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

To be a demigod napping in the sun with your bf🤲

the difference between how different characters perceive nico is so freaking funny

The cast of the argo II during MoA/HoH to nico: Who. Who tf are you. Why are you so terrifying. Are you human. He’s going to kill us in our sleep. Why is his sword emo.

hazel: yes that is my brother 🥰 he is absolutely delightful 🥰 he’s so scrawny lmao lemme get him an apple

jason: in the nicest way possible, have you ever considered going to therapy?

percy: WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING IN A JAR GET OUTTA THERE YOU CRAWL FASTER IM TRYING TO RESCUE YOU YOU LITTLE SHIT IF YOU DIE RIGHT NOW I WILL FUCKING KILL YOU

Update!

Oii, como vai? Faz um tempo que a gente não conversa. No momento, estou a todo gaz! Basicamente estou traduzindo a "Não Há Lugar Como o Lar" que se chama"There’s no Place Like Home" e também revisando a "Refulgente(Amor de babá)", uma história original que eu também vou trazer aqui em forma de fanfiction; ela era originalmente uma fanfiction, mas estou tentando ganhar algum dinheiro com a escrita, tentei transformá-la em original.

A boa notícia é que estou colocando as duas versões da "Não Há Lugar Como o Lar" no AO3 aqui e aqui. Eu adicionei algumas palavras e revisei o texto. Até agora temos duas informações novas nos primeiros capítulos que já estão no ar. A primeira é que o Nico comenta no primeiro ou no segundo capítulo que a Bianca é meio irmã dele. A outra é sobre o Kronos (aqui ele vai ser bonzinho), ainda não tem muita informação sobre na história, estou pensando em fazer um extra com ele. Bemmmm, algumas ideias estão surgindo, então acho que a história vai ser alongar um pouquinho mais, porém, o enredo principal vou tentar terminar o mais rápido possível.

Eu também gostaria de pedir a ajuda de vocês! Coloquei essa história em uma plataforma que talvez no futuro possa me pagar, A Tapas. É completamente gratuito para ler os capítulos, a história está em forma de original, é claro. Se você puderem passar por lá, fazer o cadastro no site e me ajudar com inscrição e like, até um comentário se for possível, eu ficaria muito agradecida.

There’s no Place Like Home

Não há lugar como o lar

Amor de Babá

Também vou começar a escrever alguns posts sobre dicas de escrita. Na verdade, eu tinha um blog sobre o assunto, e agora vou colocar tudo num lugar só. Por enquanto é só isso. Ah, se eu de vezes em quando desaparecer é porque estou descansando do burnout que vive me perseguindo ou tentando levar meus projetos adiante. Ah, a faculdade também. Mas se vocês sentirem minha falta é só mandar uma mensagem ou ask.

Hi, how are you? We haven't talked for a while. At the moment, I'm in full swing! Basically, I'm translating “Não Há Lugar Como o Lar", which is called “There's no Place Like Home”, and I'm also revising “Refulgente(Amor de babá)", an original story in portuguese that I'm also bringing here in the form of a fanfiction; it was originally a fanfiction, but I'm trying to make some money from writing it, so I tried to turn it into an original.

The good news is that I'm putting the two versions of “There's No Place Like Home” on AO3 here and here. I've added a few words and revised the text. So far we have two new pieces of information in the first chapters that are already up. The first is that Nico comments in the first or second chapter that Bianca is his half-sister. The other is about Kronos (he's going to be nice here), there's not much information about him in the story yet, I'm thinking of doing an extra with him. Well, some ideas are coming up, so I think the story will be a bit longer, but I'll try to finish the main plot as soon as possible.

I would also like to ask for your help! I've put this stories on a platform that might pay me in the future, the Tapas. It's completely free to read the chapters, the story is in original form, of course. If you could stop by, register on the site and help me out with subscriptions and likes, even a comment if you can, I'd be very grateful.

There's no Place Like Home

Não há lugar como o lar

Amor de Babá

I'm also going to start writing some posts on writing tips in portuguese. In fact, I used to have a blog on the subject, and now I'm going to put it all in one place. That's all for now. Ah, if I disappear from time to time, it's because I'm taking a break from the burnout that keeps haunting me or trying to move my projects forward. Ah, college too. But if you miss me, just send me a message or an ask.

Katie McGrath as Elsa in King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)

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

Hi, how are you? Another chapter and so fast? I'm enjoying it while the burnout doesn't come! I hope you like it.

I don't have many warnings in this chapter. Consider this chapter part of the previous one, okay?

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

Nico admitted that talking to Percy made things easier. Sincerely? He didn't care, he thought it wouldn't change much if he said what he thought or not. Nico was wrong, of course, although he only did all that because he saw how these secrets bothered Percy. They weren't exactly secrets, they were… some small things that made him feel ashamed or that he thought weren't important. In the end, Percy was right. It was the best feeling in the world, knowing that Percy cared so much about what he thought and felt, to the point of insisting so much and forcing him to see that he was important, even if it was for just one person; he was no longer invisible and what he thought was valid.

Nico wasn’t that clueless, He knew what had happened to him. Was fully aware that his father had abandoned him long before his mother died, but leaving a child alone in the care of his older sister who could barely look after herself? He would never blame Bianca, let alone Percy, who had welcomed him with open arms when the boy had no obligation. Nico couldn't imagine where he would be today if it hadn't been for Percy, who, although a little rebellious and controlling, was kind and concerned, much more affectionate than the image Percy gave to the rest of the world, the gruff and somewhat violent boy who hid inside his chest the desire to love and be loved, not for what he had but for what he was. And Nico understood that perfectly well. When the people around him found out that he was rich, the damage was already done; some people began to avoid him and others to flatter him, but not Percy, ‘cause Percy had always been the same protective and affectionate person, always offering him a smile and willing to share everything he had with Nico; his house, his money and even his family.

That's why at that moment, when Percy said that his opinion mattered, he believed him. And when Percy asked him to be honest, Nico did his best. He knew he could have made something up or pretended nothing was happening, seeing that Percy was about to give in. The problem was, they were the same in those kinds of things; it’s better to have something broken than not have it, right? Nico wasn't sure anymore, all he knew was that he was exactly where he was supposed to be, outside the house lying on a sun lounger with a book in his hand, watching the Jackson family having fun. Percy was swimming, Sally was grilling vegetables and meat on the electric grill and Grover and Tyson were sitting on the grass, doing what they do best, organizing the restaurant's upcoming events and deciding on the menu design for the next month. Nico could even breathe easier, feeling the mid-afternoon sun hit his face, making him close his eyes for a moment. A moment that seemed to last longer than he intended, when he was woken up by a soft voice and loving hands touching his hair.

"Nico, the food’s ready. You shouldn't spend so long in the sun." It was Sally, who smiled at him and helped him up from the chair.

Nico blinked slowly and, with his vision still blurred, let Sally guide him to the tables near the barbecue that were under huge umbrellas, serving as makeshift tents since they rarely used the outside of the house. Or so Percy had told him.

"What a good smell! "He heard someone say from afar.

Nico felt like he was in paradise.

Still a little drowsy, he watched Percy take another lap around the pool and go to the edge, propelling himself out of it and coming towards them, strutting around, like he hadn’t a care in the world, throwing his wet hair back and wearing only a swimming trunks, wetting the ground wherever he went. It was almost as if the water had attached itself to his body and didn't want to leave him. Nico didn't even get angry when Percy leaned over and kissed him, getting him wet in the process as he sat down next to him.

"Good reading?”

It was an interesting question; he couldn't remember a word of it, let alone if he'd read any of the pages. And instead of questioning his lack of an answer, Percy merely smiled at him and kissed his cheek. It seemed that their truce was still holding.

"How about we eat and rest later?”

Nico nodded, of course, suddenly feeling exhausted. Percy set out a piece of well-done steak, potatoes, and a salad for him and made another plate for himself. They ate in silence, and Nico hardly noticed as the sun softened and hid on the horizon. He also barely noticed the moment he went up to the room with Percy and got under the blankets, the only light that illuminated the room being the weak rays that passed through the blinds.

"Sleep. I'll be here when you wake up.”

Nico did his best to keep his eyes open. But Percy was still by his side, wearing only a swimming trunks, stroking his hair and cradling him like the baby Percy insisted he was. Maybe he was, and maybe Percy liked that. Things were what they were, and fighting nature was a battle doomed to failure. So he let himself be lulled to sleep and relaxed against the pillows. Maybe when he woke up he wouldn't feel so strange and tired.

***

Percy waited until Nico's breathing became deep and got up, then quietly went downstairs to where his mother was still sitting under an umbrella.

"Is he asleep?”

"Yes. I think I've tired him out.”

"Percy, we've already talked about this.”

"I know that, okay! It's just that... Nico is so disinterested in everything.”

"Darling, I understand. But if you want Nico to stay here, you have to follow our rules.”

"You don't understand! He's starting to get quiet again. Nico hardly eats and doesn't want to talk about anything. What do you want me to do if sex is the only thing that holds his attention?”

"Have you ever thought that Nico is feeling comfortable enough to be himself?”

"But he's so calm! Nothing seems to affect him.”

"Darling." Now Sally was laughing at him, and not even hiding her amusement. "The problem here may be something else.”

"What?”

"Your need for control. If you don't understand, you try to control it.”

"I really don't understand.”

"Think of it this way, Nico was alone, so he had to act in a certain way in order not to remain alone, right? Is he still alone?”

"Are you telling me he's quiet because he wants to be? Because it feels good?”

"Percy! Nico is part of the family, but he's not your responsibility.”

"Of course he is. If his father never cared and his sister cares when it's convenient, someone has to!”

"Percy.”

"I know it's not my responsibility, I don't see it that way. I just worry. What if the next time he runs away, Nico gets hurt? What will happen when no one can help him?”

"It still won't be your fault. Just as it's not his if Nico feels cornered and wants to protect himself. You have to accept that.”

"I hate that you studied psychology.”

"How else could I understand what's going on in my son's head?”

"Mom!”

"I'm serious, Percy. Think about it. Do you act the same everywhere and with everyone? Then don't expect Nico to do the same. Would you rather he pretended to be something just to please you? Wasn't that the problem?”

"I'm just... I'm scared. I screwed up before, you know? What if I do the same thing?”

"It still won't be your fault.”

"So whose is it?”

"Nobody's. It's just life. It's up to us to forgive and move on. In the end, life is about choices.”

"I don't like that.”

"Well, darling, nobody likes it. You have to understand that deep down it's not about you.”

"That's a shame. If it were, I'd have sorted it out by now.”

"Percy! You have to respect what Nico wants.”

"Hm." That was a good place to start. "All right, I'll do what you want. But I can't promise anything.”

"Perseus Jackson!”

Sally slapped his arm and all he could do was laugh. Sally wasn't the kind of person who punished through pain, no, but by taking away what you loved most. So Percy knew his mother didn't mean it, she would never punish him so cruelly. In the end, she hugged him and told him: "Behave yourself and everything will work out in the end. Be patient.”

***

"Behave and everything will work out in the end. Be patient.”

Nico didn't want to be spying, he swore he didn't want to. But Percy had said he'd be by his side when he woke up, and when Percy wasn't there, the only thing on his mind was to go in search of the liar. It was all right, he forgave Percy since Percy needed Sally more than he needed Percy at the moment; and to think that Percy asked him to be honest when Percy didn't do the same. Because, yes, he had heard it all. From his "lack of interest" to "you have to respect what Nico wants".

It was funny in an almost sick way. What did he want? It was hard to decide. In the past, he wanted a real friend, then someone to hold his hand. And when all that had come true, things started to get complicated; he wanted a boyfriend and didn't want Percy to know how he felt; he wanted kisses and didn't want Percy to find out. Now? Well, now that he had all this, he realized that in the end all these desires were concentrated in one person, and as long as he had that, he was satisfied, even if he knew it wasn't very healthy or right from an ethical, moral or mental point of view. However, it was something to think about... what was the point of having what he wanted when the price was seeing Percy so frustrated and anxious?

Before they could notice him, Nico entered the house and climbed the stairs, lying down on the bed where Percy had left him. Maybe he could... show more interest? It wouldn't be that much effort, right? And it might even be fun. So he put his head on the pillow and didn't have to wait long. Soon the bedroom door opened and the bed beside him moved, arms wrapped around his waist and a kiss was placed behind his ear, sending shivers down his spine.

"Did I wake you up?”

"I'm so sorry." Nico said, turning around in Percy's arms, looking at him closely. "I didn't know you cared so much.”

"You heard?" Percy made a serious face and Nico felt his heart clench.

He wrapped his arms around Percy's neck and kissed him for long minutes, closing his eyes tightly, knowing that he would rather not look at Percy when he started talking.

With his eyes still closed, he leaned his forehead against Percy's and spoke:

"Your mother is right. I... you may have a certain influence over my personality, but it's not exactly that. I like it that way, I just want a bit of peace and quiet, you know? A place to belong. I want to have someone to…” 

"To?”

"I want someone to own me. Who is in control. Who won't let me get away and who knows what I need.”

"Own you? How? You're not a property, something for people to buy.”

"Sometimes that's how I feel. I'm just this thing, sometimes I'm valuable, and sometimes, not.”

"Nico.”

"I prefer to be with someone who values me and treats me well. I want you to own me and no one else. Are you mine too?”

That's why Nico didn't want to say anything. As long as Percy thought he had a modicum of normality, things would be fine. Now that Pandora's box had been opened, all he had left was hope. He could feel the frustration exploding out of Percy, the guilt, the tension. The longer they remained still and silent, the worse everything got. Nico forced himself to open his eyes and take a deep breath, trying to be brave.

What he saw next surprised him. Percy didn't look happy or sad, shocked or upset, just... quiet, a stillness so intense that it rivaled his own, only his face remained serious and tense.

"What you're saying is very serious. Since when do you feel this way?”

And if he had to be honest...

"I think it's always been like this. Ever since that time in the bathroom. I know it's not very common. And I know I didn't know much back then. The point is that even with distance, nothing has changed. You can try to be more... correct and fair, but in the end, it makes no difference to me. Just because you realized you were doing wrong things, it still doesn't change what we've been through or what we're going to go through. The only thing that has changed is that distance has shown me that I love you, and that I love every little thing about you, good or bad, kind or mean. I accept you as you accept me. So don't make me change just like I don't want you to change.”

It seems that's what Percy needed to come out of his catatonic state. Percy took his hand and kissed it, then hugged him tightly again.

"I accept you as you are. I didn't want you to see those parts of me. They don't define me and I don't want them to define you either. I thought that if I tried hard enough, they would stay buried and no one would need to notice them.”

"I know. I love you. I love every single one of them. And when I say all of them, I mean all of them.”

Percy chuckled into his ear, making him shiver from head to toe, his voice coming out hoarse as Percy pressed him against the bed and placed himself between his legs.

"All of them? Without exception?”

"None. Well, maybe when you hesitate to touch me. I don't like that.”

Another laugh and a grinding of teeth that ran down the back of his neck and onto his shoulder. Hmmm... that would leave a mark, for sure.

"I'll keep that in mind. Any other suggestions?”

"You're going too slowly. Maybe if you tortured me less?”

"I can't guarantee that.”

"Oh!”

What could Nico do but give in and moan? His pants were pulled down and soon his member was in Percy's mouth. There was nothing better than that.

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So, I don't know if I liked this chapter very much. But it was productive. I don't know. I hope you had fun. But like, should I do a +18 scene in the next chapter? Or not? I'll let you decide.

See you next time!

PSA from Blobby. Something we should talk about more ❤️

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME - PERCY/NICO AU HIGH SCHOOL - CHAPTER IX - Parte II

Hello, how are you? I noticed that there was a part missing from the previous chapter. I've already put it in the full chapter, but it will also be here for those who have read the chapter before. It's a flashback to when Percy and Nico first met.

Happy reading!

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

Extra  - Getting to know each other

Another scene from the past, when Percy and Nico first met.

Percy looked around, making sure no one was following him, and left the empty classroom. Ever since his family's restaurant had become five"star, the stalking had begun. People who had never spoken to him now wanted to be his friend, his best friends started treating him like royalty. No matter where he went, everyone knew his name, trying to get a reservation on behalf of other adults. He had learned very quickly how to avoid these people who were now almost everyone he knew. And you know what was worse? These people weren't interested in his mother's food, they were interested in who frequented the restaurant. It was so unfair! Even to go to the bathroom the crowds followed him without giving him a minute's peace. Tyson was so lucky! He’d already finished high school and was about to graduate from college. Percy had no choice but to deal with the gossip and greedy, self"centered people.

Looking once again at the empty corridor, he put his cell phone back in his pocket and went into the bathroom.

Ah, finally. Silence. Just him and the urinal. He unzipped his pants and...he heard a moan. Right next to him. Percy turned his face and there were three boys in a circle. He saw that one of them was unzipping his pants and the others were already without them.

Well, that was none of his business.

"No, please. I… I…"

"You what? Are you going to tell your little sister? Your Dad?"

"Please!"

Percy sighed and walked towards them. His mother hadn't raised him to watch someone being abused.

He stopped behind them, in front of the mirror, and saw what was happening. A boy with the softest, most feminine features he had ever seen was trying to cover his face and was cowering against the wall, he was so small that reacting against those boys would have been stupid. The problem was that he was so distracted by the boy's beauty that Percy ended up missing when one of the boys grabbed his own member and pointed it towards the boy on the floor.

"What are you doing?" Percy finally said. The boys were startled and jumped away, covering themselves as best as they could.

"We... hey, aren't you that rich kid?"

Just what he needed.

"I said, what are you doing?"

"It's not what it seems."

"Oh, is not? How do you explain that?"

The three boys and Percy looked at the little boy on the ground, who was hiding his face and crying pitifully.

"You know what? I don't want to know. If I catch you doing it again…"

"You have no proof!"

"Are you sure?"

The boys looked at each other and after a few moments, ran off. And Percy Finally could do what he needed to do and leave.

That is, if the little boy hadn't lifted his face and looked at him with those deep black eyes, swollen and shining from crying. Slightly curly black waves of hair and the most beautiful red lips he had ever seen. Percy admitted that he had frozen, enjoying the sight. He, who had never been interested in anyone in his eleven years of life, found himself enchanted. And even when the little boy bit his lips and looked at him, still lying on the bathroom floor, Percy couldn't stop staring.

"You didn't have to." The little boy mumbled, shrinking further against the wall near the sink.

"I... was the right thing to do." That was the truth, it was the right thing to do, but what wasn't right was to admire the beautiful little boy, especially in a situation like that. He felt like a monster. "What's your name?"

"Nico. Niccolas."

Hmm... Italian. They say it's the language of love.

"Percy Jackson."

"Oh." Nico said, looking him up and down, his high cheeks getting hotter. "You're not going to do what those boys wanted to do... are you?”

"What they wanted to do?”

Nico looked down and Percy followed his gaze.

Oh, actually, his zipper was still open, but now there was a certain... volume there.

"I'm nothing like those boys.”

"Aren't you?" Nico still looked doubtful, even though he himself had a bulge in his pants. A much smaller one that Percy seemed to be analyzing more closely than he should.

"I'm not." Percy turned around, trying to convince himself, and walked to the urinal again.

He pulled down his underwear and tried to concentrate. No one had warned him that it would be so difficult to relieve himself with an erection on the way. Percy took a deep breath, relaxing, and finally succeeded. When he returned to the sink, intending to wash his hand, he saw that the little boy was still on the floor, watching him get close.

Nico had been watching him... go to the bathroom? Since the area was wide open, it was impossible not to see.

"Do you need help?" He said as he washed his hands, staring at their reflections in the mirror. Nico looked scared and embarrassed, while he himself was serious and almost absent, showing no emotion.

"No! I mean, I'm fine. Thank you very much.”

"All right, then.”

Percy dried his hand and turned towards the exit. He had offered to help, hadn't he? From then on, it wasn't his responsibility what happened to Nico.

***

Percy had never realized how big that school was. Two indoor and two outdoor courts, fifty classrooms, ten laboratories. Swimming pools, jogging trails and even a forest with a variety of plantations. It was a good place for anyone looking for a well-rounded education, but also for anyone looking for a place to hide. Luckily, Percy had found just the perfect place; deserted and quiet, right in front of one of the open courts. Best of all, the view from the stands was very limited, preventing people from finding him easily.

He walked calmly through the school corridors and arrived at his favorite spot, determined to make a few baskets on the court and eat something quick before the next class. Percy intended to join the team and didn't want it to be out of sheer favoritism. That is, he was just about to enter the court when he saw a black head of hair on the far side of the bleachers. Now, he needed to know who it was, and only then would Percy know if it was still a safe place or not.

Percy hurried over and saw that it was the same little boy as last time. He had a cut in his lip and the right side of his face was purple. Percy had the impulse to ask who had done this to him, but remembered it was none of his business. Especially since Nico seemed to be fine, apart from his bruised face, and seeing that Nico was eating a small feast. Percy could see at least four different kinds of dishes, all arranged in little bowls, the sight warming his heart for some reason. It must have been the way Nico cowered, trying to hide from him, but he still stared at him, smiling.

Percy watched Nico pick up one of the lunchboxes and, as shyly as possible, offer it to him, saying: "Do you want some?”

Percy found himself walking the rest of the distance to Nico, abandoning his backpack and basketball at the foot of the bleachers, and sat down in front of Nico.

"I brought it too. My mother is a cook.”

"Ah." Nico muttered and shrugged, picking up his fork. "I always make a lot. See?”

Nico then opened the other two lunchboxes and showed them to him. Vegetable pie with cheese. Meatballs. Calabrian bread. Cake, too.

"Do you? And your mother?”

"I don't have one. She's dead.”

That's when Percy realized what he was doing. Like a weirdo, he watched Nico eat as if it were the most wonderful thing in the world while the boy ate alone, having to make his own food.

"Your father? You must have one, right?”

Nico denied it and stuffed another piece of pie into his mouth, ignoring all the other dishes. "Dad's always traveling.”

"So...?”

"I learned from Mama before she died. Her food was the best!" But Nico said it so happily that Percy felt better.

"Who looks after you?”

"I have a nanny. My sister, too! She's the best sister in the world." Nico continued eating happily and Percy felt something in his eyes. What was going on? This boy couldn't be so naive, could he? So... happy? How old was he? Nine? Ten? He must be younger than himself.

"You really don't want to? I did it all by myself!”

"Everything? Did you even reach the stove?”

"Yes, I did! The nanny just turned on the stove. I have a ladder near the table and…”

"Yeah?”

"You're very mean. I don't want to talk to you anymore!”

Percy couldn't stand it, he put his hand around his belly and laughed. It had been a long time since he had seen something so cute and funny. Nico's chubby cheeks inflating like a balloon, his arms crossed, his lips in an even cuter pout.

"How old are you, eh?”

"I’m eleven! What's the problem?”

"You're so short and small. Who's feeding you?”

And again, Percy couldn't take it. Laughing at his own joke, he let himself fall backwards onto the bleachers, laughing and laughing until his breath died away and then came back, a happy smile remaining on his lips long after his crisis had passed.

"Are you okay?” Nico asked in a small, soft voice, making his heart melt.

Percy opened his eyes to see that Nico had approached where he was laing, sitting on his knees, all worried, his black eyes wide and cheeks flushed.

"So…" Percy said, trying to stop smiling. "We're in the same year. Why haven't I see you around?

"I saw you.” Nico said and lowered his eyes to his lap. "It's hard not to when people only talk about you.”

"What they say?”

"You get the best grades. You're the best at sports. You have the best girlfriend. That sort of thing.”

"Who is that girlfriend?”

"I think… Annabeth Chase? I'm not sure. I arrived a few weeks ago.”

"That's good to know.”

"Know what?”

"That I have a girlfriend.”

"You… don't know?" Nico tilted his head like a confused puppy and that got another laugh out of him. This time, Nico laughed along. He seemed to be holding back his laughter, but when Percy didn't stop, Nico found himself with no escape, joining in.

"You're funny.” Nico told him.

"No, you are.”

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

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

They really did.

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

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Thanks for reading!

sexual attraction: wow I wanna fuck that

romantic attraction: wow I wanna date that

sensual attraction: wow I wanna cuddle that

aesthetic attraction: wow that exists

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.