Disclaimer: Any characters, plots or events recognised belong to Rick Riordan and the publishers. This is a work of fanfiction that does not profit in any way from anyone.
Summary: When Nico gets sold to a whorehouse where he is to be whored around, he tries his best to escape and ends up bumping into Perseus Jackson, the youngest CEO of the multi-millionaire Trident empire, who is kind (and deliciously sexy) and immediately makes it his goal to help Nico when he sets his eyes on him. Nico pleads for help and gets more than he bargained for when he gets auctioned as Percy's slave. {PERCICO} {AU} {dom!Percy and sub!Nico} {BDSM}
Warnings : Strong Lemons, extreme Smexyness, boyxboy, BDSM, dom!Percy and sub!Nico
Non-Demigod Universe.He felt warm. And very peaceful.
Chapter 10
The flight back to New York was a pleasant one. In a way, it was completely different from what had been their flight to Paris.
A week ago, Nico had been still figuring out what he was to Percy and what Percy meant to him. While they still hadn't talked about what they were to each other, there was some sort of mutual emotion between them that was really unexplainable by words. Maybe it was adoration. Because Nico knew, he adored Percy so much that it was almost corny now.
They hadn't had the talk of being in a relationship and as far as Nico could tell, Percy had been pointedly avoiding even the slightest mention of such. Nico was really unbothered by it all. He just liked the way Percy was with him, even if there was no defined relationship between them at the moment.
He couldn't hope for it to grow in something more; he never had boyfriends in the past and even the mere thought filled him with dread. He didn't want to be that person who just screwed with someone, no strings attached, but Percy already was so important to him and Nico was genuinely attached to him in a way that only maybe Percy understood.
He liked the way Percy held him in his arms when they slept, or the way Percy rolled his eyes when Nico had to brush his teeth in the morning before kissing him. He liked it when Percy pointed out something ridiculous to him about some French poster and made a cheesy joke out of it. He liked the way Percy placed kisses on the back of his palm whenever he felt like it. He liked it when Percy pulled him by his hair to nip at his throat.
He liked it when unconsciously Percy pulled him closer when he woke up in the middle of the night from some nightmare. He liked it when Percy listened to him ramble about his school friends and he liked it when Percy remembered everything he had told him about them, starting from their favourite colours and ending at their worst subjects.
He liked it when Percy asked him before ordering the breakfast even though he probably knew Nico's order by heart. He liked it when instead of ignoring him when Percy met someone Nico didn't know, he introduced Nico to them just as amicably as one would a close friend. He liked it when Percy didn't let their age gap bother them and told him even about how Annabeth had once studied for the wrong exam in college.
He liked how Percy always strived to make things comfortable for Nico and in the process ensuring that he was happy. Truth be told, he liked it when Percy was with him. And he couldn't brush off the feeling that Percy liked him as well.
They were flying over New York city, their plane waiting for the signal to land, when Percy nudged him. "My mother is going to come over to meet me this Friday." He sighed. He must've noticed the way Nico tensed, because his expression turned sombre. "You don't have to meet her or anything. I won't tell her about you, if you want. I just want you to know that I'm willing to do anything on your terms. If you want to meet her, it's good, but even if you don't want to, it's alright."
Nico couldn't shake off the dread that settled in his stomach, even as he smiled nonchalantly at Percy.
He had given it a lot of thought before agreeing to meet Percy's mother. The sooner it was done with, the better. After all, he wasn't going to disappear one fine day and at some point he was going to have to come face to face with Percy's family.
Percy had already met his step-mother. It was only rational that Nico met Percy's mother. Not that he expected Sally Blofis to be anything like Persephone. Nico was sure she'd be everything Percy was- kind, warm and loving.
He had dressed in his best clothes, opting for a pale blue shirt with white jeans. He debated between gelling back his hair and letting it fall on his eyes, but Percy destroyed his indecisiveness by combing his dark locks back and mussing them up.
"You look like you've come for an interview to be my PA." Percy joked, buttoning his own shirt.
Nico gave him a sly grin in the mirror, trying to placate himself with a bit of humour. "You'll have to fire Calypso, you know."
Percy laughed. "Don't tempt me, Nico." He said, bracing Nico against the mirror. "I'd rather have you on my every beck and call than her. You'd look sinful in a business skirt, too."
Nico pushed him away with a laugh. "They should change your name to Pervert Jackson."
A knock sounded on the bedroom door. Mr. D's voice sounded from the other side of the door. "Master Jackson, your guests have arrived."
Percy must've noticed Nico's shuddering breath. He placed his hands on his waist and stroked his back gently. "You don't have to." He whispered. "There's no compulsion, Nico."
Maybe that was what Nico really needed. Maybe he needed the consolidation that he could back off anytime he wanted, just like when they were alone. He smiled, feeling his self fill up with confidence. "I know, Percy. I want to."
He expected to see a woman in her early or mid-forties. He expected a warm smile, crinkled eyes and motherly elegance. What Nico probably expected was not coming face to face with his literature professor.
Nico's eyes grew round and he stammered. "Mr. Blofis!" he half-yelled.
His English professor was too shocked to reply. He instead resorted to fixing his glasses and running a hand through his salt and pepper hair. "Nico di Angelo, I – what, I mean, what a pleasant surprise."
Yes, Nico thought, what a pleasant surprise. More like, Great Heavens, my English Professor is the step-dad of the person I'm screwing.
Percy, who had picked up on the apparent tension in the room, ran to the rescue.
"Paul! I see you already know my friend Nico di Angelo." Percy said, addressing his step-father. Nico didn't miss the way Paul's eyebrows arched at the mention of friend. Percy gave a nervous smile. "Nico, this is Paul, my step-father."
Nico felt ready to faint from mortification.
It is one thing to prepare yourself to meet your lover's mother. It is, however, entirely another thing to discover that your lover's step-father handed out detentions to you almost every month.
Nico managed a weak smile. Professor Blofis smiled back feebly.
Just then, a mass of brown curls came bounding at Percy. She ran up to Percy, who picked her up swiftly as she giggled. Her bright yellow frock fluttered as Percy turned her around in a circle. Her shouts of joy brought a reluctant smile to Nico's lips.
Behind the little girl came a woman, exactly how Nico had envisioned her to be. She had curly brown hair, tied neatly in a bun. She had kind brown eyes, with the same loving shine in them as Percy. She hugged her son with one hand, squishing the little girl between her and Percy. This made the girl squeal louder.
Percy turned to him, still cradling the little girl in his arms. "Nico, meet my mother. Sally Blofis." He said, grinning as he gestured to the short, brown-eyed woman. "Mom, this is Nico."
Before Nico could react, he was being engulfed in a warm hug. Nico stopped breathing. It had been so many years since someone had hugged him like this, so tenderly, almost motherly. He lightly hugged back.
Sally drew back. She had a lovely smile. "Percy has told me a lot about you, Nico."
Nico flushed from her words. He didn't know Percy had talked to his mother about him. Nico wondered exactly how much Percy had told his mother. He smiled back.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Blofis." Nico said. He genuinely meant it. She had a motherly aura that he had terribly missed.
Sally Blofis beamed at him.
Someone tugged at his jeans. Nico looked down to see the little girl motioning to him to pick her up.
Nico looked up at Percy with a slightly horrified face; he had never been great with children. Percy gave him a reassuring smile. Nico gulped and picked her up with little difficulty. He manoeuvred her in his arms so that she sat on his folded arms.
"I'm Aulelia. I'm Four." The little girl said, holding up her four fingers.
Beside him, Percy laughed a mellow laugh that made Nico want to record it and play it again and again. "That's my younger sister. Nico, meet Aurelia."
Nico smiled at the little girl. She gave him a dazzling smile in return. Nico pointed to himself. "Hello, Aurelia. I'm Nico."
The little girl repeated his name. "Ni-co." she said, stretching out the 'o'. "I'm Aulelia, Nico." She repeated again, unable to pronounce her 'r' properly. Nico felt a fond smile break on his face.
Percy was already talking with Professor Blofis about something, but Nico had a feeling that he was somehow involved in their talk because his professor kept glancing at him.
"So, Nico, Percy tells me you attend New Athens." Sally said, engaging him in small talk.
Nico cleared his throat. "Yes. I'll be starting year eleven this September."
Sally smiled her wonderful motherly smile. "You already know Paul then."
Nico looked at his shoes. "Yes, he has taught me before in high school."
Aurelia ran a hand through Nico's dark hair and ahh-ed at the softness in a very childlike tone. Nico smiled at her sideways.
Sally placed a hand on his shoulder. "Nico." He looked at her. "Percy has told me enough about you to make me understand why you're here. Paul may not know the whole story, but he won't make it awkward or anything for you in school, be very sure of that. He is Percy's parent as much as I am. It is evident how much Percy cares for you and we will not let something like your age come between whatever it is that you have." She placed Aurelia on the floor and the little girl ran to her father, hugging his knees. "I have enough trust in my son, Nico." She stroked his shoulder affectionately. "You have nothing to worry about, okay? I hope you're happy here."
Nico's lip trembled. He blinked back tears. He sniffled lightly as Sally looked at him with the expression of a mother looking at her child. "Thank you, Mrs. Blofis. I can't tell you how much I was terrified of meeting you at first." He let out a deep breath he didn't know he was holding.
"Oh, Nico. Percy is right about one thing, you really undervalue yourself." She chuckled warmly. "And call me Sally. Mrs. Blofis makes me feel like-" she made an action that reminded Nico of old grandmothers with walking sticks.
He laughed, the tension completely disappearing as he looked back at Percy and Aurelia who were now tickling each other on the sofa. Aurelia was shielding her face with her chubby hands as Percy tried to bop his nose to hers.
Beside him, Sally rolled her eyes. "Sometimes, I don't know who is younger among my children."
But Nico couldn't respond; he was overcome with an unexplainable joy that spread from the pit of his stomach to his head, making him smile wider than before. He felt like he belonged, and it wasn't the first time he had felt so.
The lunch with Paul and Sally went better than Nico had anticipated.
Granted, Paul and Nico still didn't know how to commune with each other without Sally or Percy acting as an intermediary. But it hadn't been uncomfortable, just as Sally had assured.
Aurelia rarely left Percy's side, clinging to her older brother even as she ate from her father's plate. Nico found it endearing to no end how Percy's eyes crinkled when he smiled at the little girl. Even though Nico had never been fond of children, Aurelia seemed like family. The fact that she was the only child to not have cried in Nico's arms had also scored her bonus points in Nico's books.
Sally had brought along little cakes iced with blue, something that Nico now knew that Percy adored. He had single-handedly devoured three of them even before Nico had had a chance to consume his first.
As they were leaving, Aurelia had pecked Nico on his cheek and told him very sweetly to visit them at Aurelia's house.
"Yes, Nico. We'd love it if you stopped by sometime." Sally added, smiling as she embraced Percy in a hug. She then murmured something to Percy that had him nodding with a small smile.
"They like you, you know." Percy murmured as they sat on the sofa, flicking through the many photos on Nico's phone of him and Aurelia.
Nico gave him a small smile. "I like them as well." Then he frowned. "You could've told me that your step-father is a teacher in the same school that I study at."
Percy placed the phone away. He dropped his head on Nico's shoulder. "I'm a bit of an airhead when it comes to things like that. I tend to miss out the finer things."
Nico played with Percy's fingers as he thought of something to reply to it. Instead, he asked- "Is there anything else you'd like to tell me about yourself? Like anyone else in my school who is, I don't know, your uncle or something?"
Percy laughed. "Well, I do know a lot of people in your school. Among the staff, that is."
Nico turned his curious dark eyes on Percy. "Really? Like who?"
"Hm." Percy began. "Your principal, Mr. Brunner was my Latin teacher when I was in high-school. And your physics teacher, Jason, is my friend."
Nico gaped. "Professor Grace is your friend?" he asked with an unbelieving tone.
"Yes." Percy said, his eyes twinkling. "Remember that guy I told you about? The summer crush, whom Piper and I both used to like?"
Nico couldn't believe his ears. "You mean to say, that you and Piper had a crush on my physics teacher? You crushed on Professor Grace? Oh Gods- I can't- ugh!"
Percy frowned. "Nico, it was in the past. I was a teenager back then and-"
Nico shook his head frantically. "Percy, I get it, okay. I know there have been people whom you've liked and people who liked you, and I know that you have a lot of people that you've dated. But honestly, I'm not much bothered about it. I'm just scared of how much you and Leo are alike."
Percy narrowed his eyes. "What does that even mean?"
Nico laughed, dissipating whatever little tension was in the air. "You and Leo are so similar. I mean, you both have ADHD, you both are very silly sometimes and you even like the same person!"
Percy looked at Nico with a strange fondness in his eyes. "Of course we like the same kind of people. We both like you, don't we?"
Nico froze. His laughter died in his throat and heat started pounding in his ears. He could hear a ringing in his ears as his eyes snapped to Percy's.
Percy realized too late the implication of what he had just said. He avoided Nico's eyes. He couldn't look at Nico without wanting to bite his tongue. Why it had slipped out this way, this didn't know. He certainly hadn't wanted for Nico to feel obliged to like him back or anything like that.
He ignored Nico's small voice. He ignored the look of disbelief in Nico's eyes. All he could feel was disappointment in himself for letting it slip out so easily. He hadn't let himself say it aloud even when he had argued with Piper. How could he have been so careless?
He got up from the sofa. Without looking at Nico, he said, "I have a- um, something that I need to look into." He called out for Mr. D. to bring his car keys.
"Percy, don't-" Nico started, feeling his heart twist with every word of his that was ignored.
Percy was near the door even before Nico could've blinked. "I'll be late." He said simply, before rushing out, leaving Nico to stare wide-mouthed at his phone, which still showed the picture of Percy laughing at the camera as Aurelia tickled his sides.
Nico wanted to hit his head on the wall. If only he'd acted normally and not stared at Percy in shock, as if he'd shared some classified NASA secret with him. If only he'd said it back.
It had been two days since. Percy hadn't tried to talk to him ever since that blurted confession. Nico had holed himself up in his room and avoided going down for meals. He had Mr. D bring them in the room, instead.
He hadn't seen Percy in two whole days. He hadn't even pretended to placate his stomach which was in knots. He'd stared at ceiling for so long; he could've sketched every intricate pattern in its paint.
He had avoided every urge to knock on Percy door or snuggle with him in the sheets. He hadn't even bothered to acknowledge Percy when he had come back late on Friday night.
Instead, he sat on his bed, wallowing in regret. If only he had the guts to tell Percy he liked him back.
But maybe Percy had said it as a mistake. Maybe it had just slipped his tongue. Maybe he didn't even mean the way Nico did. Maybe it was platonic for him. But it wasn't so for Nico.
Nico never believed in platonic bullshit when it came to Percy. It was just hard to stay sane without liking Percy, and when you were as gay as Nico, it was pretty much impossible. But Nico prided himself on the fact that he hadn't replied back to Percy's three texts, asking if he was fine and if they could talk.
He liked Percy. Truly. Even though there was a very slim chance of Percy liking him back with even the slightest of romantic inclination, Nico liked him. He should've said it to Percy instead of saying it repeatedly at his own reflection in the mirror.
He was reading The Great Gatsby, barely paying attention to the words his eyes skimmed over. He turned one page after the other, without really bothering to process the story. He was commiserating with his lack of confidence and he knew it.
And he would've done so for Hell knew how long, had it not been for Annabeth who had barged in despite the loud protests of Mr. D that she ignored.
Startled Nico dropped the book. Then he gawked.
Annabeth looked pretty. But not the Businesswoman Pretty kind of pretty, but the party-girl kind pretty. She wore a bronze off-shoulder dress that reached just above her knees and wore slightly heeled silver stilettos. She had paisleys glinting in silver around her neck, a matching bracelet in her right hand and earrings to pair it with. She also looked pissed.
She strode towards Nico with such an irate look that Nico unconsciously stepped back a few steps.
"Are you deaf? I tried calling you four times." She seethed as calmly as she could. She gestured to his phone which lay on the nightstand. Then she pursed her lips as she took in what Nico was wearing- loose black shorts that reached his knees with an overly expensive night-shirt of faux-silk.
She sighed, all traces of anger disappearing from her face. "He didn't tell you, did he?" she said, carelessly opening his walk-in wardrobe.
"Who? Tell me what?" Asked a very confused Nico, eyeing Annabeth's sudden interest in his tight fitting cream jeans as a violation of privacy.
"Oh, nothing." Annabeth said, rummaging through his shirts. She smiled at him sweetly. Then she turned back at the wardrobe and started picking out random shirts. She walked back to Nico, who was standing rooted to his spot with a cerulean blue shirt that Nico had worn only once before and a pair of black rousers that Nico didn't even remember buying.
"What's this about? Nico asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Get dressed. We're already behind schedule." Annabeth said, strolling out of the room.
Nico sighed. He could never understand rich people.
A Party. Annabeth had dragged Nico to a party and not just any party, but a party in the house of Mr. Poseidon Jackson, who was shit you not, the clear prize winner for the richest dad ever award.
He had, to put it liberally, invited almost every business tycoon in the country to celebrate Percy's 24th birthday. And Percy, being the loyal and hardworking son, was shaking hands and giving mellow smiles to everyone and their mother.
Nico tried to let a mask of nonchalance grace his face, trying very hard to not grit his teeth when Percy appeared so at ease after abandoning Nico. He also tried not to smirk as Percy's eyes locked with his across the room and then narrowed at the sight of Annabeth and Nico arm in arm. He knew Percy's eyes were following every step he took, taking in the way he looked.
He had dressed up well, all thanks to Annabeth, but Percy didn't need to know that. Judging from slight irritation in Percy's eyes when Annabeth smiled at him almost scathingly, Nico knew that Percy was trying hard to not snap at whoever he was talking to.
And then Annabeth let go of his arm. Nico panicked, all faux courage vanishing. "Where are you going?" he asked her.
Annabeth smiled. "Just here and there." Then her eyes flitted over to someone behind him and she smirked. "Looks like, Percy isn't the only one who spotted you."
She disappeared before Nico could ask her what she meant. Nico turned to look at whoever it was who had spotted him, and immediately wished he hadn't. He swallowed his urge to run and instead straightened and gave the approaching males a short smile.
The blond twins looked at Nico with predatory eyes, one of them- Travis? Connor? -even winked at him. Oh Hades, were these two attached by the hip every moment of the day? They even wore almost identical suits.
"Fancy seeing you here, Nico." The one on the left purred.
The one on the right shamelessly eyed Nico. "Percy said you weren't going to be joining us."
Nico's mouth turned sour. He hadn't actually asked me, he wanted to yell.
Despite, Nico tried to appear unaffected as both of the twins backed him up slightly. The one on the right- definitely Connor- leaded across him to reach for a tray of champagne flutes. He handed one to Nico, before taking on himself. Travis already had a half-empty flute with him.
"Percy didn't know I was going to come." Nico said, accepting the champagne flute. He knew Percy wouldn't approve. But who gave a damn about that, anyway?
Travis' eyes glinted. "Does he know with whom you're going to go home?" he said, appearing innocent as he peered at Nico over the rim of the glass.
Nico decided to take the bait. "Is that an invitation?" he asked, in pretence of naivety.
Travis' lips curled appreciatively. Connor gave a low laugh and Nico felt smugness stir in him.
Connor stepped closer to Nico, clinking his glass with Nico's. "If you won't mind, let me tell you Nico, you've grown awfully bold." He whispered in Nico's ears, breath dancing on his neck. "Can't say I don't like it."
Travis hummed as if he'd heard his twin. He gave a sidelong glance to his brother. "If he looks like this even half the time he spends with Percy, I doubt they even leave the bed." He added with a smirk, obviously trying to fluster Nico.
Nico flushed, but kept his voice from wavering as he said, "Sometimes we don't even need a bed."
Connor threw his head back in mirth while Travis raised an eyebrow in admiration. Connor placed an arm around Nico's waist, and said very seriously. "I'm very tempted to take you home right now."
Nico pouted. "But I just got here."
Travis pouted back. "No one even knows you are here."
"Percy does."
Connor smiled wickedly. "So? He should've known better than to leave you all alone. Gods know how the people here are." He said.
"Oh, I do know that, Connor." Said a voice coldly from behind them.
Nico almost rolled his eyes at Percy. Typical. Now the guy was jealous. As if he had any fucking right to be jealous after running away that day.
But as Percy's hand snaked around his waist from the other side and pulled him closer, he immediately found himself leaning further into his half-embrace. The twins sighed together.
"Yeah yeah." Travis said. "We know he's yours. We were just messing around."
"Oh, please. Don't stop on my account." Percy said coolly, but the threat was evident in his voice. He carefully inched closer to Nico, lifting his hand to take a sip from his champagne flute.
Nico flushed. The twins laughed.
"We know he's out of bounds for us." Travis said using air quotes. Then he looked at Nico and winked. "Our offer still stands, little one."
Connor laughed cheekily at Percy's flat expression. He raised his flute in a toast-like manner. "To the birthday boy." He smiled. "See you around, Percy."
As soon as they had dispersed, Percy whirled to Nico. "What are you doing here?" he hissed.
Nico was taken aback at Percy's tone. He eased himself from Percy's grip. "You don't have to be so dismissive of me." He snarled in a low voice, his Italian accent showing thicker than ever. "Annabeth dragged me here. I can go back if you want me to."
Percy's mouth opened and closed as he thought of something to say. "I didn't mean it like that, Nico." He breathed softly. "I was just surprised to see you here, that's all."
Nico didn't reply. His eyes searched for Annabeth's blond curls.
Percy silently guided them to a room on the first floor. He opened it without even looking if there was anyone inside. He pulled Nico inside and flicked on the lights.
"I was just concerned. I saw you all of a sudden and then you were flirting with Travis and Connor-"
"I wasn't flirting." Nico huffed.
Percy's eyes narrowed. "I bet you were talking about their net worth in Pounds." He said sarcastically.
Nico's ears burned. Percy had never spoken to him like this. He felt so much anger towards Percy in that moment that he wanted nothing more than to storm out of the room.
"Don't talk to me like that." He said in a quiet murmur. "I may look it, but I am not your slave."
"Nico-"
"Just admit that you were jealous."
"Of course I was jealous." Percy snarled. "You're my…" he paused for a second. "You're my responsibility."
The silence that followed was eerily unsettling.
"You can't even say it." Nico spat. He turned on his heel.
"Say what? That I like you? When I know I shouldn't even have thought of you that way?"
Nico stopped. He didn't turn. He could still hear Percy's voice ringing loud and clear in the empty room.
"How can I say it, Nico, when you're just so younger than I?" Percy said, sounding almost broken. "I kept thinking of how you'd feel if I told you. I kept thinking how grossed out you'd feel. I kept thinking how you'd probably never speak to me. That you'd hide from me, thinking I was some kind of paedophile."
Nico didn't answer. He hadn't thought about it that way. He'd just thought that maybe Percy had said it so spontaneously, that he hadn't realized the meaning of his words. He'd avoided Percy because he didn't want to see his feeling not being returned. He wasn't that strong. But he certainly wasn't disgusted by Percy, nor did he feel like Percy was a paedophile. Percy had been clear in his intentions since day one, going ahead only with Nico's consent. He could never make Nico feel like hiding himself from Percy.
But, ironically, that's what Nico had done. He had hidden himself in his room, had not answered Percy's messages, and had avoided Percy for two whole days.
They were both so very irrevocably stupid.
"It's just my age, isn't it?" Nico whispered, still facing the door. "Nothing I feel will be a good enough reason, because I'm young. Everything I say will be just something to brush off, because I'm not mature enough. Because I'm 16. Not an adult; not a child."
Percy's lips thinned. "I've never said that, Nico. Don't twist my words." He took two steps forward. He paused just behind Nico. "I just- I don't know, okay? I don't know how I should've said it, or how you would've perceived it. I wanted to be you to initiate it; I didn't want to make you feel like you were forced to like me back." He breathed deeply. "I still don't know why it slipped out that day or why I couldn't play it off as a joke. Because it certainly wasn't. Somewhere deep in me, I had probably understood that if I made a joke out of it, I might lose my only chance of actually having you like me back. Maybe that's what made me say it, to put it out in the open and see where it takes me." Another deep breath, a short pause. "I'd hoped- I won't lie- I'd hoped that you'd say it back, because you really meant it. And when you just sat there, surprised and possibly disgusted, I had to go before your silence started ringing in my ears."
Nico heard a sniffle behind him. He hadn't realized from Percy's voice, but he should've heard how broken he really had sounded. Nico deliberately didn't turn around this time. He wanted to give Percy the space he needed to cry it out silently. He was in no place to judge Percy for giving in to emotion so easily, when Nico had spent the entire first night avoiding Percy by screaming in the pillows and sobbing that Percy didn't really like him back.
"Will you-" Nico started. He bit his lip. He looked at Percy from over his shoulder. "Say it again, please?"
Percy didn't even hesitate. "I like you, Nico. I do, I really like you." Percy's eyes were closed as he spoke, not noticing when Nico whirled around. Another tear slipped down his cheek. "I like you for everything you've done for me, everything you've given me. I like you even for the way you say my name. And it's completely okay if you don't like me back-"
Nico pressed a kiss to the corner of his lips. Percy stopped speaking. Nico's fingers were tender as they brushed Percy's cheek, wiping away his tears. Percy blinked before focussing on Nico's face where a smile curved his lips.
"Say it again." Nico whispered. His knuckles brushed Percy's jaw.
Percy gulped. "I like you." He said, loud and clear, unflinching as he held Nico's gaze.
Nico's smile widened just a little. "That's very pleasing to hear, Percy. You know why?" he leaned in, brushing his lips over Percy's jaw-line, the only part of Percy's face he could reach without standing on his toes. "Because- I like you, too, Percy."
Percy's eyes closed shut as he angled his head to the side. Nico nipped teasingly at his jaw.
"Say it again?" Percy requested, making unconcealed efforts to keep the tremble in his voice at bay.
"I like you, Percy." Nico whispered, enunciating each word with a bite.
"Oh Gods, Nico, there're people outside."
"So? We're having a celebration of our own."
There was nothing innocent about the way Percy's hands gripped Nico after that.
There was only the hasty unbuttoning of shirts and tossing off of the trousers and Nico had never been so eternally grateful for Percy's mouth on his, drowning his otherwise loud whimpers and moans as he stroked their cock together to hardness. The feel of Percy's hands pressing him against the wall, the smooth skin of Percy's cock gliding along his own and Percy's lips silencing him sent him to his edge quicker than Nico had anticipated, making his release coat Percy's hand and stomach feeling Percy's come paint his stomach and thighs and Percy's teeth dig in his skin on his collarbone.
Percy slumped against his sweaty body, managing to cup Nico's arse as he pulled Nico in a kiss that was passionate and fiery and everything that set Nico's nerves alight. Nico pulled a Percy's hair, drawing him closer and responding feverishly.
But Percy stepped back, grinning almost sadistically as he whispered, "Let's save this for later", before he stepped back and reached for a towel inside the closet. He disappeared inside the bathroom, leaving Nico to huff and glare at his retreating head as he caught his breath. He forgave Percy almost immediately as he emerged from the bathroom with a moist towel and silently wiped Nico's skin.
As the dressed, Nico noted the colours on the walls in the room and the softness of the cream-coloured bed-sheets. He remembered the familiarity with which Percy had moved in the room.
"This is your room, isn't it?" he asked Percy as he brushed his hair back.
Percy looked at him with a smile. "The colour gave it away, didn't it?"
Nico just nodded with a chuckle.
Nico felt elated as he stepped out of the room. Percy had gone downstairs before him, just a few minutes ago and Nico had taken the time to fix his hair and douse himself in Percy's cologne. No one who'd meet him for the first time would realize that he smelled exactly like Percy, but then again, it was only for Percy and no one else. And himself, because the richness of the cologne felt great on his skin.
Percy already had a glass of something in his hand, leaning at the counter and talking to some couple who was probably so rich that even their shoes would've cost more than Nico's yearly tuition. He dallied near the stairs for a brief moment before Percy spotted him and gave him an enthusiastic wave.
Nico arched an eyebrow, but waved back.
Percy beckoned him with a hook-like gesture of his finger and Nico almost flushed with the suggestiveness of the action.
"Ah, Nico!" Percy said with a smile that was businesslike but warm. "I was wondering where you'd gone."
Fucking liar. He knew Nico had been in his room, trying to hide the signs of their liaison. And judging from the glint in his eyes, Percy also knew what he'd been thinking.
Nico gave him a tight lipped smile. "Oh, what a coincidence. I was just looking for you." Percy smirked, as if he'd known Nico would be like this. Nico tutted. "Don't let this get to your head. I just wanted to give your phone back."
He slid the phone in Percy's pocket, teasing the skin under with a light caress. Right in front of the entire crowd. But no seemed to notice. No one had noticed, except for the couple who were talking to Percy before Nico had arrived and were now pointedly avoiding their gazes.
Percy's lips had formed a surprised 'O' and he had to clear his throat to make his voice seem unaffected. Percy narrowed his eyes at Nico. Later, he mouthed. Nico just gave him an innocent smile.
"Nico, I'd like you meet my brother, Tyson and his fiancé, Ella." Percy said, tilting his glass towards the couple. The couple in question smiled at Nico in unison before extending their hands.
Ella looked like some red haired fairy straight out of a fairy-tail. With her shining gown and pearls around her neck, she actually looked a princess. She was smiling an infectious grin and Nico found himself mirroring it. Tyson, on the other hand, was quiet as he shook Nico's hand. His green eyes were startlingly similar to Percy's, but there was something very distinct about the shape of his jaw that made him look simultaneous nothing like Percy.
"It's so good to finally meet the one who trashed the apartment when we were gone." Ella said, mischief dancing in her eyes.
Nico jerked as he remembered the first night that Nico had ever spent with Percy Jackson. He remembered that apartment and the sickly-sweet smell of roses in the elevator.
"My brother has a flat here. I don't think he would mind if we stayed here for a night."
He remembered Percy leading him through the lobby and then what had come after. He remembered waking up, cuddling Percy. He also remembered how ungratefully he had borrowed Ella's clothing.
Nico managed a smile and contained his blush. "Oh, well it's nice to meet someone in the family who has an impeccable fashion sense."
Ella threw back his head and laughed. It reminded Nico of the times when Bianca would laugh at his silliness. He gulped and reeled in that thought.
"You're too lovely, Nico." She gasped between laughs. Tyson shook his head and took her flute from her hand before it spilled over her dress. She gave him a grateful smile. Nico realized with a jolt that they didn't look much older than him.
Maybe it's the way everyone just looked like, when they're with someone who made them truly happy.
About an hour later when Nico finally sat down at one of the tables, he stifled a yawn without being obvious about it. He'd had more champagne that was advisable at his age and his eyes had started drooping. This party business was extremely tiring for someone who was just on this side of the line between social and anti-social. That someone being Nico, he felt as if he'd met more people in one night than he had in his all sixteen years of existence.
But he stayed for the food. The delicious little things on sticks that servers carried around with drinks. Nico was too hungry to care what they were and instead devoured as many he could get his hands on. He had to stop, however, when he eyed the dessert section on the far East of the room. Percy had promised to have cheesecake with him.
He glanced around the room, trying to locate Percy or even Sally, when a mass of red curls made him widen his eyes. Her green eyes were glinting like gems in the lights and Nico was sure she was someone he knew.
Then the girl turned, and looked straight at Nico. Instantly her lips parted in a surprised manner, forming his name.
Nico was frozen too. There, right in front of him stood Rachel Elizabeth Dare, one of his best friends from high school. If Nico had been sane in that moment he'd have grasped the situation for what it was and would've gone to her and probably hugged her. But as it was, he was feeling tipsy and he panicked and for the lack of a better word, bolted.
As soon as he was outside, he fished out his phone and called Percy. It went to his voicemail. Huffing lightly, he dialled the number of Percy's driver, Argus. He had supposedly driven Percy here. Nico would just wait in the car, Dessert be damned.
"Nico di Angelo, is it?" came a voice from behind him.
Startled, Nico almost lost his footing. He whirled around to face the source of the voice in the darkness.
A man, around Percy's age stepped towards him. Nico took a subtle step back.
"And you are?" Nico asked, eagerly waiting for Argus to come and fetch him.
The man laughed and his eyes shone. They were hard and steeled, with the lightest of green at the irises. Perhaps he looked handsome to many, but Nico was just keen to dismiss him and curl in Percy's arms and sleep.
"Shouldn't you know the person whose party you're attending?"
"Your party? And besides, I don't think you're famous enough for me to know your name." Nico said with disbelief lacing his words. It was definitely the Champagne talking now. It made him uncomfortable to no extent that the man knew his name but he did not.
"Cheeky, di Angelo." The man said, nursing a glass of golden liquor. "Let me rephrase my words. Shouldn't you know the person in whose house you're attending the party?"
Nico blinked. He knew now who the man was. He was Triton Jackson, the eldest son of Poseidon Jackson.
And a complete asshole, as Percy had said once when he had mentioned his elder half-brother in passing.
"Ah, Triton Jackson." Nico smiled thinly. "Should've known it was you from the ego you ooze of."
Triton looked amused. "How's your daddy, di Angelo?" he asked instead. "I've heard he's facing a slight loss at the moment."
Nico's heart lurched at the wording. He didn't know whether Triton meant a business loss or the loss of a son. Nico should've known that the people here would know his father. His father had invested quite a lot of funds in their companies before withdrawing them abruptly last year.
"He's fine but I thank you for your concern." Nico said. "Besides, it's your daddy you should be concerned about, seeing as I've never heard him hosting such a party for your birthday. Are you, maybe, lacking funds for that?" Nico sneered.
Triton's lip curled dangerously as he stepped closer. "Says the person who's fucking my brother and whoring for money."
Nico refused to take the bait. He refused to let the words get to him. He was more than that to Percy and Triton was just being petty. "Says the person who can't even bed someone even after offering them money." He snapped back.
He knew someone else had come behind them and the rhythm of the footsteps was something Nico could easily recognise.
"Hey, Triton." Cut in Percy. "We'll be heading home now." He slung an arm around Nico's waist. He started leading a very angry Nico towards the car which was waiting for them.
But Triton wasn't done yet. "I bet you'd be more than willing to climb in my bed if I offered you a big cheque for it."
Nico stopped mid-step and swivelled around to stare at Triton with such ferocity in his eyes that even Percy couldn't speak. "I don't fuck people whose egos are bigger than their dicks." He spat.
He trudged forward without Percy before realising that Percy was contemplating between diffusing the fire in his brother and following Nico to the car.
"Cage your pet, Percy." Triton snapped, before he turned around and strode inside the house angrily.
"You shouldn't have done that, Nico." Percy muttered as he massaged the tension in Nico's back.
Nico let out gasps of pleasure as Percy's fingers expertly kneaded his muscles.
"Don't patronize me, Percy." There was no venom in his words. There was pause in which Percy rolled Nico's shoulders. Then Nico whispered, "I'm sorry, Percy. I know what I said was a bit crude but I can completely blame that lack of filtered talk on my too many glasses of champagne."
Percy lied down beside him on the bed. "I know Triton is a bastard most of the times, but you aren't like him, Nico. He was just being jealous."
"I'm sorry." Nico whispered in Percy's hair. Percy kissed his collarbone once, before nuzzling his skin.
"Now, sleep." Percy whispered. "We have to get you new uniforms tomorrow."
"I hate waking up early." Nico yawned.
"I know."
"I hate you."
"I know." Percy laughed.
That night, Nico dreamed of too many green eyes.
A/N: The support to this story is so amazing! I love reading the comments so much. Thank you!
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