunhido entrecortado.

De fato, fazia muito tempo. Tempo demais se fosse o encaixe apertado e a dificuldade com que ele avançava. Não me reprimi, me segurei nos travesseiros e gemi, me empinado todo, sem me importar com nada, provavelmente dando um espetáculo e tanto. 

Eu nem sei porque gostava tanto disso. Eu tinha a certeza que não iria gozar até o fim da noite, entretanto a sensação dele dentro de mim… era outra coisa… me sentia preenchido e completo e quente… tão quente e tão gostoso… também, não era apenas sobre o prazer, eu gostava de olhar para Nico e ver o que ele faria em seguida. 

Uma coisa era certa, Nico não era como os outros dominadores que eu havia encontrado. Parecia algo tão natural nele que às vezes me encantava, e me surpreendia também… e Nico nem percebia; era como ele vivia dando ordens ou contrariando a vontade de outras pessoas só porque achava que era o certo a se fazer. 

Também faltava nele aquela arrogância egoísta tão característica de pessoas que detinham o poder, ou até a ganância que sempre pareceu estar impregnada em outros dominadores. Eu não saberia explicar direito, era uma ausência de tantas coisas que eu pensava fazer parte dos dominadores, que fazia minha cabeça girar, muito mais do que qualquer sexo poderia. Embora… embora eu não pudesse negar, quando Nico me tocava assim, eu ia aos céus e nem precisava que o toque fosse sexual, eu só precisava que fosse...  real. Como… como agora! Ele me apertava tão forte e ia tão rápido… 

— Bebê, você está perto? Eu… eu não vou aguentar.

Nico… Nico tinha me chamado de… bebê? Meus deuses. 

Eu prendi o ar quando Nico… ah! Quando ele segurou em minha cintura e foi aquele centímetro mais fundo. Ele me levantou um pouco para cima e se afundou dentro de mim de uma maneira que me fez fechar os olhos e gemer, só gemer, tão gostoso e tão naquele lugarzinho que ninguém se preocupou em procurar, que eu curvei a coluna, sentindo meu corpo querer chegar ao clímax, sempre querendo chegar lá e nunca conseguindo, nunca! 

Doía… ah! Doía tão gostoso… eu gemi novamente e prendi minhas pernas em volta de Nico, abrindo os olhos para ver o momento mágico em que Nico apenas… parou, pulsando e arfando e grunhindo, alcançando partes que raramente eram alcançadas dentro de mim, pulsando e pulsando até eu me sentir mais quente ainda, uma sensação engraçada dentro de mim, fazendo tudo ficar mais… deslizante, meu membro engaiolado parecendo querer explodir para fora do metal, me fazendo doer e arfar mais forte e mais rápido ainda. 

Oh, meu Dom estava gozando! Eu fiz ele gozar? Euzinho? Percy Jackson? Que já fui chamado de imprestável e coisas piores?  Eu sorri para meu Dom e ele bambeou, quase caindo para frente, respirando rápido, seu olhar frenético me analisando feito um radar e me tocando por todos os lados; minha cintura com suas marcas de dedos, meu abdômen, meus braços, pescoço e até rosto. Então, ele disse:

— Eu te machuquei? Algo dói? Eu… eu não devia… e você?

Eu queria rir, eu queria gargalhar de felicidade, o que provavelmente não soaria bem. Nada doía, era exatamente o contrário, eu estaria gozando sem nem ser tocado se não estivesse com a gaiola, mas, então, eu perderia esse momento magnífico, observando Nico beijar minha mão e depois meu braço, subindo por meu ombro até chegar a minha boca, suave e delicado.

— Eu vou te recompensar, prometo.

Será que eu devia dizer que não precisava? Que ver o prazer dele já me dava toda a recompensa que eu precisava? Mas… eu queria ver até onde ele iria, por isso, acenei que sim e vi ele deslizar para fora de mim, olhando pelo quarto como se procurasse algo.

— Você tem alguma coisa por aqui?

— Como o quê? — Perguntei, curioso.

— Um vibrador? 

Abri um sorriso para ele e indiquei o guarda-roupas.

— No lado direito, no fundo dele.

— Ah. — Ele disse e andou até o guarda-roupas, o abrindo e enfiando a cabeça lá dentro. 

Nico voltou com um vibrador à base de pilha e lubrificante.

Ele realmente ia fazer isso? Os dominadores que eu conhecia nem se dariam ao trabalho de perguntar se eu estava bem, quanto mais… ah! Eu gemi, sinceramente surpreso, quando ele lubrificou o brinquedo e já com ele ligado, inseriu devagar dentro de mim. Ohhh… eu tinha me esquecido da sensação.

— É bom? — Ele me perguntou, não esperando uma resposta. — Talvez eu experimente mais tarde.

Ele? Experimentar? Isso que queria dizer…? Ah, eu gemi de novo ao sentir que Nico levava o brinquedo um pouco mais ao fundo, alcançando minha próstata.

— Aqui?

Eu acenei, com vontade de me cobrir. Porque ele tinha que ser tão cuidadoso… tão… tão detalhista. O pior era ver ele me olhando, analisando cada ação minha. Ninguém nunca tinha prestado tanta atenção.

Sim, eu sei. Eu estava me repetindo, mas… ah!... Dessa vez, até eu escutei meu guincho, ele continuava pressionando o vibrador bem naquele lugar, fazendo mais força e movendo o brinquedo de uma forma tão… 

— Bom? — Ele completou por mim. Mas eu não conseguia falar, só conseguia olhar para ele e arfar feito uma cadela no cio.

Eu queria gozar e queria que ele terminasse com aquela tortura na mesma intensidade que eu queria que ele continuasse e não parasse até que doesse, até que eu não conseguisse mais, até que... Ah! Eu estava sentindo… eu estava! Era aquela sensação que vinha da parte de baixo da minha coluna e subia lentamente, tão lentamente e que navegava… navegava… eu arfei, como se estivesse com falta de ar enquanto ambos, eu e ele, vimos meu membro todo preso, se contrair todo dentro da minha gaiola de metal até que… até que… hmmm, sim! Eu estava ejaculando, nunca um orgasmo completo, uma sensação parecida e alienígena ao mesmo tempo, até que o líquido que saia dentro de mim, diminuísse de intensidade e só restassem algumas gotas que pingavam, escorrendo pela gaiola e chegando as minhas coxas.

— Isso foi lindo. — Nico comentou, como se observasse uma obra de arte. — Tão bonito, bebê.

Ali estava, senti o elogio ir direto para meu membro eternamente excitado e subir para minhas bochechas enquanto era novamente rodeado pelos braços fortes e seguros de meu Dom, ainda me sentindo tão excitado que doía, numa tortura eterna que eu estava destinado a sofrer.

Parte VI

— Vamos, fale comigo. — Nico sussurrou contra meus lábios, os lambendo lentamente e enfiando sua língua dentro da minha boca. 

Eu me senti estremecer e gemi, o abraçando apertado pelo pescoço e devolvendo o beijo, meu ar fugindo quando suas mãos desceram pelas minhas costas, tocando no lugar onde o vibrador tinha estado momentos antes. 

— Tão molhado e tão aberto. Eu fiz um belo estrago. Você quer mais ou quer que eu pare? Hmmm?

— Eu… ah! — Arfei quando seus dedos voltaram a me penetrar, rápidos e profundamente, se curvando dentro de mim. Doía… doía tanto… mas eu gostava, eu queria mais. Entretanto, eu me sentia sem forças, feito uma boneca de pano, que a única coisa que eu pude fazer foi rebolar em seus dedos, os sentindo ir um pouco mais fundo, alcançando onde eu mais precisava.

— Aqui? — Ele perguntou, seus lábios contra meu lóbulo e sua voz baixinha e rouca. — Você quer mais? É, eu acho que quer.

Foi quando eu desisti de qualquer palavra que pudesse se formar em meus lábios. Ele me puxou para mais perto, me fazendo sentar em seu colo e colocou uma de suas mãos entre nossos corpos, enquanto a outra dava espaço para a cabeça gorda de seu membro entrar.

Eu não conseguia explicar, ele parecia maior do que antes; mais largo e mais longo, roçando na minha entrada apertada e deslizando para dentro em movimentos lentos de vai e vem até estar completamente dentro de mim, encontrando o ponto certo.

— Tudo bem? — Ele disse quando eu não disse nada além de gemer, curvado sobre ele, minhas unhas fincadas em suas costas. — Devo parar?

Não, eu desejava que ele nunca parasse. Abri a boca, tentando dizer que não, que esse era um dos melhores momentos da minha vida. Mas quando só um arfar saiu, decidi que era melhor mostrar. Tentei levantar meu quadril e me mover, mas eu estava tão mole que só consegui me balançar em cima dele.

— Acho que isso é um não. — Ele riu baixinho contra meu pescoço e voltou a segurar minha cintura enquanto pegava nos meus cabelos, me fazendo encara-lo, seus olhos negros buscando os meus por permissão. O que era muito interessante, quase contraditório se fosse pelo fato dele ter todo o controle. — Eu preciso que você toque no meu pescoço ou me peça para parar se for muito. Tudo bem?

Eu acenei. Ou foi o que eu tentei. Sinceramente, eu me sentia perdendo a noção do que acontecia ao meu redor. 

Em um momento eu estava no colo dele, sentindo seu membro se mover dentro de mim e no outro eu estava deitado de costas na cama. Minhas pernas estavam abertas e para cima, sobre os ombros de Nico enquanto ele me fodia com tanta força que eu começava a ver tudo embaralhado, o mundo girando e o prazer voltando a subir por meus nervos feito um foguete fumegante.

— Ah, aqui está meu bebê. — Ouvi a voz de Nico, tão arfada quanto a minha, suas mãos voltando a se fincar em meus cabelos. Ele parou dentro de mim durante um momento, longo o suficiente para me beijar, e voltou a se mover, rápido e forte, abrindo minhas pernas um pouco mais e fazendo eu me curvar, praticamente me dobrando ao meio.

— N-nico. — Murmurei incerto, tentando entender o que acontecia, arfando e gemendo, me sentindo tão livre e tão seguro como eu nunca tinha me sentido antes.

— O que meu bebê precisa?

Eu… eu não sabia. Eu só sabia que Nico continuava se movendo dentro de mim sem pausa e forte, e que eu não conseguia desviar o olhar dele, do sorriso sacana e do jeito que ele continuava me fudendo, puxando minha cabeça para trás e fincando seus dedos em minha pele, principalmente pelo jeito que ele parecia nunca se cansar ou perder o ritmo. Eu não queria, mas eu comecei a me mexer, tremendo dos pés à cabeça. Sentia algo subindo por minha espinha e meus dedos se curvando, eu… eu me contraí todo e Nico se afundou mais forte dentro de mim, me prensando contra a cama. Eu não conseguia, eu não conseguia mais. Eu o segurei firme pelo pescoço e gritei, gritei tão forte e tão alto que quase não ouvi o grunhido de Nico ou senti aquelas últimas estocadas que me permitiram relaxar e finalmente deixar que o alívio me cercasse, trazendo para mim o orgasmo mais intenso da minha vida, com gaiola ou sem.

— Shhh… tudo bem. Eu estou aqui.

Abracei Nico bem forte e fechei os olhos, ainda estremecendo, sabendo que ele me limpava e tentava me consolar. Eu apenas entendia que precisava de seus braços ao meu redor e seu calor, não o deixando se afastar de mim até quando eu não pudesse mais.

— Bom garoto. — Eu ouvi Nico dizer para mim, sussurrando bem baixinho, como um segredo que somente eu merecesse escutar.

***

— Como você se sente? — Nico perguntou para mim.

Fiz uma análise rápida e percebi que eu me sentia muito bem. Um pouco dolorido e cansado, ainda todo aberto, mas muito satisfeito. Quer dizer, eu não diria não se Nico estivesse no clima para mais. Em alguns minutos.

— Bem. — Foi tudo o que eu disse, mantendo meu rosto neutro. Eu não queria que ele soubesse que eu tinha gostado tanto, que era uma das melhores transas da minha vida. Eu não estava pronto para dar todo esse poder para ele.

 Ainda.

— Então, é assim? Estamos voltando para esse jogo de palavras? Tudo bem? De 1 a 10, qual seu nível de satisfação.

— Seis. — Eu disse prendendo a risada.

— Seu mentiroso! Eu te fiz gozar no mínimo duas vezes. Isso seria no mínimo um sete, talvez um oito.

— Acho que não.

Ouvi um arfar e olhei para trás. Nico me segurava pela cintura, deitado colado às minhas costas, falando contra meu pescoço, sua outra mão no meu abdômen, me mantendo junto a ele, ambos ainda com a cabeça dividindo o mesmo travesseiro.

— Assim você me magoa.

Foi quando ele agarrou meus cabelos e inclinou minha cabeça para trás, me fazendo gemer.

— É triste, mas teremos que dar um jeito nisso, hmmm?

— Nico…

Gemi surpreso e um pouco animado demais. Senti suas mãos indo para baixo e se afundando novamente em minha entrada. Deveria doer, eu deveria dizer para ele parar, que pessoas normais não tinham tanto tesão, mas minhas reclamações ficaram para trás quando ele apenas se empurrou para dentro de mim, me fazendo choramingar, me movendo contra ele para senti-lo melhor tocando todas as partes certas.

— Hmmm, bebê, tão gostoso… eu não sei o que você tem que me faz te querer tanto. Eu não consigo explicar… hmmm… você quer que eu pare?

Eu gemi e me esfreguei nele, perdendo o ar quando sua mão tocou em meu membro preso. Eu não entendia porque isso me excitava tanto. Eu podia sentir o calor irradiando e parecendo se transferir atrás da minha gaiola e podia sentir a forma que ele me segurava forte, me dominando com um gesto simples.

— Você gosta quando eu toco aqui? Você pareceu tão torturado naquele dia… o estranho é que eu queria te torturar mais ainda e ver até onde você aguenta… mas esse não é o comportamento adequado para casais que não estão juntos oficialmente, sabe? Eu realmente queria…

Então, Nico segurou mais forte e tocou em meus testículos, os agarrando com força enquanto que com a outra mão ele me abraçou pelo ombro e por um momento eu me senti preso, verdadeiramente preso, mas tão leve que deixei toda a pretensão de lado. Eu deixei que ele se encostasse sobre mim e me prensasse contra a cama, deixei que ele abrisse minhas pernas, as levantando para cima e me deixei gemer contra o travesseiro, sentindo Nico me foder mais uma vez rápido e forte e com tanta vontade que lágrimas vieram aos meus olhos e minha mente se perdeu em sensações até que eu estava gemendo longamente e Nico inserido tão fundo dentro de mim que nem deus poderia nos separar.

***

— Agora é sério, precisamos levantar.

— Ni-cooooo!

— Vamos, bebê. Venha tomar um banho.

— Porquê? Eu não quero.

— Percy.

O-ou… eu nunca tinha ouvido aquele tom de voz vindo dele, mas sabia que não era nada bom. Abri os olhos e encontrei Nico sentado na cama, pelado e com os cabelos bagunçados para todos os lados. Seus olhos negros me fitando com irritação e fome e impaciência.

— Se você não se levantar dessa cama, vai se arrepender.

— É, o que você vai fazer comigo? Me dar uma surra? Papai vai ficar bravo?

— Se você quiser, a gente pode entrar em um acordo. Aposto que é isso que você quer, me fazer perder o controle e dar o que você merece.

— O que eu mereço?

Nico sorriu para mim e estendeu as mãos, esperando por mim.

— Se você não se levantar em cinco segundos, vai descobrir.

Certo. Acenei. Eu estava pronto para isso? Provavelmente, não. Parecia muito cedo para que as punições começassem.

Gemendo, me movi devagar e engatinhei para fora da cama, Nico me segurou quando minhas pernas quase cederam.

— Fiz um estrago, hmm? É sua culpa, se você não fosse tão lindo e cheiroso e gostoso… — Nico sussurrou contra meu ouvido e fez minhas pernas tremerem mais ainda.

— Eu sou lindo?

Era a primeira vez que alguém dizia isso para mim. Já me chamaram de bonito, gostoso, apertado, muito alto, e até de vadia, mas lindo… era algo novo.

— Você não se olha no espelho? Você é uma das pessoas mais bonitas que eu já vi.

— Então, você não deve conhecer muita gente. E existe uma diferença entre bonito e lindo.

— É, você é os dois e é muito mais. Agora, pro banheiro.

A passos lentos, deixei que Nico me guiasse para o banheiro, encontrando a banheira já cheia de água com sais de rosas. Eu nem podia me lembrar a última vez que a tinha usado.

— Você vai me dar banho? — Perguntei, divertido. — Depois vai passar talquinho?

— Se você quiser, eu posso. Nada melhor que um bom tratamento depois de uma cena.

— Sabe, você me enganou… para quem disse que não era um dom…

— Talvez… eu possa ter mentido. Mas se você está reclamando, eu devo ter pegado muito leve com você. O que você acha de uma mudança de tática? Eu posso fazer isso. Quem sabe assim você se comporta.

Nico sorriu para mim e eu parei um momento, considerando o que ele falava. Nico parecia falar sério, mas não parecia tão empenhado em concretizar suas palavras. Ele estava… flertando comigo? Oh… engraçado. Talvez eu quisesse que ele pegasse mais pesado, entretanto, não seria eu quem diria isso para ele. Se Nico não entendia isso, Nico não merecia saber.

Com isso em mente, dei um passo para frente, me segurei na beirada da banheira e entrei nela. Nico, é claro, estava bem atrás de mim. Ele segurou na minha cintura e me levantou levemente, me ajudando a sentar nela e apoiou minha cabeça no apoio indicado.

— Agora, hmmm… shampoo? Shampoo.

Relaxei contra o assento, quase fechando os olhos, e observei Nico, tentando não rir da cara dele. Era uma coisa engraçada de se presenciar, algo que não se via todo dia. Nico andava de um lado para o outro, ele abria armários, fechava portas e compartimentos, e juntava as coisas que ele julgava serem necessárias. Quando ele voltou para perto de mim, não aguentei; por algum motivo, eu achava aquilo tão engraçado que meu corpo tremia e eu ficava sem ar de tantas gargalhadas.

— Bebê, respire. — Nico me disse, segurando no meu pescoço e eu obedeci.

Abri bem os olhos e dei uma longa inspirada, deixando o ar sair em seguida, sem conseguir evitar as risadas que insistiam em fugir de mim.

— Muito bom. Bom garoto. — Ele me disse e sorriu, massageando meus cabelos. Beijou meus lábios em um dos toques doces que eu já tinha recebido e me mostrou o shampoo, ainda segurando minha cabeça. — Agora, devagar. Você está em sub-drope.

— É mais parecido com sub-high. — Murmurei, porque eu estava em êxtase, verdadeiramente flutuando nas nuvens, tão maravilhado que o mundo parecia estar mais colorido.

— Então, fique comigo. Não vá muito longe.

— Sim, Dom.

Resisti a tentação de fechar os olhos mais uma vez e vi o exato momento em que Nico parou de se mover e me encarou sério, sinceramente sério, pela primeira vez desde que tínhamos nos conhecido. Eu sabia que ele queria dizer alguma coisa, e que provavelmente era algo importante, mas eu não achava que estava preparado, nenhum de nós dois estava. Por isso fechei os olhos, me forcei a respirar fundo e relaxei, sabendo que eu não estava com a cabeça no lugar certo para tomar uma decisão tão séria. Depois de alguns momentos, tudo pareceu ficar mais leve e ter menos importância, engavetado para depois. Senti as mãos de Nico voltarem a tocar nos meus cabelos, os massageando suavemente, eles sendo enxaguados cuidadosamente pelo jato de água da mangueira que Nico segurava.

— Você sabe que pode falar de qualquer coisa comigo, não sabe? — Nico murmurou baixinho, atrás de mim do lado de fora da banheira, ainda massageando meus cabelos. — Essa coisa entre a gente é nova, mas não significa que eu não vá te ouvir. Eu sempre irei.

Não sei porque isso me afetava tanto, eram apenas palavras ditas da boca para fora na tentativa de me consolar. Mas elas me afetavam. Fechei os olhos com força e prendi a respiração até que a vontade de chorar passasse. E ela só passou quando senti as mãos de Nico nos meus ombros, me massageando e me puxando para perto dele, Nico me envolvendo em seu abraço e em seus lábios.

— Está tudo bem. Eu estou aqui. Estou aqui.

Senti o ar ser sugado para longe de mim e me segurei nos braços dele, o segurando bem forte. Se ele soubesse que o problema era exatamente esse… se ele soubesse… eu podia ver um futuro onde eu e ele tínhamos o que ele oferecia. Uma casa, companhia e todo o companheirismo que eu poderia querer no mundo. Mas eu sabia que isso não duraria, nada durava. E daí se ele me segurava ainda mais forte e agarrava no meu rosto e me beijava como ninguém nunca tinha beijado? E daí se ele cuidava de mim do jeito que ninguém tinha cuidado antes? Nada disso importava, não importava, porque, no fim, não era real. Nada daquilo era. 

Mas o fato digno de observar era que ele continuava tentando. 

Ele me segurou pela cintura, se encaixou atrás de mim e entrou comigo na banheira, me abraçando bem forte pelo o meio das minhas costas. Beijou meu pescoço e me manteve junto a ele, acariciando minha pele sem nenhuma pretensão sexual. Por algum motivo, isso me fez sentir melhor, como se eu fosse amado e mais uma vez estivesse no lugar mais seguro do mundo. 

Ali ninguém poderia me ferir.

Obrigada por ler!

Serviço Mandatório (Mandatory Service) [bi-lingual] #Dom!Nico #Sub!Percy #role reversal

Hi, how are you? Yes, here I am with another story. The problem is that a little accident happened and I deleted about 100 gb of data from my computer, exactly where my stories were. The good news is that I had my most recent stories saved on google drive. Did I lose some things? A lot. I've been through the anger and frustration stage and now I'm at acceptance. And since I wanted to take my mind off it, I decided to review this story. Well… it doesn't have a very elaborate plot and it's super fetishized, but it's fun. I hope you enjoy it. From now on my posts will be bi-lingual, ok? The Portuguese version is in the second part of the text.

I don't have a cover for the English version yet, but I do have a summary!

“In a world where people are divided between submissives and dominants, Nico is forced to fulfill the mandatory service, unless he wants to be arrested and collared like the thousands of submissives he sees around the city.

#Nicercy #Pernico #Percico #Dom!Nico #Sub!Percy #role reversal”

PS: I was able to make the cover. Something very simple

Soooo.... this fanfic will be very smutt, ok? Just to let you know.

Part I

"That's right." One of the girls said to me.

"Like this?" I said and went back to sucking the man's cock, who was lying against the couch. I didn't think I was doing a good job, because all I had done so far was suck the fat head and lick whenever more pre-cum came out. It wasn't as bitter as I thought it would be and even less was a hard sore. But since the guy hadn't stopped moaning until now, I must have been doing it right.

"Now, you have to press your lips more together."

"Hmmm?" I murmured, looking for approval. I did as they asked and sealed my lips around the limb, going down just a little more so I could suck the entire head.

The guy practically threw himself off the couch, groaning as if he was in pain.

"Very good. Don't forget to hold on to the base, okay? Always be in control if you don't want them to take it away from you. Because they will take advantage of the opportunity."

I lifted my head for air and looked at them, staying true to my role as an innocent beginner.

"What's the easiest way to make them cum?"

"The testicles." Both girls said, looking at each other as they laughed." They're very sensitive, you know? A little tug can mean a lot of pain or a lot of pleasure."

"How?" I wanted to know, even though I already knew.

"Like this."

One of them, I think it was Roberta, said. She took one of her well-manicured hands to the large balls of the man in front of us, who was serving as a guinea pig, and touched him gently. She gave a slight tug and the man opened his legs wider and threw his head back, his member twitching all over, more precum slowly running down his length.

"Now, if you do that…" That's when she grabbed his balls with determination, holding them down and pulling them. The man screamed so loudly that it seemed like he was being murdered. Even so, he remained erect and excited, all obedient, panting, as if he was in a marathon.

"See? Now it's your turn."

"I don't think I can." It wasn't what a dominant should be doing, none of it was. After all, I hadn't even talked to this submissive, it wasn't right to touch something that didn't belong to me.

"Yes, you can."

"Why don't you try… kissing them?" One of them suggested.

"Kiss? Can I?" I looked at the submissive, all sprawled out in the chair looking out of breath. He was all rapid breathing and squinting, trying to keep still.

"You can do whatever you want, as long as you make it clear who's in charge."

"I'm not sure." Or maybe, I didn't want to.

"Come on, just this once. We won't make you do it again."

I looked at the man who seemed about to explode, his expression somewhere between extreme pleasure and extreme pain, making me even more uncomfortable. Because, again, this submissive wasn't mine; it was almost disrespectful. And I still didn't know if I wanted to have another sub after so long.

"Can I make him cum, then?" To get it over with? I thought annoyed.

The girls looked at each other and shrugged, Karla speaking this time:

"I think it's okay. He hasn't cum in over three months and we promised we'd let him."

"Three months?" I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Not because it was hard to believe, but because… it seemed like things hadn’t changed at all.

"Yes, Nico. He's a masochistic submissive. He likes it and agreed to be here. Percy knew perfectly well what would happen."

"Do you think we force them to kneel at our feet? They do it of their own free will." Roberta said.

"Then, make it count. He won't cum for a lot longer than that."

"Are you sure about that? I guess I'm not the most indi--"

"Percy, tell him."

"I… please, ma'am… sir… I… I need it."

"Yes, good boy. I love to see you begging." Roberta stood up and walked towards Percy, massaging his hair like a loving mother would.

Percy, more than six feet tall and with well-build muscles, sighed and rubbed himself against the offered hand, as if it were the best gift in the world.

To me, this sounded like neediness and an abandonment complex.

"See. It's your choice, Nico. After all, you'll be taking care of him for as long as you're here. Percy is very good at following orders and adapts quickly to different people. Whether he comes today or in two months' time is your decision."

"Mine? So soon? You can't--"

"I thought you wanted to do that. And what better way to learn than by doing?"

I looked at Percy and saw that all this time he had kept his hands behind the chair, completely naked and submissive, without making a peep other than to give a moan or a plea, and without looking directly at us unless explicitly ordered. Now, Percy was looking at me with his head lowered, in a position of respect, but he was still looking at me through his eyelashes.

Was I really supposed to be there? Was I good enough to keep anyone satisfied after all this time?

"So, how is it going to be? Will he cum or not?" Was Roberta's last warning.

I took a deep breath and reached out my hands. Slowly, as slowly as I could, I touched Percy's large, swollen testicles, and began rolling them between my fingers.

I gasped in amazement and watched Percy shudder and then relax against the couch, letting out a soft moan. It had been a long time since I had approached another person for this purpose, and not even when I had a sub had I allowed myself to do this. Never. It would not be seen with good eyes if a dominant tried to please a submissive. A dominant's duty was to control and be pleased, while a submissive's was to obey and satisfy his master, without any deviation or anything in between. Now, no one had explained to me why things were like this, I only knew that for a submissive, pain was part of the package, while pleasure rarely was. At least, that was according to what I had been taught.

Just to test it out, I held his balls in one hand and pulled them down slowly, watching the expression on Percy's face change from pleasure to something… empty. I swore, instead of seeing pain there, all I saw was Percy's pure surrender.

Percy stretched out and gasped, curling his toes, but when I massaged him again as gently as before, loosening them, the most extraordinary thing happened. Percy groaned softly and long, arching his spine, his member twitching for the last time, while string after string of thick, yellowish liquid came out of the fat, reddish head, running down his toned thighs and defined abdomen.

It was so sudden that I snatched my hands away from him, jumping back. I watched Percy writhe around, grunting and sniffling, tears welling in his swollen eyes until finally the member in question stilled and fell still, still fully erect, against Percy's abdomen.

"Oh, magnificent!" Roberta exclaimed, satisfied, clapping her hands. "You just ruined an orgasm. How do you feel?"

The strange thing was that Roberta asked me this and not Percy, who was still moaning softly, his member throbbing again, right in front of us.

"How do I feel? Shouldn't it be Percy--"

"Don't worry about it." Roberta said, smiling sweetly.

"But he's still hard!"

"Oh, it's just a small detail." Roberta said and Carla agreed."Now that he's had his orgasm, back to the cage."

"Cage? You mean…" That torture instrument? I meant to say to her.

"Chas-ti-ty." Carla said, spelling it out. "He’s the most obedient when he’s denied. You won’t have any problems with him. Unless you want to have some fun. Just don’t let him cum too often."

I crossed my arms and looked at them. Roberta and Carla were watching Percy with affectionate looks. Then I looked at Percy who had his eyes closed, already calming down, looking tired and… satisfied? No, the best description was content. Yes, frustratingly content.

"Thank you, ladies, sir."

“Good boy,” Roberta said. She walked around the room and stopped next to Percy again, stroking his hair as she turned to me. “You know, he’s a very lonely man. Most of the time, all he needs is some affection and a little attention. When things start to get too frustrating, a spanking or a scene will do the trick. Once or twice a month, a good fuck is essential.”

"How? And why?" I had to ask.

"Percy comes to us to… release this aggression he has. It's cathartic for him. Sometimes you're going to have to be firm and strict. The more he fights, the firmer you're going to have to be. But that's only going to happen if you don't give him what he needs."

"How could I know that? It's ridiculous!"

"He is a vocal person. If he needs something, he will ask you. It can be with gestures or words, it is very difficult not to understand. If you have any questions, you can come to us."

"Are you sure I'm the best person for this?"

"Yes. You are gentle, but firm when necessary. The authority Percy needs."

"And why not one of you two?"

"We already have our toys. We were just teaching him until we found the perfect one."

"Am I that person?"

"We didn't choose you, although we think you're a good match."

"Percy chose." Carla finished Roberta's speech.

"Percy choose?"

I had to look at Percy slouching against the chair after that. He was now flushing all over, looking anywhere but at me.

"Hmm." I murmured, maybe starting to get interested. "I guess that's okay. I just…"

"You…?"

"I don't promise anything. I'll try, but if it doesn't work out… don't blame me."

"No one will do that. Here, we are a family. It may not seem like it, but we are."

"I know. I didn't mean to offend you."

"You don't offend." Carla said.

"Well, then. Welcome to our family. This is the key to your house. Make yourself comfortable and then tell us what you think. Percy is already settled in, so if there are any problems, contact us, okay?"

Tired of arguing, I nodded and accepted the leash that was attached to Percy's leash. It was made of leather, a thin, black strip that connected to the collar Percy wore, an equally heavy black leather collar, that wrapped around Percy's neck just like hands would, keeping him in place like a dog with a muzzle.

So we both stood up, me from the super soft cushion, and Percy from the leather couch. But when I stood up, I wasn't prepared for what happened. Percy, the one who was supposed to be the soft and vulnerable submissive, stood up with me, easily over four inches taller than me. The funny thing is, I didn't feel smaller than him, and if I wasn't seeing myself, Percy could have been the smallest of them all judging by his attitude. Percy was hunched over a little, had his hands behind his back and kept his head down, looking straight ahead like he wanted to hide, even though hunching over the way he was doing, Percy stull was easily the tallest person in the room.

"Thanks, I guess."

I tried to smile and tugged lightly on Percy's leash. He was, of course, always a step behind me, but close enough, almost burying his face in my neck and leaning over me. I didn't know why, but I had the feeling that all this closeness wasn't necessary. I sighed and looked back, catching Percy staring at me.

I stopped in my tracks and continued to stare at him until he realized what he was doing and lowered his head, looking embarrassed.

"I'm sorry, Master."

"Sure.

I looked at him for a few more seconds and turned around, continuing on our way. If I wanted to get out of this without having to serve some sentence or become a submissive myself, I would have to make it work. It was all the fault of those ridiculous laws that said that either I was a dom or I was a sub, and that if by the age of twenty-one I didn't decide for myself, the government would decide for me.

That's what happens when you have no interest in sex. Now I would have to make up for all the lost time. If I completed at least one year of "Mandatory Services", I would be free to live as I pleased. Because I fought until I could no longer, I would have to live monitored and always watched until all this was over.

Part II

I wasn't sure what to do, so I grabbed my things from the administration building and followed the guard who led us to house number 43. The guard saluted and walked away, quickly moving away from us. Strange. I looked at the door, and remembered the key that had been given to me. I took it out of my pocket and inserted it into the electronic lock. It was actually a card. All I had to do was tap the card and give my fingerprint, and voila! A low beep sounded, the door unlocked and opened automatically for us.

I still couldn't believe it, everything was so strange and so tidy… I put my head inside the house and wanted to leave. This wasn't my house, it wasn't my home--

"Sir?"

Me? Was I the Sir?

I looked at Percy and saw that the giant man was still waiting with me outside the house, two steps away from me.

At least he learned quickly.

"Why didn't you come in?" I felt the need to ask.

"Because… you didn’t come in either."

What? Did that mean I had to go in first? It reminded me of Maria and Hades… memories that were better left in the past.

"Come in, Percy." I said instead.

And only when I said that did Percy sigh in relief and come in, carrying my bags with him.

Strange.

I went into the house with him and walked to the living room, making him stop with me. Percy kept looking at me, still holding the bags and waiting for something, and only then did I realize that I was still holding his leash, that in fact I was holding it tightly, forcing him to stay close.

"Could you please put my things in the bedroom?" I let go of his leash and watched it fall from my hand, it seeming to move in slow motion until it hit Percy's bare chest and the tip rested on his abdomen, contrasting beautifully with his tanned skin, without a single mark on his entire sculpted body.

My gaze stayed there for a moment, taking in the perfection that he was when I heard a throat clear.

"Is that an order or a question?" I heard Percy say.

I looked at Percy, feeling a smile trying to appear for the first time since I got here, but Percy didn't look well at all. He had gone pale and was staring at the ground, trying to shrink himself.

"I'm sorry, sir."

"Nothing to be sorry. And don't call me sir."

"What should I call you?"

"Nico or Niccolas. Whatever you want."

"I shouldn't. It's not appropriate."

I thought about it and started walking around the room, forcing myself to get used to the idea of living there and having a submissive again.

"How about you call me Nico when it's just the two of us? And call me whatever's appropriate when we're in public?"

"Yes, sir." When I frowned, Percy finished."Yes, Nico."

Then, Percy turned around, walked out of the room and when he reappeared, he had an object in one hand and a pot in the other.

"Si-- Nico, I… I brought this."

Percy placed the things on the coffee table and I approached, analyzing the objects.

Was that…? No! But it was! A chastity belt, the cage Roberta had told me about. When the girls mentioned it I thought they were joking, it wouldn't be the first time they had done that to me. But there it was, a solid iron object in a light and silver color, looking quite heavy.

I walked over to Percy and touched his shoulder, trying to comfort him.

"You don't have to do this. I won't tell them." I said in the gentlest tone I could.

"I… I want to. Could you…"

I blinked, trying to make sure what I saw was real and, yes, Percy spread his legs wide, offered the object to me and lowered his head, obedient and submissive, practically begging. I still remembered what they had said, Percy would ask for what he needed and it was up to me to grant his wishes.

"Is that what you want?"

Percy nodded, but I still didn't know how to do it. I didn't even know if I wanted to.

"Should I…?"

"Yes."

"How will it fit?"

Because, in fact, the cage was very small, at most two to three centimeters of space. I don't know how that was possible. Or comfortable.

"Do you want to show me?" And when Percy made a face, I added: "Just this time."

You see, things were complicated. Percy was still half-erect and all that stuff certainly wouldn't fit in such a narrow space. Like, it was really big, bigger than mine, I could tell.

I watched Percy sit on the couch, spread his legs wide and fit the first part of the object over his testicles. He fastened them properly, took the second part of the iron, fitted it over the head of his member and pushed it down. I could only suffer in silence watching Percy shift uncomfortably, trying to make something so big fit into something so small.

"Nico, could you get it for me?"

Percy pointed to the pot and when I got closer I saw that it was ice. A lot of ice, some already melted and others quite whole. I took the pot to Percy, already fearing the worst, when I heard:

"Can you pass it on to me?

Yes, he didn't say "pass to me" but rather "pass on me".

Gods, I was going straight to hell. But trying to be a good dom, I crouched down between his spread legs and picked up a piece of ice. I brought it to the base of Percy's cock and began to gently slide the ice around there.

"Like this?"

"Harder… oh!… harder… please?" Percy moaned, begging, panting fast.

I did it, grabbed more ice and pressed harder, going up to where the cage wouldn't reach when I heard a little stinging moan. The cage fit in and went all the way down, Percy's cock softening, now confined within those measly three inches. It was indeed more than a tight fit.

"Are you okay, darling?" I couldn't help myself, stroking his legs, trying to calm him down.

“Yes,” Percy replied quietly, his cheeks flushed. “I need to put the padlock on the lock.”

I looked around and saw that there was indeed a tiny padlock on the table next to a key. I reached over and picked it up, walking back to Percy, fitting the padlock into the lock and securing it.

"Like this?" I asked again.

"Yes. Yes." Percy repeated breathlessly, slumped against the couch, still completely exposed, feeling like not to care that I kept looking at him.

"And the key?"

"I want you to hold it for me."

"What do you need? You know I'm new to this, don't you? You have to tell me, no matter what it is."

But as I said this, my hands went to Percy's cage. I felt like I was in an amusement park, wanting to try out all the toys at once. And I was definitely starting to understand what the girls meant by "having your own toys." I didn't remember having a submissive being this much fun.

I slid my hands down Percy's legs, watching his soft gasp and his muscles tremble, and touched those still swollen balls, looking very needy. I massaged them carefully and heard a high-pitched moan coming from Percy.

"Does it hurt a lot?"

"Hmmhm." Percy shook his head, even though his expression was somewhere in between pain and pleasure, even though he tried to hide his face.

"Percy, do you want me to stop? With words, please."

"No, ah! No, Sir."

The funny thing was that I couldn't understand how someone of that stature and strength could enjoy something like that, so… constricting, or should I say, liberating? Because as I continued my exploration of his balls, playing with them and moving them, Percy spread his legs wider and threw his head back as if he was cumming; I squeezed a little more and a liquid began to come out of the reddish head, through the metal.

Was Percy cumming? And how was that possible? No, that should be the only way to show he was aroused and since there was no way to get an erection, his fluids just… overflowed, right?

I definitely didn't remember doing that with my old submissive.

"Are you okay?" I asked when Percy moved his waist, moaning softly.

"Yes, Sir."

Just to test it out, I got tired of crouching down and knelt between his legs. I looked at Percy's almost closed eyes and opened my mouth, bringing my head between his legs. I held onto his legs and licked the swollen tip along the cage, slowly and deliciously, without worrying about anything other than his moans. I must say it wasn't much skin to touch, but it was enough to taste Percy and make him scream. I decided it was enough when Percy arched his spine and grabbed his hair, gasping. Not that I wasn't having fun, but it was getting late and I was responsible enough to understand when I saw someone reaching their limit. Or maybe it was me who was reaching mine.

I stood up, watching Percy sprawled against the couch, but I only moved when I saw that he was breathing normally. I stroked Percy's hair, since that seemed to calm him down, and picked up the bowl of ice that now only had melted water in it. I left the room and started walking around the house. I saw a bathroom, some empty rooms until at the end of the hallway I found the kitchen. I poured the water in the sink, got a glass of water, and went back the way I had come.

When I entered the room again, Percy was still there. His eyes were closed, his legs on the couch as he gripped them, the anxiety in Percy's movements quite obvious. I saw no other choice, I placed the glass on the coffee table, sat down next to Percy on the couch and touched his shoulders, making Percy jump, startled.

"It's okay. What happened?"

"Nico?"

Of course."

"Oh." Percy said, looking even more surprised, taking his face off his legs and looking at me closely, his face lighting up when he saw me.

"You thought I was gone? Where would I go?"

"To give me back. It wouldn't be the first time."

Wow… something was very wrong here. Who would give Percy back? He was so handsome and strong and hot… prejudiced people, that's what they were.

"It's okay. Let's go to the bedroom. Show me the way?

Percy nodded and stood up.

With his legs still wobbly, Percy leaned on me and we both went upstairs to the our room.

"How do you feel? Does it hurt a lot?" I thought I had asked for the tenth time.

I couldn't help it. I knew Percy was fine, now warmly dressed and covered up to his neck, but still, I couldn't help it. It must have been my guilt for treating him like that, like a… like an object. There, I said it. I just wished Percy would say something more than "yes, sir" and "more", like now, for example.

"Words, please."

Percy settled himself more comfortably in the bed, on the side he was lying on, and turned to me, his eyes almost closed, content. He pulled the covers up higher and continued to look at me without saying a word.

"Percy."

"Yes, Nico."

See? “Yes.” That was all he would say to me.

With his eyes blinking slowly and hands under the blankets, Percy just let himself be lulled into tranquility as he stared at me.

"Aren't you going to talk to me?"

When Percy didn't say anything, I sighed. I gave up trying and turned to take off my shoes and dirty clothes.

"Hearing your voice makes me feel better. Safe."

I felt hands on the middle of my back and turned to see what was happening. It was Percy, of course, hugging me from behind.

"I already said I'm not going anywhere."

"Then…"

"I need to take off my clothes."

Percy let go of me like he was being burned and I missed him immediately.

"I don't care. You can touch me. I just need…"

I got up before another accident happened. I took off all my clothes, got under the covers and opened my arms:

"Do you mind? I like sleeping like this."

Percy shook his head and practically threw himself into my arms, wrapping his long, muscular arms around my waist and resting his head on my shoulder, in the hollow of my neck.

"Thank you, Nico."

"The pleasure is all mine." I said, relaxing against the bed frame.

Part III

That day had been very long indeed. First, I was late for work, and then two officers from the Human Affairs Bureau showed up. They were even prepared with handcuffs and everything, in case I decided to resist. The most shocking thing was when they asked for my address and told me that I needed to pack my bags.

“Take whatever you can,” one of them said.

“Your boss already knows you’ll be away for a week.” The other one added.

That was all they told me until we got to the government facility that managed the younger, more troubled couples. In the past, the excuse they had given was that because of the internet, people had stopped socializing and this was a necessary measure for those who had trouble finding a partner. It was true that the birth rate and lasting marriages had gone up and everything, and the death and aggression rate, both in men and women, had gone down, but deep down, everyone knew that this was just another way to control and make sure everyone did their part to keep the species going.

As soon as I got out of the car, a very large sign in capital letters could be seen: “Institute of Human Affairs”. It looked more like a brothel, a very sterile and fancy one, but that’s what it was.

Right at the door, two women greeted me with smiles and hurried gestures, asking me to follow them. For the first time in my life, I did what they asked, hoping that if I obeyed, everything would end as quickly as possible.

We went through the administration of the place and then they took me through a hall so long I thought it would never end.

They stopped in front of a door and turned to me.

"I'm sorry for the rush. Right now, we have a lot of residents and we have to figure this out really quickly. We'll explain everything later, but for now, we need you to choose someone, the person who catches your attention the most, okay? Don't worry if it doesn't work out, we have time to change if necessary."

"Exchange what?" Was all I could say before one of them dragged me into the room, while the other stayed outside, waiting.

I entered the room and saw that there were five people inside. Three women and two men, all naked, sitting in comfortable chairs while some of them talked among themselves.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a visitor."

As soon as they heard what the woman said, they stood up and stood tall with their spines straight, chests puffed out and hands behind their backs, keeping their feet apart.

"Very well." The woman said, clapping her hands. "What are you waiting for, inspect your submissives."

"Me?" I said, pointing to myself.

“You expect me to choose for you?” She giggled and began to pace the room. “How about Katt, here? She can make your wildest fantasies come true.”

I crossed my arms and turned my head to the wall, refusing to participate in this.

"No? Then one of the boys. Luke is a good choice. You'll never get bored with him."

I turned towards her to tell her that this was ridiculous when I saw who she was referring to, the man was as tall as me and his eyes sparkled, which meant that the woman was right in her predictions.

"I don't want anyone. Why don't you send me home and sort this all out with someone else, okay?"

"Unfortunately, that's not possible. Either you choose one of them and follow our orders, or something worse could happen. You don't want that to happen, do you?"

"Do I really need it?"

"Yes, I'm afraid so."

"Okay. Then…" I turned to the available options and analyzed each one of them. I wouldn't go near a woman even if they paid me, that simply wasn't my thing, and what was left were the two men; one was Luke, who smiled at me, promising nights of intense pleasure. Then, I turned to the other man, who was practically hiding on the far side of the room, looking like he wanted to disappear from there.

I walked down the row of people and stopped in front of him. The man was looking down and had such a sad expression that I felt the urge to hug him. And when I say man, I mean it. While the other people in the room couldn't have been more than twenty or twenty-two years old, this one must have been at least thirty. I felt like I shouldn't be so impulsive, but when I least expected it, I grabbed his chin, trying to make him look at me. There, I discovered the most beautiful and deep blue-green eyes I had ever seen.

"I want him." I said, without thinking. The man just blinked slowly and frowned, not saying a word or struggling against my grip.

"Very good, a great choice. Percy will fit you perfectly." The woman then turned to the room and announced:" You are all free. Sorry, guys."

People murmured in annoyance, but obeyed. They left one by one until only she, Percy and I were left. The rest, you already know, I “learned” the basics about sex, contraceptives and other things. And in fact, I never thought that being responsible for someone could be so… interesting. It wasn’t a burden, as I thought it would be, and it wasn’t tiring and annoying, as I thought it would feel; it was like opening my eyes to a new world, a world that I thought I had forgotten the rules of, but that I was willing to rediscover.

"What do you want to know?" I heard Percy speaking softly, against the skin of my neck, when I thought Percy had already fallen asleep.

"Hmm… I want to know everything.

"That's not a question."

"Okay then, smarty pants. Your favorite color?"

“Favorite color?” Percy asked, his voice taking on a cheerful tone.

"Yes, what's the problem?"

“Blue,” he said, sighing. “All shades of blue.”

"Just blue?"

"Just blue."

"Favorite food?"

"I don't have one."

"Come on, tell me something."

"I… when I was little, on my birthday… my mother used to make everything blue. Sweets, pie, cake. Even the soda was blue."

“So your favorite food is blue?” I wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it. But it was cute and sweet, just like Percy."

"Favorite band?"

"I don't know, I like a lot of them. I just… collect music."

"Who do you admire most?"

“My mother.” This time, Percy didn’t hesitate to admit it. “She was the strongest person in the whole world. When my father disappeared, she did the best she could.”

"Was it difficult?"

"Hmmhm." Percy murmured, snuggling closer to him. "For a while it was, I did what I could to help her."

"What happened?"

"She died before I could give her what she should have had."

"And now?"

"Now? I have my own business, I am the CEO of a company that provides investment services. J&C association and administration."

And I'm still trying to get out of college!

I stroked Percy's hair and kissed his cheek.

"That's very good. She must be proud, no matter where she is."

"I just wish she were here."

“Me too.” I replied when Percy fell silent, reminding me of my mother, who was still very much alive. I would like to say that my story was as traumatic as Percy’s, but that would be a big lie. I decided to keep quiet too and continue playing with Percy’s hair until sleep came to both of us.

"Can you pass me the flour?" I heard Percy say in his low, husky voice.

We were in the kitchen, baking chocolate chip cookies, while the food was spread out on the table. Percy stirred the mixture and I watched his firm, determined movements, occasionally throwing an ingredient into the dough. I was sitting and he was standing, practically ignoring me, and yet, I couldn't tell which was sweeter—the cookies, aromatic and sweet, or him, looking so competent and handsome in his dark blue apron.

“Beautiful,” was what I wanted to say to Percy when I found him in the kitchen that morning.

For a moment when I woke up, I opened my eyes and didn't recognize where I was. I looked around, looking for my bedside clock, only finding my cell phone, which was dead. I investigated the rest of the room and remembered, I wasn't at home, I was in a government institution serving a type of non-punitive sentence. However, what really made me get out of bed was the smell of food. Of coffee and something sweet, something that reminded me of better days, of childhood, of my sisters and our home in Italy.

When I came downstairs, I was treated to the best of sights. Percy was shirtless and barefoot, standing in front of the stove, stirring something in a giant frying pan while humming to himself. Percy tasted the food with a small spoon and turned off the heat, then turned to the counter, already mixing something in a large transparent dish.

"Hmm… what a nice smell." I came up behind him and put my hands on his waist, resting my head under his neck, giving him a little kiss there. Well, maybe more than one.

Percy groaned, tensing, and stopped what he was doing until I released him and I walked around the counter, stopping in front of him.

There it was, that lovely blush on his face, Percy's eyes fixed on the platter.

"Do you want cookies? They shouldn't be long."

"I didn't mean to invade your space."

"You didn't."

"So, why don't you look me in the eyes?"

Percy stopped stirring the dough and lifted his head, looking at me, looking embarrassed.

"I'm not used to this."

"To what?" I wanted to know.

"That, someone's approaching me of their own free will. That… unpretentious affection."

How was I supposed to understand this? That Percy didn't let other people get close, or that other people didn't want to get close to him?

"What does that mean?

“When people look at me,” Percy said, turning his attention back to the cookies. “…they expect me to act a certain way.”

"How?"

Percy shrugs and pours some milk into the mixture.

"How do they expect you to act, Percy?"

"Well… I'm tall and muscular, I know. They expect me to want to have sex with them, when in reality I want them to have sex with me."

Hmmm… that wouldn't be a problem with me. But that's not what I said.

"I am really sorry."

“It’s okay.” Percy shrugged again. “I understand why they think that.”

However, Percy had such a sad look in his eyes… his spine was also hunched, as if he was trying to protect himself, which told me that this had happened more often than Percy let on.

"I think we should talk." I said, changing the subject.

"Talk?"

"Yes."

Percy seemed to deflate even more. Anyway, he nodded, poured the cookie dough onto a baking sheet, put it in the oven, and followed me out of the kitchen.

"Sit down, Percy. I don't bite." I laughed at my own joke, even though Percy trailed behind me, discouraged.

I watched Percy sit on a couch across from me, about ten feet away, and sighed. I didn't understand what all the fuss was about. So I got up, walked around the living room, and sat down next to him, holding his shaking hands.

"Relax, no one is leaving here. I want to talk about limits."

“Limits?” Percy exclaimed in surprise, as if the notion of such a word had never crossed his mind.

"Yes, limits. What is allowed and what is not. Your tastes and how you want to be treated. How you don't want to be treated."

“How do I want to be treated?” I saw Percy cross his arms over his chest and lean back, as if the question offended him.

"Yes." I said. "Do you know the concept of consensuality?"

"Who doesn't know? What does this have to do with us?"

I almost smiled. It was nice to know that Percy could do more than just follow orders. Because, I had to admit, I didn't know if I could live with someone who couldn't have a shred of self-respect or understand the difference between right and wrong.

"I want you to tell me what you like."

“You’re not supposed to know about th-” Percy stopped mid-sentence, his eyes widening. “I… I didn’t mean it like that.”

"Yes, you did." I smiled at him, feeling the guilt lift from my shoulders with each word. "How do you like it? Like this?"

I held his hands and stroked them slowly, watching his reaction. A small gasp escaped his lips.

"Or like this?" I approached and grabbed him by the neck, holding onto his collar. I pulled his hair back and kissed him, making him lean all the way towards me.

When I released him, Percy let out such a delicious little moan, panting so sweetly, that I couldn't resist and kissed him again, biting his lower lip and sticking my tongue in his mouth until he melted completely.

"Do you really like pain?"

Percy didn't respond and I pulled his hair again, eliciting a broken moan from him: "Ye-es!"

"Humiliation? Being dominated?"

"Yes!"

This time, I didn't even need to get an answer out of him. Percy was breathing so fast and rubbing his thighs together so impatiently that it was hard not to understand.

"Active or passive?"

"Passive? Active? Both?" Percy said, panting, all confused, holding onto my shoulders, his eyes wide open, looking at me head on for the first time, even though there was no intention of confrontation.

"You'll have to be patient with me."

"Patient?" He tilted his head to the side, trying to understand.

"I'm a virgin."

Well, that was almost it.

It wasn't true, but I wanted to see the reaction on his face. Well… it had been so long since I done it that I felt like one. And Percy didn't disappoint me, the expression of surprise came first, then curiosity. Percy looked down, towards my waist, and bit his lip, looking very interested.

"Will you teach me, Percy? How do you like to be touched? How do you want to touch me?"

Percy just nodded, looking uncertain.

"Let's learn together, okay? I don't want you to feel uncomfortable."

That seemed to reassure Percy. I kissed him once more on the lips and slowly released him.

"Why don't you finish the cookies while we eat? Roberta is waiting for us."

Percy waved excitedly and stood up, but before he walked away, he planted a wet kiss on my cheek and fled to the kitchen. I followed in his shadow, and sat down in the same place as before. He served us and after a few minutes, the cookies were ready. With both of us already dressed and ready for another session with Roberta and Carla, I held Percy's hand and smiled at him. I just needed to remember to ask them for some tips and, if possible, read Percy's profile. I knew they would have all the information we would need if I wanted this to work.

So, what did you think? I was thinking of turning this one into an original too, but… despite the theme, it gives me such a feeling of immaturity! It also seems a bit rushed. Yet, besides the fact that it makes me feel a bit ashamed because of the fetishization, I like it. It's different from what I would write nowadays. It was written in 2020! I feel older and older by the minute. As always, it's incomplete, but it's around 80,000 words long. Maybe I'll finish it at some point. For now, I'll put it up here. It's also on AO3 and SpiritFanfic.

You would like to see more of this story? Please go to page's bottom and a answer quick question, ok?

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Oii, como vai? Sim, aqui estou eu vindo com mais uma história. O problema é que aconteceu um pequeno acidente, sem querer excluí uns 100 giga de informação do meu computador, exatamente onde minhas histórias estavam. A boa noticia é que eu tinha minhas histórias mais atuais salvas no google drive. Eu perdi algumas coisas? Muitasss. Já passei pelo estagio da raiva e frustração e agora estou na aceitação. E como eu queria tirar minha mente disso, decidi rever essa história. Bem… ela não tem um plot bem elaborado e é super fetichizada, mas é divertida. Espero que vocês gostem. A partir de agora meus posts serão bi lingues, ok? A primeira parte desse texto contem a versão em inglês.

Sumário!

"Em um mundo onde pessoas são dividas entre submissos e dominadores, Nico é obrigado a cumprir o serviço mandatório, a não ser que ele queira ser preso e encoleirado feito os milhares de submissos que ele vê pela cidade.

#Nicercy #Pernico #Percico #Dom!Nico #Sub!Percy #reversão de papéis."

Parte I - O início

— Assim mesmo. — Uma das garotas disse para mim.

— Assim? — Eu disse e voltei chupar o membro do homem deitado contra o sofá. Eu não achava que estivesse fazendo um bom trabalho, porque tudo o que fiz até agora foi chupar a cabeça gorda e lamber sempre que mais pré-gozo saia. Não era tão amargo como eu pensava que seria e muito menos tão difícil assim. Mas como o cara não tinha parado de gemer até agora, eu deveria estar fazendo certo.

— Agora, você tem que apertar mais os lábios.

— Hmmm? — Murmurei, procurando por aprovação. Fiz o que elas me pediam e selei meus lábios em volta do membro, descendo só um pouco mais para poder chupar a cabeça inteira.

O cara praticamente se jogou para fora do sofá, gemendo como se doesse.

— Muito bom. Não se esqueça de segurar na base, ok? Sempre esteja no controle se não quiser que eles o tirem de você. Porque eles vão aproveitar a oportunidade.

Levantei minha cabeça para tomar ar e olhei para elas, me mantendo fiel ao meu papel de principiante inocente.

— Qual a forma mais fácil de fazer eles gozarem?

— Os testículos. — Ambas as garotas disseram, se entreolhando enquanto riam. — Eles são muito sensíveis, sabe? Um pequeno puxão pode significar muita dor ou muito prazer.

— Como? — Eu quis saber, mesmo que eu já soubesse.

— Assim.

Uma delas, acho que Roberta, disse. Ela levou uma de suas mãos bem feitas até as grandes bolas do homem à nossa frente servindo de cobaia, e o tocou suavemente. Ela deu uma leve puxadinha e o homem abriu mais as pernas e jogou a cabeça para trás, seu membro se contorcendo todo, mais pregozo escorrendo lentamente pela extensão.

— Agora, se você fizer isso… — Foi quando ela segurou nas bolas com vontade, as prendendo para baixo e as puxou. O homem gritou tão alto que parecia que ele estava sendo assassinado. Mesmo assim, ele continuou ereto e excitado, todo obediente, arfando, como se estivesse em uma maratona.

— Viu? Agora é sua vez.

— Não acho que eu possa. — Não era o que um dominador devia estar fazendo, nada daquilo era. Afinal, eu nem tinha conversado com esse submisso, não era certo tocar em algo que não me pertencia.

— Você pode, sim.

— Porque você não tenta... beijá-las? — Uma delas sugeriu.

— Beijar? Eu posso? — Olhei para o submisso, todo estatelado na cadeira parecendo estar fora do ar. Ele era todo respiração rápida e olhos bem apertados, tentando se manter quieto. 

— Você pode fazer o que quiser, contanto que você deixe claro quem é que manda.

— Eu não tenho certeza. — Ou talvez, eu não quisesse.

— Vamos, só dessa vez. Não vamos te obrigar de novo.

Olhei para o homem que parecia a ponto de explodir, sua expressão entre o extremo prazer e a extrema dor, me deixando ainda mais incomodado. Porque, de novo, esse submisso não era meu; era quase uma falta de respeito. E eu ainda não sabia se queria ter outro submisso depois de tanto tempo.

— Eu posso fazer ele gozar, então? — Para acabar logo com isso? Pensei irritado.

As garotas se entreolharam e deram de ombros, Karla falando dessa vez:

— Acho que tudo bem. Ele não goza há mais de três meses e nós prometemos que deixaríamos.

— Três meses? — Eu não podia acreditar no que ouvia. Não porque fosse difícil acreditar e sim porque… parecia que as coisas não tinham mudado nada.

— Sim, Nico. Ele é um submisso masoquista. Ele gosta e concordou em estar aqui. Percy sabia perfeitamente o que iria acontecer.

— Você acha que obrigamos eles a se ajoelhar a nossos pés? Eles fazem por vontade própria. — Roberta falou.

— Então, capriche. Ele não vai gozar durante um tempo bem mais longo do que isso.

— Você tem certeza disso? Acho que eu não sou o mais indi--

— Percy, diga a ele.

— Eu... por favor, senhora... senhor... eu... eu preciso.

— Sim, bom garoto. Adoro te ver implorando. — Roberta se levantou e foi em direção a Percy, massageando seus cabelos como uma mãe amorosa faria.

Percy, com quase dois metros de altura e músculos bem trabalhados, suspirou e se esfregou na mão oferecida, como se fosse o melhor presente do mundo.

Para mim, isso parecia carência e complexo de abandono. 

— Viu. É sua escolha, Nico. Afinal, você vai cuidar dele pelo tempo em que estiver aqui. Percy lida muito bem em seguir ordens e se adequá rápido a pessoas diferentes. Se ele goza hoje ou daqui a dois meses, é sua decisão.

— Minha? Tão cedo? Você não pode--

— Eu pensei que você quisesse fazer isso. E qual o melhor jeito de aprender do que a prática?

Olho para Percy e vejo que durante todo esse tempo ele manteve as próprias mãos atrás da cadeira, completamente pelado e submisso, sem dar um piu que não fosse para dar um gemido ou uma súplica, e sem olhar diretamente para nós se não fosse explicitamente ordenado. Agora, Percy olhava para mim de cabeça baixa, numa posição de respeito, mas ainda olhava para mim entre os cílios.

Será mesmo que eu devia estar ali? Será que eu era bom o suficiente para manter alguém satisfeito depois de tanto tempo?

— Então, como vai ser? Ele goza ou não? — Foi o último aviso de Roberta.

Respirei fundo e estendi as mãos. Devagar, o mais devagar que pude, toquei nos grandes e inchados testículos de Percy, e comecei a rolá-los entre os dedos.

Arfei, maravilhado, e observei Percy estremecer todo e depois relaxar contra o sofá, soltando um gemidinho manhoso. Fazia muito tempo que eu não me aproximava de outra pessoa com essa finalidade, sendo que nem quando tive um submisso me permitia esse tipo de gesto. Nunca. Não seria visto com bons olhos se um dominador tentasse dar prazer a um submisso. O dever de um dominador era controlar e ser agradado, enquanto o de um submisso era de obedecer e satisfazer seu mestre, sem nenhum desvio ou nada no meio. Agora, porque as coisas eram assim, ninguém tinha me explicado, eu só sabia que para um submisso, a dor fazia parte do pacote, já o prazer, raramente. Pelo menos, era de acordo com o que tinham me ensinado.  

Só para testar, segurei as bolas em uma mão e as puxei para baixo, devagar, vendo a expressão no rosto de Percy mudar de prazer para algo… vazio. Eu jurava, ao invés de ver dor ali, tudo o que vi foi a pura entrega de Percy. 

Percy se esticou todo e arfou, curvando os dedos do pé, entretanto, quando voltei a massageá-lo tão suavemente quanto antes, as afrouxando, a coisa mais extraordinária aconteceu. Percy gemeu baixinho e longamente, curvando a coluna, seu membro estremeceu pela última vez, enquanto que fio atrás de fio de um líquido grosso e amarelado saiu da cabeça gorda e avermelhada, escorrendo pelas coxas torneadas e abdômen definido.

Foi tão repentino que tirei minhas mãos dele, dando um pulo para trás. Observei Percy se remexer todo, grunhindo e fungando, lágrimas saindo de seus olhos inchados até que finalmente o membro em questão se acalmou e caiu ainda completamente ereto contra o abdômen de Percy.

— Oh, magnífico! — Roberta exclamou, satisfeita, batendo palmas. — Você acaba de arruinar um orgasmo. Como você se sente?

O estranho era que Roberta perguntava isso para mim e não para Percy que ainda gemia baixinho, seu membro voltando a pulsar, bem na nossa frente.

— Como eu me sinto? Não deveria ser Percy--

— Não se preocupe com isso. — Roberta disse, sorrindo docemente.

— Mas ele ainda está duro!

— Ah, é só um pequeno detalhe. — Roberta disse e Carla concordou. — Agora que ele teve seu orgasmo, de volta para a gaiola.

— Gaiola? Você quer dizer… — Aquele instrumento de tortura? Eu quis dizer a ela.

— Cas-ti-da-de. — Carla disse, soletrando. — Ele é o mais obediente quando é negado. Você não terá nenhum problema com ele. A não ser que você queira ter alguma diversão. É só não deixar ele gozar com muita frequência.

Cruzei os braços e olhei para elas. Roberta e Carla observavam Percy com olhares afetuosos. Depois olhei para Percy que tinha os olhos fechados, já se acalmando, parecendo cansado e... satisfeito? Não, o que melhor o descrevia era contente. Isso, frustrantemente contente.

— Obrigado, senhoras, senhor.

— Bom garoto. — Roberta disse. Ela deu a volta na sala e parou mais uma vez ao lado de Percy, acariciando os cabelos dele, enquanto se virava para mim. — Sabe, ele é um homem muito solitário. Na maior parte do tempo tudo o que ele precisa é de um carinho e um pouco de atenção. Quando as coisas começarem a ficar muito frustrantes, uma palmatória ou uma cena já dá contra. Uma ou duas vezes por mês, uma boa transada é essencial.

— Como? E porquê? — Tive que perguntar.

— Percy vem até nós para... descarregar essa agressividade que ele tem. É catártico para ele. Às vezes, você vai precisar ser firme e rígido. Quanto mais ele lutar, mais firme você vai ter que ser. Mas isso só vai acontecer se você não der o que ele precisa.

— Como eu poderia saber disso? É ridículo!

— Ele é uma pessoa vocal. Se ele precisar de alguma coisa, ele vai te pedir. Pode ser com gestos ou palavras, é bem difícil não entender. Qualquer dúvida você pode vir até nós.

— Você tem certeza que sou a pessoa mais indicada para isso?

— Sim. Você é suave, mas firme quando necessário. A autoridade que Percy precisa.

— E porquê não uma de vocês duas?

— Nós já temos nossos brinquedinhos. Só estávamos ensinando ele até que achássemos a pessoa perfeita.

— Eu sou essa pessoa?

— Não fomos nós que escolhemos, apesar de acharmos que vocês são um bom par.

— Percy escolheu. — Carla terminou a fala de Roberta.

— Percy escolheu?

Tive que olhar para Percy relaxado contra a poltrona depois disso. Ele agora tinha o rosto todo corado, olhando para qualquer lugar que não fosse para mim.

— Hmm. — Murmurei, talvez começando a me interessar. — Acho que tudo bem. Eu só...

— Você…?

— Não prometo nada. Vou tentar, mas se não der certo… não me culpem.

— Ninguém vai fazer isso. Aqui, nós somos uma família. Pode não parecer, mas nós somos.

— Eu sei. Não quis ofender.

— Você não ofende. — Carla disse.

— Pois, bem. Seja bem-vindo oficialmente a nossa família. A chave da sua casa é essa. Se acomode e depois nos diga o que você achou. Percy já está instalado, então se houver algum problema nos contate, ok?

Cansado de discutir, concordei e aceitei a guia que era ligada à correia de Percy. Ela era feita de couro, uma tira fina e negra que se ligava a coleira que Percy usava, uma igualmente de couro preto e pesada, agarrado ao redor do pescoço de Percy exatamente como mãos fariam, o prendendo feito um cachorro em uma focinheira. 

Assim, ambos nos levantamos, eu da almofada super macia, e Percy, do sofá de couro. Porém, quando eu fiquei em pé, não estava preparado para ver o que aconteceu. Percy, aquele que deveria ser o submisso suave e vulnerável, se levantou junto, tendo facilmente mais de dez centímetros a mais que eu. O engraçado é que eu não me sentia menor do que ele, e se duvidasse, Percy poderia ser o menor de todos se dependesse da atitude dele. Ele se curvava um pouco, tinha as mãos atrás das costas e mantinha a cabeça abaixada, olhando para a frente como se quisesse se esconder, mesmo que até se curvando fosse facilmente a pessoa mais alta na sala.

— Obrigado, eu acho.

Tentei sorrir e puxei levemente a correia de Percy. Ele foi, é claro, sempre um passo atrás de mim, mas perto o suficiente, quase enfiando o rosto no meu pescoço e se curvando sobre mim. Eu não sabia porque, mas tinha a impressão que não era necessária toda essa aproximação. Suspirei e olhei para trás, pegando Percy me olhando fixamente. 

Eu parei no meio do caminho e continuei o encarando até que ele se deu conta do que fazia e abaixou a cabeça, parecendo encabulado.

— Me desculpe, Mestre.

— Sei. 

Olhei mais alguns segundos para ele e me virei, continuando nosso caminho. Se eu quisesse sair dessa sem ter que cumprir alguma pena ou me tornar um submisso, eu teria que fazer isso dar certo. Tudo culpa dessas leis ridículas que diziam que, ou eu era um dom, ou eu era sub, e que se até meus vinte e um anos eu não decidisse por conta própria, o governo decidiria por mim. 

Isso que dá não ter interesse por sexo, agora eu teria que recuperar todo o tempo perdido. Se eu cumprisse no mínimo um ano de “serviços prestados”, estaria livre para viver como bem entendesse, como lutei até não poder mais, teria que viver monitorado e sempre vigiado até que tudo isso acabasse.

Parte II

Eu não sabia muito bem o que fazer, então peguei minhas coisas no prédio da administração e segui o guarda que nos guiou até a casa de número 43. O guarda bateu continência e se afastou, andando apressado para longe da gente. Estranho. Olhei para a porta, e me lembrei da chave que tinha sido entregue a mim. Eu a peguei do bolso e a coloquei na fechadura eletrônica. Na verdade, era um cartão. Tudo o que eu precisava fazer era encostar o cartão e dar minha digital, e voilá! Um apito baixo soou, a porta destrancou e se abriu automaticamente para nós.

Eu ainda não podia acreditar, tudo era tão estranho e tão arrumadinho… coloquei a cabeça para dentro da casa e já quis sair dali. Essa não era minha casa, não era meu lar--

— Senhor?

Eu? Eu era o senhor?

Olhei para Percy e vi que o homem gigante ainda esperava comigo do lado de fora da casa, a dois passos de distância de mim. 

Pelo menos ele aprendia rápido.

— Porque você não entrou? — Tive a necessidade de perguntar.

— Porque… o senhor não entrou também.

O quê? Significava que eu tinha que entrar primeiro? Isso fazia eu me lembrar de Maria e Hades… lembranças que era melhor ficar no passado.

— Entre, Percy. — Eu disse ao invés.

E somente quando eu disse isso foi que Percy suspirou aliviado e entrou, carregando minhas malas com ele.

Estranho.

Entrei na casa junto a ele e caminhei até a sala de estar, o fazendo parar comigo. Percy continuou olhando para mim, ainda segurando as malas e esperando por alguma coisa, e só então percebi que eu ainda segurava a guia dele, que na verdade eu a segurava com força, o forçando a permanecer perto.

— Será que você poderia colocar minhas coisas no quarto? — Soltei sua guia e a vi cair da minha mão, ela parecendo se mover em câmera lenta até bater no peito nu Percy e a ponta repousar em seu abdômen, contrastando lindamente com sua pele bronzeada, sem nem uma marquinha em todo seu corpo esculpido. 

Meu olhar ficou ali por um momento, observando a perfeição que ele era quando ouvi um pigarro.

— Isso é uma ordem ou pergunta? — escutei Percy dizer.

Olhei para Percy, sentindo um sorriso querer aparecer pela primeira vez desde que cheguei aqui, mas Percy não parecia nada bem. Ele tinha empalidecido e olhava para o chão, tentando se encolher.

— Me desculpe, senhor.

— Nada disso. E não me chame de senhor.

— Do que devo chamá-lo?

— Nico ou Niccolas. O que você quiser.

— Eu não devo. Não é apropriado.

Pensei sobre isso e comecei a andar pelo cômodo, me forçando a me acostumar com a ideia de morar ali e de ter um submisso novamente.

— Que tal você me chamar de Nico quando somos só nós dois? E me chamar do apropriado quando estivermos em público?

— Sim, senhor. — Quando fiz uma careta, Percy concluiu. — Sim, Nico.

Então, Percy se virou, andou para fora da sala e quando voltou a aparecer, ele tinha um objeto na mão e um pote na outra.

— Sen-- Nico, eu… eu trouxe isso.

Percy colocou as coisas em cima da mesa de centro e eu me aproximei, analisando os objetos. 

Aquilo era…? Não! Mas era! Um cinto de castidade, a gaiola que Roberta tinha citado. Quando as garotas mencionaram isso pensei que fosse brincadeira, não seria a primeira vez que elas fariam isso comigo. Mas ali estava, um objeto de ferro maciço de cor clara e prata, parecendo bem pesada.

Eu me aproximei de Percy e toquei em seu ombro, tentando confortá-lo.

— Você não precisa fazer isso. Não vou contar a elas. — Eu disse no tom mais manso que pude. 

— Eu… eu quero. O senhor poderia…

Pisquei, tentando ter certeza se o que eu via era real e, sim, Percy abriu bem as pernas, ofereceu o objeto a mim e abaixou a cabeça, obediente e submisso, praticamente implorando. Eu ainda me lembrava o que elas tinham dito, Percy pediria o que ele precisasse e cabia a mim conceder seus desejos.

— É o que você quer?

Percy acenou que sim, mas eu ainda não sabia como fazer isso. Nem sabia se queria.

— Eu devo…?

— Sim.

— Como vai caber?

Porque, de fato, a gaiola era bemmm pequena, no máximo dois a três centímetros de espaço. Eu não sei como isso era possível. Ou confortável.

— Você quer me mostrar? — E quando Percy fez uma careta, eu completei: — Só dessa vez.

Vocês veem, o negócio era complicado. Percy ainda estava meio ereto e tudo aquilo com toda a certeza não caberia em um lugar tão estreito. Tipo, era muito grande, mais do que meu, isso eu podia afirmar. 

Observei Percy sentar no sofá, abrir bem as pernas e encaixar a primeira parte do objeto em seus testículos. Ele as prendeu direitinho, pegou a segunda parte do ferro, encaixou sobre a cabeça do membro e a empurrou para baixo. Eu só podia sofrer em silêncio vendo Percy se remexer desconfortável, tentando fazer algo tão grande caber em algo tão pequeno.

— Nico, você poderia pegar para mim?

Percy indicou o pote e quando me aproximei vi que era gelo. Muito gelo, alguns já derretidos e outros bem inteiros. Levei o pote até Percy, já temendo pelo pior, quando ouvi:

— Você pode passar em mim?

Sim, ele não disse “passar para mim” e sim “passar em mim”. 

Deuses, eu iria direto para o inferno. Mas tentando ser um bom dom, me agachei entre suas pernas abertas e peguei um pedaço de gelo. Eu o levei até a base do membro de Percy e comecei a deslizar o gelo suavemente por ali.

— Assim?

— Mais… ah!... mais forte… por favor? — Percy gemeu, implorando, arfando rápido.

Eu fiz, peguei mais gelo e pressionei com mais força, subindo até onde a gaiola não alcançava quando ouvi um gemidinho ardido. A gaiola entrou e foi até o fim, o membro de Percy amolecendo, agora confinado dentro daqueles míseros três centímetros. Era de fato um encaixe mais do que apertado.

— Você está bem, querido? — eu não pude me conter, acariciando as pernas dele, tentando o acalmar.

— Sim. — Percy respondeu baixinho, suas maçãs do rosto coradas. — Eu preciso colocar o cadeado na tranca.

Olhei em volta e vi que de fato havia um cadeado minúsculo em cima da mesa junto a uma chave. Me estiquei e o peguei, voltando para perto de Percy, encaixando o cadeado na tranca e o prendendo.

— Assim? — Voltei a perguntar.

— Sim. Sim. — Percy repetiu sem ar, jogado contra o sofá, ainda todo exposto, parecendo não se importar que eu continuasse o olhando.

— E a chave?

— Quero que fique com o senhor.

— Do que você precisa? Você sabe que sou novo nisso, não sabe? Você tem que me dizer, não importa o que seja.

Mas enquanto eu dizia isso, minhas mãos foram em direção a cinta de Percy. Eu me sentia em um parque de diversão, querendo experimentar todos os brinquedos de uma só vez. E definitivamente, começava a entender o que as garotas diziam com “ter seus próprios brinquedos”. Eu não lembrava ser tão divertido ter um submisso.

Deslizei minhas mãos pelas pernas de Percy vendo seu suave arfar e seus músculos tremerem, e toquei naquelas bolas ainda inchadas, parecendo muito necessitadas. Eu as massageie cuidadosamente e ouvi um gemidinho agudo vindo de Percy.

— Doí muito?

— Hmmhm. — Percy negou com a cabeça, mesmo que a expressão dele ficasse entre o meio-termo entre prazer e dor, mesmo que ele tentasse esconder o rosto.

— Percy, você quer que eu pare? Com palavras, por favor.

— Não, ah! Não, senhor.

O engraçado era que eu não conseguia entender como alguém daquela estatura e força poderia gostar de algo assim, tão… constritivo, ou eu deveria falar, libertador? Porque enquanto eu continuava minha exploração por suas bolas, brincando com elas e as movendo, Percy abriu mais as pernas e jogou a cabeça para trás como se estivesse gozando; eu apertei mais um pouco e um líquido começou a sair da cabeça avermelhada, através do metal.

Percy estava gozando? E como isso era possível? Não, esse deveria ser o único jeito de demonstrar estar excitado e como não havia como ter uma ereção, seus fluidos apenas… se manifestavam, certo? 

Eu definitivamente não lembrava de ter feito isso com meu antigo submisso.

— Tudo bem? — Perguntei quando Percy moveu a cintura, gemendo baixinho.

— Sim, senhor.

Só para testar, cansei de ficar agachado e me ajoelhei entre suas pernas. Olhei para os olhos quase fechados de Percy e abri a boca, levando minha cabeça para o meio de suas pernas. Segurei nas pernas dele e lambi a pontinha, devagar e gostoso, sem me preocupar com nada além de seus gemidos. Devo dizer que não era muito, porém era o suficiente para sentir o gosto de Percy e fazê-lo gritar. Decidi que era o suficiente quando Percy curvou a coluna e agarrou os próprios cabelos, arfando. Não que eu não estivesse me divertindo, mas estava ficando tarde e eu era responsável o bastante para entender quando eu via alguém chegar ao seu limite. Ou vai ver, era eu quem estava chegando no meu limite.

Eu me levantei, observando Percy todo estatelado contra o sofá, mas só me movi quando vi que ele respirava normalmente. Acariciei os cabelos de Percy, já que isso parecia acalmá-lo e peguei o pote com gelo que agora só tinha água derretida. Saí do cômodo e comecei a andar pela casa. Vi um banheiro, alguns quartos vazios até que no fim do corredor encontrei a cozinha. Despejei a água na pia, peguei um copo de água e voltei por onde tinha vindo.

Quando entrei na sala novamente, Percy ainda estava lá. Ele tinha os olhos fechados, as pernas em cima do sofá, enquanto ele as agarrava, a ansiedade nos movimentos de Percy bem óbvia. Eu não vi outra escolha, coloquei o copo na mesa de centro, me sentei junto a Percy no sofá e toquei em seus ombros, fazendo Percy pular, assustado.

— Está tudo bem. O que aconteceu?

— Nico?

— É claro.

— Oh. — Percy disse, parecendo mais surpreso ainda, tirando o rosto das pernas e me olhando de perto, seu rosto se iluminando ao me ver.

— Você pensou que eu tinha ido embora? Para onde eu iria?

— Me devolver. Não seria a primeira vez.

O-ou… alguma coisa estava muito errada ali. Quem devolveria Percy? Ele era tão bonito e forte e gostoso… pessoas preconceituosas, era isso o que elas eram.

— Está tudo bem. Vamos para o quarto, sim? Me mostra o caminho?

Percy acenou e se levantou. Com as pernas ainda bambas, Percy se apoiou em mim e ambos subimos para o andar superior da casa.  

***

— Como você se sente? Dói muito? — Eu achava que já tinha perguntado pela décima vez.

Eu não conseguia evitar. Sabia que Percy estava bem, agora com uma roupa quente e cobertas até o pescoço, mas ainda sim, eu não pude evitar. Devia ser a culpa de ter o tratado daquela forma, como um… como um objeto. Pronto, falei. Eu só gostaria que Percy falasse algo mais do que “sim, senhor” e “mais”, como agora, por exemplo.

— Palavras, por favor.

Percy se acomodou melhor na cama, no lado em que se deitava, e se virou para mim, seu olhar quase se fechando, contente. Ele puxou as cobertas mais para cima e continuou me olhando sem dizer uma palavra.

— Percy.

— Sim, Nico.

Viu? “Sim”. Era tudo o que ele me falava. 

Com seus olhos piscando devagar e mãos debaixo dos cobertores, Percy apenas se deixou ser ninado na tranquilidade, enquanto me encarava.

— Você não vai falar comigo?

Quando Percy não disse nada, suspirei. Desisti de tentar e me virei para tirar meus sapatos e roupas sujas.

— Ouvir sua voz faz eu me sentir melhor. Seguro. 

Senti mãos no meio das minhas costas e me virei para ver o acontecia. Era Percy, é claro, me abraçando por trás.

— Eu já disse que não vou a lugar nenhum.

— Então…

— Preciso tirar a roupa.

Percy me soltou como se estivesse sendo queimado e eu senti sua falta imediatamente.

— Eu não me importo. Você pode me tocar. Eu só preciso…

Me levantei antes que acontecesse outro acidente. Tirei toda roupa, me enfiei debaixo das cobertas e abri os braços:

— Você se importa? Gosto de dormir assim.

Percy negou com a cabeça e praticamente se jogou em meus braços, rodeando minha cintura com seus longos e musculosos braços e encostou sua cabeça sobre meu ombro, entre o vão do meu pescoço.

— Obrigado, Nico.

— O prazer é todo meu. — Falei, relaxando contra o batente da cama.

Parte III

Aquele dia tinha sido, de fato, muito longo. Primeiro, cheguei atrasado no trabalho, depois, dois oficiais do Gabinete de Assuntos Humanos apareceram. Eles até foram preparados com algemas e tudo, caso eu decidisse resistir. O mais chocante foi quando eles me falaram para eu dizer meu endereço e que eu precisava fazer as malas. 

“Leve tudo o que você puder” — Um deles falou.

“Seu chefe já sabe que você se ausentará por uma semana.” — O outro completou.

Foi tudo o que me disseram até chegarmos às instalações governamentais que gerenciavam os casais mais novos e problemáticos. No passado, a desculpa que tinham dado é que devido à internet as pessoas tinham parado de socializar e essa era uma medida necessária para aqueles que tivessem problemas em achar um par. É verdade que a taxa de natalidade e casamentos duradouros tinha crescido e tudo, e a taxa de mortes e agressividade, tanto em homens quanto em mulheres, baixado, mas, no fundo, todos sabiam que essa era apenas mais uma forma de controlar e ter certeza que todos fariam sua parte para a continuação da propagação da espécie.

Assim que desci do carro, um letreiro bem grande em letras garrafais podia ser visto: “Instituto de Assuntos Humanos”. Estava mais para bordel, um bem esterilizado e chique, mas era o que era.

Logo na porta, duas mulheres me receberam com sorrisos e gestos apressados, pedindo que eu as seguisse. Pela primeira vez na vida, fiz o que me pediam, na esperança que se eu obedecesse tudo aquilo terminaria o mais rápido possível.

Passamos pela administração do lugar e depois elas me levaram por um corretor tão longo que pensei que ele nunca teria fim. 

Elas pararam em frente a uma porta e se viraram para mim.

— Sinto muito pela pressa. No momento, estamos com muitos internos e temos que dar um jeito nisso rapidíssimo. Vamos explicar tudo depois, agora, precisamos que você escolha alguém, a pessoa que mais te chamar atenção, ok? Não se preocupe se não der certo, temos tempo para trocar se for necessário.

— Trocar o quê? — Foi tudo o que consegui dizer antes de uma delas me arrastar para dentro da sala, enquanto que a outra ficou do lado de fora, esperando.

Entrei na sala e vi que lá dentro havia cinco pessoas. Três mulheres e dois homens, todos pelados, sentados em cadeiras confortáveis enquanto alguns falavam entre si.

— Senhoras e senhores, temos um visitante.

Assim que ouviram o que a mulher disse, eles se levantaram e se ergueram com suas colunas eretas, peito estufado e mãos atrás das costas, mantendo os pés afastados.

— Muito bem. — A mulher disse, batendo palmas. — O que você está esperando, inspecione seus submissos.

— Eu? — Eu disse, apontando para minha pessoa.

— Você espera que eu escolha por você? — Ela deu uma risadinha e começou a andar pela sala. — Que tal Katt, aqui? Ela pode realizar suas fantasias mais loucas.

Cruzei os braços e virei a cabeça para a parede, me negando a participar disso.

— Não? Então, um dos rapazes. Luke é uma boa escolha. Você nunca se sentirá entediado com ele.

Eu me virei em direção a ela para dizer que aquilo era ridículo quando vi a quem ela se referia, o homem era tão alto quanto eu e seus olhos faiscavam, o que significava que a mulher estava certa em suas previsões.

— Eu não quero ninguém. Porque você não me manda para casa e resolve tudo isso com outra pessoa, sim?

— Infelizmente, isso não é possível. Ou você escolhe um deles e acata nossas ordens, ou algo pior pode acontecer. Você não quer que isso aconteça, quer?

— Eu preciso mesmo?

— Sim, eu sinto que sim.

— Tá bom. Então… — Eu me virei para as opções disponíveis e analisei cada uma delas. Eu não chegaria perto de uma mulher mesmo que me pagassem, aquilo simplesmente não era minha praia, e o que restou foram os dois homens; um era o tal de Luke, que sorria para mim, prometendo noites de intenso prazer. Então, me virei para o outro homem, que praticamente se escondia no lado mais distante da sala, parecendo querer sumir dali.

Andei pela fileira de pessoas e parei em frente a ele. O homem olhava para baixo e tinha uma expressão tão triste que senti o impulso de abraçá-lo. E quando digo homem, é exatamente isso. Enquanto que as outras pessoas na sala não deviam passar de vinte ou vinte e dois anos, esse deveria ter no mínimo uns trinta. Eu sentia que não deveria ser tão impulsivo, entretanto quando menos vi, segurei no queixo dele, tentando fazê-lo me encarar. Ali, descobri os olhos verde-azulados mais bonitos e profundos que eu já tinha encontrado.

— Eu quero ele. — Eu disse, sem pensar. O homem apenas piscou, lento, e franziu as sobrancelhas, sem dar uma palavra ou lutar contra meu agarre.

— Muito bom, uma ótima escolha. Percy irá se encaixar a você perfeitamente. — A mulher, então, se voltou à sala e anunciou: — Vocês estão liberados. Desculpe, gente.

As pessoas murmuraram chateadas, mas obedeceram. Elas saíram uma a uma até que só restou ela, Percy e eu. O resto, vocês já sabem, “aprendi” o básico sobre sexo, conceptivos e outras coisas a mais. E de fato, nunca pensei que ser responsável por alguém pudesse ser tão… interessante. Não era um fardo, como pensei que seria, e não era cansativo e irritante, como pensei que me sentiria; era como abrir os olhos para um mundo novo, um mundo que eu pensei que tinha esquecido as regras, mas que estava disposto a redescobrir.

— O que você quer saber? — Ouvi Percy falando baixinho, contra a pele de meu pescoço, quando eu pensava que Percy já tinha caído no sono.

— Hmm… quero saber tudo.

— Isso não é uma pergunta.

— Então, tudo bem, espertinho. Sua cor favorita?

— Cor favorita? — Percy questionou, sua voz tomando um tom alegre.

— Sim, qual o problema?

— Azul. — Ele disse, suspirando. — Todos os tons de azul.

— Só azul?

— Só azul.

— Comida favorita?

— Eu não tenho uma.

— Vamos, me diga alguma coisa.

— Eu… quando eu era pequeno, no meu aniversário… minha mãe costumava fazer tudo azul. Docinhos, torta, bolo. Até o refrigerante era azul.

— Então sua comida favorita é azul? — Eu queria rir do absurdo disso. Mas era fofo e doce, igual a Percy.

— Banda favorita?

— Eu não sei, gosto de várias. Eu só… coleciono música.

— Quem você mais admira?

— Minha mãe. — Dessa vez, Percy não hesitou em admitir. — Ela era a pessoa mais forte do mundo. Quando meu pai desapareceu, ela fez o melhor que pôde.

— Foi difícil?

— Hmmhm. — Percy murmurou, se aconchegando melhor a ele. — Durante um tempo foi, fiz o que pude para ajudar ela.

— O que aconteceu?

— Ela morreu antes que eu pudesse dar o que ela devia ter tido.

— E agora?

— Agora? Tenho meu próprio negócio, sou CEO de uma empresa que presta serviços de investimentos. A J&C associação e administração.

E eu ainda tentando sair da faculdade! 

Acariciei os cabelos de Percy e beijei seu rosto.

— Isso é muito bom. Ela deve estar orgulhosa, não importa onde ela esteja.

— Eu só gostaria que ela estivesse aqui.

— Eu também. — Respondi quando Percy se calou, me fazendo lembrar da minha mãe, que ainda estava bem viva. Eu gostaria de dizer que minha história era tão traumática quanto a de Percy, mas isso seria uma grande mentira. Decidi também me calar e continuar brincando com os cabelos de Percy até que o sono chegasse a nós dois.

***

— Você pode me passar a farinha? — Ouvi Percy falar em seu tom de voz baixo e rouco.

Estávamos na cozinha, assando biscoitos de chocolate, enquanto que a comida nos esperava espalhada pela mesa. Percy mexia a mistura e eu observava seus movimentos firmes e decididos, vez ou outra, jogando algum ingrediente na massa. Eu sentado e ele de pé, praticamente me ignorando, e ainda assim, eu não sabia o que era mais doce — os biscoitos, aromáticos e adocicados, ou ele, parecendo tão competente e bonito com seu avental azul-escuro. 

“Lindo”, foi o que eu quis dizer a Percy quando o encontrei na cozinha naquela manhã. 

Por um momento ao acordar, abri os olhos e não reconheci onde estava. Olhei para os lados, em busca do meu relógio de cabeceira, apenas encontrando meu celular, descarregado. Investiguei o resto do quarto e me lembrei, eu não estava em casa, estava em uma instituição do governo cumprindo um tipo de pena não-punitiva. Entretanto, o que realmente me fez sair da cama foi o cheiro de comida. De café e algo doce, algo que me fazia lembrar de dias melhores, da infância, de minhas irmãs e da nossa casa na Itália.

Quando desci as escadas, fui presenteado com a melhor das visões. Percy estava sem camisa e descalço, em frente ao fogão, mexendo algo em uma frigideira gigante, enquanto cantarolava. Percy provou a comida com uma colher pequena e desligou o fogo, logo em seguida se virou para a bancada, já misturando algo em uma grande travessa transparente.

— Hmm… que cheiro bom. — Cheguei por trás dele e coloquei minhas mãos em sua cintura, encostando minha cabeça sob seu pescoço, dando um beijinho ali. Bem, talvez mais de um.

Percy gemeu, ficando tenso, e parou o que fazia até que eu o soltei e dei a volta na bancada, parando em frente a ele.

Ali estava, aquele adorável tom avermelhado em seu rosto, seus olhos fixados na travessa.

— Você quer biscoitos? Eles não devem demorar.

— Não quis invadir seu espaço.

— Você não invadiu.

— Então, porque você não me olha nos olhos?

Percy parou de mexer a massa e levantou a cabeça, me encarando, parecendo encabulado.

— Não estou acostumado com isso.

— Com o quê? — Eu quis saber.

— Isso, alguém se aproximando de mim por vontade própria. Esse… afeto sem pretensões.

Como eu deveria entender isso? Que Percy não deixava outras pessoas se aproximarem ou era as outras pessoas que não se aproximavam?

— O que isso quer dizer? 

— Quando as pessoas olham para mim… — Percy disse, voltando sua atenção para os biscoitos. — … elas esperam que eu aja de certa forma.

— Como?

Percy dá de ombros e derrama um pouco de leite na mistura.

— Como eles esperam que você aja, Percy?

— Bem… sou alto e musculoso, eu sei. Elas esperam que eu vá querer transar com elas, quando, na verdade, quero que elas transem comigo.

Hmmm… isso não seria um problema comigo. Mas não foi o que eu disse.

— Sinto muito.

— Está tudo bem. — Percy deu de ombros mais uma vez. — Entendo porque eles pensam assim.

Porém, Percy tinha um olhar tão triste… sua coluna também estava curvada, como se ele tentasse se proteger, o que me dizia que isso tinha acontecido mais vezes do que Percy deixava transparecer.

— Acho que a gente devia conversar. — falei, mudando de assunto.

— Conversar?

— Sim.

Percy pareceu murchar ainda mais. De qualquer forma, ele acenou, botou a massa dos biscoitos em uma assadeira, a colocou no forno, e me seguiu para fora da cozinha.

***

— Se sente, Percy. Eu não mordo. — Ri da minha própria piadinha, ainda que Percy se arrastasse atrás de mim, desanimado.

Observei Percy se sentar em um sofá à minha frente, há quase dez metros de mim, e suspirei. Eu não entendia o motivo para tanto drama. Por isso, me levantei, dei a volta na sala de estar e me sentei do lado dele, segurando em suas mãos que tremiam.

— Relaxe, ninguém vai embora aqui. Quero falar sobre limites.

— Limites? — Percy exclamou surpreso, como se a noção de tal palavra nunca tivesse passado por sua mente.

— Sim, limites. O que é permitido e o que não é. Seus gostos e como você quer ser tratado. Como você não quer ser tratado.

— Como eu quero ser tratado? — Vi Percy cruzar os braços em frente ao peito e se inclinar para trás, como se a pergunta o ofendesse.

— Sim. — Eu disse. — Você conhece a concepção de consensualidade?

— Quem não conhece? O que isso tem a ver com a gente?

Eu quase sorri. Era bom saber que Percy poderia fazer mais do que somente obedecer ordens. Porque, eu tinha que admitir, não sei se conseguiria viver com alguém que não seria capaz de ter o mínimo de auto-estima ou entender a diferença entre o certo e o errado.

— Quero que você me diga o que você gosta.

— Você não deveria saber dessas c-- Percy parou no meio da frase, arregalando seus olhos. — Eu… eu não quis dizer isso.

— Sim, você quis. — Sorri para ele, sentindo a culpa sair de meus ombros a cada palavra. — Como você gosta? Desse jeito?

Segurei em suas mãos e as acariciei devagar, vendo a reação dele. Um pequeno arfar saiu de seus lábios.

— Ou desse jeito? — Me aproximei e o peguei pelo pescoço, segurando na coleira dele. Puxei seus cabelos para trás e o beijei, o fazendo se curvar todo em minha direção.

Quando o soltei, Percy deixou escapar um gemidinho tão gostoso, arfando tão docemente, que não resisti e o beijei novamente, mordendo seu lábio inferior e enfiando minha língua em sua boca até que ele se derretesse completamente.

— Você gosta mesmo de dor?

Percy não respondeu e eu puxei seus cabelos novamente, arrancando um gemido entrecortado dele: — Si-im!

— Humilhação? Ser dominado?

— Sim! 

Dessa vez, nem precisei arrancar a resposta dele. Percy respirava tão rápido e esfregava as coxas uma na outra tão impaciente, que era difícil não entender.

— Ativo ou passivo?

— Passivo? Ativo? Os dois? — Percy disse, arfando e confuso, se segurando em meus ombros, seus olhos bem abertos, me encarando de frente pela primeira vez, mesmo que não houvesse nenhuma intenção de enfrentamento. 

— Você terá que ser paciente comigo. 

— Paciente? — Ele entortou a cabeça para o lado, tentando entender.

— Sou virgem. 

Bem, era quase isso.

Não era verdade, mas eu queria ver a reação no rosto dele. Bem que… fazia tanto tempo que eu me sentia como se fosse um. E Percy não me decepcionou, a expressão de surpresa veio primeiro, depois a de curiosidade. Percy olhou para baixo, na direção da minha cintura, e mordeu os lábios, parecendo muito interessado.

— Você vai me ensinar, Percy? Como você gosta de ser tocado? Como você quer me tocar?

Percy apenas acenou, parecendo incerto.

— Vamos aprender juntos, tudo bem? Não quero que você se sinta desconfortável.

Isso pareceu tranquilizar Percy. Eu o beijei mais uma vez nos lábios e o soltei devagar.

— Porque você não termina os biscoitos enquanto comemos? Roberta nos espera.

Percy acenou animado e se levantou, mas antes de se afastar, plantou um beijo molhado em meu rosto e fugiu para a cozinha. Fui atrás, seguindo em sua sombra, e me sentei no mesmo lugar de antes. Ele nos serviu e depois de alguns minutos, os biscoitos estavam prontos. Com nós dois, já vestidos, e preparados para mais uma sessão com Roberta e Carla, segurei na mão de Percy e sorri para ele. Eu apenas precisava me lembrar de pedir algumas dicas a elas e se possível, ler o perfil de Percy. Eu sabia que elas teriam todas as informações que iriamos precisar se eu quisesse que isso desse certo.

Então, o que vocês acharam? Eu estava pensando em transformar essa em original também, mas... apesar do tema, ela me passa uma sensação de imaturidade tão grande! E também me parece um pouco apressada. Apesar dessas coisas, e além de me dar um pouco de vergonha por causa da fetichização, eu gosto dela. É diferente do que eu escreveria hoje em dia. Foi escrita em 2020! Cada vez me sinto mais velha. Como sempre, está incompleta, mas tem por volta 80 mil palavras. Talvez eu termine ela em algum ponto. Por enquanto, vou colocá-la. Ela também está no AO3 e no SpiritFanfic.

Agora, eu gostaria de saber quem tem interesse continuar lendo essa história.

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter XXXI and Chapter XXXII

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

Chapter XXXI

By the time they got home, the sky was already dark. They climbed the few steps to the porch; Percy opened the car door for Nico, helping him out of the Jeep, and once again, Percy led him from behind, as though he didn't know the way, like he would run away if Percy took his eyes off him. Maybe Nico was tempted to do just that, maybe tonight had been a bit too much for his confused mind. In the end, he let himself go, let Percy open the door to the house, take the blazer from his shoulders and hold his hand, just like Percy would do on any other day. But unlike what was usual for them, Percy kept walking and Nico continued to follow him like a puppy on a leash. He yawned and followed him up the stairs, turning right and then entering a long hallway that led to the same room where he had slept every other time; next to Percy's room and further away from the children's rooms.

That's when Nico wondered what he was doing there, or why Percy came in with him and opened the closet door, showing him the clothes hanging there.

"If you want to change. The clothes you were wearing are here.”

He took out a hanger with a pair of jeans and a dark t-shirt and Nico finally understood, someone had washed his clothes.

"You didn't have to.”

“Yeah, I didn’t have to.” Was all Percy said, his eyes intense on him. Nico hated it when Percy did that. Why was it so hard to look at him in those moments?

Yes, that was exactly why he lowered his head and pretended that there was some dirt on his Italian shoes and pretended he had no idea how much they cost. He bent down and undid the lace, then did the same with the other foot and took off his sock. Okay, he had to change, right? Take a shower first? He decided to start with the buttons on the light-colored shirt and reached his hands down to the soft fabric. He pressed and the first button slid away from the hole, he pressed the second and then the third, before he saw that there were no more buttons and only his pants were left. He unbuttoned the last button and pulled down the zipper and--

"What are you doing?" Percy questioned him, stopping his hands in the air. He didn't have the courage to look him in the face, so Nico kept staring at Percy's broad shoulders.

"What does it look like I'm doing?”

"Asking for sex?”

"I'm changing. Can I take a shower?”

"Nico, I didn't-- this wasn't how I expected the night to end.”

“And what did you expected?” He found himself laughing even though he didn’t find it funny. Percy never knew how to apologize.

"I'm sorry, okay! What do you want me to do? Can you look at me?”

No, he couldn't. If he did that, the moment he looked at Percy he would be tempted to try to comfort him.

"I forgive you." Nico murmured, fixing his gaze on the right side of Percy's neck, watching how his throat bobbed, how Percy looked nervous and frustrated, his hand clenched into a fist at his side. It was strangely amusing to see him so out of control, knowing that Percy felt the same way he did. In the end, Jason was right, he wanted every single person who made him suffer to suffer the same and in the same way.

"Nico, please." Percy begged, his voice almost tearful.

He sighed and stared at him, bracing himself. Nico knew what he was going to find, even when the man looked defeated and vulnerable, Percy still found ways to manipulate the situation. And he fell once more, it was inevitable, irresistible. Nico brought his hands to Percy's face and got closer, a force pulling him towards him and making him hug him by the neck, ending up with his mouth against his neck, close to Percy's ear.

"It wasn't your fault. I know you didn't mean for that to happen. It's okay.”

“You promise?” Percy murmured back, very close. His arms wrapped around Nico’s waist and his lips whispered against his earlobe.

He had fallen right in, hadn't he? Still, knowing all this, Nico sighed once more, shivering as the heat slowly crept up his back, waist, and groin, stopping where Percy's mouth met his skin.

"Will you forgive me? I promise…" Then, Percy held him tight against him and a moan escaped him. "I promise this won't happen again." Percy finished with his face buried against the hair on the back of Nico's neck.

That... that wasn't fair... why... why was it so easy for Percy? Why was it so easy to forget everything and let himself go like that when, even with Will back then when he treated him well, Nico never had that urge that was slowly destroying him?

"Nico…" Then, an almost innocent little kiss was placed against his neck, in that little part behind his ear that made him… ah… "Are you going to visit me?”

"I-I…" He stuttered, still stuck in a trance. "I… I can't… you have to--”

"I don’t have to do anything." Percy said it decisively, but at that moment it sounded like the sweetest love poem. "I can wait for you.”

"Percy, I don't…”

"Don't what? Don't want to deceive me? Hurt me?" Percy pulled away slightly and grabbed Nico's hair, making him look at him. "Do you want to be sure? Do you want to have other experiences? See if someone else can make you feel the way I do? I don't care about any of that.”

"I couldn't.”

"Baby, you're the only one for me. So beautiful and so perfect. I love your smell, and when you moan I want to hold you and never let go. I want you to be happy. But only with me.”

"Percy…" he whimpered, closing his eyes. Why was Percy doing this to him?

"It's quite simple. I want you to live and make all the mistakes a college student could make. When we meet again, don't ignore me. If you've changed your mind by then, I'll do everything I can to win you over, but if you don't want me, I won't bother you.”

"How could I ask for something like that?”

"I also need some time to sort things out." Percy smiled at Nico and stroked his hair, lulling him into that false sense of security. "Things with Annabeth don't seem to be going anywhere and I'm tired of my parents. I promise you this, when we see each other again everything will be better. Do you trust me?”

"I trust you.”

"So I want you to have fun and not regret anything.”

Percy kissed Nico's cheek and he finally relaxed, as if the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders.

***

Percy kissed Nico's cheek and he finally relaxed, as if the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders.

Yes, he felt light because Percy was holding him, keeping him safe. 

“Oh!” Nico couldn't help the moan that escaped his lips; Percy's hands moved up his back, caressing slowly and entered inside his open shirt, eliciting another moan from him. Percy's lips slid to the side and then, they were there, at the corner of his mouth, kissing and nibbling and-- No! He knew exactly what Percy was doing! Percy wanted him to lower his head, to agree with everything while Percy had his fun. Percy wanted him to wait until the man felt the urge to see him again. He refused to let another man manipulate him, even if it was through the best torture tactic.

"No, I can't do that." Nico said, letting go of Percy. He took a step back and a deep breath, and said more forcefully: "I won't! Do you think I'm going to stay quiet while you do whatever you want?”

"Nico, I said you can--”

"You don't own me! I don't need your permission!”

"Nico, of course not. I'm just asking for a chance to work things out.”

"I don't want-- I never wanted… you… you're just like all of them!”

Percy didn't seem to hear him. Percy took a step forward and he took another step back, then another and another until his back hit the wall. The strange thing was that Percy didn't do what Nico imagined, not like Will usually did, cornering him and making him feel suffocated. No, Percy took his hands and tried to smile, but it was such a shaky smile that Nico found himself stopping fighting Percy.

"It's okay, baby. Can you breathe with me?”

"Breathe?" He asked without understanding.

"Please.”

Percy looked on the verge of tears, so he complied. Nico took a deep breath and let it out, slow and easy, and only then did he realize how tense he was, and he calmed down immediately.

"I… I was having a panic attack?" Nico asked. Percy nodded and tried to smile at him again.

The interesting thing was to realize that Nico didn't feel bad like he usually did. No, Nico felt light and calm. That's why he didn't fight this time, he let Percy take him to the bed and help him put on sweatpants, a loose t-shirt came next and socks too. Percy dressed him, item by item, and he found himself lying against the bed frame, his head resting on Percy's shoulder and a movie playing on the television in front of the bed. He knew Percy was saying something, that his head was resting on his, that his big, warm hands were massaging the back of his neck in a pleasant way that made him want to sleep instantly.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I never meant to make you feel this way. I'm the worst of men. I'm so impulsive. Annabeth's right, I'll never... I'll never be able to--”

"Der?" Nico found himself mumbling. His head was too light to understand what was happening. He just wanted Percy to feel what he felt right now.

"Are you okay?" Percy said in the same miserable tone.

"Hmm. Sleep with me." Nico crawled down on the bed and rested his head on Percy's chest, under his heart. His hands found Percy's waist and Nico closed his eyes once more, feeling himself melt. Nico loved the way Percy smelled, the way Percy always seemed to run hotter than him, most of all, he loved those rare moments when Percy showed that vulnerability, that uncertainty, usually so well hidden.

"Nico, I need--”

"Tomorrow. Tomorrow you can say whatever you want. Today, we sleep.”

Nico closed his eyes one last time and sighed, soon he could hear nothing but the sound of Percy's heart slowing down.

Chapter XXXII

That was another morning where everything seemed like a distant and fantastical dream. The light entered weakly between the blinds, birds sang softly and Nico felt himself floating, comfortable, being hugged from behind, very tightly, in the way he would never admit he liked the most; it was Percy who breathed against his neck, while the blanket kept the cold away, giving a greater touch of illusion.

So this was it, right? This was what he could have if he chose to… what?… Stay? Wait for Percy? No, this was the goodbye, sweet and treacherous, giving Nico a taste he knew he couldn’t have.

“Are you awake?” Percy murmured softly against his earlobe, brushing his lips over the sensitive skin.

Nico took a deep breath for a moment, feeling himself go from zero to one hundred, and let it out slowly. It wasn't fair. Maybe he had moaned, or maybe it had been Percy; it was hard to tell when Percy was so close to him, pressed against his back, the thin clothing between them not stopping Nico from feeling all of his desire, so close together, in that almost too intimate way, even their breaths came out synchronized, fast, almost panting, almost...

"Now, I am." He then murmured, trying to control himself.

“Good,” Percy told him, his sleep-husky voice telling him everything he needed to know. Percy was never satisfied. A kiss would never be enough, a touch would do little to quell his restlessness, and the shiver that ran up Nico’s spine even less so, none of it would make him happy until… No, Percy needed to hear it, needed to taste the pleasure against his skin and experience… oh… experience his hands moving down Nico’s shoulder and down to his abdomen and…

"Percy." He warned, panting but holding his ground like Nico rarely did. Even if he felt Percy was as anxious as he was or if he wanted, perhaps more than Percy, for this between them to happen, this damn torture would finally end.

“I wanted to apologize,” Percy said again, as if nothing had happened mere seconds ago. “I never meant to put you in this position.”

"I know." Nico sighed, exhausted and anxious. Excited. He turned, relaxing, and looked into the eyes he loved to watch so much.

But this was the end, the farewell, and for that reason, only for that reason, he allowed himself to have what he wanted; he let his body lean against Percy's, molding them together like a puzzle that was finally complete, once again trying to fool himself, wishing he didn't know that all of this was wrong; only if Percy really insisted, forced him just a little more and they both let the blame fall on Percy, just this once, giving him that false reason and allowing his rationalization to convince himself that all of this was Percy's fault and never his own, so Nico could finally, finally...

"Nico. Matt. Teo. I think I like Teo more." Percy was smiling, that small, genuine smile that somehow always broke his heart and made him want to stay by his side for the rest of his life.

Percy touched his face and then everything self-destructed, a house of cards crumbling, that smile squeezing his heart, making juice out of what was left.

"You're horrible. I hate you." But even that sounded false.

"I love you too." Percy said. A whisper, a confession. Something that seemed true in that intimate stillness translated into the form of a caress, in the touch of Percy's fingers that intertwined in his hair and of his lips, wet and firm, that finally touched his.

It wasn't at all what Nico expected, this attitude didn't seem to come from the one who spent the last two months chasing him until he couldn't think of anything else. No, they were the most gentle and careful that Nico had ever tasted; sweet and soft kisses, pressed against his in a way so light that he didn't know it existed, brushing slowly and nibbling them just to make him sigh, encouraging him to open his mouth so they became even slower, slowing down their cadence and stopping, but keeping their lips glued together.

Percy didn't try to force anything more intense or try to ease the situation, as was his custom. Percy just kept smiling and stroking his hair, looking at him with such affection that Nico had no choice but to stare back. There was no safe place he could hide from this fact; he loved Percy Jackson and he was leaving him before that feeling could even finish blooming.

That was how his last morning at the Jackson-Chase house ended, with a cuddle, a kiss and a tight hug, Percy's hands massaging his hair and lulling him into that false sense of security until the time for lunch with the family approached, taking Percy away from Nico, leaving him frozen in a desert he had never felt before meeting Percy.

But it was all right, he thought, wiping away the tears that were falling, the last ones that would fall because of him. Nico finished putting on his clothes, fixed his hair and washed his face. He picked up his backpack that had been lying on the floor since the day before and left Percy's room, entering the room where he had stayed during those nights to finally pick up his clothes scattered on the floor, returning the ones he had borrowed and going down the stairs where the children and Annabeth were waiting for him.

***

“Can’t you stay a little longer?” Alice said, catching him off guard. She rarely asked for anything, so independent and unaffectionate, but always attentive.

"It's getting late. I need to wake up early. You understand, don't you?" Nico touched her long black hair and looked into her green eyes that were now filled with tears. "You can visit me whenever you want.”

"It won’t be the same. We won’t eat together or watch TV anymore. Dad will be sad and Logan will whine for a whole month.”

"Don't be like that. Everything will be fine. It's part of growing up. Not everything goes the way we want.”

"Grandma keeps saying that. You two look so much alike.”

Nico smiled at Alice and ran his fingers through her hair, very doubtful.

"Don't you trust me? You can visit me as soon as I'm done moving.”

"Do you promise?" She looked at Nico with her eyes wide open and wet, all tearful, in the perfect example of innocence.

Yeah, it seemed like the whole family had manipulation in their blood. Which made him smile even more.

“I promise.”

He reached down and hugged Alice tightly, feeling her squeeze him back with all the strength she had.

"Enough." Annabeth's voice reached them, she was walking in her high, thin heels, strutting elegantly. She was carrying a sullen Logan, while Percy followed them at a safe distance, looking at his own shoes and seemingly oblivious to everything that was happening around him. That was what had happened during lunch; Percy had been by his side and, at the same time, had been somewhere far away from him.

"Come on, say goodbye to Nico. He has to go.”

"I'll miss you. Don't forget your promise." Alice told him, now looking like a clone of her mother.

Alice gave Nico another tight hug and pulled away, forcing Nico to blink his eyes, his throat suddenly tight. No, he said he wouldn't cry anymore. But then Logan reached out and, still in Annabeth's lap, wrapped his small hands around Nico's neck and sobbed.

"Logan, don't do this. I'm going to live even closer, isn't that good?”

"No! You won't be our mother anymore!”

"Er… when was I your mother? Isn't she right here?" Nico looked at Annabeth and she just rolled her eyes impatiently. It seemed like he was the one who was most uncomfortable with this whole conversation. So what came next was what really ripped his heart out of his chest.

"You… you don’t have to go… you can be our second mother and no one has to leave.”

This time even Annabeth gasped, and Nico found himself frozen in front of the exit door.

"Honey, Nico isn’t leaving because of you." The implication of whose fault it was was pretty obvious. But even so, Percy said it all calmly and softly as he moved closer to Logan, trying to comfort him.

"So… so… he’s leaving because of you!" Logan practically shouted.

Nico felt like he was losing his breath, although it was different from other times. Percy was calm, while Annabeth didn't seem to know what to do. Relieved, he saw Percy pick Logan up and simply start rocking him, massaging his back and lulling him slowly. He didn't think he had ever seen Logan, much less Percy, act like this; Percy seemed to be on autopilot and Logan turned into this rebellious teenager right before his eyes.

“Say goodbye, Logan,” Percy murmured in that soft, gentle voice, and finally looked at Nico.

"I’m sorry, Nico. Dad’s right. I…" he gasped as a sob escaped, trying to smile. "… we’ll miss you.”

At that, Logan and Alice waved as Percy tried to smile. Percy turned with Logan in his arms, grabbed Alice's hand, and marched into the house, not turning back until he was gone down the hallway.

Silence, only silence remained and a strange tightness in his chest, an unfamiliar vacuum, a feeling of emptiness like he had never experienced before. And of course, Annabeth. She still watched everything silently, but she didn't mock; Annabeth didn't even seem happy now that the obstacle had been removed. She seemed as shocked as he was.

“I know this won’t fix things.” She held out a small velvet box to him, and Nico accepted it. “It’s a gift from me and Percy to show our gratitude.”

He opened the box and found a silver and gold watch, delicate but still masculine. Nico had no idea how much it cost.

"Thank you. You didn't need to." He said mechanically. There was no room for anything else.

"I hope you can keep in touch with the children.”

"Of course." Nico felt better talking about them. "I was serious.”

He took the bag from his shoulders, unzipped it and took out a piece of paper. With a pen he wrote down his phone number and handed it to her.

"It’s better if you call me? I should be ready in three days. If they want…”

"Of course." Annabeth smiled at Nico and accepted the note. All he could do was nod quickly and turn his back on her. The faster he got out of there, the less he would be tempted to change his mind. The good news was that Ethan was already waiting for him, he would take him to the exit for the last time towards his future.

Bonus

I took a deep breath and knocked on the door. I wished I didn't have to do this. Why couldn't I just hop on a bus and go to my interview with the college dean? But no, first I had to be a good boy and say goodbye to my family. But who was making me, hmm? Was there a force pushing me and keeping me in place? What if I--

"Look who showed up.”

Now it was too late. The one who opened the door was Hades. He had his arms crossed and was looking down at me, his almost two meters of height and eyes as black as night judging me as always, disappointed with what they saw.

"Yeah, I'm going to college tomorrow. I thought I'd pay a visit.”

"At least you still have responsibility to your family.”

Hm, interesting. But that was all we both said. I looked at Hades and Hades looked at me. That is, until he stepped away from the door, allowing me to see my brothers who were right there, hidden behind Hades. When they saw me, Bianca and Hazel came running and hugged me tightly at once, knocking the air out of my lungs.

"You came!" Hazel said.

"Finally." Bianca murmured more restrainedly.

"Come in. The food will get cold.”

And so, I was pulled into the house, where Maria and Luke were waiting for me with open arms.

Hello, how are you? We've finally reached the end of the first story arc! I'm going to take a break for two or three weeks, and we'll be back with the second arc soon. While we rest, how about leaving a comment? It could be the chapters you liked best, a specific scene or a comment or suggestion about the characters. Your opinion is always very welcome.

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter XXIX and Chapter XXX

Hi, how are you all? I hope you like today's chapter!

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

Chapter XXIX

Nico had never felt so uncomfortable in his entire life.

Before he knew it, he was climbing the stairs with the children pulling him by the hand, and, guided by them, he entered Percy's room. They placed the suit he would wear on top of the huge double bed and ran out, closing the door as they fled down the stairs.

He had never noticed how wide and spacious Percy's room was. There was a large window that let in plenty of light, the walls were a light cream color, and the sheets were a dark gray. At one end of the room was a floor-to-ceiling mirrored wardrobe, and at the other end, a bookshelf as tall as the wardrobe, filled with books and notebooks. However, what caught his attention the most was the enormous king-size bed that took up most of the room, although there was a table at the back with a laptop on top of it.

Now, Nico was trying to fix his tie, a dark gray, matching the color of his suit, overlaid with a cream-colored, almost white shirt. He looked in the mirror to adjust it and let it go, only to see the piece of cloth fall limp and lifeless around his neck.

"I don't think it should be like this." He muttered, defeated.

"Yeah, you're right.”

Typical. Nico looked at his reflection in the mirror and there was Percy behind him, his hands going around and circling his neck, squeezing and massaging it gently before moving to put the tie in the right place and untying the knot Nico had did, the most cliché scene of all possible clichés.

"That's not how you do it. You tuck the tie in, then cross it and--”

Yeah, Nico didn't hear a single word Percy was saying. He had missed him so much that... he just knew that the sound of Percy's voice lulled him and made something inside him calm down, taking him to a peaceful, beautiful, carefree place.

"There you go. See? It's not that difficult.”

He nodded, pretending to pay attention. But it seemed Nico hadn't fooled anyone.

Percy turned him around to face him and grabbed Nico by the shoulders, making Nico look at him closely.

"What's wrong?" Percy told him.

"Do I really need to go? And this outfit? It's a bit too much.”

“No, it's suitable for a suitable man.”

"I'm a man now?" So why did he feel like a little boy wearing a costume?

“You’re going to college and living alone, aren’t you?” Percy watched him for a moment and then smiled, seeming to approve of the outfit. “Obey and be a good boy, hmm? Now, your hair.”

And when had Percy picked up the comb and hair gel?

"Don't make that face. Just this once.”

Percy ran his fingers through Nico's hair and combed it, took some gel, applied a thin layer and with the comb, he stretched it back, doing the same motion until not a single hair was out of place.

"Now we're talking. Perfect and beautiful. Look at that. So charming.”

Nico had the urge to say “stop it”, but he bit his tongue before the words could come out. He didn’t want another accident to happen. The blush came anyway, how could it not? Percy held him by the chin and studied his features, running his fingers over the apple of his cheek and slowly moving down, brushing against the hairs that were beginning to grow there.

"Did you know your beard is growing?" Percy moved closer and continued to brush his fingers along the top of his neck.

"I forgot to take it off. " Nico replied in a somewhat numb voice. Maybe he should rethink that thing about not asking him to stop.

"Hmm… I like that. It makes you look more mature.”

"I know." Nico murmured.

This was so damn weird! Why did Percy have to do and say these things? No one but Percy acted this way around him.

Percy blinked slowly and seemed to realize what he was doing. He took a step back, looked once more at the clothes Nico was wearing, and nodded in satisfaction.

"Great, everything is in place." Percy spun around, looking around the room and finally found what he was looking for. His keys and wallet were on top of the cabinet next to the bed. “By the way, have you found a place to live yet? If you need one, I have an apartment less than fifteen minutes away from the Arts and History Department building. It's very big.”

"You know I can't accept it." Nico finally felt himself returning to normal. He also looked around and found his own cell phone on the bed.

"Why not? No one has used it for years. You would be doing me a favor, you would only have to pay for water and electricity. See? It wouldn't be free.”

That's what he says now, for Percy to change his mind wouldn't cost much.

"Percy." Nico snorted and walked out of the room.

"Okay! I just offered. Did you find anything?”

"I don't know. There's an apartment on the college campus. It seems nice.”

"Yeah, they're great. It's a good choice. I mean, they're not exactly as spacious as my apartment would be, but they're decent.”

Deciding to ignore the comment, Nico walked down the stairs with Percy right behind him, breathing down his neck.

"Is it a new perfume? I like it.”

Nico gave in. He sighed and walked the rest of the way down the stairs, like Percy wasn't even there. The kids squealed excitedly, telling him how handsome he looked. They both grabbed his hands and pulled him into the car. Percy followed, of course, calm and unhurried, Nico got in the driver's seat while the kids pulled him into the back, the two of them talking breathlessly during the drive to the Jackson senior residence.

***

As soon as they stopped in front of the Jackson mansion, the driver got out of the car and ran to open the door, offering his hand for Nico to get out of the car.

Hm… it was the first time someone had run to come and serve him, making him a little uncomfortable if Nico dared to say so. It was okay, because soon after Percy went around the other side of the vehicle and stood beside him, the children followed them, both holding his hands, distracting him from what was happening. As much as they tried, Nico couldn't help it, he looked around and saw how the people stopped everything they were doing to watch them walk down the red carpet towards the reception door.

It was at this moment that the flashes started, loud voices asking questions and microphones being pointed in his direction.

"It's okay." Nico heard Percy's voice and then, everything felt better. He only had time to look at Percy and see his serious look.

Percy moved forward and the sea of reporters parted, as though Percy's presence alone was warning enough, creating a passage that had previously been blocked.

Nico would say that some of them even looked scared.

"Don’t worry, it always happens. They try to take pictures and Daddy never lets them." Alice told him, all delicate in her light blue dress and hair tied in a high bun.

"It's fun to watch them try." Logan finished, smiling like he was watching a comedy movie. It was unbelievable how every day that passed he looked more like Percy in the way he acted, even though his appearance resembled Annabeth almost completely.

“Logan, behave yourself,” Percy said from beside them. Logan immediately straightened his spine and lost his smile, looking like a little prince in his black suit and red tie. As for Percy, he didn’t even need to comment. Wherever he went, he drew attention, no matter if he was wearing a designer suit or worn jeans.

“Let’s go.” Nico obeyed without thinking. Percy placed one of his hands on the small of his back and guided them forward, following the large oak double doors and the wide marble stairs that led them to the ballroom. He didn’t need to say that he felt strange, right? Out of place in this place? He was being thrown to the lions and Percy hadn’t even had the courage to tell him? What kind of person did that? So, before they entered the part where the party was taking place, he murmured to Percy:

"Is there something I need to know?”

"Like what? Which fork to use?”

"Do I need to know that?”

Percy then looked at him and smiled, transforming into the Percy he knew.

"Don't worry about it. Even if you eat with your hands, they wouldn't have the nerve to say anything.”

"Percy! Why am I here?”

"Why? I told you, they want to see--”

"Don't lie to me!" Nico stopped in the middle of the way and grabbed Percy's arm, the children stopped along with him, pretending they were hearing anything.

"Come on, Nico. It's nothing special.”

"If you don't tell me, I'm leaving now!”

"I already said--”

"Daddy wants Grandpa and Grandma to meet you." Logan whispered softly and then, he knew, Logan wasn't lying. Because Percy crossed his arms and glared at his son, saying "you traitor", but soon smiled again.

"Is this revenge? Was dinner with my parents that bad?”

"What? No. I just wanted to…”

"What? What did you want this time?”

"I wanted you to meet my family and feel welcome. You don't have to stay away from the children because of me.”

"I never-- oh." Nico then realized, Percy was talking about the future.

"Do you want me to see the kids when I go to college?”

"Why not?" Percy shrugged. "It's less than an hour away.”

"Okay." Nico sighed in defeat. "If you’re up to anything else…”

"I promise. And I keep all my promises.”

Sure… Nico decided to believe him this time. He held the children’s hands once more and Percy pushed open the door to the hall, and just like that, they entered, more than a hundred pairs of eyes staring at them with interest.

Chapter XXX

Less than five minutes into the place, Nico's head was already hurting. He had shaken hands with ten people, been introduced to at least twenty, and had three glasses of champagne. At least the canapés and seafood were comforting. And of course, as soon as they stepped into the room, the children had run to the table where they would sit during dinner, but him? Oh, he was forced to walk through the room with Percy hugging him tightly around the waist.

Usually, Nico wouldn't care, not at all, now imagine the entire room judging him as if he were a fly that only served to bother them?

"Percy, I think I should take care of the kids…”

"Why?" Percy said as he waved to some people who passed by them. Percy then leaned down and whispered in his ear: "Don't you like it?”

“People are staring,” Nico muttered, looking down at his shoes.

"Let them look. How could they not? Someone as beautiful as you?" Percy gently touched Nico's face, lifting his head with just one finger. "Never look away, they're the ones who don't deserve your attention.”

Nico hated it when Percy did that, as though he were a... a possession that Percy had every right to show off wherever he decided to go. It had happened at his parents' house and now it was happening again. The worst part was that deep down, he liked it, liked it much more than was acceptable. Much more than he would like to admit. So he took a deep breath and let go of Percy, taking a step back. Which didn't seem to make any difference, Percy insisted and took his hand, this time keeping his grip soft and loose.

"I promise it won’t take long. Do you trust me?" Nico just nodded and let Percy lead him further into the center of the room where an orchestra played and people danced, gliding in their sparkling dresses and well-tailored suits.

They walked a little further and right next to a platform, a man and a woman in their fifties were smiling at the guests who were greeting them. Nico didn't need much to know that they were Percy's parents. The woman's smile was identical to Percy's, easy and light, while the jaw, nose and eyes all came from the man who was as tall as Percy, almost two meters tall. As soon as Percy saw them, he walked faster towards them and opened his arms, welcoming his mother in a warm hug, saying something that made her smile, perhaps a little forced. But that could just be a wrong impression. Nico couldn't be sure.

"Miss Sally Jackson!" Now, speaking louder, Percy said and looked his mother up and down. "He certainly doesn't deserve you.”

"Percy." Delicately, Sally Jackson patted her son on the shoulder and smiled at him, so radiant that for a moment Nico forgot they were in front of so many spectators. But... something felt strange... It was such a perfect scene... "Be a good boy, will you?”

Sally pinched Percy's cheek and everyone around laughed. Nico was no different, and melting inside, he continued to watch that scene.

"Percy Jackson! What are you doing?" A firm voice shouted, plunging the happy atmosphere into shadows.

"What do you think, old man? Do I need to explain?”

"Have more respect, you--”

Then Percy approached his father and pulled him to a far corner. From where Nico was standing he could see Mr. Jackson gesturing angrily while Percy looked at his father with indifference and irritation, as tense as he had ever seen him before.

"Ah, you must be Nico, right?" Sally approached him, her heels making a soft click as she walked.

Sally stood in front of him, her face round and gentle, still smiling, like she was happy to see him. For a moment Nico could see Percy mirrored in her, but soon the mirage was gone; Sally was so delicate and elegant that the comparison quickly fell apart.

"Do you know who I am?”

"Of course. Percy always talks about you.”

"Does he?”

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

In disbelief, Nico watched in slow motion as Sally Jackson, one of the most influential and wealthy women in the entire country, gently took his hands and squeezed them affectionately.

"We have to thank you for everything you've done for us. The kids are doing so well and Percy finally seems to be taking an interest in the family business.”

"Hmm… I’m happy for you?”

"Yes, it's a reason to celebrate. I'm sorry we couldn't meet earlier.”

"No, you don't need to--”

"Come on, you're very important to us. But look, we must look to the future.”

“I think so…?”

"Don't be shy. You're going to be a lawyer, aren't you? Are you planning on being a judge or maybe a district attorney? If you need help, we can make sure everything goes on the right track.”

“Madam--”

"Call me Sally, will you? Now that you're joining the family, we must do what's appropriate. I hope you understand.”

Nico paused for a moment, too shocked to say another word, and stared at Sally Jackson, wondering if he had heard correctly.

"I-- I'm sorry. I don't know what you're talking about.”

"Oh! I thought you and Percy were dating? He talks about you in such a serious way. It's really sweet.”

"I… I don't know. I mean-- we don't have anything. I'm just the kids' babysitter.”

"Just the babysitter?" She said and finally let go of his hands, bringing her own to her face. "I feel more at ease this way. I hope you can understand, people expect us to have a certain level of education and good taste. But if one day something unplanned happens, I hope you can meet the expectations that our family demands.”

Nico blinked, squinted for a moment, and when he opened them, he realized it wasn't a dream. No, Sally Jackson was still standing in front of him, still smiling and staring at him, as if waiting for an answer.

“I…”

"Do you understand the gravity of the situation, Nico?" Sally told him seriously.

"I understand." He finally murmured.

"I hope we can see each other soon, you have a bright future ahead of you." Sally held his hands once more and then let them go, just as Percy marched towards them.

Nico didn’t think he’d ever seen Percy like this. His shoulders were hunched back, his chest puffed out, and he had such a murderous expression on his face that Nico was afraid someone was going to get hurt. He looked over to where Percy had been standing thirty seconds ago, and maybe that was the case, Poseidon, he… well, Nico wouldn’t feel safe if it was just him and Poseidon Jackson in a room together.

"Der?" He asked, turning to Percy, ignoring everything else. "Is everything okay?”

"Don't worry." Percy said that same sentence for the third time that day.

Percy just grabbed him by the wrist, pulling him gently and Nico sighed in relief, holding on to Percy's arm with both hands. They stopped at the table where the children were, finding Annabeth sitting next to them with a woman of Latin descent and long black hair next to her.

"Can you take care of the kids today?" Percy said to Annabeth without beating around the bush.

"Good evening to you too. How is the family going?”

“Yes or no?”

"Alright. No need to growl.”

Nico just… he felt himself relax, strangely. Something had changed between them; between Percy and Annabeth, between him and Percy and between him and Annabeth.

"I feel sorry for you." Annabeth addressed him. "See what I had to put up with? Sally is much worse than Poseidon and she already attacked, I would be careful.”

"What did she tell you?" Percy asked, he seemed to be shaking with anger.

"Just… some things about the future… and expectations. I think she’s already planning the wedding.”

“That’s very good,” Annabeth said, and the woman next to her agreed. “But once you fall into her clutches, there’s no escape.”

“Did you escape?” Nico found himself asking.

"No. Maybe in the future?”

"Enough of this! I'm going to--” Percy left the sentence half-finished and turned around, already marching towards his mother.

"Der, please." Even Nico was surprised. He found himself holding his wrist like Percy had done to him, staring at him closely, ready to beg if necessary.

Percy stared back at him, studying him for long moments until Percy nodded and let out a breath.

"You didn't deserve this, I didn't think they would act like this. You were right." Percy then smiled and stroked Nico's hair. "I guess I just wish I didn't have to hide things.”

Nico wanted to ask, “Hide what?” but he was tired. He hugged Percy tightly until he was sure Percy wouldn’t run after his parents and held his hand. Looking at the children who were watching everything silently, Nico said to them: "We’ll talk tomorrow. How about a farewell lunch?”

They nodded, looking relieved, and Percy led them out of the room. And if the car ride had turned into one of the most uncomfortable thirty minutes of Nico’s life, no one but him needed to know that.

So, how was today's chapter? We're finally finishing the first narrative arc! There are only two chapters left, which will be posted next week. I'm going to take a break for two or three weeks, but we'll be back soon.

See you soon.

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter XXVII and Chapter XXVIII

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

Chapter XXVII

Nico rang the doorbell and swore to himself that today was the day. Percy opened the door and smiled at him, and for a moment it was like everything had returned to normal, he could even visualize Percy bending down and hugging him tightly. But then the spell was broken and Percy looked away, closing the door behind them. No “good morning” or “how are the therapy sessions going?” Percy just turned his back on Nico and walked towards the kitchen, forcing him to follow him through the entrance hall, the living room and finally the kitchen and dining room.

It seemed that in the end nothing but Percy's behavior had changed. As most of the time, the children were already at the table, Percy pulled out a chair inviting him to sit, and without looking at him, he sat next to Percy, all while remaining silent. This would be the perfect moment, wouldn't it? Everyone ate calmly, seeming to be more asleep than awake.

Turning to the side, Nico looked at Percy who was already looking back at him.

“Yes?” Percy murmured, as if Nico had asked a question. Was he that obvious? Or was Percy just paying attention? And besides, should he be happy that Percy still cared? Or should he be irritated that he felt watched? Nico shook his head and denied it. The truth was, he didn’t know what to say. Would it be fair for him to accuse Percy of something when Percy was doing exactly what he had asked?

"It's nothing," He said back. "Do you still need me to sleep here on Friday?”

Percy made a confused face and he found himself smiling.

"Your parents' event?”

"Damn! I forgot their anniversary present. They've been married for thirty years.”

"That’s cool. I’m glad you have two days until then." Nico suggested discreetly.

Percy opened his eyes wide and jumped out of his chair, as if he had been shocked. However, it was Nico who was shocked. Percy grabbed him by the back of the neck, kissed his cheek and murmured, “Thank you, baby.”

Distracted, Percy disappeared from the dining room faster than Nico could follow, leaving only the sound of the front door slamming shut along with his heart beating rapidly. For some reason, Nico felt bad, like he had done something wrong. And according to the doctor, if something seemed wrong and he wasn't sure, it was better not to do it. Or at least to analyze whether he could face the consequences. 

So, the solution was to pretend that nothing had happened, avoid the curious gaze of the children and spend the rest of the day thinking about what had happened. Relief soon came when it was time to take them to school. He studied a little during the rest of the morning and helped the cook make lunch. Nico knew it wasn't part of his job as a caregiver, but it calmed him, made him relax while the sound of pots and pans and the voice of Beca, the head chef, kept him company.

It was time to pick up the kids once again and dinner began. It was another day that Percy would arrive late, probably after dinner, and that was okay. Percy always showed up before the kids went to bed, and there’s nothing wrong with that. The problem was all his when, watching a series with them, the three of them fell asleep under the light of the television, the darkness of the early evening and the sound of the actors' voices slowly lulling them. When Nico realized the time, it was another one of those days when he had slept past work, the clock hands showing fifty past nine. He rubbed his eyes to see better and saw that the kids were still sleeping, resting on his shoulders, their arms crossed over his belly, as though he were their teddy bear.

"Comfortable?" Percy asked him. He sat on the couch and watched him from there, his arms crossed and legs apart, sitting in the dark, analyzing him, while his green eyes passed over the scene of him and the children, sleeping together and peacefully.

"Sorry, I ended up falling asleep." Nico cringed and looked at the children in his arms, feeling embarrassed, like a little boy who had done something naughty.

"Why are you still here?" Percy said.

"I know I shouldn't have fallen asleep, but--”

"No, what are you still doing working here. Didn't I give you enough money? Do you need more?”

That's when Nico realized, Percy wasn't accusing him. He was being sincere and asking if Nico needed help. Nico denied it, he wouldn't need money for a long time.

"So, what's the problem? I know that the universities are still accepting applications.”

“I…”

"Isn't that why you're here? To make money?" Percy insisted. The man didn't move or try to comfort Nico like he would have before, Percy just stared at him seriously and intensely, waiting for an answer.

"I don’t need money." With a clear and concise voice, Nico decided to be honest, but he couldn’t look at him while he said it.

"So, what do you need?”

Nico found himself smiling, this was so cliché! Did Percy expect him to say “what I need is you”? He couldn’t do that.

"I don’t need anything. I want…" Nico raised his head and forced himself to say: "I wanted to spend some more time with the children before I leave.”

Percy stood up and gave him one of those crooked smiles. However, this was one of the worst he had ever seen. It was cynical and mean, full of bad intentions.

"I understand. The children will be very sad to see you go.”

"Are you… firing me?" Nico asked in disbelief.

“Nico,” Percy said. He walked around the coffee table, stopped right next to Nico, and bent down until he was at the right height, touching him gently. First in his hair, then sliding his hands down to rest on his neck. “You can’t keep wasting your time here. You deserve better than to be catering to the whims of a rich man.”

Was Percy talking about himself? And admitting that he was playing with him?

"I know I can be stubborn and bossy. I like things my way and I can't stand being rejected. But this isn't about me, it's about your future. When are you going to start thinking more about yourself and less about others? Can you promise me that?”

"Promise what?" Nico said, too distracted by Percy's closeness. It was the result of those hands stroking the back of his neck.

"That you will do what is best for you. That you will follow your heart.”

"Percy." Nico didn't know what to say. Why was this happening?

"I'll be honest, I have contacts at the college. I know classes start next month. Why don't you stop by? I'm sure they'll help you.”

"You are… I can't accept this.”

"Why not? You already have a guaranteed spot. I'll just speed up the process.”

"Do you want to get rid of me that much? I didn't mean to hurt you.”

"Don't be silly, you didn't hurt me, you just hurt my pride. I'll survive.”

Nico found himself smiling again, Percy's sincerity always amused him.

"Are you… sure? I didn’t expect things to get this complicated.”

"Don't worry, I get it. You don't want to be with me. I'm big enough to take a no.”

"No, I didn't mean to--”

"So, it's decided. This will be your last week, they expect you on Monday morning.”

Percy stood up, taking his heat away from him and Nico fell back, sinking into the beanbag.

"So mean." Alice muttered against Nico’s shoulder.

"Bad daddy." Logan agreed from the other side.

Nico could only sigh and help them up, while he put away their notebooks, books and pens. Nico put them to bed and escaped downstairs before Percy had the idea of taking him home.

Chapter XXVIII

"So, it's decided. This will be your last week, they expect you on Monday morning.”

Percy stood up, taking his heat away from him and Nico fell back, sinking into the beanbag.

"So mean." Alice muttered against Nico’s shoulder.

"Bad daddy." Logan agreed from the other side.

He sighed and helped them up. The three of them, in a joint effort, put away their notebooks, gathered their books, and put their pens inside their pencil cases. Then, taking the children's hands, Nico led them to their beds, covered them with the sheets, and escaped the house before Percy had the idea of driving him home. Unfortunately, Nico had the misfortune of findingJason in the living room waiting for him when he arrived at the apartment, exactly as a good, responsible adult would wait for his child who had broken curfew.

"How was your day? Did anything different happen?" He heardJason say as he walked past the living room, heading straight to the kitchen, trying to avoid the questionnaire. AndJason? He went straight to the microwave, pressed a few buttons and then brought out a bowl of pasta with sugo sauce, one of his favorite dishes.

"Hm." Nico murmured, without confirming anything. He accepted the food, almost putting his head inside the plate.

"Nico, what's going on? Why did Percy call me asking me to help you move out?”

“I knew it!” he thought triumphantly, even though Nico didn’t feel victorious at all.

"He fired me.”

“Why?”

"Do you remember about my scholarship?”

"I remember."Jason confirmed.

"It's still available.”

"Didn't you need money for the expenses?”

"Yes." Nico lowered his head, feeling embarrassed to say the rest.

“So?”

"I have the money. It will probably last the entire course. I think there is still some left for a P.H.D.”

He watchedJason's face change from concern to a familiar mocking smile.

"Oh, you mean he gave you all that money?”

"Not exactly. I worked a lot of overtime. Sometimes I slept overnight. I stayed up late…”

"I know, you are a model worker. We should all strive to be like you!”

"Blake! I didn't ask him to give me any money!”

"But you feel bad anyway.”

Nico nodded, defeated. He felt like he was selling himself, this exchange that was supposed to be between employer and employee far more intimate and intense than was advisable.

"What do I do? Give him his money back?”

"I can't tell you what to do.”

“But?”

"You are so close to achieving your dream. Why don't you think of it as a loan from a friend who cares? There's nothing stopping you from paying it back when you can.”

"Maybe. So… why do I still feel so bad? It's like he's paying for something I can't offer.”

“Ah,”Jason murmured, seeming to understand. “The solution might be to walk away from him.”

Nico nodded once more and lowered his head to the table. He had thought about this before, it was what he had been trying to do for the past few days. For some reason, this distance between him and Percy also felt wrong, like something was missing. Why did everything have to be so complicated? Why did he have to leave behind all the people he loved the most?

“What’s wrong, Nico?” This timeJason’s voice was soft, his hand resting on his arm.

"Why does this have to happen? Why do I have to stay away from everyone?”

"Everyone?”

"Percy, my father, my family. Why?”

"Do you miss them? Your family?”

Nico didn't answer, but it was obvious. He just buried his head deeper into his arms and pushed the food away, trying to take a deep breath.

"It's okay. You don't have to avoid them if you don't want to, just a little distance is enough.”

"Just a little?" Nico didn't know if he understood.

"You know, I still visit Zeus. I have dinner with him every week.”

"He… he’s a horrible person.”

"He is, but he's my father and I miss him.”

"Does Thalia know about this?”

"She knows. She respects my decision.”

"I don't feel comfortable with that.”

"Are you uncomfortable or do you want to get revenge on them for everything they did to you?”

He lifted his head and stared atJason.

"You can forgive them or not, that's your choice. Wanting them to suffer as much as you suffered is not healthy.”

"I don't want that. I never wanted it.”

“Not consciously,”Jason told him in a patient tone. “Our subconscious mind likes to play tricks on us. The important thing here is that you feel happy and satisfied with your life. Do you miss them? Go visit them. Do you feel hurt? Walk away. Sometimes we have to choose between what’s right and what’s good for us, even if it hurts other people.”

When he just looked at his friend,Jason smiled at him and gently touched his shoulder.

"I want you to think about this. Right now, what makes you feel good? Is it giving Percy his money back or following your dream?”

There was something there that Nico had never thought about.

***

A few days later, Nico was still thinking about whatJason had suggested. What made him happy? Wasn't it strange that he had never thought about it? He kept wondering what Hades would do if he knew how he lived, if Will would be mad if he did what he wanted, he even remembered wondering if Bianca and Hazel would approve of his decision. Now, asking himself that question, wondering what made him happy, hadn't crossed his mind untilJason pointed it out to his face. He just wanted some peace, whatever came of it was a bonus.

The door opened and Percy smiled at him, hugging him tightly, just like Percy used to do before all this drama happened, and he, putting his worries aside, decided that enjoying that moment, melting against his broad chest, was the best thing he could do in that situation. Did Percy and his big hugs make him happy? Much more than Nico could explain. But then, why did he feel so sad?

"Am I a happy person?" He asked Percy when the man released him and closed the door.

Percy slowly turned towards him and looked at him strangely, still smiling, and ruffled his black hair, shaking his head.

"You don't know if you're happy? I would say yes. But only you can answer that." Percy looked at him once more and finally looked worried. "Are you okay?”

Nico didn't know how to respond. So he looked down, feeling strangely embarrassed.

"It's nothing.Jason told me something last night…”

"Is that so?”

"Whether I do what makes me happy or whether I do what other people expect of me." He looked at him and asked again: "Do you think I do what other people want me to do?”

"Nico, I don't want you to feel bad. It's not exactly a bad thing.”

"Oh." Nico murmured, half numb.

"You rarely say no to anyone and you always help everyone. You are someone who likes to feel useful. There is nothing wrong with that. But, yes, I think it is a good question. What makes you happy? For a long time I did what would make my parents happy. It did not turn out well for me. Even though I am in a privileged position right now.”

“I understand.”

"Doing what other people want for a while doesn't mean you have to do it forever.”

Well, it made sense. That's what was happening, wasn't it? He'd done what his family wanted for a long time, and now he was free to go his own way.

"You're right." Nico said to Percy. Nico hugged him tightly around the neck and kissed the face he loved to look at so much. "You always say the right thing.”

"It's a talent " Percy murmured back, hugging him equally tightly around the waist, almost lifting him off the ground. "Unfortunately, we have a change of plans.”

"Hmm?" Nico questioned, confused by the abrupt change.

"My parents want to see the children.”

"I know." He could already imagine the situation. "I don't have any clothes.”

"Of course! How could I forget?”

Percy pulled him by the hand and right there in the middle of the living room were three-foot-long racks filled with suits, blazers, and full-length coats. All of them appeared to be his size. He had forgotten how manipulative Percy could be; it was so obvious that this had been planned that it made his blood boil.

"Percy Jackson!”

Nico marched the rest of the distance to the clothes and checked them, they still had the store tag on them. A very exclusive and expensive one at that.

"Did you like it? If you want, you can take home what we don't use today.”

You know what was the most ridiculous thing? Percy's posture. He had a straight spine, a puffed-out chest, and a bright smile on his lips. And to top it all off, Nico could hear the children's voices laughing from the kitchen.

"When did you have time to buy all this?”

"It was nothing, just a phone call.”

"You're kidding me, aren't you?”

Percy scratched his head and looked at Nico, pretending to be embarrassed.

"Would you believe me if I told you that the clothes were lost in our wardrobe?”

"No." Nico heard another pair of laughs and couldn't hold it in. "And you guys, what are you doing, hiding there?”

The children came running and hugged him around the waist, happy and content.

"Yesterday when you left early, we stopped by the mall and bought half a store!" Logan said excitedly. "It's our gift to you.”

"Don't be mad at Daddy." Alice finished for Logan.

This was a plot against him.

"That's not fair. How could I be mad at you?”

"So, did you like it?" Percy asked again, calm and smiling. But the way he looked at him was as if… as if Percy had found something very interesting; which made him uncomfortable and, at the same time, happy.

"If you think you can buy me because of what you did… you don't have to. It's okay. It was my decision, you just respected me.”

"Nico, I'm not trying to buy you. It's just a gesture of gratitude. You've done a lot for our family. We want to reward you.”

"I don't need that. Seeing you happy is enough for me.”

"We know." Alice said.

Nico looked at Alice and saw that she was already looking at him. She had changed so much that he was even surprised; it seemed magical the way the little girl who hid behind her long black hair transformed into this confident teenager who faced her problems head on.

"We'll never forget you!" Logan said. "And you have to promise to call.”

Nico smiled at them and waved, trying not to show how much more their words meant, something that those clothes that must have cost an entire year of his pay, could never compare.

“I promise.”

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

Previous chapters: CHAPTER I / CHAPTER II / / CHAPTER III, CHAPTER IV e CHAPTER V / Chapter VI e Chapter VII / Chapter VIII e Chapter IX / Chapter X, Chapter XI, Chapter XII e Chapter XIII / Chapter XIV / Chapter XV / Chapter XVI e Chapter XVII / Chapter XVIII and Chapter XIX / Chapter XX and Chapter XXI / Chapter XXII and Chapter XXIII

Chapter XXIV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I…”

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Hm.”

"He didn't kiss me or anything…”

"Hm.”

"Will, he wanted--”

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

“He--”

"That's enough, Nico.”

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

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Act how?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chapter XXV

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yeah, Nico had finally gone over the top.

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

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

***

It was one day that his pot finally burst.

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

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

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

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

"Percy, I need you to stop.”

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

"I want you to stop.”

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

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

"Per--”

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

"No, you don't understand.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Nico!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

" You're serious.”

“I am.”

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

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

"I'll go with you.”

"What if I don't have free time?”

“I wait for you.”

“And if--”

"I’ll do everything for you.”

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

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

Chapter XXVI

"I’ll do everything for you.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Nico, darling. Look at me.”

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

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

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

“I--”

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

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

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

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

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

"Hmm.”

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

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

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

"Percy!”

"I'm sorry, baby.”

"No, you don't!”

"It's true, I don't.”

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

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

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

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

“I know.”

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

“I know.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Are you here if I need you?”

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

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

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

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

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

"I'll be in my room if you need me.”

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

***

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

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

"Six!”

"Three plus two?”

"Five!”

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

"Ah. I had--”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Are you leaving?" Logan asked.

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

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

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

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

"Yes, he is.”

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

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

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

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

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

"Logan, I could never replace your mother.”

"Why? You're much better than her.”

“I…”

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

"It's not about liking.”

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

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

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

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

"Alice." He scolded her.

"Maybe he said something…”

"What would that be?”

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

"What does this have to do with me?”

"You're distracted, too.”

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

"Children, you are exaggerating.”

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

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

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

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

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

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter XXII and Chapter XXIII

Hi! New chapter for you. Hope you like it!

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

Chapter XXII

"You really don't want me to take you home?”

Nico denied it and hugged Percy tightly. They were outside the condominium, Percy insisting on taking him home.

"The children can't stay alone, Annabeth just left and--”

“Nico, let me decide about that, will you?”

He looked at Percy suspiciously and took a step back. Normally Nico would trust the man's judgment, but he was beginning to see that Percy wasn't as responsible or perfect as he thought, especially when it came to something Percy wanted, and in this case, that was Nico himself.

"I don't like it when you do that to them. Alice and Logan may be grown up, but they still need their family's attention.”

"I liked it better when you said yes to everything. It was much easier." Percy gave a small smile, apologizing with his eyes and raised his hands, in surrender, and said: "Don't be like that, Roberta is still at home.”

Roberta was the housekeeper, the one who kept the house in order, helped prepare food and had control over the children's routine. And honestly? She was more efficient at raising the children than he could ever be. So this was Nico making the most of the rest of the time he had around.

"Come on, don't be mad at me. Let me take you home. It's already past nine o'clock.”

"No, I'm not going to make you drive across town.”

"I want to, so I can see where you're living.”

"I knew there was a reason behind it." Nico couldn't help but feel like a bratty little kid. He crossed his arms and glared at him.

"Nico, please. I feel responsible for what happened. I just want to make sure you're safe.”

That's when Percy touched Nico's shoulder and with his other hand, gently held his chin, making him look at Percy more closely.

Ahg, Nico groaned and shifted restlessly, refusing to look away. He hated when Percy did that; those stormy green eyes and worried frown always had the same effect on him. In the end, Nico just sighed, knowing he would never win.

Percy opened the car door for him, satisfaction oozing from every pore as Nico jumped into the gigantic jeep.

"Satisfied, now?”

"I'll be when you tell me the address.”

Why did Percy have to be so childish? Or was it just him? Did it matter? Nico gave in and relaxed against the passenger seat, feeling that little bit more anxious, a good kind of anxious; the kind that makes you act and gives you an unknown but welcome pleasure. Thinking about it, the butterflies in the middle of his stomach only fluttered more when Percy smiled at him, starting the car, one of his hands coming to rest on his knee, not helping him in the least.

The worst part was that the gesture sounded almost respectful, with a certain degree of affection. He had only seen that kind of thing with couples, likeHades and Maria. Nico remembered when they still lived in Italy, Maria used to smile a lot more andHades still acted like his father;Hades often sought some contact with Maria, so on car trips it was common forHades to smile at Maria and place one of his hands on her knee, just like Percy did now. Nico wanted to question him, he wanted to ask what that gesture meant, he wanted to know what it meant to them. But even if he had an answer, it wouldn't be the right one. Percy already had a family and a career, while he had barely started his. What would happen when Nico spent more time working than at home? What if he had to travel far away? Nico couldn't let that happen to them, such a common story, but one that could define their future completely. It’s like, if he was already attached to the point of thinking about these things, what would become of the future?

"…ico … Nico.”

"Hm?”

"Are you okay? Where was that little head of yours?”

"I… it’s nothing. I just…”

He shrugged and looked down at Percy's hand that was still on his knee, as if that was exactly where it belonged.

"I…" For some strange reason, Nico felt his throat tighten, the words he wanted to say so badly trapped in uncertainty. He might not be sure of the future, but he also didn’t want to lose these moments with Percy. Each one was special, memories Nico would treasure for when things got tough.

"It's nothing. Really. I'm just tired.”

"Do you need a break?”

Nico shook his head, he had barely come back. He kept looking forward and placed his hands on the one in his knee, trying not to think about anything, just fingering the knuckles and veins in the strong arm that was three times bigger than his.

"Turn right. I live in the city center, near those historic buildings.”

It didn't take long and soon they were in front of the apartment, forcing Nico to take his cell phone out of his pocket and call Jason, letting him know he had arrived. In less than five minutes Jason appeared, only in shorts and flip-flops, his blond hair sticking out in every direction and with a not-so-friendly expression.

"Where were you? Thalia and I were waiting for you until late.”

"It's not what it looks like.”

“What did you expect? Do you know what time it is?” Jason scowled at Nico until he looked at Percy, finally seeming to wake up from his stupor. “And why is Percy Jackson with you?”

"Do you know him?" Nico had to ask, confused.

"Who doesn't? He's known for a lot of things around here.”

"Among the businessmen and upper class." This time, it was Percy who answered, grimacing. "It's a pleasure to meet you. You're Zeus's son, right? My father speaks highly of you.”

“That’s news to me,” Jason said in greeting, shaking the hand Percy offered.

"Hey, I want to know what these things are!”

Were they, by any chance, ignoring him?

"I wish you wouldn't talk about it." Again, Percy referred to Jason, as if they were best friends.

"I can't promise anything. It wouldn't be fair for you to know everything about Nico while Nico knows nothing about you.”

“How do you know that?” Percy asked, lifting his head, mocking Jason in a friendly way.

"No Jackson would let himself be so vulnerable. And if there's one thing I know, it's that you're the kind of people who like to be in control of everything.”

Nico didn’t know why, but he found himself smiling, a slow kind of smile that slowly spread until there was nothing left in its path. Because, it was a fact, Percy seemed to be that kind of person. Controlling and domineering, but not in a negative way? It was very confusing. Or maybe, he was already too invested to see the real danger.

"You're overreacting," Percy said.

"No, he's not." Nico replied.

He couldn't help himself. He grabbed Percy's arm and kissed him on the cheek, holding himself close until Percy turned to him, giving him all the attention Nico could possibly want.

"Are you scared? Too late for that, don't you think?" Nico murmured to Percy.

"Nico! I was a different person. What teenager doesn't do stupid things?”

"Me. I never did!”

"Exactly. You're an exception. You would never do that.”

"That, what, exactly?" Nico smiled even wider and leaned towards him, Percy looking uncomfortable, but seeming to be equally amused.

"Mm-rh." Jason cleared his throat and Nico turned to see what it was.

Jason watched him with a raised eyebrow, judging him as only he could. Oh, Nico could already see it; no one would sleep today, as this would be the length of his questioning.

"I think we better go in, it's very late.”

"That's right, sorry for keeping you guys. Jason, why don't you stop by the company and talk to Max? I'm sure he can help you.”

"Is that a bribe?”

"Only if it's working.”

Jason wasn't usually so friendly with strangers, but all he did was smile and pull Nico inside.

"I'll think about your case.”

Just like that, the gate slammed shut and he turned to see Percy still smiling as he was led down the stairs and then up the elevator.

***

"Gods! What took you so long! I have to wake up early tomorrow." Thalia greeted them at the apartment door, even less pleased than Jason had been.

"You won't believe it. Guess who came to bring Nico home?”

"The president?”

"Even better. Percy Jackson. Co-CEO, financial analyst, and one of the most handsome men and heir to one of the largest fortunes in the country.”

"I know who Percy Jackson is, Jason! Don't be ridiculous.”

"You know, but the question is: does Nico knows it?”

The two turned to Nico and he blushed. Okay, he admitted it. Nico wasn’t into these kind of things…

"Well, I… of course--”

"Nico! I'm so proud of you. You've grown so much!" Thalia ran up to Nico and pulled his cheeks until they looked like they were going to fall off.

"It’s not like that…”

"You have to tell me everything." Jason said, completing his torture. In the end, the two brothers dragged him to the couch and each of them sat next to him. All that was missing was the popcorn.

"It's nothing. It was supposed to be a temporary job through the agency. And he's not all that, just a father taking care of his children.”

"You liar! I saw how he looked at you and I've never seen you act like that with anyone!”

"Oh. My. God! I love weddings. When is it due?" Thalia said again.

"Can you guys stop?" Nico cringed at their stares and snorted. "I swear. I take care of his children and that's it.”

"I'll pretend to believe you." Thalia held his hand, pretending to be understanding. "But tell me, is he everything everyone says he is?”

"What… does everyone say?" He was even afraid to know.

"You know… hot in bed? Is he as dominant as everyone says? Bossy? Generous… monetarily?

"I…" He felt horrible thinking about these things, let alone talking about them, especially when Percy wasn’t there to defend himself. But they were his friends, weren’t they? Maybe if he talked to someone, things would become clearer.

"So?" Jason insisted, as curious as Thalia.

"He's… he's a very reserved person. At least in the beginning. Disciplined. Loyal.”

"And…?”

"And… we never… never got there, but… there are times when…" Nico put his feet up on the couch and buried his face between his legs. "…there are times when he hugs me in a way that… that makes me… oh! I don’t want to talk about it. I have a boyfriend! And he… he’s so…”

"Older?" Thalia finished for him.

"No! I mean, yes! He drives me crazy, in every possible way, and I love kids, they're so sweet. I feel like I'm going to explode!”

"That can't be true. How long have you known them? Two, three weeks?”

"That's enough for me! From the start I knew things would go wrong. How could it not be? After a month of dating, I knew I would never marry Will, so why can't it be true with Percy? And like, why? I feel this attraction, this magnetic thing that forces me to be around him and--”

"Shhh, it's okay. You don't have to decide anything right now. It's okay." Thalia said, trying to comfort him. "And Will? Have you talked to him? I know he's an idiot, but even he doesn't deserve to be betrayed.”

"That's the point!" Nico practically shouted. "We didn't even kiss, nothing at all! How can this be happening to me? Me, the most boring and proper person in the world? I've never even run over a red light!”

"Oh." Both brothers muttered, surprised.

"From what I saw, it seemed much more, intimate, you know?" Jason said quietly into the silence of the room.

"I don't understand. I've just started living without my parents. It's too early! I can't… I can't let anyone hold me back again!”

"Nico, you have to calm down. Come on, I'll get you a glass of water."

"No! I don't want water!" Nico got up from the couch and started pacing around the room, no longer anxious, now irritated. "It's so unfair! Because... because I want it, I feel that this time... this time it's the right person…”

When he realized this, Nico stopped walking around the room and looked at the brothers who were looking at him in surprise. He didn't even know what he was saying anymore. He sat on the floor, right there in the middle of the room, and took a deep breath. Yes, he felt lighter, but on the other hand, he felt even more conflicted. 

In theory, Nico knew what he should do, but his desire was different; it was that little voice that always got him into trouble. It screamed louder than his rationality, telling him that "what if this time it wouldn't be so bad to let himself live, just a little bit?"

In the end, it didn't matter how much they wanted to help him. This was a decision he needed to make on his own.

Chapter XXIII

Nico opened his eyes and for a moment he didn't know where he was. The alarm clock was ringing, it was six o'clock in the morning. He looked around and found it strange, peering through the crack in the window where the weak morning light was coming in. There was no view of trees and the countryside he loved so much, no, all he could see were the tall buildings and the noise of cars passing by on the avenue outside. He turned off that annoying noise, rubbed his eyes and only then could he remember.

It was true, Nico told himself. He wasn’t home. It had been a few weeks since he had packed his bags and snuck out without anyone seeing him, in the dead of night. He still hadn’t gotten used to it. It was the silence of voices and, at the same time, the endless noise of cars, the cozy nights and the support of friends, the understanding he hadn’t known he deserved before this. It was liberating to decide what he was going to do without having to look around for fear of disappointing someone. So, all that was left for Nico to do was get out of bed and face another day; he took a shower, brushed his teeth and put on the first clothes he found, barely looking where he was going, letting his feet carry him.

He stopped for a moment in front of the table and walked into the kitchen, staring at the glass in his hands, the water inside it moving as he stirred it slowly. Nico felt strangely empty; not sad, not angry and not happy at all. It was an absence of emotions that only made him feel relieved.

It must have been the new medication, or maybe it had been the explosion last night. Nico felt calm, calmer than he had ever felt before. He couldn’t be thankful enough for having Thalia and Jason in his life. They had stayed with him a little longer last night, had sat beside him on the living room floor, holding him tightly until his breathing had returned to normal and he had calmed down, though he had spent a long time staring at his hands.

He didn't know what was so important that made him look at them so much or why Jason and Thalia hadn't gone to their own rooms. Nico remembered asking them, feeling light and comfortable, even though he was sitting on that hard, cold wooden floor. The brothers looked at each other and out of the corner of his eye, Nico saw Thalia shrugging. They didn't answer him, they just got up, taking him with them and walked with him to his room, making him sit on the bed and lie down soon after, Jason covering him from chin to feet with the duvet. He had then sighed and closed his eyes, with them still looking at him and observing him with concern.

That was how Nico fell asleep, with their presence and the sound of the door closing as he finally lost consciousness. But now… now--

"Nico, how do you feel?”

Ah, it was Jason. His friend usually went out later than Nico. At that time, Jason would still be asleep, taking advantage of every extra second of sleep he could get. But not today. Today Jason was already up, wearing the same pants as the night before and a rock band t-shirt. He was offering Nico an extra large mug of black, unsweetened coffee, just the way he liked it first thing in the morning.

"Hm?" He asked, accepting the steaming mug. Nico placed the glass of water on the counter and inhaled the aroma of the freshly ground and filtered coffee, taking a big sip and not even realizing when he had burned his tongue.

"Did you sleep well?" Jason repeated.

Nico just smiled, almost feeling himself wake up, warmed by his concern. This was Jason, a full-time psychiatrist, but still in training. If he knew him well, he would have thought Jason would be a great professional. Jason cared more than he should have.

"Yes, thank you. And yes, I'm fine. I've already taken my medicine. And no, I don't feel any symptoms of a panic attack or shortness of breath." Nico said and took another sip of coffee, this time being careful not to burn his tongue. As for Jason, he grimaced and stopped in front of Nico, crossing his arms.

"I worry. I don't want to--”

"Jason, you know I love you. But you don't have to worry." Nico smiled at Jason again and drank the rest of his coffee, watching him blush. It had been a short while since they had reconnected, but he didn't remember Jason being so charming and handsome, a little clumsy, too. He thought he was spending too much time with Percy, but that kind of approach had its advantages. Jason stuttered and blushed more, raising his hands and pointing at Nico, his words trailing off and going nowhere.

"Really. I guess I needed to get it off my chest, you know? It's okay.”

"Nico, the way you acted before… so aggressive… it didn’t seem normal.”

"You know what? I think it was great! I've never felt so free, like nothing could stop me.”

"I know that, I know how difficult it is for you to express yourself. I want you to know that whenever you want, you can talk to me.”

"Jason, you're my best friend. I'm living in your house! Of course I know that. There are things I need to do on my own.”

“I understand that.” Jason repeated, coming around the table and looking at him closely, his bright blue eyes looking at him seriously. “It’s just… you look so small, so vulnerable that you feel like you’ll break with the slightest blow.”

"Jason--”

“I know you're not helpless, you showed that yesterday. You show me that every day that passes by. I want you to know that we're here, Thalia and I, we're here if you need us. How long are you going to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders alone?”

Nico snorted and pushed him lightly by the shoulders.

"Don't be so dramatic. I asked for help, didn't I? So why all the drama?”

"It’s Percy… I’ve never seen you react like this because of someone. With so much… passion.”

"Passion? So you think I'm in love? That I'm going to do crazy things?" He rolled his eyes and turned his back on Jason, going after his backpack. "I already left the house. What else could I do?”

"Something that will get you and Percy into trouble.”

Ah, and they say he's the innocent one, right? It was too late to think about that and it was Jason who didn't see reality.

Nico nodded at Jason, watching his friend’s disgruntled grimace, and picked up his bag. It was best if Jason didn’t know about this. The fewer people who noticed, the better.

***

"Bia, I'm fine. We'll see each other soon.”

"Nico Di Ângelo! Hazel had to go after you to find out what happened with you! What would it take for you to show up? Someone having an accident?" Bianca practically screamed on the other end of the line. "You even changed your cell phone number!”

"Okay, okay! I admit it, I needed some time, okay? I promise I'll visit.”

"You promise?”

“I Do.”

“When?”

"Errr… soon?”

"Nico!”

"I think… on the weekend? We can meet somewhere.”

"Oh." She told him, and on the other end of the line, he could hear her voice fading. "I thought… right. Will you ring me up? Papa is calling me.”

"I'll call you.”

"Remember, you promised.”

The line went dead and he looked at his cell phone, bringing a smile to his face. He confessed, he was being childish, the most selfish of all, petty, even. Seeing Hazel and now Bianca looking for him was all he needed; it was everything he never thought they would do. Nico could hardly believe that he mattered to the point that they would stop what they were doing to talk to him. The only thing missing wasHades showing up at his door.

Feeling his chest warm, Nico took the magnetic card out of his bag and when he was about to unlock the lock, someone grabbed his arm, pulling him under a nearby tree.

"Nico." Someone whispered, finally allowing him to see who this rude person was who had pulled him so hard.

"Not again!" He grumbled in anguish. Of course it was Will showing up uninvited, even taller and more muscular than before, his bright eyes making Nico’s stomach churn with revulsion. Maybe it was anger or anxiety, or maybe it was all of those things mixed together.

"I missed you, shorty." Nico felt hands wrap around him, making him take a step back, avoiding his embrace.

"Will, I was very clear with you.”

"Avoiding me and running away? I don't think so.”

"Will Solace!”

"What?" Will looked at him, finally seeming to pay attention.

"There is nothing between us anymore!”

"What is this? Are you going to throw away all those years because of sex? Because of a fantasy? I don't care. Now that you've had your fun, we can get down to business.”

"Will, I--”

"Look, I know how it is. Every man has the need to try new things, I don't blame you. But what do we have? It's forever.”

Nico was shocked, open-mouthed, astonished, dumbfounded. Will was confessing that he had cheated on him, right to his face?

"Will, I'm going to say it one more time: We're breaking up. We're already broken up. This between us is no longer possible. Do you understand?”

"Oh, come on! Is that what you're mad about? Because of a fuck? They're not important.”

"They? They? Do you realize what you're saying?" Nico paused for a moment and took a deep breath. "Will, you cheated on me. Do you understand? Look, I'm very tired. I hope to never see you again.”

He turned to leave, but again Will grabbed him by the arm, this time pinning him against a tree.

"Is this how you repay me for all these years? Everything I've done for you and your family?”

"I didn't ask you to do it." He replied. But Will was right, Nico didn't say or do anything to deny all the money the Solace family invested inHades's business, even so... he refused... he refused to feel bad about it! He was a child who would do whatever his father told him to do.

"You b--”

It was Will's turn to take a deep breath and calm down. When he spoke again, Will had a smile plastered on his face.

"Look, I know you're confused. There have been so many changes, right? I can wait, give you the time you need.”

"Will, I know about you and Lou. I know you were together before you even met me. How can you do this to me? To him? Don't you care at all?”

"He's just my friend, shorty. You're the only one for me.”

"You-- you're hopeless! If I go to your house now, will he be in your bed? Still sleeping? Or maybe on the couch, the place you both like so much, hm?”

"Did you… did you see?”

"Of course I saw it! I would have to be blind not to see it! Now, if you'll excuse me…”

"Nico, please. I love you. I promise that--”

"I've given you every chance and you keep doing the same things!”

"If you knew, why only now… oh! Is it because of that Percy? Do you think you have more options now? That he’ll stay with you? Someone useless who’s good for anything?" It was then that Will’s smile came back in full force, dimples and white teeth, making Nico's stomach churn even more. "Don’t be ridiculous. Someone like him would never stay with you. I bet he fucks you the way you never let me, doesn’t he? Does he satisfy you? Does he tell you what you want to hear? Have you no shame? A man his age playing house with you?”

Will shook his head and stepped closer.

"It would be horrible if the police got involved. What would happen if people found out that the famous Percy Jackson fucks underage boys?”

"You… you have no way of proving it.”

"That's true, but imagine people's reactions when they found out about the accusations?”

"I… I need some time to think.”

"Oh, of course you do, dear. As long as you want. While you're thinking, how about we go to the movies? This Friday?”

"I leave work late.”

"I know you can make an effort. I'll pick you up here at seven, okay?”

Will smiled once more at Nico and bent down until he was at his height, getting closer and closer and he… he couldn't do it; he turned his face just as Will's lips would touch his, kissing his face.

"It's okay, shorty. I can wait.”

Will touched Nico's hair, stroking it lovingly and stepped back, allowing him to see something that made his stomach turn even more. Percy was there, watching everything, much closer than Nico felt comfortable.

Thanks for reading!

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter XX and Chapter XXI

Hi, we're back! I've had a bit of time and decided to move things along. I hope you like it.

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

Chapter XX

“I’m leaving,” Nico muttered weakly before leaving the house.

He took one last look at his father's figure sitting on the couch, ignoring him while reading the newspaper, and opened the door. Nico didn't even wait for a greeting in return, knowing he wouldn't get one. Not that he cared, he had come there to get some books and a change of clothes, and if that was the way Hades was going to continue to treat him... it was better that way, because things were only going to get worse. After that lunch with Percy, or rather, after he decided to ignoreWill's calls, the vow of silence had begun. However, it was only when the gifts, money and unwanted appearances started to appear that things became truly uncomfortable. That is, gifts from Percy andWill, both competing to see who was the best.

Yes, it seemed that was how things would be. If he didn’t stay too long inside that house, he wouldn’t have to see them and that way, everything would be fine. And if he didn’t stay at home, Maria wouldn’t have to take sides and Hazel wouldn’t have to fight with Hades, but… but it was all right. Jason and Thalia were helping him, the siblings had a spare room and they didn’t demand anything from Nico. Yes, it was the best thing to do, he kept telling himself; in the end, everything would be fine. The good news was that Nico had left plenty of clothes at their house and he wouldn’t have to go back for a few days.

"Nico!" Nico's soul nearly jumped out of his body at the shrill scream. Hazel came running down the stairs toward him, her face distressed and angry, determined as ever.

"Where have you been all week! We've been so worried.”

She was a true angel. Nico let Hazel's short arms wrap tightly around his waist and returned the gesture, barely realizing how much he missed her.

"I'm not welcome here." Nico confessed.

"That’s not true! Mom and Bianca miss you. EvenThanatos asked about you.”

"It's better this way." He said, "You don't have to fight over me.”

"No, I refuse. You're not leaving!”

"Honey, I have to work.”

Nico looked at her and smiled, even though he was crying a little. He missed Hazel so much that he almost gave in to the temptation to stay. He missed his mother too, and the nights watching movies with his brothers.”

"Why, right now? What changed that made you abandon me?" Hazel pouted cutely and tears fell from her golden eyes. The worst part was that she was right.

For the first time in his life, Nico had accepted someone's help and gone to the psychiatrist that Percy had recommended, as well as the psychologist, both community doctors. The truth is that the doctors he had seen before had not been a good experience, but Nico had talked a lot with them, learning that moving away from what was hurting him was essential, even if it was slow, and having a support network was even more important. He had also decided that he would no longer lie and that he would face his problems head on, and he would never, ever again be ashamed or feel guilty for thinking of himself first.

"I'm going to a psychiatrist. She prescribed me a weaker sedative and advised me to seek a healthier environment.”

“Oh,” she murmured. “I understand. I’m… I’m happy for you.” But now she was crying for real, silent tears streaming down her dark face. “You’ll come back to visit, won’t you?”

"I'm not leaving. I just need some distance. When you need me, just call me and I'll come running.”

"Do you promise?”

"I promise." Nico said to her and hugged her tightly.

"Can I go with you?”

"Where?”

"Work, of course." She said as if it were obvious.

And you know what? He shrugged, Percy probably wouldn't mind.

Nico took Hazel's hand and guided her to the bus stop.

***

Nico rang the bell and held Hazel's hand, counting the seconds. The door opened quickly and, as usual, it was Percy who came to greet him, always with a big smile and an affectionate hug.

Of course, it hadn't always been like this, the important thing was that in the last few days a simple "hello" had turned into something more, something that required physical contact and was as easy as breathing. He just wanted things to stop there. You know when you think it's going to rain a little and instead a flood destroys your house? That was exactly how Nico felt, all the presents, tight hugs and soft smiles weren't good for his heart. Or the money that had mysteriously appeared in his bank account, so many zeros that Nico didn't even know how to count them and that seemed to increase every day he looked at it.

"You know you don't have to rin-- Hazel! What are you doing here?" Percy said, opening the door completely and allowing them access to the entrance chamber. Percy crossed his arms and made a face, but Nico knew it was a joke, because soon after Percy bent down and hugged Hazel, ruffling her hair.

"She came with me today, I hope that's okay.”

"Yeah, no problem." Percy said and turned to him.

Holding his shoulders, Percy looked him straight in the eyes and then moved them from his feet to his head, and only then hugged him tightly, tighter and longer than would be appropriate.

"You look much better. The kids will love to see you." Percy said in the middle of the hug, his voice whispered against his earlobe.

Nico could only nod, the words he was about to say disappearing without being pronounced, like, why he found so much money in his account when he went to get money to buy a book and why so many gifts. He just wanted to understand what was going on between them. Or what could still happen. What really made him understand how screwed he was was finding himself surrounded by Percy's arms, realizing how much he had missed him this past week, the week he had asked for time off. It was the only way to get his life together and try to build something to motivate him to continue.

One of Percy's hands held him by the back of the neck and the other came to rest on the small of his back, making him feel welcome and safe. When Percy finally let go, Hazel and Percy had identical smiles on their faces, which made him deeply uncomfortable, as if they knew something Nico didn't.

"Come on, the kids are already at the table." Percy told him.

Percy touched his hand hesitantly, as if expecting to be rejected, but when Nico did nothing to stop him, Percy gently guided him as he stroked his fingers. However, Nico didn't have time to enjoy the feeling of Percy's touch on his skin, because there was the Jackson family; Alice sitting next to Logan,Annabeth at the farthest point from everyone while Percy sat in the center, with him and Hazel seating them next to him and across from the children. The funny thing was that instead of asking the cook or the housekeeper to get more dishes, Percy himself stood up.

"There's always room for one more in this house." Percy placed the cutlery, plates and glasses as the housekeeper had taught them and straightened his spine. Percy puffed out his chest and cocked his head in a comical gesture, looking really proud of his work.

"So, what brings your sister here?”

"I--” Of course Nico didn't get the chance to finish.

"I had to ambush Nico in the morning!" Hazel practically slammed her hands on the table, exactly like Hades would do, all irritated and offended.

“Oh, really?” Was all Percy said, his easy smile seeming to calm her.

"Nico… Nico hadn’t been home for over a week! I was so worried! No one knew where he had gone, not Mom, Hades, Bianca. Not even Lou and Cecil! It was like he had disappeared off the map!”

"Hmm, and how did that happen?”

But this time, Percy wasn’t asking Hazel that question. No, he was looking at Nico as he lifted the wine glass to his lips. One corner of his mouth lifted and he leaned back against the back of his chair, looking Nico over once more from head to toe.

"Could this have anything to do with some recent changes? I wonder what it could be…" Percy said again, in that mix of joking and mocking that only he could do.

“Okay,” Nico said, suppressing the urge to roll his eyes. “I went to the psychiatrist, okay? She referred me to a psychologist too.”

"I'm glad." Percy said then, contentedly. The smile that reached his eyes said much more. “Did you like it?”

“Like isn’t the word I’d use,” Nico found himself saying, feeling his face heat up, that urge to hide stronger than his sense of pride. “It’s helping. I guess I needed to hear certain things, from a neutral perspective, you know?”

“I know!” What surprised him wasn’t that someone agreed with him, but that it was Logan who had said it. Alice nodded, seeming to flinch when the attention turned to them. “Dad put us in therapy after you had your panic attack. It’s so cool! He listens to me and jokes with me, just like you do, Nico!”

He smiled at Logan and Alice, but for some reason he felt like crying. Nico didn't cry, of course, it would be too much drama for such an early morning, he just looked at Percy suspiciously.

Percy shrugged.

"My parents never worried about that kind of thing. I wanted to make sure that… everything was as it should be." Percy muttered, a strange, self-deprecating smile forming.

Nico was so proud! To show his approval, he held Percy's hand and smiled at him. Percy didn't know how much trouble he was saving himself with this. Percy only did this because the children must have been traumatized, but it showed that Percy cared about their well-being, not just their physical well-being, but their mental well-being as well. The problem was that Percy turned his hand against his and intertwined their fingers, making him feel that warm feeling in his heart, and maybe somewhere else too. When that happened, he tended to forget everything else.

It was at that moment that Nico heard a throat clearing.

Sofia pushed her chair back and stood up, knocking it over as she went. She crossed her arms and approached them, circling behind each one sitting at the table, as if she was about to attack.

"Who gave you permission to do this to my children? Is this how you raise them? And letting just anyone come into my house?”

If he didn't know whoAnnabeth was or what the purpose behind those words was, Nico would be offended. Hazel, who didn't know what was happening, didn't have the same reaction. She stood up and, just as aggressively asAnnabeth, lifted her chin, taking a step towards her.

Fortunately, Nico acted faster. He grabbed her arm and sent her a look, which was enough for Hazel to sit back down, not at all happy with the situation.

"Is this house still yours?" Surprised, Nico heard Logan say once more. "If you don’t live here, is it still yours?”

Percy frowned andAnnabeth paled. If Nico hadn't been paying so much attention he would have missed the momentAnnabeth gasped and took a step back in shock. Percy was too focused on Logan, Alice was looking down in sadness, and Hazel had looked away in a huff. He could only watch asAnnabeth took another step back and another, disappearing up the stairs without a word.

Maybe it wasn't a good idea to bring Hazel there.

Chapter XXI

Even though the morning was full of drama, the rest of the day passed peacefully; after Percy talked to Logan, Nico took the children to school with Hazel and then they returned, Nico showing his sister the house, quickly passing by Percy's room, a gigantic place with a double bed, a suite with a bathroom and, in the corner of the room, a spacious table with chairs, a printer and everything Percy could possibly need. They said "hi" to Percy and soon Nico pulled Hazel by the hand when she started to talk, Percy in the middle of documents spread out on the table, laughing at their attitude.

When they finally returned to the living room, Nico was able to sit down and pick up his books. But Hazel? She wasn't satisfied with that. No, she walked around the room, looked out the window that overlooked the garden and the pool, and went to the bookshelf that took up an entire wall and began to read the titles.

That was already getting on his nerves.

"Hazel, what are you doing? Looking for evidence for Hades?”

"What, no… but… is that all?”

She came towards him and sat on the sofa by his side, still curious.

"What were you thinking?”

"You and Percy seem so close…”

"Hazel!”

"I'm just saying. So, you just study? All afternoon?”

"Sometimes Percy comes over and we watch a movie. Or we get something to eat.”

"Really? Not even a little kiss? Maybe a--”

"You can stop right there. If you came here for that--”

"No! I missed you. You still haven't said where you're living.”

"And I won't. I don't want to take my problems elsewhere. They're already helping me, I can't get them into this mess.”

"Is this part of your therapy too?" She asked, pouting.

"Yes. I have to learn to say no, or the same thing will happen no matter where I go.”

"What? People coming to your new house?”

"No, people abusing me. Even if they don't know what they're doing.”

"Oh." Hazel murmured, looking at her hands. "Do I do that? I never--”

"It's not your fault. If I don't tell you how I feel, how can you know? The responsibility for building healthy relationships must come from both parties.”

"Does it start with “no”?”

"Start by defining what I am willing to accept and what I should never allow.”

"Oh." She said, but this time, Hazel understood. She smiled and hugged him tightly. "I hope I'm one of those healthy relationships.”

"Of course you are, I'll always want you in my life. The question is: do you want to study with me until it's time to pick up the kids or do you want me to take you home?”

"I think I've caused enough trouble. I'll go alone.”

"Are you sure? Do you have the money for the bus?”

"Yes, Hades always gives me money to spare. Don't worry.”

That was when Nico realized how differently they were treated. Hades had never given him a penny that wasn't strictly necessary, but for Hazel... only the best. He took Hazel to the door and waited for Ethan to pick her up, and only then did he let himself fall apart. He walked mechanically to his little corner in the living room and lay down in one of the long armchairs, only realizing that time had passed when someone gently touched him on the shoulder.

“I--”

He jumped and tried to sit up. However, it was Percy. The man always caught him in these situations. Percy just smiled at him and sat down next to him, Percy's hands going to his hair automatically, brushing and massaging, rocking him so gently that he calmed down after a few moments.

"You were so quiet, you didn't come to call me for lunch. Have you eaten yet?”

"No." Nico denied, relieved that he didn't have to explain.

He didn't understand where all this care was coming from or why Percy chose to treat him this way. It was clear that he wasn't the best person for Percy to invest so much time... and money in. In the last few weeks it had seemed like as soon as he breathed, Percy was offering him something or giving him "tips" that felt more like extra pay, even when he was off duty, the money showing up in his account randomly.

It’s just… that was why he was working, wasn’t it? Except it wasn’t work at all, taking care of the kids or occasionally making food when the cook was gone. Really, Percy had done so much for him, more than he could ever do for Percy; he just wished Percy wouldn’t make him feel so guilty.

Ah! Who was he kidding? Percy was all he needed. Someone who would support him, care for him, and understand him, someone Nico could trust, just like Percy had already proven. So why did all of this feel so wrong? So bad? Like he was taking advantage of the man and manipulating him, just like those girls his father criticized so much.

"Nico?" Percy called his name, and that voice that was usually soft and husky, sounded authoritative, like Nico hadn't heard in a long time.

He immediately paid attention and looked at Percy's face, who was staring at him seriously, with his jaw clenched, offering him his hand. He didn't hesitate and took it, Percy's firm grip making him feel safe and a little better.

"I'm not going to make you talk about what happened. You know you can talk to me about anything, right? It doesn't matter what it is.”

“I…”

"Am I being too intrusive? If it's about something that happened in this house, I can--”

"No!" He jumped up, facing Percy. "Nothing happened. Nothing at all!”

"Hm. I'll pretend to believe you. But if something is bothering you, I'd rather hear it from you than from other people.”

"I promise… I promise you’ll be the first to know.”

Still a little sad, Nico sniffed and wiped the tears on the sleeve of his sweater. Percy didn't ask anything else, just took his hand again and guided him once more with his firm touch. He knew that if he wanted to talk, Percy would listen; and that was enough to make the sadness dissolve a little more, enough for Nico to know that if he had lost a father, he had gained so much more in return.

***

When Nico opened his eyes, the living room was already dark, only the television and the clock lit up the room. He rubbed his eyes and checked the time, half past eight, well after working hours. He got up and left the children sleeping, heading towards the kitchen, or that was the goal. Nico had to stop halfway when he came acrossAnnabeth, she was coming down the stairs, pulling a huge and heavy suitcase, and for a moment he felt bad for the children who were being abandoned once again, without so much as a goodbye or any words of comfort.

Fortunately, Nico soon snapped out of his trance and headed towardsAnnabeth, running over to where she was, helping her down the rest of the steps.

“Thank you,” was all she said, her attention completely on the still half-open suitcase, her gaze determined to fit everything into that compact space.

"Sofia-- ma'am... aren't you say goodbye to the children?”

"Say goodbye to them?"Annabeth finally looked at him and analyzed him from head to toe. "They don't need me. They don't even want me here. Why would I say goodbye?”

It was a good question. Still, it wasn't the right thing to do.

"The children miss you.”

“I know they do.” She finally closed her suitcase and turned to him, with the same self-deprecating smile Percy had used before. “They miss something that never existed.”

"That's not true. I bet they'd love to spend a holiday with you. If you'd talk to them... Percy would be open to it, I know he would.”

"So cute, yet so innocent." She finally smiled at Nico, a sincere smile that spread across her entire face. "You're a good boy. That's why I know you'll take good care of my husband and my children. You have a gift for it. They're so happy that I won't need to go back for a long time.”

"What?" Nico asked without understanding.  “So, you…”

"It's the deal I made with Percy, I have to come back a few times a year. That's it.”

"Aren't you afraid?”

"What could I be afraid of?" She looked down at him, mocking Nico. When Percy did that, it gave him a feeling of affection, but whenAnnabeth did it, he could only feel mockery and sadness.

"For them to grow up and reject you for the rest of their lives?”

Sofia pulled on the handle of her suitcase and hesitated for a moment, then looked back at him with those piercing gray eyes.

"I meant it about the kids missing you. They were so happy when they heard you were coming… all they need is a little attention. They just need to know that their mother cares.”

"Hm." Was all she said before tossing her golden hair back and opening the door, walking out.

You know what was funny?Annabeth had spent the past two weeks watching him like a hawk, trying to find any flaws or mistakes he might make, but all she had revealed was how she and Percy could never be more than two strangers, or how the children worshipped her, like a god they could never reach. But now, listening to the sound of the car driving away, all Nico felt was sadness. These were two more children who would grow up feeling rejected and incomplete.

See you next week!

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

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

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

Chapter XVIII

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Nico, what happened?”

"Nothing. Nothing happened.”

"Did you get my message?”

He nodded and wiped his face.

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

"More complicated, how?”

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

"Nico, dear. It's okay.”

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

"Never know what?" Percy had to ask.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I don't know, Per.”

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

Nico grimaced and shook his head.

"Come on, everyone needs help.”

"Are you sure? Is it really communal?”

"I wouldn't lie to you.”

"I… thank you.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

"So, you are the famous Nico.”

"Am I?" Nico asked, confused.

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

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

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

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

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

"Those keys, they're not--”

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

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

Chapter XIX

"You finally showed who you really are.”

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

"Really? Who am I?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Percy, I never meant to hurt you.”

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

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

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

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

"He's just a kid who needs help.”

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

"You were the one who abandoned me first!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Percy!”

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

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

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

***

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

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

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

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

"Nico eats. The children too.”

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

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

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

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

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

"Nico, join us.”

"I don't want to bother you.”

"I insist.”

"Yes, Nico. We insist.”

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

"Hm." Annabeth said after a while.

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

"You are thoughtful.”

"…”

"You are… happy.”

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

"You've made up your mind.”

"I already told you--”

"Yes. But this time is serious.”

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

***

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

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

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

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

"What are you studying again?”

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

"He's going to be a--”

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

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

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

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

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

It was Percy's turn to swallow something sour.

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

"You don't have to?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Percy--”

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

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

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

"No, it's not.”

Nico read the address on the card and frowned.

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

"Well… you discovered my evil plan.”

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

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

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

"Yes, we are those Jackson.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I didn't promise anything.”

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

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

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

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

Thanks for being here. Comments are always welcome.

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter XVI e Chapter XVII

As I promised, here are two chapters. If you see any mistakes, like wrong names, let me know! As this was an original story, I may have made some mistakes.

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

Chapter XVI

Percy turned his back on Nico, got into his giant jeep and drove away. Before he knew it, Percy was far away, leaving him with only silence and his own thoughts, watching until the car disappeared into the horizon and only when he had no choice, Nico resigned himself to going back inside the house, walking slowly, questioning the life he led.

He was starting to wonder, was that house even his anymore? Nico didn't feel safe in it, he didn't feel like it was his home, nor was his room a safe place anymore; Nico no longer had the key of his door’s room, not since his father had discovered that he wouldn't be doing agronomy in college like Hades had planned and that, in fact, he was almost ready to leave and go in another direction. However, the high point was when Hades practically sold him in exchange for support and investment in the family business. In the end, Hazel was right and that was his job in that family, to keep Will calm, happy and in control, so that his father would be sure that the mayor would remain happy. Everyone won, right?

Sure. Except him, of course.

With those encouraging thoughts, Nico walked the rest of the way to the front of the house and climbed the set of the porch steps, entering through the front door.

As soon as he stepped inside, he saw that shadows had already formed against the walls. He only needed the door to close for the rest of the room to fall into total darkness, leaving him with only the moonlight for illumination, but that didn't bother him. He kept walking and watched his shoes, walking without looking where he was going, having already memorized every corner of that path. Ten steps forward, three to the left and five ahead to reach the dining room.

"We need to talk." Hades's voice sounded shrill in the silence of the room.

Do you know what scared him the most? That silence is what Nico had always feared. It was Hades with his hard, judgmental looks, was those quiet moments before the storm came, and it was that giant house that always seemed so empty of life; that was what it did to him; it haunted him, made him think Nico would never escape that horror movie of a small town and the claustrophobic places. Because, that was how he would end up, a small boy, in a small place, in a small family and in a small life. He would probably end up like one of those story endings too; he would work for his father until his last days and marry whoever Hades told him to, obeying like the perfect son, right? That was supposed to be his future?

He was so tired…

"I don’t think so. I think our conversation is over." Nico heard himself saying, still looking at his feet. Why was he still trying? Why did he care what that man would think? That wasn’t his responsibility, none of it was. It wasn’t pampering Will Solace, the mayor, or worrying about the family’s business; Nico didn’t need any of that.

Nico nodded to himself, and he was so exhausted that he didn't care about Hades's angry grunt. Or the chair scraping across the floor, or even the heavy footsteps coming towards him. Nico only raised his head when Hades was too close to ignore, feeling empty and hollow.

After all, what could Hades do? Hurt him again?

Nico was already more than injured.

"How dare you to defy me!" Hades raised his fist and punched the table, which shook with the force of the blow.

Nico barely reacted, he looked at his father's hand on the tablecloth and tried to remember why he should care.

It was all so meaningless that he just continued to watch it.

"I'm tired, Hades." Nico said, defeated. It was the first time he had called him that. Hades was no longer his father, his Papa. He had stopped being that a long time ago.

Nico barely heard the people in the room gasp, which didn't stop them from slowly approaching the two. However, his focus was on Hades, the one Nico blamed for all of this. He needed to blame someone, because if Hades wasn't the one to blame, it meant that he was the reason for all of this mess.

"I'm sorry. I can't do what you want anymore. I-- I tried... I... I'm not challenging you, I just... haven't I done enough?”

Silence fell again, it seemed like no one was breathing. He even tried to see Hades's reaction; his vision was blurry and it was hard to breathe, his chest was constricting as if someone was crushing him, but... but he was calm, he was so calm that it seemed like Nico was watching everything like a spectator; for the first time in a long time he felt like nothing could affect him anymore. It was strange, the tears rolled down his face and his hands were shaking, and he didn't know if it was from relief or sadness; the tears simply overflowed from within him.

Nico blinked and a few more tears rolled down his face. He finally allowed himself to cry for the first time in his life.

"Can you forgive me? I need to do this." Nico tried again. He knew it would be in vain, because with Hades there was only one way to do things, either it was the way he wanted it or it wasn't. Nico accepted that, he accepted that it was the end for them.

It was… it was okay, he had done everything he could. A gentle voice was saying in the back of his mind. He nodded once more, to himself and to what he knew was coming next. When nothing happened and Hades just kept looking at him with that neutral expression, Nico… Nico just let himself breathe and started walking. One step at a time; one to avoid Hades’s still figure, another to get past the table, and a few more to climb the stairs. He looked at them and put his right foot up, then his left, and dragged himself up them, one at a time, until he reached the star’s end and walked a few steps into his room.

Nico left the door open. There was no point in him closing it when he couldn’t lock it, and sat down on the bed. He kept staring at his shoes. He needed a new pair. Maybe new jeans too. Maybe a new bed or… or a new Nico. It sounded good. Anything was better than being the same old Nico Di Ângelo.

He wished he could just be… Nico. Nicollas.

"Oh, my baby." He heard someone saying, someone entering the room, someone hugging him tightly and sitting with him on the bed. He recognized that smell, it was Bianca, her long wavy hair falling over his shoulder, covering him like a protective shield. Nico should have heard what she told him, Bianca had warned him so many times. He should have listened.

"Bia." He murmured, unable to hear his own voice. " I didn't want to.”

"I know, dear. With the Solace family, that's all it could have been. You don't have to try anymore.”

"I don't need to?" He didn't know that.

"Of course not. It was your choice from the beginning. We will support you.”

He knew the choice was his, Nico wanted to tell her that. And that was exactly why he had no choice. How could he do anything when he knew what the consequences would be?

"Don't worry. This is his problem. It's high time Hades acted like a man.”

"That's right. We're gonna kick that son of a daddy's ass if he comes back here!”  Hazel said somewhere near them.

Nico knew he could count on them. He closed his eyes and let himself relax like he hadn't done in a long time.

Chapter XVII

"See you on Monday.”

Percy looked at Nico's sad face once more and was tempted to throw him over his shoulders and run away with him.

He wanted to say that everything was going to be okay, that all it took was one word and Nico would never have to deal with those people again. But before the words could come out, he did what anyone in his place would do; he controlled himself and walked to the car that was parked a few feet away. Or rather, he marched, sprinting down the road and doing his best not to look back or go back to Nico.

Percy just stopped walking when he got into the driver's seat and sped away from there.

Shit! What was he thinking! Why did he keep doing this? He shouldn't have let himself get carried away, but he couldn't help himself. Nico reminded him of his teenage years, of those days in college where he was free to do whatever he wanted; Nico made him act like a child again, defying older people who had an image of authority and harassing anyone he felt like. What could he say? After all, Percy was what Nico had accused him of without even having to use words; a billionaire, a womanizer, and with a superiority complex.

He wasn’t like that anymore, that person stayed in the past; now Percy was a centered and responsible individual, he wasn't the type to cheat even if his illustrious wife didn't think the same. But what if Nico needed help? What if Hades tried something against Nico? About Will, he had no doubts. Was it safe to leave Nico among those people? Who would defend him when the next punch came? 

No! Percy couldn't think about that. He didn't even know those people and he barely knew who Nico was. He didn't... Shit! He shouldn't have left Nico alone. Frustrated, he slammed on the brake and let his head fall against the steering wheel, the horn making a loud sound. WHAT. WAS. HE. THINKING! Nico wasn't his at all and if Nico had survived in that place without him for all this time, he could keep going. Right?

Sure.

Really… what if Nico couldn’t? He looked so defeated, so fragile… cases of anxiety could cause worse even more damage, like suicide or depression, couldn’t they? What if Nico… No! He couldn’t think about that, he couldn’t! Percy should have dragged Nico out of there when he had the chance, he knew that if he insisted just a little longer Nico would have accepted, but… he admited, okay! He wanted Nico to come of his own free will and not because some guy he had just met had asked him to. However, Percy could offer help, couldn’t he? Just one more time?

He took his cell phone out of his pocket and looked for Nico's contact, thank goodness he had given it to him in that conversation in the kitchen before the panic attack. Percy pressed the message icon and typed:

“Is everything okay? I hope things haven’t gotten worse. The offer still stands. Whenever you need it.”

Was it too direct? Too blunt? Too sincere? Too intimate? It didn’t matter. He pressed send and put the phone back in his pocket, starting the car once more. He sent a message, and at the moment, it was all he could do. Was the right thing to do. Otherwise, he would just be another one of those people demanding something when it was clear Nico wasn’t willing to give it.

With this depressing thought, Percy drove the rest of the afternoon and early evening, still not knowing what to do, but doing what he could in this situation.

He walked through the entrance of the condominium and finally arrived home, exhaustion overcoming him as soon as he stepped out of the car. It seemed like so much had happened and so much time had passed, even though it couldn't have been more than five or six hours since breakfast. He walked around the house and up the steps to the porch only to be greeted by two pairs of tight hugs.

The children grabbed him by the waist and smiled at him, all happy. Of course, that wasn't enough. Annabeth Chase, his dignified wife, was sitting on the sofa in the living room with a drawing in her hand; on it were them: Logan, Alice, Nico and Percy. A normal, happy family.

"Daddy, Daddy! Mommy got here early." Logan said looking at him, still with his arms around his waist.

“He told her everything about Nico,” Alice warned, perceptive as always.

“It’s okay,” he said to the children. Or maybe he said it to himself, trying to convince himself of it.

So the three of them walked the rest of the way to the living room, sitting on the couch opposite where Annabeth was.

"Oh, Percy. Did you make it back home? I thought you were too busy to care about your kids.”

"I called a babysitter before I left.”

Percy didn't even bother explaining since the kids should have told her what happened.

"You know what's even more amazing? It seems like you replaced the nanny I hired without telling me." Annabeth stood up, smoothing her dress and crossing her arms. Her eyes analyzed him from head to toe, demanding and cold.

Ah, it seems like she was preparing to fight, even her voice changed intonation.

"Children, it's time for bed, yes? Go ahead and go upstairs." He gave each of them a kiss and watched Alice take Logan's hand, leading him upstairs.

Percy waited long enough for the children to disappear down the hallway and turned to her:

"What are you doing here? This is not our agreement.”

"Guess what? I missed you, sweetheart." She smiled and blew a kiss in his direction, sitting back down, her eyes sparkling as she studied him. Annabeth tossed her long platinum hair to one side of her shoulder, exposing part of her chest and neck, showing the swell of her breasts against the tight dress.

There was a time when Percy would do anything for her, but now all that was left were threats and conversations to see who was the strongest one.

"Annabeth!”

"You still haven't answered me.”

"If you must know, he's the person you hired.”

"Is he? From what Logan said, you two seem pretty close.”

He felt the need to roll his eyes like a teenager and ended up resigning himself to his torture. It’s like they say, if you can't beat them, join them. That's exactly what he did, he sat down next to her and closed his eyes for a moment.

"He's a good kid. He just needs help." Percy said finally.

"Don't you tell me?”

"His family is worse than mine and yours combined.”

"Is that all? Do you want to help him?”

"Unlike you, I'm not a traitor." Feeling Annabeth approaching, Percy opened his eyes again, looking at her head on. "Speaking of which, when are you going to sign the divorce papers?”

"Divorce? Things are great as they are. Why ruin something that is going so well?" Then she looked him in the eyes and placed her hands on his shoulders, sliding them down in a caress that only disgusted him.

"Annabeth." Percy said, turning away from her. "What are you doing here?”

"Hmm, I love it when you talk rough. We could--”

"We could nothing. There's only one reason why you came back.”

"Okay!" She told him. Annabeth got up from the couch and went to the suitcases that were still in the entrance hall and came back soon after, handing him an invitation to the Palace Hotel, one of the most exquisite party rooms in the city. "I need your help. I have this party... it's important to me.”

"They always are. Are you trying to use me again?”

"Look, I would go with Heyna, but these people are traditional. If they see you with me, it will make things move much faster. Think about it this way, the sooner you agree, the sooner I'll leave. Doesn't that sound like a good deal?”

"A good deal? You've got to be kidding me.”

Percy brought his hand to his face and rubbed it, he was too tired to deal with her.

"Come on, Percy. Just this once.”

"I won't do anything until you sign the papers.”

"Percy, you know I can't do this.”

"You can't? Are you sure? I have enough evidence to annul the marriage for adultery. Is that what you want?”

"You're lying, you would never do that! What about the children? Are you gonna do that to them?”

"They’re already grown up. They don't need you. I don't need you. And if you don't want to accept it, I'll be forced to use force. Who will lose more? Me, a university professor, or a socialite architect? Can you imagine the gossip magazines? I can.”

He stood up, tired of it, and turned his back on her, not caring if Annabeth would get hurt or not. But of course she wouldn't give up that easily, right?

"I… I’ll sign it. After the party, if you’ll come with me. The kids need to go too.”

Percy turned to her and studied her angelic face. If he hadn't known the venom behind that vulnerable expression, Percy might have believed it. He would have believed it before he found out what Annabeth was doing on these business trips. And with who.

"Okay, but this is the last time. If you don't keep your end of the deal, I can't be held responsible for the consequences.”

With that, he turned his back on Annabeth and walked up the stairs, finding the children at the top of them, their little faces sad and tearful.

"Shhh… it's okay. Who wants to hear a story?" Logan and Alice sniffed, but held their hands and together, they entered the room.

Thanks for reading!

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter XV

Sim, mais uma capítulo. Para compensar pela semana passada. Espero que vocês gostem.

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

Percy watched that boy and did nothing, he didn't move to give him what he deserved or try to call for help, he just witnessed that beautiful scene; Will at the foot of the stairs, fuming with rage while he hugged Nico tightly.

He rested his head on top of Nico's and in return, he heard Nico sigh softly, relaxing completely against Percy.

Even though he knew he shouldn't provoke people, it was something that was in his blood. He stroked Nico's back and then looked back at Will, smiling victoriously. He understood perfectly well what this would cause, it was obvious. If someone was touching what was his, as he was doing now, he would be furious too. And sure enough, Will came towards them, marching and huffing, Will puffed out his chest, preparing for battle, and stopped right in front of them, close enough for Percy to feel Will's rapid breathing on his face. Not pleasant.

"Let go of Nico, he doesn't belong to you!”

"Ohh!" Percy said, faking the happiness he didn't feel. "If he doesn't belong to me, does that mean he's yours?”

For real, that was a question that didn’t need an answer. Nico wasn’t someone’s thing. Anyway, that didn’t matter. The fact that was worth noting was that Nico gasped and pressed himself closer to him, hiding his face in his shoulder and muttering a “Please, someone kill me,” something Percy probably shouldn’t have heard. So he decided to ignore it.

"Let. Him. Go! Now!”

"What if I don't want to? You're going to scream some more, aren't you?" Percy shook his head, pretending to be disappointed and said: "You can curse me if you want. I promise to cry just for you. What do you think?”

“You fucking--!”

Percy peered over Nico's head at Will and nearly burst out laughing.

You know, it was pretty funny. A spoiled kid thinking that his angry puppy face pretending to be a fighting bull would scare anyone. And he thought he was the little wimp there. Live and learn, right? However, Will kept his promise, he came closer again and before Percy knew it, a punch was coming towards him, but because of the height difference it would hit Nico.

At the last moment, he turned around, putting Nico with his back to the wall and took another punch in his place, in the same spot where Hades had hit him. He barely felt the impact, but he knew that the next day the bruise would be much bigger than necessary.

"Per!" Nico gasped, seeming to come out of his stupor.

"It's okay, kitten." He smiled at Nico and stroked his long black hair. It didn't even hurt, he was sincere. But Nico didn't believe it. He raised his hand and massaged the place gently, making a cute grimace of sorrow.

"The skin is swollen. It even looks like a bump has formed!”

"It’s nothing. You don't need to--”

That was the moment when Hazel decided to appear, shaking the photo album and showing a specific page that they couldn't see from that direction.

"Percy, I found-- You again! What are you doing here?" She pointed at Will and crossed her arms.

Percy knew he liked her for a good reason.

"It's none of your business, Dwarf." Will said without paying attention to her.

Percy turned his head in time to see Will raising his fist once more, another punch coming his way.

"Is that so? Then, I'll call Lalá and Katty.”

Hazel whistled and two dogs appeared. They were two adult, trained German Shepherds.

"Bite." With a sweet smile on her face, was all Hazel said.

After that, everything happened very quickly. The dogs followed their owner's orders and went after Will, who ran away, disappearing faster than he had appeared.

***

"Percy, I found-- You! What are you doing here again?”

When Hazel appeared on the balcony was the moment he knew things were only going to get more complicated. She pointed at Will and crossed her arms, the photo album forgotten in her hands.

You know? That was the reason Will didn't come to their house anymore and that was also the reason they met at Will's work, hidden in some dark alley.

The truth was that things had been a bit strange between Will and his family ever since… well, ever since Will started acting so explosively. It wasn’t anyone’s fault, exactly, Will was too jealous, too bossy, sometimes it seemed like he was going to force him into something Nico didn’t want to do, and without him even realizing it. One moment they were talking and the next… they weren’t. Even though Will knew he wasn’t ready to take that step.

The thing was, Will used to be his friend, his first friend, and Nico didn't want to lose that friendship just because they weren't sexually compatible, even though Will insisted they were. He just... Nico just didn't feel that way about Will, maybe he never had. If it weren't for his father... it was hard to define if he ever loved Will or if it was the pressure from Hades putting everything on his shoulders; the problem was that Will was always there by his side, but maybe... maybe he shouldn't be anymore? Will definitely had other priorities now, like deciding who was the alpha male or marking his territory like a dog in heat.

"It's none of your business, Dwarf." Nico heard Will say, his voice sending shivers down his spine.

Nico didn't even want to see, he didn't want to hear either. Will spoke with so much anger, with so much hate... he didn't know who Will was anymore. The boy Nico knew was sweet and respectful, the best friend in the world. Now this mean, cruel and violent man? He had never heard Will speak like that to anyone, much less seen him raise his hand against anyone.

Shrinking against Percy's chest, Nico closed his eyes, ready to receive all the aggression that Will seemed to direct only at him.

"Is that so? Then I'll call Lalá and Katty.”

Hazel whistled and the two dogs appeared, the guard dogs that looked after their property, trained by Hades and Hazel since she was little.

"Bite." Hazel said and Nico relaxed, it was a relief not to have to deal with Will now.

Will ran away and finally Nico allowed himself to sigh and breathe, feeling safe with Percy around him.

"Nico, are you okay? What did he do?”

He looked to the side and there was the angel with black skin and golden eyes, she was so tall and so kind that most of the time Nico forgot that she was only eleven years old.

"It was nothing. You know, the usual.”

"If it were me, I would have already kicked his ass so hard that Will would never sit down again." She nodded, as though imagining the whole scene, and took Nico's hand, leading them inside the house.

Percy followed closely behind him, his hands guiding his back and making him feel good. That is, until they reached the dining room where everyone was still sitting, no one was drinking or eating like before, all of them looking at their forks or laps, avoiding looking at him, or almost; Hades was the exception. He had one of the most neutral expressions Nico had ever seen in his life.

"Come on, sit down. Finish eating.”

Nico looked at the plate and his stomach turned. The food must have gone cold and the wine made him want to vomit.

"No, thanks. I'll take Perc--”

"It was you? The one who called that boy here?" Hazel said, still standing at the entrance to the dining room. "Only you would do something like that.”

"Hazel, respect your father." Maria finally spoke. She muttered, standing up and walking around the table until she was in front of her daughter. "The important thing is that the problem has been solved.”

"Solved? What was solved? That man came in here again!”

“Hazel,” Hades murmured, scolding her. “You’re right. I talked to him. I thought Will had changed, that he was worried about Nico keeping him waiting last night. I didn’t ask him to come.”

"So, you admit it! You've been talking to him behind our backs!”

"Not exactly. Mr. Solace is the mayor, how could I not talk to them?”

"Is this all because of money? I don't believe it! Is that why Nico forces himself to put up with that daddy's boy son of a b****? Cause you would lose their political support? Ahg!" Hazel looked at her father in disgust and ran out of the room, but before she went, she turned around and said: "If you ever do that to me, I'll report you for mistreatment of minors. How could you do that to your own son?”

With that, Hazel ran up the stairs and from where they were, they could hear the door slam with a loud thud.

***

"Yeah, well…" He turned to Percy and ignored everything else, almost hiding back against the man's chest. Instead, he tried to smile and look apologetic. It probably didn't work. But he was surprised, Percy brought his hands to his face and wiped away the tears he hadn't even noticed were falling.

"No need to cry, it's okay.”

“I--”

"Really. It was my fault. You don't have to be sad about it. Hmm?" Percy smiled at him, showing that small smirk, and touched his hair, stroking it slowly, calming him with just a gentle gesture and sweet words.

Strangely reassured, Nico felt a weird sensation in the pit of his stomach and observed Percy's eyes, clear as the sea, firm and warm in his touch, determined, affectionate. He didn't know what to say, that gesture seemed more than a simple caress, its meaning expanding each time Percy did something like that; the gesture becoming more familiar and intimate than before. But Nico had promised, he wouldn't run away from his feelings. So he continued to look at him and let the moment drag on until the minutes passed and Will's memory slowly faded.

Percy just stood there with Nico, hugging him around the waist, massaging his hair and smiling at him.

“Are you okay?” Percy finally spoke, whispering close to his ear, like a secret.

Nico mumbled something back, something nonsensical. Percy smiled, his voice coming out in a deep cat-like purr, the laughter echoing through his chest and broad shoulders, making Nico feel it in his hands, still resting on Percy's shoulders.

"Do you want to come with me? I don't blame you. I would run away from here too if I could.”

Nico smiled at Percy. Yes, he found himself smiling. Nico smiled because it was the only thing to do at that moment, the only logical thing that would keep him sane; mostly, Nico smiled because that was the effect Percy had on him, even when the man acted like a jerk his reaction was to laugh, whether he was happy, angry or... something else, his reaction would always be that.

“I’ll walk you to the door?” Nico asked. He wouldn’t mind spending some more time with him. However, it was already dark and he didn’t want Percy to get home too late.

So Nico took him by the hand and led him along the path between the vegetations until they reached the wooden gate at the entrance to the property.

"Thanks for bearing with me. It was a fun night.”

"I bet." Nico muttered back.

Super fun.

Percy smiled at him and took a step back, preparing to leave when he stopped in his tracks and turned to Nico, now more sober.

"I was serious about you coming with me. For as long as you need.”

"I-- I can't. It wouldn't be..." The word Nico was looking for was "good" or "healthy," but what came out was something else. "...fair. You've done so much for me. I don't know how to thank you.”

"You don't have to. Never. I wouldn't ask for what you're not willing to give. And I don't expect you to give me anything back.”

Percy's response to his ears sounded ambiguous, with more meaning than he was ready to accept. So Nico just nodded and waited for Percy to walk away, looking down and feeling strangely disappointed, sensing that something was changing again and in such a short time. However, before Percy had completely walked away, Nico saw Percy coming back with hurried steps and… and he hadn't expected that.

Holding his breath, Nico saw Percy stop in front of him and... and hold his shoulder, watched those hands go up to his neck and stop there, firm and warm. It was then that Percy looked at him very closely and... and kissed his face, too close to his mouth and, at the same time, far away.

Percy pressed his mouth there for longer than necessary, massaging his hair, and slowly released him. Only then did Nico realize how possessive Percy's touch seemed, much more intense than the other times. Yes, this time Percy didn't smile, and neither did he do it. Percy looked at Nico as if memorizing his features and finally pulled away, hesitating.

"See you on Monday.”

Percy turned his back on him, got into his giant jeep and sped away. Before he knew it, Percy was long gone, leaving him with nothing but silence and his own thoughts, and maybe a little discomfort between his legs.

See you soon!

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter XIV

Hi, how's everyone? Sorry I've been so absent, I had to take a break. Sometimes that happens, but don't worry, I'll be back. I hope you like it

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

Hades relaxed back against his chair just in time for Maria to enter the room and so everyone began to eat. It was as if none of that had happened as the platters of food were passed around the table and some more arrived from the kitchen.

This was a moment Nico hadn't expected to witness. He leaned back in his chair and picked up his glass of wine, closing his eyes as he felt the sweet and slightly bitter liquid go down his throat. He had eaten so much that he thought he would explode, making him sluggish and sleepy. That must be why he felt so good and so free. He knew he shouldn't be so relaxed, so comfortable with Percy in the middle of his family, and most importantly, he shouldn't accept without question the easy way Percy mingled with them. The conversation flowed so naturally that it was like this dinner was a common occurrence between all of them; Percy's arm on his chair, keeping them close, and the fingers that still caressed the back of his neck in that soft and gentle way lulled him without him even realizing it, while Percy's nails massaging him made everything seem even more natural. And so, finally realizing what was happening, Nico found himself wrapped in that tranquility and contentment that he hadn't felt before Percy appeared in his life, like this was another common thing between them. Even Hades, who had been rude before, seemed not to care about the display of affection.

“… thing. I never would have guessed that.” Percy said beside Nico, close to his ear, the husky murmur caressing his nerves. “What a brave little boy.”

Percy squeezed Nico's shoulders and he felt himself grow warm. Nico just wanted them to stop telling stories about his childhood, there was nothing special about it.

“He was the cutest child in the world. So righteous and innocent.” Bianca continued.

“Really? Tell me more.” Percy raised his own glass of wine to his lips and looked at Nico playfully. But there was something in his eyes. Nico never knew when Percy was been serious.

“Please, no.” It was his turn to murmur.

“Ah, but I have to tell him.”

“Bianca, I beg you!”

Bianca just smiled at Nico, all satisfied and leaned towards him and Percy. The truth is that everyone at the table was a little drunk and since Hades made the wine, he liked it very strong.

“No, I insist.” Percy murmured beside him, perhaps a little closer than necessary, a little hoarsely, too. Well, it was to be expected, they had been laughing for over half an hour. At his expense, of course. Apparently he was a very creative child. And brave. And cute. And innocent. The adjectives were endless.

“So, it happened like this. Hazel was still very little, you know? We still lived in Italy.”

“Please.” Nico begged once more.

“She didn't even realize that the other kids were being mean.”

“I promise to do your laundry for a week!”

“Nico saw this and--” She continued, her face red from the wine.

“One month. No, two--”

“Shhh…” That's when he felt Percy approaching him again. He… Percy placed his index finger on Nico's lips and said very quietly: “Your sister is talking. Be a good boy.”

Nico was unable to disobey. The air fled from his lungs, but unlike what had happened before, it was thought they were suddenly very full, so hot that Nico felt like he was being scorched. The strangest thing about this was that no one seemed to find it strange. Not Percy's arm around his shoulders or his rough fingers against his lips, much less the way that their chairs, for some mysterious reason, were much closer than before, seeming that with each passing moment the distance between them was decreasing.

Half-airy and light, still hearing the words “good boy”, Nico watched Bianca continue to tell her little anecdote of a little boy defending his defenseless little sister through punches. And on top of that, winning the fight.

“I remember that!” Hazel said. She pushed her chair back and stood up, beaming with happiness. “We have pictures!”

“No!” Nico said, defeated.

“Yes!” Hazel exclaimed.

With no other choice left, Hazel left the table and ran upstairs without looking back.

“Percy!” But Nico was laughing, hiding his face in Percy's shoulder, feeling like he was going to melt from embarrassment or bury his head in the ground like an ostrich.

“It’s okay,” Percy told him, the smile in his voice making him relax. “I promise not to hold it against you.”

A kiss was placed on the side of his face and Nico melted completely. He couldn't remember the last time someone had kissed him like that, full of affection and without expecting anything in return. Nico had to lift his head and look back at Percy. When Nico had first met him, it hadn't occurred to him that Percy Jackson could be someone so kind and loving, yet somewhat shameless. Raising his hand, Nico placed it on Percy's face and--

— Nico Di Ângelo! — An angry voice echoed through the room.

The front door slammed against the wall and there stood the person Nico least expected to see, someone he had completely forgotten about. Will Solace was there. Yes, Will, his boyfriend, the person he should be smiling with, the person Nico should be touching with so much affection and care, but never had the desire to do so.

Everyone looked at Will and, too late, Nico realized that Percy was still holding him by the shoulders and he still had his hands on Percy's face. He saw in slow motion Will march towards them and stop in front of the table, only then realizing that he shouldn't be touching Percy, much less in front of his boyfriend. He looked back at Percy and let his hands rest on his strong shoulders, still unprepared to let go.

What… what was he doing?

“I'm sorry.” Nico said to Percy. For some reason Nico addressed Percy and not Will. The truth is that he felt bad, he felt strange, all that drama made him feel like he was betraying Percy, which only made him more confused.

“What the hell are you doing! And who is this guy?”

“I-- I… this… this is Percy Jackson.” He mumbled weakly, not knowing what to say. “And this is Will Solace, my… my boyfriend.”

“What the fuck, Nico!” Will got closer to where he was and yelled in his face. “Come with me, now!”

Nico didn't know what to do, so he went. He stood up and looked one last time at Percy and his family who were watching everything in bewilderment, letting Will grab him by the arm and drag him away. He even heard his mother say "Oh my!" That is, until he realized that Percy wasn't going to let go. He looked at Percy and saw that the man was frowning, looking at him with concern. "Is that your boyfriend?"

“What's that got to do with you? Don't you think you're a little old to be hanging around little boys?”

He couldn't believe what he was hearing! Nico gasped and stood in front of them.

“It's okay, we'll talk--”

Percy stood up and straightened his spine, puffing out his chest in a way Nico had never seen him do before. Percy stopped in front of Will and looked down at him, the blond boy looking so small and helpless next to the nearly seven-foot tall man that it almost made Nico laugh.

“I'm sorry, I don't think I understood. Can you repeat that?” Percy said. He smiled at Will and kept Nico behind him. Nico could imagine how threatening Percy was now.

Will swallowed hard, but stared back at Percy, his grip on Nico's arm tightening.

“That's what you heard, old man.”

“You better let Nico go. He doesn't want to talk to you.”

“Who do you think--”

“If I were you, I would be careful with your next words.”

With that the room fell silent, Will and Percy staring at each other and their family frozen where they sat.

Percy was the first to break the tension. He turned to Nico and gently held him on the shoulder, leaned in until he was very close to his ear and whispered:

“Are you sure he’s your boyfriend?” Nico just looked at Percy, feeling like laughing for some reason, watching Percy laugh back at him. “He feels like an older brother. I don’t see any love or attraction, or affection coming from him. And if that’s how he treats you… why are you still with him?”

Nico felt himself burn under Percy's intense gaze and instead of answering him, he pushed Percy's shoulder lightly, not really wanting to move away, looking at him disapprovingly and muttering so that only Percy could hear: “You're doing this on purpose. I'll be right back.”

So, Nico walked away from Percy, ignoring that little smile that was already very familiar to him, and went outside where Will was waiting for him.

***

As soon as Nico turned his back on them, being pulled by his boyfriend and dragged by the arm, Percy turned around and faced that family that five minutes ago seemed to be the best in the world compared to his. Now, he wasn't so sure. Whether it was the way Nico's older brothers went back to eating, just looking at their plates or the sad way Maria Di Ângelo looked through the door where Nico had left, the worst thing was definitely looking at Hades and seeing the resigned expression on his rough and tired face.

Percy sat down at the table and put his hand to his temples, feeling a headache coming on. He filled his glass with more wine and downed it in one go. Why was he so worried? Why did he feel so possessive? In the end, Will Solace was right, this was none of his business, none of it was.

Even so, Percy turned to Hades, giving him a disapproving look. Hades looked at him and it was then that he realized,  the man would do nothing to stop something bad from happening to Nico. 

Percy didn't believe that! He would do anything for Alice and Logan, he would never let other people abuse them, much less offer them up on a golden platter, handing them over to the dogs. Percy took a deep breath and tried to ignore the tension in the air, so strong it could be cut with a knife. However, it didn't take long for a murderous expression to form on the patriarch's face; not even thirty seconds later they heard furious shouts coming from outside the house. The clearest were "You're mine! Acting like a whore won't solve things" and "Is it because of him that you don't want to marry me?"

Everyone remained in a somber silence that was only broken when Hazel entered the room, her shoes making noise against the wooden floor. Hades grimaced in disgust and he couldn't take it anymore, downing the third glass of wine in less than two minutes.

“You know, I may like fancy cars and innocent little boys, but I would never do that to Nico.”

“As if you were different.” Hades tells him.

“I would never call Nico those things and I would never force him to do anything he doesn't want to do. Can you say the same about Will? If I were you, I would be careful about who you let into your home.”

Hades made another face, as if he had eaten something bitter, but Percy didn't care, he got up from the table and went after Nico.

If it had been anyone else in his place, he would have said that the scene he found when he opened the door was something out of a murder movie about to happen, or perhaps the beginning of physical abuse. He couldn't decide, especially if it was the way Will was looking at Nico, with so much anger and disgust, practically pressing him against the wall; Will even had his fist slightly raised, close to his body, his hand clenched and tense. Nico, on the other hand, seemed to have given up on fighting back and was just trying to defend himself with his hands over his face.

Percy couldn't wait any longer, he walked over to Nico and stood in their midst, running when he saw what was about to happen. However, Percy had to stop before he reached him, coming across something he never expected to see; the little boy who had seemed so brave and courageous was now huddled against the wall, trying to make himself smaller, crying so hard that he was sobbing.

He did the only thing he could in a situation like this. He approached slowly and tried to talk to him, without scaring him.

“Nico? It's me, Percy.”

“I'm sorry! I didn't-- I didn't--” Nico screamed with all the strength he could muster and raised his hands, trying to keep the threat away from him, soon after shrinking even further against the wall and crouching on the floor, covering his head with his hands.

“It's okay. Tell me what happened, hmm?”

“Oh.” Nico said softly, almost without strength.

With a broken sob, Nico raised his head and looked at him, his face twisted with pain. Nico didn't say a word, he just stood up quickly and jumped against Percy, hugging him desperately and crying even harder.

“Shhh… what’s wrong? No need to cry, you’re safe.”

“Per…” Another hiccup and the first sniff.

“Come on, it's okay. Don't you trust me?”

Nico nodded, his face all wet and swollen, trying to smile, relaxing a little more. At least Percy now knew Nico wouldn't have a panic attack.

“Do you want to talk?”

Nico denies it and stays exactly where he was, curled up against Percy's chest and with his eyes squeezed shut, trying to control the sobs that were slowly fading away. Only when he was sure that Nico wouldn't lose control again did he look at the boyfriend. Big piece of shit. A selfish and spoiled little boy, from what he could see. And who apparently didn't even care if Nico suffered or not.

Percy didn't do anything other than hug Nico, he didn't move to give that kid what he deserved or try to call for help, Will didn't do anything either, looking at him like he wanted to kill him, ignoring Nico who finally stopped crying. In the end, he was the one who had lost; it was Percy who held Nico in his arms, it was Percy who slowly caressed his back and it was Percy who comforted him. Will should give up while he still had time.

See you next time!

ShortStories - #1, #2 and #3

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

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

ShortStory #1 - The payback (Cockhold+cheating)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There was nothing Will could do.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I thought you were too tired to continue.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“No, sir. I don't deserve it!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

He wasn't crying!

“Shhh, it's okay. See?”

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

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

“Hm?”

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

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

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

“Are you ready?”

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

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

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

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

“Look at that, baby.”

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

“Fuck, baby. I'm so proud. Fuck!”

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

“I love you, baby.”

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

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

ShortStory #3 – Recém Casados (fingering+orgasm denial+chastity)

Oiiii, como vai? Calma que logo vem novos episódios na fics em andamento. Só que eu estava com vontade de escrever algo diferente, algo que eu ainda não me apeguei. E aqui está, 2 mil palavras. Não sei se é exatamente uma shortstory, mas espero que vocês gostem.

Nico acordou naquela manhã, lentamente. Primeiro foram os suaves raios de sol que escapavam pelas persianas, depois, ombros largos contra suas costas, braços que rodeavam seus quadris e então, sentiu dedos deslizarem entre suas pernas, gentis, ainda que a sensação deles deixasse um rastro áspero e quente em seu explorar, navegando brevemente por seu membro fortemente preso e enfim chegando a sua entrada, roçando suavemente, fazendo Nico estremecer apenas com o toque delicado ao redor da entrada levemente enrugada, seus músculos ainda relaxados da noite passada.

Nico respondeu imediatamente, e da única forma que ele poderia responder, do jeito que Percy havia lhe ensinado. Ele gemeu contra os travesseiros e permaneceu exatamente como estava, do jeito que Percy tinha o posicionado da cama; deitado de lado, encarando a parede do quarto, pernas ligeiramente afastadas, relaxado contra os lençóis. De fato, essa era uma das posições mais confortáveis para eles. Para Nico, era a falta de qualquer tipo de desconforto ou dor, para Percy, o acesso livre e desimpedido, não importava o que Percy tinha planejado para aquele momento.

Ele curvou as costas e agarrou o travesseiro, tentando respirar lentamente, sentindo os dedos de Percy finalmente aplicarem um pouco mais de pressão, ainda sem penetrá-lo, esfregando ao redor e deslizando um pouquinho para dentro para logo em seguida, voltar a se retirar com aqueles movimentos circulares ao redor, embora fosse a pressão certo e o ritmo perfeito, o enlouquecendo um pouco a mais a cada movimento.

Mas estava tudo bem, porque aquele era um momento especial, o primeiro dia do resto de suas vidas, o primeiro dia como casados. E depois de passar a noite inteira sem ter um orgasmo, na verdade, meses, Percy o mantendo preso durante o período de noivado inteiro, como uma prova de fidelidade que Percy havia pedido a ele. No começo Nico não tinha visto nenhum problema, eles tinham namorado durante três anos, dois meses sem gozar da forma que ele estava acostumado, não pareceu muito difícil. O que logo ele descobriu, ignificou não ter nenhum orgasmo.

Nico admitia que a relação deles tinham mudado completamente, mas se ele pudesse ser sincero, eles tinham apenas dado um passo a diante, como se estivessem testando a probabilidade do casamento deles realmente dar certo. Não foi uma surpresa exatamente, talvez no máximo fosse a consequência do que cedo ou tarde aconteceria. Ele sempre tinha sido mais... quieto e reservado, enquanto Percy gostava de tomar as rédeas da situação e fazer as coisas do jeito dele, se possível, Percy executaria tudo com as próprias mãos. Bem no fundo, foi o principal motivo que os uniu e os manteve juntos por tanto tempo; três anos de namoro e dois meses de noivado. Então, quando Percy pediu, Nico obedeceu, descobrindo que gozar... nem era tão importante assim. É claro que essa foi a porta de entrada para outras coisas aconteceram, coisas que ele nem mesmo hesitou em fazer, e só porque confiava em Percy, com toda sua alma, coração e corpo.

Ainda assim, Percy não precisava torturá-lo desse forma, de fato, ele não precisava o torturar por dois meses seguidos, implacável e impiedoso, e não importava o quanto Nico implorasse, só uma vez, só um orgasmo, a chave da gaiola permaneceu escondida ou ao redor do pescoço de Percy, zombando dele, mesmo que Percy compensasse por sempre estar por perto, pedindo a opinião dele em algo que no fim Percy daria a última palavra ou em seu toque que a cada dia se tornavam mais intensos e permanente, como se uma marca se tornasse mais visível e vibrante.

Nico jurava que estava tentando ser um bom garoto, exatamente como Percy gostava, o mais obediente e o mais paciente, ele jurava, mas... sentia algo em seu peito, algo que apertava sua garganta e o sufocava; ele queria esperar mais um pouco, tentava segurar essa sensação dentro de si, mas sentia que estava prestes a passar de limite, um limite que Nico não sabia que tinha e apenas se deu conta disso quando conheceu Percy em uma manhã de sábado em uma lanchonete gourmetizada e cara, vendo um homem alto e sorridente, flertando com a garçonete.

Ele não conseguiu conter o próximo gemido, um choramingo arfado que roubou seu ar quando, enfim, se sentindo ficar tenso, Percy massageou ao redor por mais alguns momentos e inseriu dois dedos dentro dele. Nico sentiu sua cabeça girar por momento e abriu mais as pernas, ele amava gozar enquanto estava sendo penetrado, e ele sentia aquela sensação de completude vir mais rápido do que nunca. Conforme os dedos de Percy se aprofundavam e se tornavam mais energéticos, mais Nico perdia o controle de seu corpo. Mas isso nunca tinha acontecido antes, como se ele fosse gozar mesmo com a gaiola, um pedaço de metal apertado e sufocante ao redor de seu membro que nem algo menos o permitia ficar ereto, algo que até alguns meses atras Nico pensava sem impossível. Mas, então, Percy parou de mover os dedos, o puxando para mais perto ainda, enquanto Nico se preparava para finalmente explodir, dizendo:

“Pensei que você estava muito cansado para continuar.”

“Sinto muito, eu..." Nico não sabia o que fazer. Geralmente Percy não fazia perguntas que exigissem que ele realmente respondesse. O pior é que Percy nem ao menos soava maldoso ou impiedoso, como as vezes ele fazia; era um tom quase curioso, exploratório, como Percy soubesse de algo que ele não sabia e queria que Nico descobrisse o que era por si mesmo.

"Eu..." Nico não sabia qual era a resposta certa. Geralmente, ele saberia. Nem mesmo uma pista Percy estava dando a ele. Às vezes, Nico se sentia mal com isso, culpado por algum motivo, era estranho sentir que sua opinião não tinha importância e que seu único dever era satisfazer os desejos de seu dono. Ele nem sabia por que estava pensando nisso agora, as coisas sempre tinham sido assim, ainda que nenhum deles tenha expressado em palavras, ambos estavam confortáveis e o relacionamento dele funcionou dessa forma desde o princípio. Então, porque, justamente quando ele já tinha se casado, esses pensamentos o assombravam?

Quando Nico não respondeu, Percy agarrou seus cabelos e o fez encará-lo com um puxão que trouxe estrelas a seus olhos, fazendo sua mente ficar em branco por alguns momentos e seus esses pensamentos desaparecerem rapidamente.

"Eu fiz uma pergunta." Percy murmurou ao pé de seu ouvido, rouco e no controle.

Por longos momento tudo o que Nico foi capaz de fazer foi fechar os olhos e choramingar, confuso.

"Não é tão difícil assim. Eu perguntei se você merece e não se você quer."

"Não, senhor. Eu não mereço!"

"Hmm, isso mesmo. Você não merece."

Percy voltou a mover os dedos dentro dele, e isso parecia ainda pior, de alguma forma Nico se sentia ficar ainda mais sensível aos toques de Percy, sentindo aqueles dedos voltarem a abri-los ainda mais devagar do que antes, girando e dedilhando ao redor, uma de suas mãos o segurando pela cintura, a respiração calma e contida de Percy contra seu ouvido.

"Sei que você quer gozar, bebê. Assim é melhor. Você vai se acostumar em mais alguns dias. Se precisar, é só me dizer que vou fazer tudo ficar melhor. Não é mais gostoso assim, hm?

Percy estava certo. Ele nunca havia sentido tanto prazer como nesses últimos dois meses, e de fato, ele sentia tanto prazer que achava que iria explodir com a necessidade de gozar e de permitir que esse prazer escorresse para fora dele.

Nico ainda podia se lembrar da primeira vez que gozou com Percy, tinha sido perfeito, uma sensação que pareceu vir do fundo seu corpo e emergir através de sua espinha, longo e intenso, que a deixou satisfeito como nada antes foi capaz de fazer. Mas, agora, era o contrário, era algo que permanecia na superfície de sua pele e que não o deixava pensar em nada que não fosse em Percy, em seu toque e sua voz, em quando ele finalmente seria permitido sentir essa sensação novamente.

"Shh, não chore. Eu prometo que vai melhorar."

Ele não estava chorando!

"Shhh, tudo bem. Viu?"

Nico sabia o que estava por vir e mesmo assim gemeu, soluçando como se sua mãe tivesse morrido uma segunda vez. Percy substituiu seus dedos por seu membro, roçando a cabeçona contra sua entrando, o penetrando na primeira tentativa. Ele... ele realmente amava sentir Percy o preencher assim, sem aviso ou permissão, o fazendo tomar cada centímetro até que não fosse possível ir mais fundo.

"Pronto. Meu bebê é tão obediente. Só mais um pouquinho, sim?"

"Hm?" Ele achava que tinha gemido de novo, parecido com um ronronar, algo que fez Percy rir bem ao pé de sua orelha, por algum motivo o constrangendo, fazendo a familiar sensação de humilhação subir por sua coluna e se alojar em seu cérebro, feito um verme.

"Assim, perfeito, bebê. Só mais um pouco."

Percy segurou em uma de suas pernas e enfiou uma das suas entre as coxas de Nico, mudando a posição, permitindo uma penetração mais profunda.

"Você está pronto?"

Pronto para o quê?, Nico queria ter perguntado. Isso é, ele teria se Percy tivesse lhe dado tempo.

No começo Nico não entendeu o que estava acontecendo, nada parecia fora do normal. Percy começou a se mover, acertando aquele lugarzinho que sempre o fazia estremecer, mas algo parecia... parecia diferente. Percy largou de suas pernas e suas mãos deslizaram por suas coxas, subindo e indo em direção a seu abdômen, massageando suavemente, fazendo Nico entender que Percy estava tocando o próprio membro que estava dentro dele Nico, fazendo o volume ali ficar mais evidente. Entretanto, o que realmente o surpreendeu foi ver que a outra mão de Percy subia e subia, passando por seus mamilos e parando em seu pescoço, seus dedos o segurando firme ali.

Por um momento, Percy parou de se mover e Nico sentir que tinha parado de respirar, e quando ele não fez mais nada do que arfar, ainda sentindo os dedos de Percy ao redor de seu pescoço, Percy voltou a se mover. Foi ao gostoso a princípio, Percy parecendo tentar alcançar sua próstata a cada movimento e a mão ao redor de seu pescoço o confortando de alguma forma distorcida, mas, então, alguma coisa mudou e ele estava gemendo como nunca tinha gemido antes; ele tinha trocado de lugar com uma boneca de panos que tinha apenas um dever, gemer e ser obediente. A mão ao redor de seu pescoço se apertou, só um pouquinho, o membro dentro pareceu ir mais fundo e acerta—lo com mais força, arrancando soluços arfados dele.

“Assim, só mais um pouquinho, bebê.” Percy sussurrou em seu ouvido, de novo e de novo, o barulho de seus corpos se encontrando insistentemente. A cada palavra e cada movimento certeiro, Nico sentia sua mente se esvaziando, sentia os dedos de Percy tirando seu ar, até que só restasse o som da voz de Percy contra seu ouvido e a sensação do eterno prazer que o transformava nessa boneca de panos sem vida ou vontades próprias.

“Olha pra isso, bebê.”

Percy segurou em seus cabelos e direcionou sua cabeça na direção certa. Nico olhava para o próprio colo, para seu membro preso pela gaiola que agora estava estufada, e no furo central, ele podia ver o que Percy também via. Ele estava gozando, ou algo que chegava perto disso, a cada movimento dos quadris de Percy, um líquido transbordava de seu membro em jatos fracos entre longos intervalos de segundos. Nico sentia... sentia sua alma abandonando seu corpo a cada um desses jatos, nada que lembrasse um orgasmo, porém, semelhante aos meses preso dentro da gaiola, só que agora intenso e doloroso, algo que o fez perder o resto da sanidade que ainda lhe restava.

“Porra, bebê. Estou tão orgulhoso. Porra!”

Nico não entendia exatamente o que estava acontecendo, apenas que ele teve que chegar os olhos se sentindo esvaziar mais um pouco, enquanto Percy o apertava mais em seus braços, enfim suspirando e parando de seu mover, ainda inserido dentro de Nico.

“Eu te amo, bebê.”

“Te amo mais.” Nico respondeu, porque era a única coisa que ele não tinha dúvida alguma.

E então, gostaram? Tudo isso para evitar de escrever as outras histórias porque não quero me despedir da "Não há lugar como o lar". De qualquer forma, me diverti e eu até poderia fazer uma continuação, mas é melhor me limitar as minhas WIPS. Até logo!

ShortStory #2 – Eu sei que você quer (traição+blowjob+babá)

Oii, como vai? Então.... vou precisar dar uma parada nas postagens para descansar. A boa notica é que em fevereiro estamos de volta. Eu também escrevi um shortstory para me desculpar. Espero que vocês gostem! 18+!

“Eu sei que você quer.” Nico disse, sem nem ao menos hesitar.

De joelhos a seus pés e o encarando com os olhos mais inocentes que Percy já tinha visto, o garoto que tinha idade para ser seu filho, repousou as mãos sobre o próprio colo e umedeceu os lábios, ele abriu a boca e colocou a língua para fora, convidando Percy a se aproximar dele.

Como Percy poderia resistir, justo diante dessa visão que vinha se repetindo em seus sonhos mais sombrios, e que agora se apresentava a ele numa bandeja de ouro? Como ele poderia desviar os olhos daquela boquinha avermelhada e carnuda, do pescoço longo e elegante, e do corpo esguio que finalmente estava exatamente onde Percy mais queria? E já que Nico já estava de joelhos a sua frente, sem Percy nem ter que pedir, ainda olhando para ele com aquela enganadora expressão de inocência e timidez, Percy não perderia a oportunidade que estava sendo dada a ele.

Antes de fazer alguma besteira, Percy fechou os olhos, tentando raciocinar sobre a nevoa de luxúria que o tomava. Deuses! O que ele estava fazendo? Ou melhor, o que estava prestes a fazer? Percy nunca pensou que Nico fosse capaz de fazer algo assim, ele era seu doce e jovem babá, o garotinho que ele viu crescer, correndo por aí com as outras crianças, sempre sorrindo para ele e parando em frente à sua casa para falar com ele. Mas, agora, a imagem imaculada do garotinho de pele oliva e profundos olhos negros se transformava, e tudo o que Percy queria era tocar em Nico, era tudo o que ele queria desde que Nico começou a trabalhar para ele e sua esposa, notando como o garotinho tímido tinha se tornado um homem, bonito e alto, sempre prestativo e disponível, não importava qual fosse o momento que ele e sua esposa precisariam de seus serviços como babá.

“Por favor, senhor. Eu... eu quero... sei que a sua esposa não te toca mais. Por favor, eu posso te mostrar que sou melhor do que ela.”

Percy começava a desconfiar que Nico estava certo. Annabeth não tinha interesse em sexo, ele não tinha interesse em ter sexo com ela. O que não tornava o que estava prestes a acontecer melhor ou certo. Embora ele não precisasse se preocupar em seu pego, sua esposa só voltaria de viagem na próxima semana, provavelmente demorasse mais tempo do que isso se ele a conhecesse, e seus filhos estavam no andar de cima, há essa hora dormindo profundamente. Se eles agissem rápido e fossem silenciosos, tinha certeza que ninguém saberia.

"Você tem certeza disso?" Percy não consegui evitar e estendeu a mão, tocando no rosto de Nico, macio e aveludado, deixando que seus dedos deslizassem pelas maçãs do rosto de Nico e então tocou seus lábios, dedilhando o contorno deles que se abriram mais uma vez, a língua de Nico saindo e se encontrando com a ponta de seus dedos, os chupando sem pressa, o encarando, como se o desafiasse.

Bem, Nico não tinha usado palavras, mas o gesto era mais do que suficiente. Percy não conseguiu evitar que um suspiro escapasse de sua boca quando enfim abriu o zíper de suas calças, puxando seu membro duro para fora de sua cueca. Percy massageou o falo durante alguns momentos antes de guiá-lo em direção aos lábios que ainda o esperavam molhado e abertos, Nico arfando levemente.

No fim, deixar que Nico envolvesse seu membro com aqueles lábios macios e o chupasse por longos minutos, tinha sido uma das decisões mais fáceis de sua vida, e quando ele finalmente alcançou a garganta de Nico depois de algumas momentos, o sentindo engasgar levemente, sua segunda decisão mais fácil também veio; Percy agarrou nos cabelos de Nico e se deixou levar naquele vai e vem, observando os olhos negros de Nico lacrimejarem, fixos nele, enquanto Nico, agora com os lábios relaxados ao redor dele, engolia ao redor de Percy e tocava o próprio membro, pequeno e molhado, Percy sentindo Nico estremecer e gemer, extasiado pela cena que via.

E então, educativo, não? Brincadeiras a parte, foi interessante, fazia tempo que eu não escrevia algo assim, então, valeu apena. Espero que você tenham se divertido.

Até logo!

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

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

Previous chapters: CHAPTER I / CHAPTER II / / CHAPTER III, CHAPTER IV e CHAPTER V / Chapter VI e Chapter VII / Chapter VIII e Chapter IX

Chapter X

A few chapters earlier…

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

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

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

"Sir, I can't--”

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

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

"Nico? Are you okay?" He worried.

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

"I'm sorry. I have to go.”

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

And what was he sorry for?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Again." He said.

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

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

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

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

***

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

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

"Hm." He finally said.

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

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

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

Was that… a blush appearing on his face?

"I… I'm fine. I'm sorry. I have--”

"You don't need to explain yourself.”

“I want to.”

He nodded, letting Nico speak.

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

"It's okay. It wasn't your fault.”

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

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

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

Percy understood exactly what he was talking about.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"It's in my bag.”

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

Chapter XI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Do you want to talk about it?”

She shrugged. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

"I spoke to your parents.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Everything is fine?”

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

"Nico, sit with me. Please.”

"What? It was nothing.”

"I'm asking you.”

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

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

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

“Tell me.”

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

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

"Does meditation help?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Percy knew very well what those feelings were.

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

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

“Just that?”

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

"It’s not necessary.”

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

"Let's eat. Then I'll take you home.”

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

Chapter XII

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I think I have a solution for you.”

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

"Yes, a cook." Nico said amused.

"A cook?" He repeated.

This time, Nico actually smiled and shook his head.

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

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

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

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

"Nicollas, is it? How charming.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I think--”

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

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

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

"Papa!”

"You slept at his house!”

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

"Nico.”

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

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

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

"Who do you think you are, you brat!”

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

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

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

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

***

"What just happened?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

"It was nothing.”

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

"Nico, really.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"My employer " Nico made it clear.

"What an employer, huh!”

"Mamma! Don't let Papa hear you.”

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

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

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

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

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

"Ice?" Maria said.

"It was a little accident--”

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

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

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

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

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

Consider… oh. Did they really think…?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He liked that.

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

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

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

“Sir…”

"I thought that had stayed in the past.”

"Percy. I'm really sorry.”

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

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

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

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

Chapter XIII

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

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

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

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

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

"Hazel!”

"I was going to say, generous.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Do you like wine?”

"Nico, it's not necessary--”

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

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

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

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

"Of course not, dear.”

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

"I'm not your, dear.”

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

"Oh." So that was it?

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

“But thank you." Percy finished.

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

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

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

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

"I started working for him a week ago.”

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

"Did you know each other before?”

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

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

"It must be our chemistry.”

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

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

***

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

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

Someone help him, please!

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I can. I promise. I'm really sorry.”

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

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

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

"What do you do, again?”

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

"What exactly does that mean?”

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

"Interesting. In what areas?”

"History, art, finance and administration.”

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

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

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

What was going on? His father was…

“Children?”

"Two. They love Nico.”

"Wife?”

"Technically, yes.”

W-what?

"Alright." Hades finally said.

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

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

"Percy Jackson!" He said through gritted teeth.

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

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

"Are you serious?”

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

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

"In case you want to talk to me.”

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

Comments are welcome. See you next Monday!

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter VIII e Chapter IX

Hi, how are you? Yes, I'm back. I know you're getting tired of me, but as I had a few chapters ready I decided to share them with you in advance. We'll probably have new chapters on Wednesday, because I'm trying to finish the new chapter of “There's nothing like home” (although it's going to take me a while to post it here, I still need to finish writing and revising it), but it'll come.

Anyway, I hope you will enjoy today's chapter. And if you can give feedback on the story, I'd love to hear from you, really, without judgment. This story isn't complete yet, so any suggestions or notes would be very beneficial.

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

Chapter VIII

Nico opened his eyes and sat up on the blankets, realizing that he wasn't in his single bed. There were no windows facing a huge tree, his computer wasn't in the corner of the room, and there weren't any loud voices reverberating through the house early in the morning. No, no way, that wasn't his room. Well, this one, painted in soft shades of gray and with a double-sized bed, wasn't his, and much less this calm that made him feel so peaceful and calm.

He… what had he done…? It was so confusing…

Oh! Now he remembered. Percy and his soft voice. A bowl of soup and another question that finally made sense. Yes, last night he had waited for Percy and fallen asleep without wanting to, even though Nico had sworn he would wait for the children to fall asleep so he could leave. Instead, he had a serious conversation with the man who didn't seem to take anything seriously, but who in fact hid his seriousness behind very well-disguised smiles.

Like, he knew that now. However, that hadn't been the case the day before when he'd followed Percy up the stairs and into the empty guest room. He barely remembered getting into the shower, that had been another thing he hadn't expected of himself. He felt like he should have done more than nod and obey. 

In the end, Nico couldn't help it, Percy had spoken to him so gently and affectionately that Nico found himself nodding. Vaguely, he remembered taking off his clothes once inside the suite Percy had shown him to, stepping into the bathroom and a while later hearing two soft knocks on the door. After that, Nico didn't know how the rest of the night had gone. He knew that at some point Percy had... gods! Was that right? He'd shown up naked and wet in front of his boss? While the man was handing him clean clothes? Nico couldn't even remember their reactions. It was all so hazy it was like Nico had been drinking himself into a stupor.

Thinking about it, it was better that he didn't remember any of it. Nico wasn't sure if it had really happened or if it had been a dream, especially the part where Percy looked at him from head to toe like he was going to attack at any moment, but since he didn't feel anything unusual, no pain or marks, then... then if he ignored what might or might not have happened, it was as if nothing had happened, right? So, wearing the same clothes he had slept in, he walked down the hallway and down the stairs, going straight to the kitchen where he found something strange and sweetly domestic; Percy Jackson wore a red apron and dark colored sweatpants as he walked barefoot across the cold kitchen floor,  plating four dishes. Bacon, eggs, and sausages. There was coffee and juice on the table. Jam, bread, croissants, and cake. A small improvised feast.

"I thought you didn't know how to cook.”

Nico didn't know why he had said that. Maybe it was because it all seemed like a dream, where he had a happy family that welcomed him on a nice, sunny Saturday morning and a... husband...? Wow... Nico was starting to think his fantasies were a little rushed. Or maybe his brain wasn't ready to wake up so early on a Saturday, much less was it prepared for this happy scene. Usually his family didn't eat together; his father was the first to wake up, getting up early, and his mother prepared the food. As people woke up, each one served themselves and went about their day without talking to anyone else. So, this... this wasn't at all what he expected.

"That's nothing! Everyone knows how to make an egg." Percy said excitedly, almost humming as he finished putting the sausages on everyone's plates. "Come on, sit with us.”

“I shouldn’t,” he muttered. Nico really shouldn’t. Percy made him feel like he was part of the family, and that was dangerous. Most of the time, Nico barely felt like he was part of his own family.

"Come on, I insist." Percy looked at him with that bright smile and he felt uncomfortable, for some reason it made a lump appear in his throat.

Nico lowered his head and thought about running upstairs, still remembering the night before, when he heard a chair scrape across the kitchen floor and a small hand touch his. To his surprise, he found Alice smiling as much or more than Percy himself, gently pulling him by the hand, guiding him to the chair next to where Percy sat. She didn't say anything else, just went back to her own place and continued eating calmly, the two children and the adult man acting like this was something normal to them.

"Did I miss something?" Nico muttered once more. He picked up the cup of coffee that was in front of his plate and almost groaned, now ready to wake up. It was the best coffee he had ever tasted.

"Dad's postdoc was accepted! And Mom is coming home today. We have to celebrate!”

"Yes, yes! Mom promised we would go out today! Everyone together!" Logan finished for his sister, almost jumping in the high chair.

Nico smiled at them, still with the cup against his lips, and looked at Percy, tempted to ask what had happened last night, noticing how his smile had diminished a fraction. The children might not have noticed, but he had seen several of his smiles and could see it clearly. Which was pretty crazy, he had known him for less than forty hours and already knew what those smiles meant? Nico must have been very tired, delirious, due to this mountain of emotions that this strangely affectionate and at the same time, fragmented family, made him feel. Yeah, it must have all been his imagination.

“That's very good." He said after a while, when he realized they were waiting for an answer. "I'll finally be able to meet her.”

"That you will." It was Percy's turn to mutter darkly.

“Should I worry?" He said it unintentionally, just as a joke, and of course, even the children understood it because they let out little giggles between bites of scrambled eggs.

"You're damn right." Nico heard that and turned to Percy trying to figure out if he was serious. And when he found out that was the case, well… Percy distracted him as always. His clear eyes, his mouth curved in a smile and his handsome face made him forget what he had asked.

The good thing about all this is that Percy had shrugged, as if he didn't have any problems in the world, and said:

"Don't worry, dear. I'll protect you." Right after he winked at him.

And as always, even though he felt himself blushing, Nico pretended that nothing had happened. He drank the rest of the coffee in his cup while the children laughed happily. Now, whether they laughed with him or at him was another question.

Chapter IX

“No, seriously now,” Percy told him, his tone changing to something more neutral. “Annabeth can be a little demanding. Don’t take anything she says seriously, and don’t do anything she asks.”

"Um… okay? I guess?" He said, shrugging.

Nico had already realized how things worked around here. The children were happy with every bit of attention, Annabeth Chase was the absent wife and Percy was the provider of the house, something quite simple in his opinion. So, he didn't see any reason for so much drama.

He looked at the plate seeing that two pieces of toast had magically appeared on it and looked back at Percy.

"I guess I'll go then.”

“You usually eat more in the morning,” Percy said, ignoring him, and pushed the plate closer to Nico.

"Me? No, I don't.”

"But you could. And what are you running from? She doesn't bite. At most Annabeth might say a few not-so-kind words.”

“Really, I've been away from home for too long. I need to--”

“Nonsense.”

Percy didn't understand. He felt something strange... something that was going up his back and stopping halfway down his throat, something that hadn't happened in months. Nico needed to get up and move, needed to bring back any sense of normalcy he could find, because staying here, in that friendly and calm environment, was far from what Nico was used to. He had to--

Nico dragged his chair back, unable to hold it any longer, and Percy stood up with him, holding him loosely by the arm, nothing that really held him in place, but for some reason that gentle gesture made him gasp, made him even more anxious, impatient, as though his skin wanted to escape from his body along with his lungs. He tried to do what his psychiatrist suggested and stopped in the middle of the next movement, in the exact place where Percy was holding him, less than a step away from the chair where he had previously sat; did he want to escape? Yes, but curiosity won, keeping him trapped in that kitchen to find out what Percy's next motive would be.

Percy handed him the container with the food from the day before and Nico held it in his hands, feeling a little confused. That is, until he saw that on top of it there was a note and a hundred dollar bill. He turned the jar in his hand and read the message that said: “Thanks for the food” only to turn to Percy and for the first time look him straight in the eye, without hesitation. Percy made him feel guilty. Vulnerable. Important. It was like Nico was cheating on the boyfriend who should have been waiting for him all night. And he didn't even have the guts to tell him; he hadn't even remembered during all this time that Will could have been worried. His mother too. And his sisters?

"What is this?" Nico asked even though he didn't care, feeling a little out of it. Airy. Light.

"What do you think it is?”

"I can't accept it.”

“You will. I don’t accept refunds.” Percy smiled at him. Percy… Percy was actually smiling again. A smile so beautiful that this time Nico knew he was being teased or mocked. No, Percy Jackson was flirting with him.

"W-what?”

"You bought us food and then made more food. It's the least I can do to repay you.”

"Sir, I can't--”

Nico shook his head. It was all wrong. Everything!

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

That was when Nico closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He counted to five very slowly and opened them again, just like the doctor had taught him. Maybe he shouldn't have stopped taking his medication. And as discreetly as he could, he moved his hands that were starting to shake and crossed them behind his back so they wouldn't notice. If he could just leave, maybe everything would be okay. Nico hated this. Why was he so nervous if Percy was just asking about the restaurant? It was no big deal. So what if the man wanted to give him money? These situations shouldn't do this to Nico. If he remembered that he was in control, everything would be okay. That's it. He was in control. He--

"Nico? Are you okay?" He felt Percy's hands on his shoulders and let out a breath, not even realizing he had stopped breathing.

"I'm sorry. I have to go.”

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

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

"Do you need a ride?”

He waved, accepting the ride, but didn't move; Nico wasn't even breathing, trying to act normal. He felt paralyzed, as if someone had chained him up and thrown him into the depths of the sea. He felt himself getting heavy and his vision was starting to get blurry, preventing him from seeing anything in front of him. He... he...

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

He took a deep breath and let it out, this time feeling the weight in his chest ease.

“Again.”

Nico took another deep breath and then his head fell forward, so light and empty that he found himself collapsing, feeling so good that the world finally made sense again. However, he didn't end up on the floor or face down on the table as he expected, no, now that things were back to normal he noticed that something firm and stable was holding him upright, giving him exactly what he needed. It was... it was Percy's chest breathing next to his, guiding his breathing, it was his head resting on the man's shoulder and it was the large hands that caressed his back over his shirt. Nico couldn't deny it, he felt warm once again, like a breath of air that brought heat, allowing his blood to warm up again and circulate through his body.

“Daddy, is he going to be okay?” Nico heard Logan ask, his childish voice sounding scared.

"Shhh… don’t worry.”

Now, who Percy was saying this to, he didn't know. The good news was that Nico didn't feel uncomfortable around them and that, in fact, their voices full of affection and care were like a balm to his lonely soul.

***

“Do you feel better?” Percy asked in a low, hoarse whisper.

They were still standing. Percy's arms were wrapped around his waist and Nico felt the world slowly spin as he leaned against his boss's broad shoulders, his head resting against his neck, and even from this awkward angle Nico could feel Percy's worry radiating around them.

Nico couldn't help but notice, Percy was looking at him very closely and touching his face so carefully, his features so worried, that Nico just let himself be carried away by the feeling that warmed his chest and allowed him to breathe a little easier. He watched as Percy kept trying to make him react, calling his name and touching his neck, keeping him safe in his arms. It was then that Percy finally made a decision, and only when Percy was sure that Nico wouldn't faint, he picked him up and didn't wait any longer; the man held his legs, lifting them off the floor and then supported his back so that he wouldn't slip away from his arms. 

In this way, they moved through the house, Nico seeing the white marble floor and the stairs behind him, and Percy going with him through a long hallway. They passed the windows that let the midday sun enter the hallway and then into the room that Percy was carrying him into.

The world spun for a moment, the sun softening as they entered the room, allowing Nico to close his eyes and the sway of Percy's footsteps to lull him gently. Then Percy lowered himself and sat with him on the bed, making him lean against a soft surface and sigh, feeling Percy support him against his broad chest.

“Hm,” Nico remembered muttering back. He always felt a little spacey and high the moment the seizures went away, but in the best way possible. He owed him an explanation, right? Yeah, he did.

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

Nico could barely hear Percy's voice, the low, whispered timbre always distracted him. Percy used such a soft, gentle tone that it seemed to caress his soul, so husky and velvety, so softly at the foot of his ear that if they weren't so close to each other, Nico wouldn't hear anything. And his eyes, they were so beautiful, all intense and fixed on him. Hmm... yes, Percy was still holding him and he had his arms around the man's neck. Should Nico do that? Hmm... he didn't know, he just understood that his chest was resting against his shoulder and that Percy's hands were holding his head, keeping him comfortable.

He blinked slowly and stared into Percy's now serious eyes. So steady. They gave him so much confidence that Nico knew he was safe. Ah, maybe he shouldn't be so comfortable, at times like these his body kind of... acted without his consent.

"I… I'm fine. I'm sorry. I… I have--

“You don’t need to explain yourself,” Percy told him, as serious as ever, looking uninterested. Or maybe Percy was just shocked. It was understandable.

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

"It's okay. It wasn't your fault.”

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

"What is it?" Percy told him softly.

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

He said it was a change of routine, but they both knew it was more than that.

“I see,” Percy said again. “I’m sorry if I caused this. It won’t happen again.”

It probably meant he wouldn't lose his job, right? Because Percy paid really well.

It was Nico's turn to nod. He looked down at Percy's hand that was now on his shoulder and the other one that was resting on his knee. For some reason, at that moment he didn't feel nervous. In fact, it was the complete opposite. Nico was numb, feeling so good that any guilt or discomfort about being in this situation had dissipated. Or maybe he trusted him, because Percy was showing him that this trust could be placed in him.

Nico continued to stare at Percy's hand and then a blond head entered his field of vision. It was Logan, he was crying, his big green eyes puffy while Alice just watched attentively and quietly, both trying to smile at him. Nico smiled back and then everything seemed to get lighter, almost making him close his eyes.

"Okay, you can rest now. Do you have your cell phone? I'll let your family know.”

“Oh,” he muttered. It was true. Nico hadn’t told them. Looking up and finding himself smiling at Percy, Nico thanked him. “It’s in my bag.”

Before Percy could say anything, Nico finally let his eyes close. He felt Percy tucking him back into the pillows and heard footsteps leaving the room, but it was okay; in less than a few seconds everything went black and sleep took him away.

Until next time!

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

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

Boa leitura!

Capítulo III

— A culpa não é sua. Entre.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Me siga.

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

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

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

— E o que seria isso?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Capítulo IV

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Noite difícil?

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

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

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

— Senhor, se você pudesse--

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

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

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

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

— Ela?

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

— Eu entendo se o senhor--

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

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

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

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

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

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

Capítulo V

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

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

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

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

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

— Mais uma foi embora? — Alice disse.

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

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

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

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

— Crianças, o que dizemos quando conhecemos pessoas novas?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Sim, vamos fazer isso e muito mais.

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

— Eu tenho vinte. E você?

— Onze. Meu irmãozinho tem sete.

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

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

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

— Você… estuda? — Alice perguntou.

— Não, estou juntando dinheiro para pagar a faculdade.

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

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

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

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

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

— Quem já mentiu?

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

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

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

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

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

— Você não deveria…?

— Você não sabe dirigir?

— Não é isso!

— Então, está resolvido. É o Jeep preto.

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

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

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

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

— Você consegue subir?

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

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

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

Capítulo VI

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

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

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

Percy Jackson.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Você veio!

— Eu não devia? — Perguntou confuso a Logan.

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

— Eu entendo. Comigo vocês não precisam esperar.

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

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

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

— Você sabe cozinhar? — A outra completou.

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

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

E sinceramente? Ele já estava ficando cansado disso.

— Nicoooo… onde você aprendeu a fazer isso?

— Foi seu papai que te ensinou?

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

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

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

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

— E sua mãe?

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

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

— Você gosta da sua mãe? — Alice perguntou.

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

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

— E seu pai? — Logan quis saber.

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

— Que nem a mamãe e o papai?

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

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

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

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

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

— Vamos jogar 10 perguntas!

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

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

— Vai mesmo? Papai nem sempre tem tempo…

— Certo. Se levante. Você também, Alice.

— Eu não sou uma criancinha que precisa de ajuda.

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

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

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

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

— Nossa! Isso tá tão gostoso!

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

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

Capítulo VII

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

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

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

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

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

— Ah… então eu… eu acho que vou indo.

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

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

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

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

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

Ah, era verdade! Ele tinha se esquecido.

— Eu fiz sopa.

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

— Está na geladeira.

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

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

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

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

— Nah. Temos comida congelada.

— Ah. — Nico disse. 

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

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

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

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

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

— Quantos anos você tem mesmo?

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

— Eu queria falar sobre isso com o senhor.

— Por favor, me chame de Percy.

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

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

— O que foi? — Nico teve que perguntar.

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

— Certo…?

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

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

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

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

— Oh. — Agora ele entendia.

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

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

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

— Oh. — Foi a vez de Percy murmurar.

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

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

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

— Vejo que você gosta de crianças…

 Nico deu de ombros mais uma vez.

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

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

— Você sabe que amanhã é sábado, não sabe?

— É? — Ele tinha esquecido completamente.

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

— Hmm.

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

— Oh. Certo.

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

— Eu não tenho roupas.

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

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

Obrigada por ler!

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

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

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

Chapter VI 

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

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

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

Percy Jackson.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You came!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And honestly? He was already getting tired of this.

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

"Did your daddy teach you?”

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

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

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

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

"And your mother?”

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

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

"Do you like your mother?" Alice asked.

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

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

"And your father?" Logan wanted to know.

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

"Like mom and dad?”

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

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

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

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

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

"Let's play 10 questions!”

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

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

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

"Okay. Stand up. You too, Alice.”

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

"Hey!"Logan complained, crossing his arms.

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

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

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

"Wow! This is so delicious!”

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

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

Chapter VII 

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

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

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

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

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

"Ah… then I… I think I’ll go.”

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

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

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

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

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

Oh, it was true! He had forgotten.

"I made soup.”

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

"It's in the fridge.”

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

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

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

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

"Nah. We have frozen food.”

"Ah." Nico said.

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

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

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

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

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

"How old are you again?”

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

"I wanted to talk to you about this.”

"Please, call me Percy.”

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

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

"What is it?" Nico had to ask.

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

"Right…?”

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

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

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

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

"Oh." Now he understood.

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

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

"So… I’m twenty years old. I’ve been studying law at community college on the weekends and working during the week to pay for college since I was seventeen.”

"Oh." It was Percy's turn to mutter.

"My family is from Italy, we came here when my paternal grandfather died a few years ago and as my father has no brothers, he took responsibility for the family business.”

“Shouldn't he pay for your college?" Percy said.

"We… we don't get along very well. He thinks doing Law School is a waste of time.”

"I see you like children…”

Nico shrugged again.

"I helped my mother at home. Children are… pure and they don’t lie. They are better company than many adults.”

After that… Nico wasn't sure of anything anymore. Mr. Jackson, I mean, Percy, continued eating his soup while Nico just stood there thinking that, after all, Percy had a reason to act that way, waiting for Percy to finish his dinner. He knew he didn't need to wait and he even knew where the room was, Nico just… he just didn't want to move, feeling that drowsiness return. It was more interesting to stay where he was, feeling sleep come back to him minute by minute, the movement Percy made with the spoon seeming almost hypnotic, raising and lowering it, until the plate was empty and Percy had leaned against the seat of the chair.

"You know tomorrow is Saturday, don't you?”

“Is that so?" He had completely forgotten.

"And, in this house, no one wakes up early on the weekend.”

"Hmm.”

"So, if you want to take a shower and sleep until noon…”

"Oh. Right.”

Nico stopped looking at Percy's hands and looked up at his eyes. He was confused... was Percy inviting him as a guest? The man looked so different from before that he seemed like a completely changed person. Nico didn't know if he liked this, this quick change, and he still didn't know if it was right for a person who provided a service to sleep in his employer's house.

"I have no clean clothes.”

"I'll lend you some. Look, I can't let you go out at this time. So be a good boy and obey me, okay?”

So, Percy got up, washed his own plate and on the way out he pulled him by the hand. Nico found himself with no choice but to follow him like a sleepy puppy, like he were being guided by a leash, completely obedient and without saying a single word.

Thanks for your support!

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter III, Chapter IV, Chapter V

Hey. Here are the chapters, three in one go! I got too lazy to do them one at a time, I hate these monetization book platforms that force me to chop up the chapters. I think I'll give up on them, they annoy me to no end. Anyway, I think the next chapters are going to be much longer.

I hope you enjoy it.

Chapter III

"It's not your fault. Come in.”

Mr. Jackson made room for Nico to enter and closed the door, then walked into the house, guiding him through the entrance chamber.

Nico tried to move through the room at the man's speed, but he had to stop for a moment. The first thing he saw was white in its purest tone, seeing that as he walked and his eyes roamed the hall, the white mixed with other lighter and more neutral tones. The walls were white too and the furniture was had an equally light color, pale snow, which contrasted with the beautiful paintings in which he would never be able to recognize their real value even if he were paid to do it, decorating those walls interspersed with large windows that went all the way to the floor in strategic points; everything was so immaculate, so clean and bright that he was afraid to take a step forward and get something dirty.

He blinked, looking around and wondering what else he would find in that place. So, with the greatest care possible, Nico stepped on the very white carpet that stretched across the entire entrance and walked as fast as he could trying to reach Mr. Jackson who was already waiting for him at the entrance to the living room.

And like everything else, the floor of that house was also made of a white granite that shone almost blindingly. Had he mentioned the large spiral staircase that led to the upper floor? It was beautiful, something out of a fairy tale. Nico could very well imagine a princess descending those bright, polished steps. He heard a cough and finally looked away from the staircase, seeing that there were two doors on the right and one on the left, and the room that he thought was a small living room opened up wider to the right, well lit by the large windows that were also there, showing the well-kept garden, more white walls, cream sofas, a coffee table and a big tv mounted on the wall.

Like an idiot, he kept walking while looking around and accidentally tripped over the end of the carpet, stopping at the beginning of the living room. Mr. Jackson, on the other hand, had walked confidently down the long hallway, waiting for him, looking more impatient with each passing minute now standing in the middle of the room.

"Come in. Please." Mr. Jackson told him as seriously as before.

For some reason Nico couldn't explain, he felt conflicted, though... though he knew it was a different kind of conflict. It was a funny feeling in the pit of his stomach that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up, as if... it might sound ridiculous, but he felt like he'd walked into a trap where if he stepped wrong he'd be devoured. He admitted it, he was attracted to a specific type of man. Tall, strong, and... determined.

Well, he didn't know if "decided" was the right word, but Nico liked to believe that. He didn't know, maybe it was all that skin on show, the way the half-naked man was standing in the middle of the room as if he had nothing to hide, the way Mr. Jackson seemed to use his height to demand... demand something from him. It was also the way those eyes that shone intensely seemed to stalk him, restrained, attentive, trying to communicate something that Nico refused to understand.

It could also be that giant, deserted place that gave him this feeling of being suffocated, as if he were tiny and the white vastness was going to swallow him in that house that seemed to be the perfect prison made of gold. Or even worse, it could be something unprecedented, something that Nico would refuse until the end out of pure moral sense; he hated this feeling that climbed up his spine and made him even more confused, because it wasn't fair, he had been irritated with the man less than ten minutes ago! And now, well... Nico couldn't hide it, it was something that came to him naturally; this sexuality that he tried to bury as much as he could and that was obvious if Nico could compare, was the similarity in the posture of this man who stared at him from head to toe so intensely that it made him uncomfortable and at the same time eager.

But everything was fine, Nico could admit that to himself. The only reason he hesitated so much was the memory of what had happened yesterday, it was exactly because he knew people like this man, authoritative and confident, as if it was obvious that others lived to fulfill his desires, that he had lost his job. Nico didn't want the same thing to happen so soon. Or for something worse to happen.

Ah, why didn't he listen to his intuition and leave when he could? I mean... no one was forcing him to be there, right? Mr. Jackson had just held the door, letting him pass and walked into the house. Maybe with his head held a little high? Maybe standing up straighter than before as if... as if he were puffing out his chest? And just maybe... just maybe he could see a sinister glint in those eyes that for some reason Nico couldn't look away from ... No, it must have been the anxiety that liked to play tricks on him.

Nico took a deep breath and did his best to convince himself, he was only making this sacrifice for the money.

He took another deep breath and let it out, taking the first step into the room. Then he took another step and stopped in front of Mr. Jackson, who stared at him for a few more seconds, his face unreadable, arms crossed in front of his chest, standing in the middle of the room with his legs apart. It was hard to keep his eyes from following the natural direction of things.

"Follow me.”

Without waiting for Nico, Mr. Jackson strode towards the sofas in the living room and sat down heavily against one of the thousands of armchairs that decorated the room, forcing Nico to follow him.

"I won’t beat around the bush. My wife travels most of the time and I take care of the kids. I’m a researcher and I don’t have time to waste. They have a routine. You’re supposed to wake them up at seven sharp, get them changed, help me with breakfast, take them to school, pick them up, help them with their homework, keep them entertained until bedtime, and bathe them at the end of the day. The rest of the time, I don’t care what you do. Whether you stay here or somewhere else is none of my business.”

"Hmm… okay?" Nico said, a little confused, irritation rising again in his nerves. "Will you be present at some point? Or should I do something else?”

"And what would that be?”

The man finally smiled at Nico, but it was so mocking and cynical that he almost got up from his chair to punch him.

"Look, I don't know what you do in other people's houses, but here you're going to do what you were hired to do. Take care of the children and clean up the mess they make. Is two hundred a day enough?”

"Two hundred?" Nico said, surprised. That was double what he expected.

"Two hundred plus transportation and lunch. You are free to eat or do whatever you want.”

Mr. Jackson gave Nico another small smile and slowly stretched as he stood up, Nico watching every movement more closely than necessary, still slightly confused and refusing to blush. The worst part was knowing that he was so obvious, unable to avoid the embarrassment.

"Don't worry. It happens to everyone. "Mr. Jackson winked at Nico and finally walked away, but not before saying: "Up the stairs, I'm in the first room on the right. The children should be woken up in twenty minutes.

Nico waved dazedly and watched the broad-shouldered silhouette of his newest boss disappear up the stairs.

Chapter IV

Nico turned on the couch, leaning back against it and placed his hand over his eyes. He blinked slowly and felt the early morning light blind him, like an arrow hitting its target. When he opened his eyes again, he saw that the sun was already shining brightly throughout the room, bathing the cold, white walls with the warm rays of dawn, illuminating and warming the place that had previously seemed so devoid of life or warmth.

He blinked once more, trying to pry his eyelids apart and rubbed his eyes, his vision clearing as Nico got used to the morning light. He looked around and finally remembered where he was, leaning forward in search of his cell phone. He felt around the coffee table and his pants pockets until an image he hadn't expected to see became clear; all Nico could see were blue-green eyes, as intense as the sea on a rainy day, along with a thin nose and pretty lips, open in an even prettier smile, although he felt that this smile didn't indicate good news.

In a leap that made his heart race, Nico threw himself off the couch just as the alarm clock rang, telling him it was time to wake the children. Determined to regain control of the situation, he took a few steps back and put some distance between himself and the man who was leaning over the couch, insisting on disturbing him and who was now smiling at him, his pretty lips widening and the pleasure on his tanned face making it clear that the fun was far from over.

Still half asleep and with his face burning, feeling as if he were observing his own life through a blurred lens, Nico saw when Mr. Jackson straightened his spine and, still smiling, approached him. The man stopped in front of him, placed one of his hands on Nico's shoulders and looked at him in what seemed to be a friendly way. However, this time, Nico could see that Mr. Jackson had deigned to wear clothes and had even combed his hair, which was now thrown back, allowing him to see how handsome the man really was. With a clean-cut face, white teeth and a smirk, he looked so charming that for a moment Nico forgot where he was.

If Nico said that something had possessed him and controlled his mind, would anyone believe him? Well, that's what happened. In slow motion, he found himself raising his own hand and holding the fingers that rested on his shoulders, staring at them, half-seeing and half-disbelieving. Fingers over fingers, his palm curved over his, observing how both hands, together and of such different tones, fit so well that for a moment Nico just allowed himself to watch. He heard a throat clearing and only then turned his attention to Mr. Jackson; his green eyes, handsome face and friendly smile finally making him realize that the silence had lasted longer than usual.

That was a fact he couldn't deny, Percy Jackson could be strangely annoying and nice at the same time, but he was one of the most beautiful people Nico had ever met, even though his face had a slightly rounded shape and he was now wearing glasses, not forgetting the sweetest smile he had ever seen.

"Rough night?”

"…something like that." Nico said, unsure. With each passing moment, Nico's confusion grew, making him… uncomfortable, making him feel that little sensation crawling out of his stomach, running down his spine, causing a trail of heat and shivers, something beyond what he was willing to admit.

The truth was that Nico couldn't help it, Mr. Jackson's voice sounded so hoarse and so velvety that he couldn't suppress another shiver, Nico couldn't help the way his hands gripped his tighter. In return, Percy Jackson didn't seem to be behind. The grip on his shoulder was so strong and determined that Nico's attention went immediately to what the man was saying, making him pay attention to his mouth, to how his lips moved, to his tongue that came out and wet his slightly dry lips, Nico little by little feeling himself going crazy with every second he spent near that man; one moment, Mr. Jackson seemed like he was going to kick him out of the house and the next, they were the best of friends. Nico didn't feel comfortable with any of this, bothered by the man's sudden change. It made him insecure and uncertain of how to act.

Realizing what was happening, Nico let go of him and took another step back.

"Sir, if you could--”

"No, it's my fault. I didn't express myself properly." Mr. Jackson raised his other hand and when he saw Nico moving away again, he lowered it and continued in a much softer tone of voice, keeping his intense eyes on Nico's. "Can we start over?”

Nico felt a different kind of heat rise up his spine, he opened his mouth to call him a bipolar lunatic when he stopped in the middle of what he was going to say. Yes, Nico shut up. He shut up because Mr. Jackson kept looking at him as if Nico was the only thing worthy of attention, he shut up mainly because Mr. Jackson smiled again, a small and beautiful smile, but so sincere that it had hit him completely and with full force, making him realize that he was in more trouble than he thought.

You know what? Nico didn't know what was happening to himself or to this man, or why this sudden change in behavior. And he didn't even want to know. Should Nico leave or…

"I swear, I'm being sincere. I'm sorry about before. The last nanny she got didn't leave the best impression, you know?”

“She?”

"Annabeth Chase, my wife? The one who hired you? It doesn't matter, she did it on purpose.”

"I understand if you--”

“No, I insist,” Percy Jackson said, sounding more… firm than before. “Let’s see what happens by the end of the day. Think of it as an experiment, okay?”

And so, the matter was concluded. Mr. Jackson nodded to Nico, straightened his spine and turned, indicating the way. He strode in the direction indicated and climbed the flights of stairs, walking down a long hallway that led to the children's room.

Still a little dizzy from so many mood swings, Nico had no choice but to follow him, practically running to catch up with him. He took the stairs two at a time and, already panting, reached Mr. Jackson on the upper floor.

"I thought… that you… wouldn't be involved?”

"I wasn't serious. I'll be there whenever I can. So relax. I'm not that kind of father.”

For some reason, Nico felt that Mr. Jackson was still mocking him even though the mockery wasn't obvious. In the same way, he followed him once more into the room, being greeted by two children who were already awake. They ran to their father, laughing, and each of them held one of the man's legs, their happiness sincere and contagious, soon making him forget what had just happened.

Chapter V

Percy tried to hold back his laughter and turned his back on Nico, going up the stairs, deep down tempted to continue and see how far he could tease Nico. He liked to think he wasn't that sadistic. Most of the time he did his best to be a good father and stayed true to Annabeth's image. Like it or not, on paper, they were still married, even if Annabeth didn't make the same effort as him, and at the moment, Percy was especially trying to be a good host; it was clear that Nico was a good boy, patient and respectful when he didn't treat him the same way, but it was so easy to tease that little boy... before he knew it, they were too close, Percy having even more fun while trying to control himself and hide his amusement behind a frown.

Okay, he was the one to blame in this story, Percy admitted, he was testing the boy. Nico seemed too nice and too young to be working, it was like watching a child taking care of other children, besides the fact that he didn't know anything about the boy. It couldn't be possible, that cute and innocent little face couldn't be more than fifteen, maybe sixteen years old. He was so skinny that Percy was afraid that the children would accidentally break him in half when they went to play. And even though he knew he would regret it, Percy went up the rest of the stairs and opened the door, being greeted by his mischievous little angels who hugged him tightly before returning to their tasks.

"Daddy, Daddy! Where have you been? We 're late!" Little Logan shouted from his bed, putting on his shoes and already dressed. He was sweet, innocent and well-behaved, always trying to do the right thing. This also had to do with the fact that Logan hated being late.

"Kelly didn't come today?" Alice asked in a much calmer, almost distracted way, reading something on her cell phone while sprawled on the bed.

"She had to leave. Nico will stay with us today. What do you think about that?”

"Another one left?" Alice said.

“I didn’t like her at all,” Logan said. He smiled at his shoes, satisfied with a job well done, and shrugged. “She didn’t know how to play and was on the phone all day.”

"I know, dear. Hopefully, Mr. Nico will be different. Do you want to meet him?”

Obediently, the children stopped what they were doing and got up from the bed, each one stopping on either side of Percy and finally seeing the person standing behind their father. With their straight spines and curious looks, they waited patiently when Percy finally moved out of their way, allowing them to see him. And Nico, who had been leaning against the doorframe all this time and watching the interaction between him and the children, let a smile take over his face.

Percy saw Nico take a step into the room, approaching them, and continued watching from afar, as curious as they looked at Nico.

"Kids, what do we say when we meet new people?

"It's a pleasure to meet you! "Logan said excitedly, his eyes shining when they met Nico's.

"I hope you last longer than a month." It was Alice's turn to mutter. Soon after, she looked away at her cell phone and pretended nothing was happening.

Percy understood perfectly, it was Alice's way of protecting herself; she would ignore the problem until it went away or until someone solved it for her. Because, in fact, he had already lost count of how many people he had hired in the last few years.

“The pleasure is all mine,” Nico said, the tone of his voice surprising him.

Percy couldn't deny it, that tone was something much more loving and kind than Nico had used with him. This surprised him even more when, contrary to what he thought, Nico knelt down to the children's height and held their hands, smiling gently as he said: "I hope we can have fun.”

"Are you going to take me to school? The sitters always do that." Logan said.

"Are you going to help us with our homework?"Alice added.

"Yes, we will do that and much more.”

“Shouldn't you be in school? How old are you?" Alice said again, looking suspicious.

"I'm twenty. And you?”

"Eleven. My little brother is seven.”

"It's true! Daddy's twenty-nine. Mommy, thirty-one!" Logan spoke excitedly, as if in a game. Whoever spoke the fastest won.

"That's very good to know." Nico smiled and Percy couldn't help but smile along.

Percy ruffled Logan's hair and sat on the bed as he continued to watch the light and easy way Nico spoke to the children.

"Do you… study?" Alice asked.

"No, I'm saving money to pay for college.”

"Do you live in the city?" It was Logan's turn.

Percy saw Nico smile even wider, a smile so wide and angelic that he tried to hide his interest as Nico continued to answer the children without hesitation. “No, I live further inland, an hour away from the city. Yes, I have four brothers, two girls and two boys. And yes, I have a boyfriend.”

"Why so many questions?" Nico asked after a while.

"We're helping daddy!" Logan told him, sitting next to Nico on the floor with his sister.

"When we ask, people lie less." Alice nodded, confirming.

"Who has lied?”

"The last nanny. A woman of twenty-five.”

Percy felt like slapping himself and sneaking out of there just as Nico turned to him and raised an eyebrow, clearly questioning him about it. He shrugged, pretending he didn't know anything and settled back in bed, pretending with his cell phone in his hand as if he was reading something very important. Nico turned back to the children, once again paying attention to what they were saying, but... yeah... Percy could see a slight blush creeping up Nico's neck, stopping at his high cheekbones, giving Nico a slightly darker hue.

"I think that's enough for today. Who's ready to go to school?”

Surprisingly, it wasn't Percy who had said it. It had been Nico himself, already in full caretaker mode. It all felt so natural that Percy found himself following Nico's order. They both helped the children pick up their bags, books, and water bottles, each of them taking Nico's hands and pulling him toward the front door, down the stairs, and into the entrance hall.

Feeling satisfied, he handed the car keys to Nico and said, “Have fun!”

"Shouldn't you…?”

"You don't know how to drive?”

“It's not that!”

"So, it's settled. It's the black Jeep.”

Being dragged along by the kids, Nico made a funny face at Percy and he found himself following them again as the kids continued to drag Nico around the house. They went around the house, past the garden, and behind it where there was a long garden were the cars, a convertible that Percy had gotten for his eighteenth birthday and a Jeep, a four-door monster with wheels that he loved to drive, almost taller than himself.

Percy pointed out the car to Nico and, paying attention to Nico's face, felt even more satisfied. Nico stopped in place and spent a while admiring the car, his eyes wide open with such a surprised expression that it made him even cuter.

Nico shook his head and looked at him, looking overcome with fatigue.

"Come on, unlock the car." Nico did, of course. Nico pressed the button and as soon as the alarm was deactivated, Percy opened the door for him and then picked up the children, placing them in the backseat and adjusting the seat belts for them.

"Can you climb up?”

Nico waved, pushed himself forward, and fell face first into the driver's seat, all awkward. Percy had the urge to help him, but since Nico hadn't reacted well when he'd touched his shoulder earlier, Percy stopped before Nico could interpret it the wrong way.

Yeah, looks like he'd have to buy them another car. One that was... lower? That was a good idea.

Percy finally slammed the car door, waved to them and only went inside the house when Nico actually showed that he knew how to drive. Percy continued to watch the car drive away until Nico parallel park to complete the return towards the exit. It seemed that things would be more interesting than Percy thought.

I hope it was a good read. Suggestions or comments are always welcome.

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 XXVII

Hi, how are you? This will be the last chapter of the year, we'll be back on January 6th, although we'll still have posts on writing tips in Portuguese this week (because there are plenty in English) and another post on the creative prompt.

I hope you enjoy this chapter.

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

Percy slowly moved away from the bed and walked towards the wardrobe. He still couldn't believe what he had done. Nico wasn't like Luke, or like any other boy, where Percy would have some fun and then leave, without caring about the consequences. No, with Nico, extra care was necessary, he needed time and attention, to be treated in the right way and at the right pace so that in his haste, Percy wouldn't ruin everything. That was why he couldn't let himself get carried away like that, having more fun than he should with Nico's reaction and discomfort, watching Nico get more excited with each passing moment without even knowing what he was doing.

Did Nico realize how easily he could enter that state of submission? His pupils dilated, his face flushed, and even his posture changed, bowing slightly, the mood changing drastically as Nico transformed into that completely obedient and sweet being, something even the other people around him noticed. The worst? Percy transformed with him, bringing out his worst side.

Thankfully, all of this has been put on hold for the time being. Percy made sure to keep those memories inside the box Apollo had given him, along with the collar and the other objects. In the meantime, he kept the box on top of the desk next to the bed, out of sight but close enough if they decided to take it a step further than they were both comfortable at the moment.

"Per?" It was Nico who called him, the only one who used that nickname or said his name so sweetly.

Nico was sitting on the bed, fingering his necklace with the same hand that held his engagement ring. He had that same lost look and flushed face, even though they had just showered and gotten dressed for school. Percy decided to ignore the urge to pin Nico against the bed and give them what they both wanted, and just smiled, content to watch Nico.

"What's wrong, baby?”

"We... is everything okay?”

"Of course it is.”

"So why haven't you touched me since... since the collar?”

Percy stopped and thought, “Hm. That was true.” It hadn’t been a conscious thing or to punish Nico. Percy just thought it would be good to have a few moments to breathe a little.

"Don't worry, hmm ? Give me a kiss.”

Percy walked back to the bed and knelt between Nico's legs, getting to his height, and kissed him. Something sweet and soft. Percy didn't intend to turn the kiss into anything more than a passing caress. The problem was Nico and his sweet moans, the way he parted his lips and gasped, wrapping his legs around Percy’s wais, pulling him up, inviting him to lie on top of Nico. When Percy saw it, he had grabbed Nico by the hair and rubbed his tongue against Nico's, swallowing his moans.

Moving away from Nico was like surfacing after long hours of swimming, he felt like he could go on for a while longer, but that it wouldn't be good for him if he tried it. So he pulled his lips away from Nico's, took a deep breath and slowly moved his head away. He propped one knee on the edge of the bed and inhaled, forcing his heart to beat at a normal pace. And Nico? He was lying down, sprawled in the middle of the sheets, breathing just as deeply as he was, but completely happy and content to stay exactly where he was, blinking slowly as he watched Percy walk away.

It seems like he would have to be the adult there.

Percy practically threw himself out of bed, then grabbed Nico's shoes and put them on Nico's feet, tying the laces. He got up, went to the wardrobe and grabbed their jackets. He helped Nico sit on the bed and finally put one of them on Nico who just raised his arms, allowing himself to be dressed.

If he could, Percy would stay home today and make sure Nico stayed in his happy, content bubble of pleasure. That is, if it weren't for the exams coming up. They had studied too hard to let everything be ruined now.

"You didn't have to do that." Nico said, his face heating up, seeming to come back to reality.

Percy just looked at him and smiled, picking up their bags from the floor, Nico's guitar, and took Nico's hand that was now reluctantly dragging itself across the carpet, Percy guiding him out of the room towards the exit door.

***

Percy sat down on the bench and closed his eyes for a moment. Preparation for finals was starting and the teachers were determined to make his life miserable. Seven papers, surprise tests and group presentations, everything he didn't need right now. If he could just have a moment to catch his breath he was sure that—

"... cy ? Percy!”

"Hm?”

"You didn't listen to anything I said!”

Percy tried not to roll his eyes, but it seemed to be in vain. Luke was trying to say something that must be very important, Percy was sure. Something about the team, or probably about graduation. In fact, in his absence, Luke was proving to be a great leader, a good friend and someone he could trust even if the jealousy always got the better of him.

"I know you're busy with Nico and the future of your perfect life. But can you pay attention to me?”

Percy smiled at Luke and hugged him around the neck, reminding him of the thousands of nights where loneliness made him seek refuge in those same arms, but that no matter how hard Luke tried, it would never be enough for Percy. The reality is that beneath the flirting and fun, Luke was just another person looking for a place to belong.

"You don't need me. You never did.”

"Percy! I'm serious.”

“Me too,” Percy said. He turned to Luke and cupped his face, admiring him in a way Percy rarely did. It was a shame he already loved Nico. Luke deserved someone who loved him as much as he loved Nico. “I’m quitting the team this week.”

"What? Why now? So close to graduation?”

"It's a surprise. I'm not going to go to college here.”

"You can't drop everything because of him!”

"I received a good offer in Italy.”

"Are you sure? You tried so hard.”

“You deserve it more than me.”

"Me? What do I have to do with this?" Luke pulled away, leaning back, and scratched his head, completely confused.

"You'll make a great captain.”

“I…” Luke stuttered and stopped talking, and Percy could see real emotion flash across Luke's face for the first time in a while. “You don’t have to quit the team. We need you if we want to win.”

"Hm. Maybe. If you insist.”

***

In the end, Percy was defeated by sheer exhaustion, he would be vice captain while Luke would take his place. The coach seemed proud of them for some reason, and nothing really seemed to change, even though he didn't go to all the practices anymore. Without the practices, Percy had more time to talk to his mother and plan the next steps, like college and marriage. A house. But without Nico realizing that something very drastic was happening.

"Come to the next training practice.”

"Do I really need to?" Percy said to Luke and then turned to Grover who was beside him, hugging Juniper. Grover shrugged and Juniper smiled, the cheerleader just hugged Grover tighter and rested her head on his shoulder.

"The first game is in eight days. Please.”

"Just because you asked nicely.”

Percy ruffled Luke's hair, and Luke stood up, taking his bag and the clipboard with him. He watched Luke march out of the courtyard and saw Nico appear shortly after with his bag and guitar slung over his shoulder. An unusual sight. Nico would be at band practice at this time, getting ready for his performance at the prom, not here, looking like a puppy abandoned on the side of the road. Before Nico could disappear into the crowd of teenagers, Percy ran towards him, grabbing Nico by the shoulder, turning him towards himself.

“What happened?”

Percy could tell immediately that something was wrong. He touched Nico's face and turned it towards him, moving it in different angles. He felt around Nico's neck and ran his fingers down Nico's shoulders, finding nothing wrong. That is, until Nico looked at him through his eyelashes and blinked slowly in his direction.

"Nothing happened. Today's practice was canceled. The teacher was absent. Everyone was going out to eat... I rather stay here.”

"What happened on the way here?”

"It was nothing, I swear.”

Percy thought about continuing with his questions, but then he remembered his promise not to question Nico's actions. He would trust his baby.

"Do you want to rest a little or do you want to go home?”

He knew it wasn't fair, testing how dependent Nico really was on him. Imagine his relief when he saw Nico stop and think for a few seconds, his eyebrows furrowing and a pout of concentration appearing on his lips. Nico was taking a huge weight off Percy's shoulders without even knowing it; not because it was hard for Percy to keep deciding everything for the two of them, but because, this way, Percy knew he wasn't hurting Nico in any way or deepening any kind of trauma.

"Can we rest a little and then study?”

Percy groaned, already regretting asking. Nico could deny it, but he loved torturing him with endless study sessions. Percy was sure of it.

"Seriously? Is that all you think about?”

All Nico did was laugh, all delicate, and hold onto the strap of his backpack, acting cute and innocent.

"What's the problem? It'll be good for you. This way, we'll be training for college. "Nico continued smiling, using a very soft and gentle voice, and held his hands, making him forget the complaint that was about to come.

See? And then people called him manipulative and cold. That's because they never paid attention to what Nico did. Percy smiled back and took the backpack and guitar from Nico's shoulder, walking towards the benches in the open courtyard. He knew how much Nico liked to lie in the sunlight.

It was not a common sight, him sitting on the bench in the middle of the courtyard and Nico with his head in his lap. Nico had his eyes closed and was breathing calmly, while Percy massaged his hair, slowly and carefully, touching his small, soft ears, his long neck, the fragrant nape of his neck.

"Stop looking at me like that." Nico said with his eyes still closed, although Percy could feel his face between his hands slowly warming up.

"How am I looking at you?”

"Like I would run away.”

"That's not why I'm looking at you." Percy continued touching Nico's skin, running his fingers down Nico's neck, and stopping with his hand on the choker, finally leaning over Nico, kissing him softly on the leather. Percy raises his lips and finds that piece of skin, right behind Nico's ear, which makes the boy shiver from head to toe.

Of course this is the moment where Luke yells for them to find a room.

“Where did he come from?” Nico says, and something in his voice makes Percy stop and look at him, seeing Nico open his eyes softly. Percy could force himself to believe that nothing was wrong, but... it was so obvious. “I saw you hugging Luke.”

So, that was it.

"He's just a friend.”

"I don't like this." At this moment, Nico really looked at him and emphasized every word. "Just a friend? Just like he was when I was in Italy, is that it?”

"Wow." Percy was speechless. It was kind of funny, even if deep down Nico was right. Any friend could have become more when Nico was on the other side of the world and Percy was there, alone and lonely.

"Wasn't that what you did?”

“You’re right,” Percy said, trying to calm his fussy baby. “I didn’t know this was a problem.”

"You didn't act any different than me when I told you about my ex-boyfriend.”

Hm. That was true. As always, Nico was right.

Percy thought about justifying himself and saying that they were angry for different reasons. He didn't understand why Nico had to go looking for sex on the other side of the world and Nico didn't like that Percy had tried to replace him with the first person who appeared.

"I'm so sorry, baby. I swear that's in the past. I promise it won't happen again.”

“Have you had sex with other people or touching your “friends” is something usual?”

This time, Percy couldn't hold it in. He threw his head back and laughed. Gods! He missed Nico so much, the senseless jealousy and obsession they both had for each other. Even though he understood it was wrong, it was like coming home after a long, tiring day.

"Both. I won't do either without your consent.”

Then the cutest thing happened. Like the baby that Nico was, he pouted and puffed out his cheeks, showing his displeasure, and then he turned to the side, hiding his face in Percy’s belly.

"Sometimes I hate you. I hate this feeling that eats away inside of me. I want you all to myself. I know you do these things on purpose!" Nico raised his voice and sank even deeper into his lap, rubbing himself against Percy a little too much.

Now, who was doing what they shouldn't have done on purpose?

"Baby, I swear. I didn't do this--”

"Percy, it's been a while.”

Damn! Did she have to show up right now?

For a moment the voices around the courtyard seemed to fall silent, and there was a strange silence, as if the other people had frozen in place to listen better and see what would happen. Even Nico seemed to stop breathing, tensing in his arms and turning his back to Annabeth . And just when he said he wouldn't do those things...

"Per-cy!”

"You don't need to shout, everyone can hear you." He murmured, trying to ease the situation.

"When are you going to get tickets to the dance?”

"I don't know what you're talking about.”

"Don't you remember? You promised.”

"Only in your dreams.”

Percy couldn't help but look down and see that Nico was already staring at him, furious, a look so determined that he knew he would have to make amends. He barely realized that he was still holding Nico's hair and necklace, still with his fingers on Nico's skin, possessive and protective. The biggest surprise came next, Nico grabbed his hands and pulled them away from him, struggling to get up, trying to run away from him once again.

That was enough for Percy to spring into action. Percy pushed Nico back, and turned him around, making him sit on his lap, once again with his back to Annabeth .

"Where do you think you're going, hm?”

"I thought you wanted to talk to your friends.”

Oh, so much hurt, so much jealousy, so bitter. Would he be a horrible person just for knowing that Nico cared so much, even if it was through such bad emotions?

“Baby?”

“What is it?!”

Percy lifted Nico's head, who refused to look at him, and got closer to his ear, so that only Nico could hear:

"I love you. Only you and no one else.”

"Liar!”

"I would never spoil anyone the way I spoil you. I would never indulge your every whim or allow myself to be so vulnerable if I didn't love you. You know what else I would never do?”

"What?" This time, Nico's voice came out much lower, almost a whisper.

"I would never fuck you like I do to you. I would never accept submission from anyone other than you. Why would I choose anyone else when the most perfect, obedient thing is right in front of me. Hm? Answer me.”

Nico pulled back just enough to look at him, his face and ears now on fire. His attitude completely different than it had been five minutes ago.

"I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say those things. I just…”

"I should punish you. I should show you what naughty boys deserve.”

The moment would have been comical if Percy hadn't been so turned on, and apparently, Nico was too; he could feel the small bulge against his lower belly, and the way Nico moaned and held onto his shoulders would have told him what was going on anyway.

"Now, how are you going to apologize?”

"Apologize?" Nico looked confused, but even so, he moved closer to him, pressing their bodies together and hugging him by the neck.

Nico only needed a little push and their lips were connecting. Their tongues soon met and a breathy moan followed. Unfortunately, Percy couldn't let things go too far, after all they were still in public, and his baby was too good for those predatory eyes, looking for the next gossip.

Percy grabbed Nico by the back of his neck and pulled their mouths apart, watching Nico gasp as if they had done much more than just share a quick kiss. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to leave Nico without sex for too long.

"How about we go home, hm? Take a relaxing bath? I promise we'll study as much as you want tomorrow.”

Nico just nodded, blinking slowly. He helped Nico pick up his bags, and when he stood up, Annabeth was still standing in the middle of the path, closer than Percy would have liked her to be. Well, that didn't matter. As long as Annabeth didn't intrude on his life, she could do whatever she wanted, even if it meant watching him like a hawk.

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter II

Hi, how are you? Here's another chapter. I'll try to post every Monday, and more than one chapter if I can, as I'm translating as I post, I can't go any faster than that. But, I can guarantee a lot of fun. In this chapter Percy and Nico will meet. And Nico has been diagnosed with anxiety and that's going to make all the difference throughout the story.

I hope you have a good read!

Previous chapters: CHAPTER I

Nico got off the bus and stopped in front of a group of luxurious houses, already finding the place strange. He held his cell phone tightly and checked the address they had sent him. Yes, it was there, Pine Street… eh … which seemed to be right, there were trees so tall that they seemed to disappear among the clouds. He shrugged and walked along the wide sidewalk, feeling as if he had entered an unknown world when he saw that the bricks on the ground were painted a yellow color with a phosphorescent golden tone, stretching endlessly for long kilometers that seemed to come out of a fairy tale as the rows of houses disappeared into the horizon and beyond.

He couldn't help but be amazed by that place; there were large gates that delimited the properties, separated by even higher walls. Giant trees and smaller flowerbeds with flowers in different shapes and colors that blocked the view of the other houses or what was inside those gates.

He kept walking and then stopped in front of the complex with the number 17, where another large black iron gate rose higher than he could see. Nico couldn't express how strange it was to be in a place like that, the environment was so quiet and the absence of anyone there made his skin crawl. And just to be sure, he checked once more if that was the correct address. Nico scratched his hair, tempted to open the email with the contractor's information once more, because it could only be a mistake; what he was witnessing could not be called a house. Now that he was getting closer to the gates, he could see that it was a group of small, beautiful and well-structured mansions. White fences, large gardens, parks, swimming pools, gyms and everything else imaginable, in addition to security guards protecting the perimeter around the property and in the areas common to all residents.

It felt like he had actually entered a parallel reality, which was strange. Nico felt like he wasn’t someone these people would hire to work there, someone with no college degree, no qualifications, and no proper professional background. But since Nico was here… he shrugged again. What harm was there in trying?

He walked to the front of the gate and pressed the intercom:

"Excuse me, I'm Nico Di Ângelo. I have a meeting with Annabeth Chase at house 4.”

"Yes, good morning. Miss Chase left a message." The helpful and polite doorman told him. "She apologizes for not being able to receive you personally. We will direct you to the location.”

Nico was left to thank him and wait for the gates to open.

He swore he was trying to keep an open mind, but then the weirdest thing happened. As a part of the gate slid aside, two security guards three times his size looked him up and down and stopped in front of him.

"Documents. They're the condominium rules." Nico found it even stranger, but it was okay. Since he had embarked on this madness, he would see it through to the end.

He unzipped his backpack and handed them his driver's license. The taller, red-haired man took the document from his hands and pulled out a clipboard from inside the guardhouse post, stepped closer to him, looked at the information on his ID and then seemed to compare it with the information on the file.

The same bodyguard wrote something on the paper and handed the document and clipboard to him, saying: "Sign here." That was all the redhead said to him before Nico quickly signed and the security guard checked the signature. When the information seemed to match, the other security guard who was standing next to him waved and guided Nico to a car that was waiting for him in front of another smaller gate.

Nico let himself be led to the next gate and felt like laughing; first, was this some kind of luxurious prison? And second, why was there a mini golf cart there? The most interesting thing was that the car even came with a private driver.

Still finding it funny, he got into the car, put on his seatbelt and came across a boy his age, somewhere between twenty and twenty-five, brown hair, black eyes and a beautiful, wide smile.

"First time here?”

He nodded, trying not to show how much it all bothered and amused him at the same time.

"Don't worry, everyone gets a little scared the first time. What's your name?”

"Nico.”

"It's a pleasure, Nico. You can call me Gabe. I'll give you a ride for as long as you're here.”

"Why? Do you think I won't stay long?”

“No one stays. It's nothing personal. You know how these people are.”

"What are they like?”

"I think you'll find out, won't you?”

So, before he knew it, Gabe stopped the car in front of house number 4.

Grinning with dimples and white teeth, Gabe asked, “Can I?” And before Nico could answer, Gabe helped him unbuckle his seatbelt, walked around the car, and held out his hand to him.

"Don't forget, don't take it personally." He winked at Nico, all charming and walked around the car, getting into the driver's seat.

“Okay. Nothing personal. Sure.” Nico thought to himself, watching Gabe quickly walk away through the streets of the condominium, pulling away from there in his little car.

He allowed himself to take a deep breath and stared at the two-story house that was surrounded by a garden so extensive that it was impossible to see anything but nature, a few cars, and more trees that grew tall with voluminous foliage. Nico had no choice but to try to ignore the exuberance of the place, telling himself, it was nothing special; this would be just another job where he would stay for a few months, make some money, and move on to the next job until he had enough money to pay for his studies. Just another one among many others.

He took a few more steps towards the door and climbed the few steps, which were made of white and gray marble, following the rest of the house's design; everything was very pale and in pastel tones, which was clear even from the outside of the house. Then he rang the doorbell before his nerves got the best of him, leaving Nico to take another deep breath, trying to calm himself down.

He straightened his wrinkled clothes and held onto the strap of his backpack, running his hand through his hair, trying to fix it in the reflection of his cell phone screen, which proved to be useless. There was no miracle in this world that would make him feel appropriate or well-dressed, so he forced himself to wait as patiently as someone like him could.

It was no big deal, he told himself, once more. He always got nervous on the first day, and it didn't even have to do with the insufferable or abusive bosses Nico had had the pleasure of dealing with, no, it was all ingrained in his skin no matter where he went. It was part of his psychological condition. Although it didn't last long.

Impatient and overcome by anxiety, he rang the doorbell again, pressing the button harder than he intended at the exact moment the door opened abruptly, revealing a tall man, almost two meters tall, with messy black hair and intense green eyes that stared at him with disinterest. The man seemed to have jumped out of bed, wearing only gray sweatpants and showing... showing a trail of hair that led to a certain large volume in that place.

"Yes?" The man said hoarsely, his eyes barely open and so serious that Nico thought about turning around and escaping that strange situation.

Feeling even worse, as if someone was twisting his insides, Nico kept his eyes above the half-naked man's shoulders and checked his phone, double-checking the email the agency had sent.

House 4. Employer - Annabeth Chase.

"May I speak to Mrs. Annabeth Chase?

"Come back next month. Maybe next year, yeah? I never thought she liked the younger ones…" The man muttered quietly as if Nico shouldn't have heard, especially the last part, distracted, not even seeming to care about his presence.

“Sir…?”

"Jackson, Percy Jackson." He said reluctantly, yawning.

"Mr. Jackson." Nico said. He made a point of ignoring what the man was insinuating. "I was told about the childcare vacancy. The agency sent me here.”

"Ah.”

Percy Jackson didn't act as Nico expected. No, the man just raised his eyebrows and looked at him for the first time, seeming to analyze him, dissecting him with his analytical and intense green eyes, as if trying to decide if Nico was worth his time. Which made Nico feel even weirder, wanting to hide and punch that man in the face at the same time.

“Do you have experience with children?” Percy Jackson told him, even though that wasn’t what the man had intended to say. That much was clear to Nico.

"I've been taking care of my brothers since I was a child. Will that do?" When Nico saw that it seemed too disrespectful, he added: "The ad didn't require any specifications.”

"Let me see.”

It didn't seem like it was a request.

"Sure." He shrugged, pretending not to care about the whole interrogation.

Nico handed the phone to Mr. Jackson and felt victorious when the man found nothing wrong. Mr. Jackson just seemed to read it, turned his head to the side and sighed deeply, saying, “Typical of her.”

"If you want, I can leave." After all, no amount of money was enough to get through that kind of humiliation. Or what was yet to come. Nico was never sure what might happen.

"It's not your fault. Come in.”

Mr. Jackson made room for Nico to enter and then the door closed, starting something he could never have predicted.

Thank you for reading. Your thoughts are always welcome, they help me to improve the story.

SITTER'S LOVE - Nico!Babysitter, Percy!Teacher-father - Chapter I

Hello, welcome to our story.

When I started writing this story, I planned to do something simple that would allow me to explore a fantasy I've always had, the teacher and the apprentice, and I took the opportunity to throw in a few tropes, such as babysitting, found family, abusive boyfriends, even more abusive relatives and a discreet D/s dynamic.

I feel it would be interesting to give a few warnings right at the start. There will be no underage sex in this story, although there will be a certain mental imbalance due to their age, and also a socio-economic imbalance, but that will disappear completely over time. At the moment I have about 100,000 words ready, with the promise of doubling that figure. We'll get to at least 150,000.

If you want to know more details, check out the story's masterpost. I hope you can join me on this journey.

That wasn't exactly one of the best days of Nico's life. In fact, it wasn't the best week, month or year.

"Nico." The place's manager said as soon as he saw Nico approaching the front door.

This was the moment Nico dreaded the most every morning since he started working there.

Andrew McMillan crept towards him with carefree steps and stopped in front of him, greeting Nico all happy and excited. The manager had his hair slicked back, white skin and dark eyes that always turned his stomach. Nico couldn't say the man was ugly, because in fact, he was one of the most handsome men he had ever met. But there was something about him, something behind those dark and calculating eyes, that made him rethink every word that came out of the man's mouth, making him look for the double meaning that always came, sooner or later.

The manager looked him up and down, victorious, staring at him with malice, eyes that sparked more with every second that passed, in which neither of them said anything.

‘Yeah, it was today,’ Nico thought.

His shoulders slumped and he sighed, resigned to his fate. Andrew seemed to grow even happier as he wrote something down on his clipboard.

Smiling even wider at him, Andrew went back to examining Nico as if he were a mysterious specimen, appreciating him in a way that made Nico feel uncomfortable, something that only this manager had managed to do in his few years of life. And even if it was a mask, Nico wouldn't let Andrew know how those looks made him want to vomit, how his anxiety grew as they continued to stand in the middle of the sidewalk, especially knowing that no one would come to his rescue.

This could only mean one thing.

"Sir, I can explain everything. I--”

"Was the bus late? Were you stuck in traffic?" Andrew shook his head, feigning regret and touched his shoulder, making Nico freeze in revulsion, feeling a fear he didn't know where it came from. "This time, there's nothing I can do for you.”

"Please, I need this job!”

"I'm on your side, you know that, Nico. But rules are rules. This is the fifth time this month.”

"Is there nothing you can do?”

Nico regretted asking as soon as the words left his mouth.

"Maybe there is, but I don’t know…"Andrew crossed his arms and moved closer to Nico, as if he was going to tell him a secret. "This requires a sacrifice. Are you willing to do it?”

"Ah." Nico said, taking a step back.

It wasn't the first time Andrew had said something like that. The thing was, Nico had never taken any of those... suggestions seriously, but now that he was here, he didn't know if he wanted to stay in a place like that, even if he could or really needed to.

“I’m sorry, Nico,” Andrew said, his voice sounding compassionate and gentle, before adding, “We can’t forget to stop by HR, okay?”

Nico didn't know what had changed that morning. He had woken up early, showered, grabbed his backpack from the doorknob of his room, and walked through the hallways of his house, silently so as not to wake anyone. He had taken the crowded bus at the same time and faced an hour's journey to get to his current job, a restaurant that claimed to be gourmet, but was actually a hybrid imitation of those fast food restaurants; burgers, sandwiches, milkshakes, and pizzas of all flavors. And like every other day, he had gotten off the bus right on time and rushed to the dignified establishment where he worked.

Of course, his manager was waiting for him at the entrance, like every other day. He had peeked inside the place and saw that they had already opened all the doors, cleared the tables and put the chairs in place, and he could hear the noise of people already working at their posts.

So, a little confused, but accepting his fate, Nico followed Andrew through the restaurant in that strange walk of shame. It wouldn't be the first time something like this would happen, the rotation of workers being quite large there. Still, most people looked at him with smiles as evil as Andrew's, and the others, who looked at him with sincere pity, he would miss. Apart from that, everything else could explode if it were up to him.

Nico lifted his head, held his bag tightly, and headed to the back of the restaurant where the accounting was located. He might be leaving, but Andrew would regret abusing his power.

***

"Man, I can't believe you did that! My little hero." Will said, breaking into a huge smile.

Nico didn't know how long he could hold out like this.

Will looked him up and down and hugged him tightly after squeezing his cheeks until they were so sore, his boyfriend's behavior becoming so energetic that Nico thought they would stretch and fall to the floor, limp. A kiss came next, sweet and soft on his face, another on his chin, slowly going down with those little pecks that only served to make him more irritated.

"Will, stop it! And I'm not small. How can five feet nine inches be small?

Nico closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, he just needed to breathe.

Usually he wouldn't mind Will being so close, he even liked it when Will touched him in that slightly overly sexual way, but nothing that went beyond what he felt comfortable doing. Today wasn't one of those days; today those soft caresses suffocated him, making him feel trapped inside a box that had no escape, or holes for air to enter. Will was suffocating him, strangling him with that care that his boyfriend insisted on offering when Nico hadn't asked for it.

He took a deep breath and dodged Will's lips, pushing him by the shoulder. He threw his backpack at Will, followed by a punch in his boyfriend's shoulder. Yes, Will, his burly, idiot boyfriend just laughed, his square, kind face annoying him a little more with each passing second. As though it wasn't enough to have spent two hours at the police station and be questioned like he was the one who had committed the crime, he had to spend an extra hour in the HR office denying the "bonuses" and "benefits" in exchange for "confidentiality". Some time later, when he was released from the interrogation, Mr. Jones, the owner of that franchise, did everything he could to prevent him from filing a complaint, especially when he saw that the cameras at the restaurant's door had recorded everything in audio and video, having enough evidence to accuse the manager of abuse of power and sexual harassment.

Honestly? Nico knew that nothing would come of it and that the case would take a long time to go to the court, and at the same time, he knew that he had to do it; all those afternoons having to listen to jokes that, deep down, were too sincere, needed to be reported. Without wasting time and feeling very avenged, Nico did the only thing he could, he took out his cell phone and filed the complaint. Police cars soon blocked the front of the establishment and the employees were dismissed, while Mr. Jones and company were sued for moral damages and abuse of power. Now, whether he would win the case remained to be seen in the future when the court decision was made.

The real problem arose when Nico was released from questioning. With no money for lunch and just enough for a bus ticket, he decided that continuing on with his day as if nothing had happened was the best tactic. Dragging himself through the streets after leaving the police station, Nico walked the few blocks, forcing himself to visit Will at the community center, just as he always did at that time of day; Nico would meet Will at lunch, the only time Will was free to talk, and then he would go home to look for another job until he had enough to pay for college.

Nico turned the corner and continued on his way, distracted and so upset by the last few hours that he barely noticed what was happening. When he saw it, hands grabbed him by his waist and dragged him to a nearby alley while someone pressed him against the wall and a mouth placed itself on his without his permission. And he was so distressed that he only realized it was Will when he punched him in the stomach and kicked him well in the groin.

"Will Solace!" Nico gasped in surprise, anger, fury. Although Nico admitted that he was a little traumatized by the whole experience, this was not the right time or place to do that kind of thing. He also admitted that he was not in his best moment, Nico could kill someone if given the right motivation.

Will didn't seem to care what he was saying. Groaning breathlessly, Will walked in his direction and held Nico by the waist one more, saying: "You don't do that to a man, shorty.”

So this time, feeling guilty and a little afraid of what Will might do, or worse, afraid that Will might say something to his father, Nico let Will continue. Will lifted him a little off the ground and Nico automatically wrapped his arms and legs around Will.

Will… he… Will didn’t like being contradicted, you know? If things didn’t go exactly as Will wanted, something could explode or be thrown into the air. Nico preferred to avoid that kind of argument. Or other kinds of reactions. It wouldn’t be the first time they fought about the lack of sex or Nico’s absence in general. He wasn’t ready and Will was. He didn’t want to get married and Will had already bought the rings. Nico definitely didn’t want to live with him while Will had bought a house with a nursery and everything else they could possibly need in Will’s twisted dreams. Nico didn’t even know if he wanted that kind of responsibility, but still, this was him trying to make an effort for his parents and everyone else who thought the wedding would happen soon. And maybe… just maybe… it wouldn’t be so bad to have a handsome and hot boyfriend who was willing to be with someone as boring and… old-fashioned as him. Despite knowing Will's mistakes, ignoring the people Will kept behind his back, he didn't care as long as everyone remained satisfied.

Nico kept asking himself… who dated for three years and didn’t want to have sex? Or didn’t care about cheating?

He couldn't explain it, there was something about it all... something between them that didn't feel... right. I mean, the problem should be him, right? Will was cheating on him because Nico couldn't take that last step, no matter how many times Will tried; Nico always gave up at the final moment. It just felt... wrong, like Nico was about to make the biggest mistake of his life.

Nico felt a strange and uncomfortable shiver run up his spine when Will held him tighter than usual and pulled him firmly by the hair, whispering in his ear:

"I missed you so much, shorty. Where have you been that you haven't answered your cell phone?

Oh, maybe he wasn't that uncomfortable after all... It’s like, Will was always too gentle, you know? So careful, and all that care made Nico feel weak, like he was going to break into a thousand pieces at any moment, and Nico didn't like that one bit. But when Will lost control? Touching him hard and willingly, without fear of hurting him as if he actually wanted to hurt him, but just a little, just to leave a mark on him, just like Will was doing now...? That was another story. It was at those times that Nico would say yes if Will asked him. The fact was that if Will had to force himself to be nice to treat him well... Nico didn't want to live with someone who deep down pretended to be something he wasn't. It didn't matter the reason.

"Are you listening to me?" Nico heard a soft voice next to his ear again. He felt goosebumps rise up his spine and gave up trying to reason.

Nico wanted to say that he hadn't done it on purpose. He wanted to answer Will's text and calls and even if he wanted to tell him everything that had happened right away, he wouldn't have been able to, he was in the middle of a police interrogation; not that the answer to that seemed important at the moment, not to Will. He went back to kissing Nico as if that was the only goal in his life and all the air or thoughts fled from both of their heads.

That... that was so wrong, right in the middle of the street where anyone passing by could see them... Nico shifted and tried to speak, feeling the air leave his body, uncomfortable for another reason. Well, maybe he groaned softly, Nico couldn't tell, tried to pull away from Will only to be pulled back against his will.

"What's the problem? "Will said between sighs and bites, his tongue returning to Nico's mouth, massaging his lips and moving in the way that Nico liked the most, making him relax a little more, just enough for Will to lower the zipper of his pants.

And again, he had no choice. Will slipped his fingers inside Nico's underwear, making him gasp. However, that was when Nico heard something, a loud sound that made him open his eyes and realize what they were doing. Nico then pulled his mouth away from Will's lips, pushed him by the shoulders and put his legs on the floor while he zipped up his own pants, looking for his ringing cell phone. He definitely should have gone home instead of going all the way two blocks to the community center where children and teenagers came for help.

Well, customs were hard to break.

Nico finally bent down, unzipped his backpack and found the damn cell phone that was at the bottom of a narrow pocket.

"Nico Di Ângelo? We have a job for you." Someone spoke immediately, barely letting him answer the call.

It was Caren from the employment agency, her dry, grumpy voice recognizable anywhere. Impolite and rude, it sounded high-pitched to his ears.

"Sure. What would it be about?”

"Taking care of two children during the day. With overtime pay and labor rights.”

It would definitely be better than his last job. Nico could trust that.

"When?”

"Tomorrow at 7am.”

"Okay. Should I wear a uniform?”

"No, just show up on time.”

So, the phone was hung up on him and Will, who was next to him leaning against the wall, laughing, touching his face and kissing him now softly.

"Looks like our fun is over.”

"You didn't see anything. Do you know what happened today?" Will raised his eyebrows and leaned towards Nico, curious, which made him feel very relieved. He loved Will, but he wasn't in the mood for any kisses.

So, what did you think? Uninteresting? Should I exclude these scenes?