Greetings, and welcome back to the final installment of Child's Play! ^_^ Whether this is your first time reading one of my works, or you are a return reader, thank you very much for taking the time to read my story. Special thanks go out to sweetmarly for their kind and thoughtful review! I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 4: Test Run
Nico walked into the cabin he shared with Jason, grateful to have the afternoon to himself. Jason had another hour of training before he would come home, and right now Nico needed the time to unwind. The day had been longer and more trying than it should have been. He enjoyed training the new campers and meeting with the campers from New Rome, but his heart hadn't really been in it today. Nico knew he had been more irritable and short tempered than usual, and he was anxious to have some time alone. It galled at him that he'd snapped at one of the kids he was training, that wasn't like him. Nico knew the positions he held in camp weren't critical, not like Jason's former position as praetor, even so Nico pushed himself to do well. Life had gotten better for demigods, but it was far from perfect. His students' lives could depend on the proper instructions, and an argument with the campers from New Rome could blow up into a huge political incident if he wasn't careful.
Closing the door behind him, Nico kicked off his shoes, pressed his back against the wood of the door, and slowly slid down to the floor, wrapping his arms around his legs as he went. It was quiet and warm in the cabin. Not too warm, just the right amount to be cozy, and as much as he honestly preferred cloudy, rainy, or cold weather, the amber colored sunlight streaming through the windows was comforting. It reminded him of his mother's kitchen from when he was younger, the little bits of it he had managed to remember.
Nico sighed and buried his head in his folded arms, curling in on himself and enjoying the quiet. It was safe here. No matter how uncertain or treacherous the world outside became, Jason had made their little cabin feel like an impenetrable haven. Nico hadn't had stability in his life for a very long time, and he cherished the impression of safety his home had come to provide, even if he knew it wasn't as impenetrable as it felt.
Long minutes passed, and Nico's eyes tracked the changing pattern of light on the walls as the sun moved in the sky. His eyes fell on a small wooden chest that was pressed up against the side of the couch, and he blushed. The chest wasn't new, but this past week Jason had re-arranged the items that had been stored in there, and made room for a few additions. Specifically: some coloring books and crayons, a block set, a few simple puzzles, and a soft, small, black dragon toy. The black dragon stuffed animal had caught Nico's attention, despite his embarrassment, and he remembered craning his head slightly to see it as Jason put it away. Jason had caught him, naturally, and had actually lifted the toy out of the chest and offered it to Nico! Nico had immediately turned away and huddled under the covers of their bed, pretending to read the book he actually had been reading when Jason had come home that day.
A few minutes later Jason's hand had pressed into the covers and started running up and down Nico's sides, and Jason had asked if he'd done something wrong. Nico had started furiously shaking his head. He was touched that Jason would go to so much trouble for him on a whim. Nico still wasn't very good at accepting compliments or gifts. Nico had been incredibly flustered, but somehow he'd managed to lift the cover back and make himself understood. Jason had just smiled and pulled him into a tight hug
All week Nico had been afraid to so much as look at the chest for too long. He was still sorting out his own feelings; he really couldn't handle thinking about Jason's too. …but he was alone now…
Curiosity tugged at Nico until he found himself standing and moving towards the chest. Once he was in front of it he knelt down and lifted the lid. The black stuffed dragon toy was right on top, smiling up at him. Well, it wasn't really a smile; it was more of a smirk, which was better. Smiling softly, Nico reached out and stroked the toy's head and neck. Despite the horns situated on the back of its head, it was incredibly soft.
Reaching deeper into the box, Nico scooped up the stuffed toy dragon and pulled it to his chest. It nestled perfectly there, its head pushing slightly into Nico's neck as though it was nuzzling him. Nico knew it wasn't really, but he also didn't care. He wrapped his arms more tightly around the stuffed toy, nuzzling against its plush body, and sighed contentedly.
Nico sat there for a few minutes, holding the soft toy in his arms and stroking it, before his fingers encountered a tag at the base of its tail. Pulling back, Nico adjusted his grip, and brought the tag closer for better inspection. It read: Toothless
"Toothless, huh?" Nico murmured, shifting the stuffed Dragon so that they were looking at each other again. "That's an odd name for a Dragon." The dragon's head bobbed slightly as Nico moved it, and its smile was infectious.
Nico carefully tucked the stuffed toy into his left side, holding it close to him while also leaving his right hand free to continue to explore the contents of the chest. Nico eyed the puzzles for a moment, before the bright colors of the crayons caught his attention. He leaned over the side of the wooden chest and peered down at the coloring books that Jason had selected. They seemed to be mostly pictures of nature. There was a forest depicted on one, and a pristine beach on another. It took a bit of effort to lift the crayons and the coloring books with one hand, but Nico managed.
Toothless made the trip with Nico to the coffee table and back. It would have been easier to carry the coloring books over to the table and set them down before coming back to grab Toothless and close the trunk, but Nico didn't want to let go. Toothless' soft presence against his side was more comforting than he expected.
Once the trunk was closed, Nico settled down on the floor by the coffee table and pulled the coloring books and crayons towards him. As he drew, Nico felt himself relaxing. He didn't have to be perfect. No one would be offended if he drew outside the lines a little, and there wasn't grave responsibility to fulfill. It was just Nico, Toothless, and the paper.
At first Nico was careful and very meticulous about putting each crayon back as he used it, but as the minutes passed he began to build a small halo of crayons around his work space, shifting between the colors as needed. Nico sighed happily as he worked, and began humming softly. The idea that he was allowed to be little, that this wasn't a project, but just innocent fun, was very relaxing. Nico felt the tension bleeding out of him; something about this made it easy to just let go… He was so relaxed his mind started to feel fuzzy around the edges.
After coloring his way through several pages Nico leaned back to stretch and a spot of dark blue caught his attention. Nico turned his head curiously and his eyes landed on the pacifier that had started this entire thing. It was tucked into a dark corner of the bookcase, on top of one of the shorter books in that row. Nico couldn't remember seeing the pacifier since that first night…why had Jason put it there?
The stars laid onto the dark blue background of the mouth shield were glowing faintly, and Nico found curiosity growing inside him again. Shifting his weight onto all fours, Nico crawled a few feet to the bookshelf and grasped the pacifier. There was a small plastic tube that was currently snapped over the clear plastic nipple, probably to help keep it clean. It didn't take much effort to pull it off. Nico set the small plastic tube back on the bookshelf absentmindedly, his eyes never leaving the pacifier.
It wouldn't hurt to try… Slowly Nico lifted the pacifier to his lips and parted them. It felt just the slightest bit too big in his mouth, but also instantly comforting. Nico experimented with a few gentle sucks, and that felt right too. Anything harder would hurt his teeth.
Smiling around the pacifier, Nico leaned forward on one arm, intending to crawl back to the coffee table… when the front door started to creak open. Nico let out a small, unintelligible squeak and flopped to the floor, rolling halfway under the coffee table with Toothless still clutched to his chest.
"Nico…?"
It was Jason's voice, which soothed Nico's pounding heart…but he still wasn't about to come out from under the coffee table.
"Nico?" Jason was closer now, and Nico could distinctly hear the small pause in Jason's footsteps as he approached the coffee table. He'd seen the coloring books…
Jason came further into the room and slowly knelt by the coffee table. Nico scrunched his eyes shut and hid his face in Toothless' soft body, but Jason did not peer under the coffee table, nor did he try to pull Nico out. He just sat there for a minute. Nico had almost decided the silence was the worst thing when Jason spoke again, his voice softer and warmer than it had been a moment before.
"Nico, are you playing hide and seek, or coloring?"
What? Nico blinked under the table, then dared to peek up at the underside of the table top.
"You can't do both you know." Jason's voice was lightly teasing, and Nico jumped softly when Jason's hand began stroking his calf, which was sticking out from under the coffee table. Jason continued without the slightest hesitation. "Well, I suppose you could, but it's hard to see the pictures when you're hiding."
Nico clutched Toothless tightly to his chest, his lips and tongue starting to work the pacifier in his mouth rhythmically. He peered at Jason's lap, the only part of Jason he could really see. Nico was comforted by the slow stroking of Jason's hand on his calf, but he remained resolute and silent under the table.
Nico heard the sound of papers shuffling before Jason spoke again, his voice warm and soft and welcoming. "These are really good, Nico. Did you color these?"
Nico flushed slightly at the praise and hid his face in Toothless' soft body for a moment before peeking out again.
"I really like this one of the forest. Is that Mrs. O'leary peeking out from the trees? She's a good addition."
Nico smiled around his pacifier. He liked that one too. Gingerly, slowly, Nico shifted until his head was poking out the other side of the coffee table. Jason glanced down and smiled at him fondly. "There you are, sweetheart," he cooed, reaching out to run his hand through Nico's hair and caress the side of his face.
Nico squirmed slightly in embarrassment, and brought Toothless up to cover his face again.
"Someone's been in the toy box," Jason noted, setting the coloring books down and stretching out so that he lay propped up on one elbow, closer to Nico. He reached out and petted Toothless. "Do you like this one?"
Nico nodded and after a long moment of hesitation, feeling caught between what he wanted to say and an older, more embarrassed headspace, Nico murmured, "'ank you daddy…" around his pacifier.
Jason leaned down and pressed a warm wet kiss into Nico's forehead. "You are very welcome, sweet boy."
Nico scrunched up his forehead and wiped at it with his hand, but his smile bellied his emotions.
"Do you want to keep coloring?" Jason asked, glancing up at the coffee table.
Nico turned his head to follow Jason's gaze, and he sucked on his pacifier as he thought. At last he shook his head no.
"No?" Jason asked, softly. "What would you like to do, then?"
Nico rolled partly towards Jason and reached out to clutch his shirt, mumbling around his pacifier. "Wif you, daddy."
"With me? You want to play with Daddy?" Jason asked with a small smile, and Nico nodded, shifting closer to Jason.
"Would you like to put a puzzle together with Daddy?" Jason asked, leaning down to press another gentle kiss into Nico's temple.
"mhm," Nico confirmed, nodding again.
"Okay, sweetheart. Just let Daddy put the coloring books away and fetch the blocks."
"I'll help," Nico offered, squirming into a sitting position.
"You rest, sweetie," Jason insisted, pressing gently against Nico's shoulder to keep him in a sitting position. "I know you can help, but will you let Daddy do this for you?" Jason added, when Nico started to pout around his pacifier.
"Kay," Nico relented, smiling slightly when Jason leaned in to kiss his cheek. He watched Jason put the crayons neatly back into their box and scoop them up alongside the coloring books. Jason kept glancing back and smiling at him, which brought forth an unexpected giggle. Nico was still slightly embarrassed, but he flushed with pleasure when Jason's smile widened as he blew Nico a kiss.
After setting the coloring books and crayons down, Jason lifted a small box from the toy chest and walked back over to Nico. Nico lifted his arms and clutched at Jason's legs as he set the puzzle box down on the table.
"Alright, little monkey, be patient," Jason said, gently pulling Nico's hands away so that he could sit down. As soon as his butt touched the floor Nico scrambled into his lap and leaned back against his broad chest, looking back at Jason with a satisfied smile that was more than infectious. Jason had been planning to pull Nico into his lap anyway, he was thrilled that Nico initiated it himself. Normally it was…difficult for Nico to make the first move. He still did it, but rarely with such easy joy.
Jason wrapped his arms around Nico and peppered his face with kisses until he was a squirming, giggling bundle in Jason's arms. At last Jason pulled back, just holding Nico and gently rocking him.
Nico sighed happily, completely limp against Jason. At first he'd been a little embarrassed, but Jason and been so welcoming and gentle that Nico found himself completely drawn in. Now he felt relaxed and happy and didn't want to think about it too hard. He just wanted to be.
"Ready for a puzzle?" Jason asked, his breath ghosting over Nico's ear.
Nico nodded and watched as Jason leaned forward, lifted the lid, and dumped the puzzle pieces on the coffee table. Nico reached forward to help spread them out, and together they began searching for the edge and corner pieces. It wasn't a large puzzle, it only had 100 pieces, but neither of them were very talented with puzzles, so it felt just right.
The puzzle came together rapidly with many more smiles and giggles exchanged between them until, finally, there were only two pieces left. Jason pressed his piece into the middle of the puzzle, then turned to Nico. "It's your turn." He pressed another kiss into Nico's temple. "Go on, finish it."
Nico pressed the final piece in place with a flourish, then turned around to grin proudly at Jason. Jason grinned back and squeezed his arms around Nico until it was a little hard to breath. "Well done!"
Nico beamed up at Jason, then glanced back at the picture they had made. It was a small black kitten, curled up on a colorful carpet. Nico lifted Toothless up over the picture and Jason said, "You're right, that dragon does kind of look like a cat."
Nico hummed in agreement, leaning his head back against Jason and closing his eyes for a moment. He felt so safe…
"I should make us dinner," Jason observed.
Nico perked up at the mention of food. He was getting rather hungry. "I help!"
Jason hesitated for a moment before asking, "Do you think you could put the puzzle away for daddy? I don't want you near the stove, sweetie."
Nico let out a small sigh with a trace of disappointment, but he nodded.
"Good boy," Jason cooed, pressing on last kiss into Nico's temple before lifting him off of his lap and setting him back on the floor.
Nico set to work right away, diligently separating the puzzle pieces and setting them back in the box while Toothless sat on the corner of the table and supervised. Once every piece was put away, Nico pressed the lid down over the box and carried it to the toy chest. He lingered there a moment to lift some of the blocks out of the little canvas bag they were kept in and look at the colors, letters, and pictures on them. They were an old fashioned, wooden set, which Nico enjoyed.
"Nico, dinner's ready!" Jason called out. Nico quickly set the blocks to right and closed the chest. Then, before Jason could prompt him, he removed the pacifier from his mouth, and clipped the plastic protection tube over the clear nipple, returning it to its little nook in the bookshelf.
"Good boy," Jason praised as Nico settled into his chair for dinner. Nico smiled, pleased, then tucked in to the bowl of macaroni and cheese that Jason has set out for him.
"This is good," Nico observed around a small mouthful of food. "Thank you, daddy."
"I'm glad you like it," Jason replied, gratified to see Nico eating so well and enjoying it. He had somewhat hoped for the chance to feed Nico again…but this was good too.
After a few minutes Nico paused and glanced at the bowl Jason had prepared for himself. "You eat too, daddy," he insisted.
Jason glanced down, then smiled ruefully. "You're right, you're right. I should set a good example."
Nico eyed Jason carefully until he lifted the spoon to his lips and took a bite, then Nico grinned and resumed eating his own portion with gusto. They ate in comfortable silence, occasionally glancing and smiling at each other. It was a surprisingly peaceful moment.
"All done!" Nico declared, some minutes later, his spoon rattling slightly in his bowl as he set it down.
Jason looked up and fought valiantly not to laugh. Nico was grinning at him, his mouth and chin smeared with yellow cheese sauce. Jason glanced down into Nico's bowl, then back up at Nico. "So you are, good boy."
Nico's grin widened and Jason was pretty sure he felt his own cheek muscles aching in protest of all the smiling he'd been doing, but he didn't care.
Jason lifted the napkin he'd set out for himself and tilted his water glass until the water started to soak the napkin. Once it was reasonably damp he reached out to Nico. "Come here, sweetheart."
Nico didn't need to be told twice. He jumped out of his chair and immediately situated himself on Jason's lap. Jason smiled and pulled Nico closer before lifting the napkin to Nico's face. Nico leaned forward and patiently let himself be cleaned. When Jason paused and tapped his finger against Nico's nose, Nico shook his head and giggled. "All better, daddy?"
"All better," Jason confirmed, pulling Nico closer to press a kiss into his temple. "You, young man, need a bath."
Nico tilted his head slightly as he looked at Jason. "Now daddy?" Nico's eyes large and soft, his expression relaxed and open in a way Jason instantly wanted to see more of. He knew Nico wasn't actually a child, but the way he was looking at Jason was exactly the expression of a child. Nico's voice had gotten softer too, over the course of the evening, making him sound much younger than he was. Jason felt honored that Nico felt safe enough to left himself drift so deeply into little headspace.
"In a few minutes, sweetheart. Daddy needs to clean up the dishes. Why don't you go pick out your pajamas and meet me in the bathroom."
"Okay," Nico replied, leaning forward to press a wet kiss into Jason's cheek before he scrambled off his lap.
Jason watched Nico walk towards the corner of their cabin that held their bed and dresser, before turning his attention to the task at hand. He made quick work of the dishes, and set them on the rack to dry. When he turned around Nico was just laying some dark gray pajama bottoms, black boxers, and a large black t-shirt with a picture of a moon and a silhouette of a lone wolf howling out on the bed.
"Are these the ones?" Jason asked crossing the space between them.
Nico nodded, still looking at the pajamas then turned his face to Jason with a shy smile. "Did I do good, daddy?"
"You did wonderfully," Jason said, pulling Nico into a hug and peppering his face with kisses again. Nico giggled and squirmed, but made no real effort to get away. Jason chuckled softly and, at length, pulled back. "Now we need to get you out of your clothes," Jason murmured.
Instantly Nico raised his arms and Jason reached out to lift Nico's shirt over his head. After tossing said shirt in the hamper by the foot of the bed, Jason knelt in front of Nico and undid the button and zipper of his jeans. Nico silently allowed this, with only a soft blush on his cheeks as Jason pulled his jeans and boxers down to his ankles. Nico rested his hands on Jason's shoulder to steady himself as Jason lifted one foot, then the other, freeing them of jeans, boxers, and socks in one fluid gesture each.
When Jason stood, Nico pressed himself shyly into Jason's side. Jason smiled, wrapped an arm securely around Nico's waist, and ensured that the rest of Nico's clothing was deposited in the hamper. "Ready?" he asked, turning back to Nico.
Nico nodded and turned to make his way to the bathroom, when Jason tightened his hold on Nico's shoulders. Before he could protest, Nico felt himself being lifted, bridal style, into Jason's arms. "Woah!" Nico yelped, clinging to Jason's neck and shoulder as he was lifted.
"It's alright, sweetheart, daddy's got you," Jason assured him, holding Nico firmly before he started to move.
"I can walk, daddy!" Nico protested, but he made no effort to get away.
"I know you can," Jason replied, "Daddy just wants to carry you."
Nico sighed softly, but Jason could see the corners of his lips pull up in a smile before he nestled his head against Jason's neck and shoulder.
When they were in the bathroom, Jason set Nico down softly on the edge of the tub before he plugged the drain and turned on the water as hot as it could go. Nico was a big fan of hot baths, and often complained that he couldn't always get the water hot enough.
Once the tub was partly filled, Jason helped Nico step into the tub, easing him back until his head rested lightly against the rim. Nico watched Jason with a soft affectionate gaze as he monitored the temperature until the tub was full. After carefully turning off the tap, Jason reached over Nico and lifted a washcloth from the shelf set into the wall just above the tub, smiling at Nico as he leaned in close.
Nico thought he would feel more embarrassed, but he just flushed with pleasure at Jason's attention and smiled back, willing to turn himself completely over to Jason's care.
Dipping the washcloth into the warm water, Jason squeezed out some of the excess before he lifted it to Nico's chest. Jason was gentle and thorough as he washed Nico's body. He covered Nico's chest thoroughly before lifting his arms one by one, cleaning every crevice and between every finger. Jason moved lower, over Nico's stomach and gently, but thoroughly washed between Nico's legs. His touches were caring, but not meant to arouse. Nico parted his legs as Jason dipped the cloth between his thighs, running over the curve of Nico's backside as well as he could, before moving down to get the rest of his legs.
When he reached Nico's feet Jason was as thorough as he had been with Nico's hands, getting between every toe, finally lifting the second foot to his mouth to press a small kiss to the sole of the foot. Nico's toes wiggled and Jason heard a small giggle escape him. Placing Nico's foot back into the warm water of the tub, Jason turned to face him. His eyes were still large and wide in that innocent expression, and his hands were lifted so that the back of several fingers pressed against Nico's lips. Nico wasn't sucking his thumb, but he looked like he might be about to.
"Alright, love?" Jason asked, shifting from his position on the edge of the tub to kneel by Nico's head.
Nico nodded softly. "Yes, daddy."
Jason smiled and leaned in to kiss Nico's forehead. "Good. I'm going to need you to sit up now so that I can get your back and head."
Nico shifted, pulling himself up with the assistance of one of Jason's hands on his back. Jason moved the washcloth over Nico's back first, starting at his bum and rising slowly over his shoulders, up the back of his neck, and over and around Nico's ears. Nico tilted his head as Jason went, leaned into the cloth as it swept over his face, then tilting his head back as Jason washed his hair.
Jason dunked the washcloth one last time before squeezing it out and draping it over the faucet of the tub to dry. "All done," he declared, pulling the stopper from the drain. The water began to swirl down the hole as Jason put his hands under Nico's arms and helped lift him to his feet and out of the tub.
The towels were nearby so Jason only had to reach out one hand before pulling back a thick fluffy towel and wraped it around Nico's shoulders. Jason dried Nico as thoroughly as he had washed him, encouraging Nico to rest his hands on Jason's shoulders for balance. Nico leaned into Jason as he worked, feeling loved and cherished so strongly that the feelings alone were making him dizzy.
Jason kept the towel wrapped securely around Nico for warmth as they left the bathroom and approached the bed. Jason lifted Nico's boxers from the sheets and held them open in front of him, encouraging him to step into them before Jason lifted them up Nico's long legs and secured them around his waist. The pajama pants followed in a similar fashion before the towel was finally deposited in the hamper. Nico lifted his arms without being asked, and Jason pulled the large black shirt Nico had selected over his head. "There you go," Jason murmured, tugging lightly on the shirt for good measure as he settled the hem at the bottom of Nico's hips.
"Bedtime?" Nico asked. His arms were drawn up to his chest again, and Jason suspected he wanted to be holding his black dragon toy again.
"Almost," Jason replied, nudging Nico's hips gently, encouraging him to sit, while Jason knelt in front of him, taking Nico's hands in his. "Daddy has been thinking about playing with you for a while, and there's something I'd like to try, but only if you think you'd like to try it too."
"What is it, daddy?" Nico asked, curiosity glittering in his eyes.
Jason licked his lips nervously and took a deep breath before he asked, "Would it be alright if Daddy fed you a bottle?"
Nico blinked. He didn't feel like a baby, just little, but he did like the idea of his daddy holding him close, and he didn't mind eating from a bottle, as long as it wasn't the only way he ate. "Okay, daddy," Nico said at last.
Jason smiled and gave Nico's hands a little squeeze. "Thank you, Nico. If you want to stop at anytime, just let daddy know." Nico nodded that he would, and Jason nodded back. "Okay, I'll get the bottle ready; why don't you go get your black dragon toy."
"Toothless," Nico corrected.
"Toothless," Jason repeated with a smile before standing and making his way to the kitchen. He retrieved the bottle he'd stashed surreptitiously at the top of the cupboards and rinsed it off, a small thrill of anticipation running through him. He'd meant to talk about this with Nico first, but Nico was already little, and Jason hadn't been able to resist the opportunity to ask.
Jason reached into the fridge to retrieve the chocolate milk. Nico liked it, so they always had some. Maybe chocolate wasn't the best thing before bed, and Jason knew there was a possibility Nico would fall asleep, and having milk on one's teeth all night was not the best thing to do…but it was only one night, and if Nico liked it they could talk about doing it again, and what Nico would like to drink, and so forth.
Once the bottle was full, Jason returned the milk to its rightful place in the fridge, secured the lid and rubber nipple on the bottle, and turned back towards the bed. Nico was sitting there, waiting for him, with Toothless clutched in his arms. Jason smiled and walked towards Nico.
"I'll sit down against the headboard, and then I'm going to pull you into my lap," Jason explained as he started getting into their shared bed. Nico nodded and waited patiently. Their bed was already pushed into a corner of the room, so with the assistance of a few pillows for his back and the wall, Jason was quickly situated. Then he reached for Nico.
Nico slid back until his bum pressed against Jason's hip, then he leaned back into Jason's arms until Jason had him cradled at a slight angle against his chest. Jason paused to maneuver a pillow underneath Nico's back so that he was completely supported. Nico smiled and nuzzled into Jason's chest, already feeling a bit sleepy. When he felt the rubber nipple press against his lips, Nico parted them automatically and sucked. He hummed softly when the chocolate milk hit his tongue, and looked up at Jason with wide eyes. Jason was smiling warmly down at him, cradling Nico's back with one arm, and holding the bottle to Nico's lips with his other.
Nico leaned into Jason as he drank, his mind and body awash in a warm, fuzzy sensation. He felt so cherished and relaxed that it was intoxicating. It was safe to let go, because Jason had him, and would watch over him, and keep him from harm. Nico wanted to see more of Jason's soft, loving expression, but as the minutes passed it became more and more difficult to keep his eyes open.
Jason leaned down and pressed a warm kiss into Nico's forehead, careful not to move the bottle as Nico was still somewhat drinking. "Sleep, if you want to, Nico. I've got you, it's all okay."
Nico squirmed in Jason's arms, cuddling even closer to him, and one hand reached out to clutch at Jason's shirt. Then at last, with a sigh, Nico slept.
Nico was slow to wake up the next morning. It wasn't that he was overtired; it was simply that he had slept so well. First he was aware of the warm sunlight peeking through the curtains, making patterns of light on his back. Next he felt the solid weight of Jason's arms around him. Then he could feel the movement of Jason's breath against him. Finally, slowly, Nico was able to open his eyes.
Jason was there and waiting for him with a warm smile and sparkling eyes. "Good morning," Jason murmured, his voice still rough with sleep, so he couldn't have been awake long.
"Good morning," Nico echoed, snuggling into the bedsheets and into Jason.
Jason stroked a warm hand lazily up and down Nico's back. "Are you still feeling little?"
"Mhh… no, I don't think so," Nico replied, his voice still quiet, and his body still sluggish. He flushed slightly at his memories and peeked up at Jason through his long lashes. "Last night was... a lot of fun… thank you."
Jason's arm tightened around Nico for a moment in a brief hug. "You're welcome. I had fun too."
Nico felt around in the sheets a moment before frowning up at Jason. "Where is Toothless?"
"I put everything away last night after you fell asleep," Jason explained, nodding towards the trunk by the sofa. "You've been embarrassed and overwhelmed about age play and I didn't know what you'd feel like when you woke up."
Nico nodded in understanding, and leaned back against Jason's chest. "It was good," he repeated, his fingers fiddling with the edge of Jason's t-shirt. "I think I'd like to do it again."
"Me too," Jason agreed. "It felt so intimate."
"Agreed," Nico murmured, trailing his fingers over Jason's clothed chest. He sighed and shivered when Jason shifted closer and pressed several soft kisses into Nico's ear and neck. Nico tilted his head back, giving Jason more access.
"You know," Jason murmured between kisses. "As much fun as I had last night, I'm glad you're not little at the moment." Jason's hand slipped from its position low on Nico's back to squeeze his butt. "I was hoping for a little adult fun this morning."
Nico smiled and arched against Jason's body with a soft gasp. He couldn't agree more.
Thank you so much for reading my story, and for your support! I hope you enjoyed it!
I am about to shift my focus once again and my next work, another long project, will take place with the characters of Hetalia, using human names. I have a sneak peek listed below. If you are interested, I will begin posting Make or Break next week at the usual time. Thank you again for your support! Have a great weekend!
Make or Break
When Matthew gave Alfred his heart, he never expected it to be broken. Unable to ignore the painful truth, Matthew breaks off his relationship with Alfred less than a year after their marriage. Love, however, isn't finished with Matthew. In less time than he thought possible, Matthew is confronted with a choice he never thought he'd have to make...