i just like hearing it, yeah? i wanna know u'll think of me ♥
uh, no i won't be okay (shitty stuff happens from what i hear) and i won't know how to use the iris message b/c i asked them to wipe my memories so i don't bollock anything up
but the important part is: i'll live & i'll come back. i just gotta catch up to Mark's time
oh i'll definitely think about you do you want to meet before you go or i'd understand if you want to spend your time with mark you're doing this for him, right?
[ in lieu of a response, nico quickly grabs a change of clothes and strips into his swimshorts (black with a skull design, of course). he then tugs on the shadows in his room and soon arrives within the penthouse where he has to wander around until he finds the jacuzzi. when he saw vex, he tugged off the shirt he'd kept on to cover his pale chest and plethora of scars, and climbed in next to vex. once settled, the first thing he did was give vex a hug. ]
[ Since it was his house, Vex didn't bother to wear shorts. Come to think of it, it's unlikely he would've worn them even if it wasn't his house. He looked over at Nico when he began to step into the water, and greeted him with a crooked grin. ]
'ello gorgeous.
[ He managed before he was pulled into a hug. He was surprised for only a second, then sank into it as he fiercely returned it. ]
[ the hug lasted for a good few seconds as nico leaned into vex and basked in the warmth of the water and vex's body. there was something intoxicating about the mixture in a way that could easily lull him into a more peaceful mood. but eventually he had to release vex in order to settle down next to him. and as he did, he looked up at the fae with sad eyes. ]
Hey. So is this the decision you'd been debating that we spoke about once?
[ When he was in those arms he could forget for a moment. It made him realize how much he had needed a hug, so when it ended his hands lingered on Nico's skin. To maintain that connection, he trailed them up, warm and wet, towards his face. He held either side of his neck, thumbs then grazed along his soft cheeks.
[ pulling his hands up out of the water, nico was quick to cup the palms gently wrapped around his neck, entwining fingers together and giving vex a soft look. he recalled the night when he'd dropped in on vex before the fae had taken the time to "primp" himself and had found him in a mood. he hadn't asked vex to talk then because he'd suspected that he wouldn't want to talk. now, however, he wonders if vex needs someone to open up to. ]
[ Vex hated to talk, especially about this. There was a moment when he was tempted to dismiss it, maybe through kisses or sex. But the look in those eyes... He couldn't keep anything from Nico anymore. ]
Mark chose me, above everything, everyone. Now I choose him.
[ The smile that touched his lips was weak, his eyes chaotic with sorrow, but there was a glimmer of the happiness that Mark gave him. His fingers curled slightly against Nico's skin. ]
I gotta go back, catch up to him. Let time play out the way it's supposed to.
[ a sympathetic and understanding expression formed in nico's eyes, glinting in their dark depths and he scooted closer to vex, placing a cool (despite the warmth of the water) hand on vex's thigh as he nodded. ]
I understand. Some things are just meant to come to fruition like that. And... being in love like that, I understand wanting to do whatever it takes to hold onto that.
[ slowly, a somewhat sad smile curled at the corners of his lips and he shook his head. his fingers gave vex's thigh a reassuring squeeze as he momentarily closed his eyes. ]
Besides, our struggles are often what defines us, make us who we are. If Mark loves you now as you are, surely you won't change much in the time you'll be away. At least, maybe not how you might think.
[ still, a week without vex, wondering what struggles he'll be facing... it was hard to imagine. ]
I'll pray to my father for you, while you're gone.
But he could be seeing him when he looks at me, yeah? I gotta know know for myself how it goes. Also, if this place suddenly broke and we were all sent back I don't wanna be separated from him.
You'd do that for me? I'm not one for prayers, but hey... I'd be mad to turn that down, yeah?
[ Nico managed to make him smile again, though still just as slight as before. Then it faded as his voice lowered. ]
My son, Massimo. He's not gonna make it. Is there a way to make sure he... passes on peacefully I suppose? He's had such a hell of a life, and I was no help. It's probably shitty of me to hope his afterlife is better.
You're discrediting Mark if you think he sees him when he's looking at you. You love him, don't you? Have faith that the reason he loves you is because it's for you. Love is... never easy. That's why it's important to trust.
[ and nico knew this from experience too. it took him a long time to be willing to trust percy jackson, or will solace. it was always hard for him to trust. but after his encounter with cupid, being forced to speak his feelings openly, nico knew that love wasn't meant to be easy and trust was a crucial part of it.
he swallowed, licking his lips slightly before continuing. ]
I can't promise anything. Most people will never make something of their lives, either good or evil. If he's suffered, there's a chance he can choose rebirth and have a second chance at life. He'll be reborn and you'll never know each other, but... he'll have a chance to do something heroic and make it to Elysium.
[ quietly, then, as nico's gaze lowered. ]
Bianca chose rebirth. It's... not always a bad thing.
I love him, and I trust him, I know he loves me, but it's not just that. Both him and Bo have said that I'm different in the future. I'll go mad if I don't see it for myself, see what they're seeing in me. Because honestly? I don't know if I can.
And I definitely don't trust this place to stay around forever, I can't. I gotta be ready for the worst. But believe me, I won't let you go without a fight. [ His wink was brief, and he wrapped an arm around Nico's shoulders so he could hold him close. ]
That's... actually the best thing I could hope for him. He doesn't need to remember all the shite his mum and I put him through. He should have another chance, a better one, yeah? I mean, he doesn't need to be a hero or anything, but he shouldn't be forced through the muck again.
[ With his other hand, he found one of Nico's and held it warmly beneath the water. ]
Thanks for telling me that, love.
[ He knew it wasn't easy for him to talk about anything to do with Bianca. ]
[ slowly, very slowly, nico leaned up enough to wrap his free arm around vex's neck. it was a loose hold because of their clasped hands, but it still conveyed nico's message. over time, he's seen so many different facets of vex, come to know the fae on intimate levels of both the physical and emotional. knowing that vex was willing to open up to him meant a great deal especially when nico knew that vex probably struggled with trust and acceptance like he did. in some ways, the relationship reminded nico a lot of his relationship with reyna avila ramírez-arellano. certainly, there were a lot of differences between vex and the young praetor of new rome, but the way walls had slowly come down before nico seemed very similar. and just like with reyna, nico wanted to express how much he appreciated the trust. ]
Some of these things... they have have to be shared. Keeping them inside and never using one's voice— That's the fastest route to Asphodel. And sometimes I think that Asphodel is worse than even the Fields of Punishment.
[ he gave vex a slight squeeze before pulling away again, never straying too far. ]
[ Despite the fact that Nico stayed near, he wasn't close enough for Vex's liking. So, if Nico allowed him to, he would wind an arm around his waist and pull him over so the demigod could straddle his lap.
There was only Nico's trunks separating them, which would normally send a rush of excitement through Vex, but he wasn't feeling 'up' for it at that moment, he just wanted to hold him tight and rest his cheek against the side of his head. It had a disadvantage in that they were no longer holding hands, but hanging onto each other completely was more important to Vex right now. ]
Me? Nah. There's a place reserved in the worst spot in Tartarus with my name on it, I'm sure of that. But I figured the way to avoid that fate is not to die, yeah? I've been pretty good about that so far. Might ask the reps for true immortality when I get back, even.
[ and nico was content to merely rest in vex's embrace, nuzzle into the crook of the mesmer's neck and release a slow sigh as his arms wound around vex's neck and shoulders. this was certainly not about sex or arousal. it was about comforting a loved one and nico was more than willing to oblige. ]
You don't know that, Vex. I... I've seen Tartarus' true form. It's not something I would wish on my worst enemies.
[ nico was glad for the embrace at that moment; glad that vex would not be able to see the haunted look that came into his obsidian-dark eyes. ]
The things you did to survive... All of that is in the past. The judges of the Underworld do not decide based on one portion of a person's life alone. You still have plenty of time to make up for the things you have done.
[ leaning back a fraction, nico brought their foreheads together. there was still a bit of a fractured look in his eyes, but there was also a glint of determination. when he spoke again, it was with the kind of determination that comes from one who has walked through the horrors of the worst hells and lived through it without losing everything. ]
I know you can make your life one worthy of the Fields of Elysium.
I know love, I know, but let's be honest, yeah? I don't plan to make up for what I've done. Redemption isn't a good look on me, and no one would believe it anyway.
[ No one outside of Eudio, that is. Somehow, he lucked out with these special people who cared about him, such as the beautiful demigod in his arms. And when he said that...
I know you can make your life one worthy of the Fields of Elysium.
Vex almost whimpered as he tilted his head, so their lips met. His kiss was desperate, not with lust or passion, but with an intense need to be loved by someone who had faith in him. So few did, and when he was presented with it, he had to leap upon the opportunity.
Or else he might cry, and he'd cried out all of his tears a long time ago. ]
[ once more, nico was familiar with the emotion vex was experiencing. for so long, he'd felt so empty and so alone, unloved and distrusted, and most of all, unwanted. he'd believed he was nothing more than the dirt under people's feet, was nothing more than something covered in sewage and blood due to his heritage and his sexuality. it had taken others, people who would become his friends, to make him see he wasn't any of those things. that he was loved, respected, and trusted. and that people wanted him around. jason, reyna, will... even percy. they'd all shown him what it meant to be accepted. recognizing it in vex, he also understand how much vex needed this.
so he didn't hesitate kissing back and wrapping his arms completely around the fae. his hands settled in dark hair before dragging down vex's features and he quickly took control of the kiss in order to press as much desire and affection into it as possible. to say without words what vex needed to hear. ]
[ There were so many who didn't believe in him, including his own father. Why did the son of death? He had no choice but to trust him. He trusted Mark, but there was always a cynical part of him that attributed his faith to youthful love. Nico was young as well, but his origins were anything but. Not to mention the knowledge that he'd seen Tartarus, he clearly knew how far someone could fall. How anyone saw him, his entire self, and still accepted him was beyond Vex's comprehension.
He didn't need to dominate the kiss, Nico not only responded by took control of it. He showed Vex exactly how much he wanted him with physical affection, something that was possible for Vex to excuse away or deny. His lips were powerful, as was his body, that lithe form that fit against his like they were made for each other. Their hearts may go elsewhere, with different people, but everything else connected perfectly.
This wasn't just sexual, and his voice was almost pathetic when the kiss eased and he whispered against his mouth. ]
Nico, please. I need you inside me.
[ He needed far more than that, but for now that would help him. ]
[ the plea in the fae's voice was hard to deny. it spoke of pain, regret, emptiness, fear, and loneliness. a need to be wanted. nico had no inclination of denying vex, but even if he did, he couldn't see how anyone could turn him down in that moment and feel no remorse. vex was a man in need, a desperation nico felt in his bones because it was his own as well. it was to be expected of anyone as steeped in death as they were.
nico didn't want vex to think about that, though. he didn't want vex to think of anything save for what felt right, what felt good. so he slid out of vex's lap to settle on the jacuzzi bench next to him while keeping his fingers gliding through vex's hair. ]
[ Here. Now. But the sound of bed had a certain appeal, especially when he could linger in it with Nico. ]
Bed. [ He conceded, and brought them both up to stand. As much as he didn't want to let him go, he had to in order to climb out of the jacuzzi. His cock was half-hard as he picked up his warm robe and wrapped it around himself, then grabbed a spare from the rack for Nico.
By the time they got to one of the guest bedrooms, the robes would've done a decent job of absorbing the moisture, though he still felt damp when he tugged it off. He ran it against his hair a few times before he dropped it on the ground.
There he stood, naked, a frown creased on his features, his eyes focused on nothing. The momentary distance had been too much, he needed Nico to ground him again. ]
[ seeing the way vex was so distracted, obviously caught up in the negative emotions that were slowly taking over him, nico was quick to respond. he climbed quickly out of the tub and then followed vex, never straying too far. and as soon as vex was standing there naked, his gaze unfocused, nico shucked off his own robe and shorts before reaching out with both hands to cup vex's cheeks. ]
It's okay, caro mio. I'm right here.
[ he pushed up on his toes to press a quick kiss to vex's forehead, one to his brows, a few to his cheeks, gradually making his way to vex's lips where the kiss was much more drawn out. it also gave him the opportunity to push vex back towards the bed and climb on top him as the fae settled on it. ]
[ His touch, the look on his beautiful face, his sweet words and that sexy sprinkling of italian... Vex was very willing to be yanked out his personal hell, and into Nico's arms.
Even as he eased onto the bed, his skin tingled faintly where he'd been kissed. Warmth, comfort, things he didn't deserve but needed. He reached for him, his fingers caressing over his cheeks as they sank back into his damp hair.
He pulled him down to kiss him properly, slow, but deep. His mouth opened wide to him, his tongue moving in a sensual slide along Nico's. His head tilted to increase the depth, wanting to 'lock' that connection in a way, while his hips pushed up against him.
Everything about his movements was needy, a plea to be taken care of, even though Nico had already said he would. ]
no subject
uh, no i won't be okay (shitty stuff happens from what i hear) and i won't know how to use the iris message b/c i asked them to wipe my memories so i don't bollock anything up
but the important part is: i'll live & i'll come back. i just gotta catch up to Mark's time
no subject
i'll definitely think about you
do you want to meet before you go or
i'd understand if you want to spend your time with mark
you're doing this for him, right?
no subject
or maybe i don't since i don't know how long i'll be & missing u would be a pain
i got some time right now
yeah i am
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
'ello gorgeous.
[ He managed before he was pulled into a hug. He was surprised for only a second, then sank into it as he fiercely returned it. ]
Mmh...
no subject
Hey. So is this the decision you'd been debating that we spoke about once?
no subject
At the question, his brows furrowed slightly. ]
Yeah, I decided.
no subject
Do you want to talk about it?
no subject
Mark chose me, above everything, everyone. Now I choose him.
[ The smile that touched his lips was weak, his eyes chaotic with sorrow, but there was a glimmer of the happiness that Mark gave him. His fingers curled slightly against Nico's skin. ]
I gotta go back, catch up to him. Let time play out the way it's supposed to.
no subject
I understand. Some things are just meant to come to fruition like that. And... being in love like that, I understand wanting to do whatever it takes to hold onto that.
[ slowly, a somewhat sad smile curled at the corners of his lips and he shook his head. his fingers gave vex's thigh a reassuring squeeze as he momentarily closed his eyes. ]
Besides, our struggles are often what defines us, make us who we are. If Mark loves you now as you are, surely you won't change much in the time you'll be away. At least, maybe not how you might think.
[ still, a week without vex, wondering what struggles he'll be facing... it was hard to imagine. ]
I'll pray to my father for you, while you're gone.
no subject
[ A thoughtful frown twisted his mouth. ]
But he could be seeing him when he looks at me, yeah? I gotta know know for myself how it goes. Also, if this place suddenly broke and we were all sent back I don't wanna be separated from him.
You'd do that for me? I'm not one for prayers, but hey... I'd be mad to turn that down, yeah?
[ Nico managed to make him smile again, though still just as slight as before. Then it faded as his voice lowered. ]
My son, Massimo. He's not gonna make it. Is there a way to make sure he... passes on peacefully I suppose? He's had such a hell of a life, and I was no help. It's probably shitty of me to hope his afterlife is better.
no subject
[ and nico knew this from experience too. it took him a long time to be willing to trust percy jackson, or will solace. it was always hard for him to trust. but after his encounter with cupid, being forced to speak his feelings openly, nico knew that love wasn't meant to be easy and trust was a crucial part of it.
he swallowed, licking his lips slightly before continuing. ]
I can't promise anything. Most people will never make something of their lives, either good or evil. If he's suffered, there's a chance he can choose rebirth and have a second chance at life. He'll be reborn and you'll never know each other, but... he'll have a chance to do something heroic and make it to Elysium.
[ quietly, then, as nico's gaze lowered. ]
Bianca chose rebirth. It's... not always a bad thing.
no subject
And I definitely don't trust this place to stay around forever, I can't. I gotta be ready for the worst. But believe me, I won't let you go without a fight. [ His wink was brief, and he wrapped an arm around Nico's shoulders so he could hold him close. ]
That's... actually the best thing I could hope for him. He doesn't need to remember all the shite his mum and I put him through. He should have another chance, a better one, yeah? I mean, he doesn't need to be a hero or anything, but he shouldn't be forced through the muck again.
[ With his other hand, he found one of Nico's and held it warmly beneath the water. ]
Thanks for telling me that, love.
[ He knew it wasn't easy for him to talk about anything to do with Bianca. ]
no subject
Some of these things... they have have to be shared. Keeping them inside and never using one's voice— That's the fastest route to Asphodel. And sometimes I think that Asphodel is worse than even the Fields of Punishment.
[ he gave vex a slight squeeze before pulling away again, never straying too far. ]
Your son should be fine. And so will you.
no subject
[ Despite the fact that Nico stayed near, he wasn't close enough for Vex's liking. So, if Nico allowed him to, he would wind an arm around his waist and pull him over so the demigod could straddle his lap.
There was only Nico's trunks separating them, which would normally send a rush of excitement through Vex, but he wasn't feeling 'up' for it at that moment, he just wanted to hold him tight and rest his cheek against the side of his head. It had a disadvantage in that they were no longer holding hands, but hanging onto each other completely was more important to Vex right now. ]
Me? Nah. There's a place reserved in the worst spot in Tartarus with my name on it, I'm sure of that. But I figured the way to avoid that fate is not to die, yeah? I've been pretty good about that so far. Might ask the reps for true immortality when I get back, even.
no subject
You don't know that, Vex. I... I've seen Tartarus' true form. It's not something I would wish on my worst enemies.
[ nico was glad for the embrace at that moment; glad that vex would not be able to see the haunted look that came into his obsidian-dark eyes. ]
The things you did to survive... All of that is in the past. The judges of the Underworld do not decide based on one portion of a person's life alone. You still have plenty of time to make up for the things you have done.
[ leaning back a fraction, nico brought their foreheads together. there was still a bit of a fractured look in his eyes, but there was also a glint of determination. when he spoke again, it was with the kind of determination that comes from one who has walked through the horrors of the worst hells and lived through it without losing everything. ]
I know you can make your life one worthy of the Fields of Elysium.
no subject
[ No one outside of Eudio, that is. Somehow, he lucked out with these special people who cared about him, such as the beautiful demigod in his arms. And when he said that...
I know you can make your life one worthy of the Fields of Elysium.
Vex almost whimpered as he tilted his head, so their lips met. His kiss was desperate, not with lust or passion, but with an intense need to be loved by someone who had faith in him. So few did, and when he was presented with it, he had to leap upon the opportunity.
Or else he might cry, and he'd cried out all of his tears a long time ago. ]
no subject
so he didn't hesitate kissing back and wrapping his arms completely around the fae. his hands settled in dark hair before dragging down vex's features and he quickly took control of the kiss in order to press as much desire and affection into it as possible. to say without words what vex needed to hear. ]
no subject
He didn't need to dominate the kiss, Nico not only responded by took control of it. He showed Vex exactly how much he wanted him with physical affection, something that was possible for Vex to excuse away or deny. His lips were powerful, as was his body, that lithe form that fit against his like they were made for each other. Their hearts may go elsewhere, with different people, but everything else connected perfectly.
This wasn't just sexual, and his voice was almost pathetic when the kiss eased and he whispered against his mouth. ]
Nico, please. I need you inside me.
[ He needed far more than that, but for now that would help him. ]
no subject
[ the plea in the fae's voice was hard to deny. it spoke of pain, regret, emptiness, fear, and loneliness. a need to be wanted. nico had no inclination of denying vex, but even if he did, he couldn't see how anyone could turn him down in that moment and feel no remorse. vex was a man in need, a desperation nico felt in his bones because it was his own as well. it was to be expected of anyone as steeped in death as they were.
nico didn't want vex to think about that, though. he didn't want vex to think of anything save for what felt right, what felt good. so he slid out of vex's lap to settle on the jacuzzi bench next to him while keeping his fingers gliding through vex's hair. ]
Here or in bed?
no subject
Bed. [ He conceded, and brought them both up to stand. As much as he didn't want to let him go, he had to in order to climb out of the jacuzzi. His cock was half-hard as he picked up his warm robe and wrapped it around himself, then grabbed a spare from the rack for Nico.
By the time they got to one of the guest bedrooms, the robes would've done a decent job of absorbing the moisture, though he still felt damp when he tugged it off. He ran it against his hair a few times before he dropped it on the ground.
There he stood, naked, a frown creased on his features, his eyes focused on nothing. The momentary distance had been too much, he needed Nico to ground him again. ]
no subject
It's okay, caro mio. I'm right here.
[ he pushed up on his toes to press a quick kiss to vex's forehead, one to his brows, a few to his cheeks, gradually making his way to vex's lips where the kiss was much more drawn out. it also gave him the opportunity to push vex back towards the bed and climb on top him as the fae settled on it. ]
I'll take care of you.
no subject
Even as he eased onto the bed, his skin tingled faintly where he'd been kissed. Warmth, comfort, things he didn't deserve but needed. He reached for him, his fingers caressing over his cheeks as they sank back into his damp hair.
He pulled him down to kiss him properly, slow, but deep. His mouth opened wide to him, his tongue moving in a sensual slide along Nico's. His head tilted to increase the depth, wanting to 'lock' that connection in a way, while his hips pushed up against him.
Everything about his movements was needy, a plea to be taken care of, even though Nico had already said he would. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)