CryingCircusConductor

Ah, what a good question again! That really got me thinking, and I realised I don't think that's going to be dissected explicitly in this story, so I'll try my best to explain what I think I tried to do as well and as briefly as possible So, in the Percy Jackson story, Nico is someone who tends to be looked at by others as dangerous and scary. Creepy, even sometimes. He's also suffered a lot of loss of people who did love and accept him in his early life. So what I think I was trying to do, was write him as someone who's coping styles were built up around "rejection" based trauma. (Some other examples of backgrounds that can have a similar effect are being bullied, or having emotionally abusive/neglectful caregivers). Of course everyone reacts to emotional trauma differently, but I made Nico more avoidan/fatalistict in how he tries to remain in control of situations (Don't get attached so people can't hurt me, leave them before they leave me, expect the worst so you can't be disapointed, block out all negative feelings) to contrast Logan's confrontational coping style. Aside from that I made Nico more internalizing (Turning his feelings inward, shame/self blame) to contrast Logan being externalizing. That's probably their biggest difference, and biggest source of conflict, actually. In that sense they speak completely different languages. Of course when it actually comes down to it, I'm just using the poor guy to deal with my own issues. Like all of this story, it's all just me projecting Even Aphrodite being upset, is just me being upset with that part of me haha. Sorry for the giant essay! And thank you so much for sharing! It really helps me reflect.

Yes, that's understandable Mental illness is always a bit of a tricky subject. It can hit so differently for different people. I really appreciate that you were willing to read it anyway, but please never feel pressure to! I hope I'll manage to make it worth your while Thanks a bunch again!

Nico woke up to a sting on his arm. It didn't hurt too bad, but bad enough for him to reach out with his hand in reflex. He watched as an impressively sized spider crawled out between his fingers and scuttled off over the side of the bed. He could barely make it out in the darkness, only recognizing it by the leggy movements. It disappeared out of sight. Nico hadn't realized how unsettled he was until it did. Was it the spider? No. He had nothing against spiders. He ran his fingers o

Ah, I'm so glad you ask that question! Without giving too much away, his behaviour is based on an avoidant attachment style, which is very often based in psychological trauma It's something I was trying to analyze a bit more while writing this story. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!

The weeks flew by. The longest they’d managed to stay apart was six days. Two whole days longer than their previous record. They had taken ages to pass. Still, Nico had to try. It wasn’t healthy to depend this much on someone. He couldn’t expect Logan to save him from himself. So try he did. Try, he was doing right now. For six days already. Onto a new record, he hoped. Nico looked down, gazing over the large copper toes of Lady Liberty. He never realized how huge her feet actually were up

Yes! Exactly I was trying to show some of the changes in habits and in dynamics in this stage of the relationship. Glad you caught them! Thanks again!

Hahaha, if you'd ask Nico I bet he'd say it was filled with shame 🥲

It had only been four days since he’d seen him. Four days. Four. He needed to get his head checked. It should have been so much easier to keep his mind off of him now that the tension was finally gone. So, why was it even harder?! Nico shook his head. He had to be stronger than this. Not just for his own sake. If Logan found out how insane he was, he’d ruin it for both of them. He looked at the dreary, grey Vancouver skyline. Hundreds of flats popped out of the ground. He could have sw

Yes! sort of! And yes, they still have to prove whether or not true love beats strife, but I thought that might be a bit much for a first date Thanks for reading!

Nico took a good look at Logan’s face. Despite the green and purple all around him, the only colour on Nico’s mind was amber. Logan’s wide, pleased looking smile almost distracted him from the fact this could very well be the last time he’d get to see it. Eris wasn’t known for her kindness. Excitement overshadowed all fear when Logan squeezed his hand with his. “Okay! Step back” Logan warned cheerfully, letting go of him. Nico did, a little disappointed. Focus! He willed hi

Hahaha, sorry for making you wait so long! 🫣In my defense, irl it took me about 20 years for these two parts of me to love each other, so I had to drag it out as long as I could 😁 Glad you're excited for what's next! Thanks again for reading, and for your thoughts!

He almost fell sprinting to the bathroom and probably just about tore off the valve turning on the shower. The other valve tried to warn him it was turned as cold as possible. Nico didn’t even notice, not even as he got under the stream. One long, ice cold shower later he finally felt like he could breathe again. He flung open the cabinet behind the mirror and swiped out a razor. His eyes met those of a very tired looking stranger when he shut it. The stranger scowled at him w

I know I keep saying it, but thank you so much!

He tore some pieces off of his muffuletta and cast them to the pigeons. The feathery piranha’s frenzied around the bread. Fighting beak and talon to be the first to get to-! Something rustled on his shoulder. He turned in disbelief to the large white dove perched onto him. The dove cocked its head and side eyed him with a vapid, yet somehow pleasant look. It cooed quietly. Why did it sound encouraging…? He hesitantly lifted a finger. It hopped on and sat tight as he lowered his hand.

Happy to know the tension build up is easy to pick up on! 😁And without spoiling anything... I hope so! 🤐