After Soldiers Bridge
It is a first season story about Duncan & Richie and of course Tessa.
Warning / Spanking of a teenager in some chapters
Duncan got up early as always and already had his morning run behind him and a strenuous kata-exercise when he returned home.
He quickly jumped under the shower. When he entered the kitchen for a cup of coffee he noticed with surprise that his little troublemaker was already awake.
The teenager was already dressed for his yoga lesson and drank some orange juice.
"Good morning Richie, you're up early."
"Morning, Mac", Richie mumbled.
"Is there a special reason for your unusual early awakening," Duncan asked concerned.
"Uh, no not really", the teenager mumbled.
"Did you sleep well or did you have nightmares again."
"I just had a nightmare this morning. The night was okay."
"Want to talk about it?"
"No, not necessary," Richie said rather too forcefully for Duncan's taste.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure. I'm no i... uh, I go upstairs."
Duncan just smirked and followed him a few minutes later.
The yoga lesson was completed without any further complications, but Richie was not focused and Duncan noticed that he was not really thrilled about it.
Duncan dismissed him after an hour for a shower and breakfast.
"After breakfast you present yourself in my office and do not dawdle."
"Yes, yes I know the drill. No dawdle around and obedience."
"Well, then everything is clear my boy."
When Richie entered Duncan's office the Highlander was already busy with his paperwork. The boy plopped down on the chair across from him.
Duncan handed him his papers and his pen back.
You can continue with your sentence.
Instead of using swearwords I try to express my opinions politely or I keep my mouth shut."
"Again," Richie asked.
"Yes, again till I allow you to stop."
Richie looked just annoyed at him.
"What are you waiting for?"
"How long must I write down this stu... sentence?"
"Please rephrase that question again?"
"How long do I have to write down this sentence."
"Until I allow you to stop, just go ahead."
Richie gave him another annoyed look, then started to write.
Duncan turned his attention to his paperwork however he watched him from time to time to follow Richie's progress.
"Mac, may I please go to the toilet," the boy asked after a bit more than an hour.
"Yes, you may go", Duncan allowed.
When he came back Mac was on the phone. He sat down again and continued with his assigned task. But it upset him more and more.
After Duncan had finished the call, immediately the question came.
"Hey Mac how long for God's sake," Richie asked very annoyed.
"The Lord has certainly nothing to do with it", Duncan informed him in a dry manner.
Until I allow you to stop. Please continue and Richie pull yourself together. Another tantrum does not help you on the contrary.
Duncan turned his attention back to his own paperwork.
Richie knew he would get into trouble, if he was not able to calm down. But he was more and more upset. He could not help it. The writing caused him more and more problems.
Duncan watched the inner struggle of his child for a short time and then decided to help him.
"Richie, sit up straight and breathe slowly, evenly and deeply in and out."
Richie obeyed and soon he felt a bit better.
"So now you're a little calmer, Duncan stated. Please continue writing when you have calmed down enough and you feel in a position to do so."
The angry look he received from Richie said a lot. The boy was very close to exploding again.
"Okay, please calm down and come here."
"No, leave me alone."
"No problem, you know what you have to do. It is better when you get it under control yourself. You are sure old enough for that."
"Leave me alone you a..., huh.
Duncan turned his attention back to his own paperwork. He pretended that he hadn't heard anything. It was not his intention to provoke him he wanted to help Richie.
The teenager started his breathing exercise again and some minutes later he was able to restart his writing exercise.
Duncan waited several minutes and then he went to the boy.
"I'm proud of you Richie, you did very well. He ruffled Richie's hair and planted a kiss on his head.
"Would you like something to drink? I go get a coffee in the kitchen."
"Huh, yes please an apple juice."
"Coming right up," Duncan retorted.
Richie had not yet been praised so often in his life and it made him embarrassed. The same applied for shown interest in him or affection towards him. Especially difficult was it for him if the affection came from a man.
For this reason, Duncan let the boy a few moments alone. Nevertheless, Richie had to learn the difference between attention from benevolent adults and someone who has taken advantage of him.
When he returned Richie had already regained his composure and continued writing.
"So here your apple juice, Richie."
"Thank you Mac."
Duncan sat down and continued with his paperwork.
Richie dared not to ask Mac again when he was finally able to stop. He feared that he then had to write this one sentence the whole day. That would be very stupid and boring so he pulled himself together now.
Half an hour later, Duncan had mercy with him.
"You can stop; please pass me your work." Richie handed him the papers.
You can now continue to work on your essay for the next forty minutes. Then we will pick up Rachel from the airport."
"Mac, I'm under house arrest, remember?"
"Yes, but tighter house arrest, I told you so. If you do not come, I cannot keep an eye on you. Where I am we consider as home."
"Oh, that's fine. That means I can leave the house."
"Yes, but only in my company."
Richie was looking forward to visit the airport. Duncan noticed that the lad was flustered.
"Mac, may I look upon the airport, I've never been there," Richie confessed.
"Yeah sure, we will be there early enough. We can watch the planes arrive and depart."
"As a child I always wanted to be a pilot," Richie confessed.
"After a college degree, everything is possible. Therefore, a good education is important. That's why I insist that you attend St. Mary's High School. So you can choose the college and the profession that suits you."
"I can't attend college before I'm over 18 years old," Richie stated.
" Yes, that's normal," Duncan said.
"But I will not be able to pay for a college education," Richie told him.
"Richie, that's my duty to pay for it. You don't need to worry or think about it."
"Not when I'm over 18 years old then I'm considered as an adult. Then I must take care of myself."
"Richie you are a member of my family, so I'll pay for it. It does not matter whether you're 18, 22 or 25 years or older. The most important thing is that you choose a profession that suits you."
"But you don't need to pay for me, Richie stated.
"No, but I'll do it gladly and voluntarily. Even if you're 18 years old you still will need support, not only in financial matters. It means to be a family member. We will be there for you as long as you need us.
After your 18th birthday of course you decide what you want and chose your lifestyle. We hope that you will stay with us and listen to our advice. But if it is your wish you can run away. It will be entirely your decision.
But the next three years you are stuck with us. I'm responsible for you and I take that very seriously. But you know that my lad.
Okay, fetch your jacket the airport awaits our visit."
Duncan showed Richie the whole airport. The boy was thrilled.
Only when they waited for Rachel, he became a bit quieter and seemed shy.
Rachel will not bite you. She is a nice person. John worships and adores her.
"Look there she comes." Duncan greeted and embraced her. Then he introduced them to each other.
Rachel took Richie's hand and with her free hand she stroked him gently over his cheek. "So you're Richie. Nice to meet you, please call me Rachel."
"Nice to meet you Rachel," Richie said politely.
"Now I'm starving Duncan. I'm assuming that you know a good restaurant where we can get lunch," Rachel said.
"Oh, that will be expensive. Richie is always hungry but for a teenager that's normal. Okay, let's go!, Duncan retorted.
The rest of the day went off quietly. Richie found that Rachel was a nice person. Anyway, he knew that Mac had now more time to care for him. That certainly would be a very exhausting experience.
Duncan had already brought the boy to bed, but Richie woke up a short time later and was thirsty. He actually wanted to just get something to drink when he heard Rachel and Mac in the living room talking to each other. When he heard his name he naturally wanted to know what they talked about him.
"One can see that you already love Richie as your own. I think you're doing well as a father figure, Duncan."
"I try at least. The boy has his own way. It is easy to grow fond of him."
"I think it's good that you want to adopt him. He needs a home and parents. I don't know Tessa, but I'm assuming that she stands fully behind you. Yes she does and he wormed his way quickly into her heart.
But Richie is struggling with Tessa's way to deal with him. She is a bit harsh sometimes. She wants to punish Richie often much more severe than me. I need her to slow down sometimes."
"But perhaps she is right. Connor is often much more strict with John as I find it to be right. Later it turns out, he got it right from the start."
"Does the boy know that you want to adopt him? No, he does not know yet."
"Why, Duncan it would give him stability."
"Mrs. Harrington and I find it a bit early. I must confess, first I want that Richie is able to realize that he is loved and cared for. I wish that he understands that I want to be his father. It should not arise simply from a piece of paper. I think that Richie actually feels comfortable with us and that's what scares him too. He has great fear of loss."
"Yes, as a child of war I can understand that of course."
"We are the third family, with real interest in him. Two times it did not work out and the hurdle to overcome gets each time higher and heavier. He trusts us not at all and the situation he is in."
That was enough for Richie. Mac loved him and wanted to adopt him. No way. The judge would never allow it. They are always against me.
I can't stand it again, not again. It does not work out and I will again end up in an orphanage or a new foster family.
The judges are always against me or something unexpectedly happens.
Emily died, and Teresa was not good enough for the judge because she already had two children and was a single mother without a job. Tessa was in France and it was not sure she would come back. Maybe Mac wanted to move to Paris.
After Teresa everything was hard and wrong for him until he robbed Mac and Tessa's antique store.
Mac and Tessa are not married. The judge will never allow that he adopts me, and certainly not that I can continue to live with them.
In the end it will be even harder. I cannot stay here anymore. I can't be his son and I can't handle to lose them later.
I must go. This is too much for me. I cannot stand it anymore. It would be too painful. It's better to draw a line now as long as I am able to do it.
Richie went back to his room and packed up his belongings and the little money he had. He crammed some clothes into the bed so that one would think he would be asleep. Then he opened the window and disappeared.
An hour later, Mac realised that the teenager had disappeared. He could not understand why the teenager chose to run away again. He immediately went in search of Richie. Rachel phoned Connor and asked him to come here.
Connor arrived a few hours later in Seacouver to support Duncan in his quest.
A week later they had still not found the boy. Duncan was out of his mind and made himself serious allegations. The police also had no success in finding the boy.
Richie kept his distance from his friends. He hid in an old and deserted house on the outskirts of the city. He missed, especially Mac, but also Tessa a little. He did not dare to go home. It was too late. He had to disappear from Seacouver and had to take his life into his own hands. He could take care of himself. He needed nobody. It was easier that way.
He needed money so he would rob a store and then disappear. He already had a store in mind. He would do it tonight.
Connor began to search the outskirts of Seacouver. Duncan considered it as useless and unsuccessful.
Suddenly he felt a slight buzz. Ah, who could that be? In fact, he saw Richie, as he attempted to break in a small jewellery shop.
He quietly crept up to Richie and then he grabbed the boy's left ear.
"Oh, who do we have here? I think that is the little thief my cousin Duncan searched frantically over the last week," Conner said.
"Ow. Ow. Let go of me you bastard."
"Now I'm sure. This is Richard Ryan, the little thief and troublemaker. Can you ever imagine that we were worried about you foolish boy!"
"Ow. Ow. Leave me alone you asshole!"
"Aha, even the behaviour has not improved at all. Duncan has still to work a lot with you."
Connor dragged the boy with him and held his ear and upper arm firmly. Richie had to followed him. Not much further ahead Connor saw a little bench.
He sat down and drew the astonished boy on his lap. Richie fought back strongly but Connor held him firmly. Connor opened his jeans and pulled them and his underpants down.
Richie could not believe it. Soon after, he felt the first blows and they were extremely hard. Richie protested and tried to continue to liberate himself but to no avail.
After thirty hard blows Connor stopped and ordered him to get up and to put on his pants. Richie followed the instructions immediately.
"Remember my boy; never again talk with me in such a way. Understood! "
"Huh, yes Sir", Richie said and remembered Mac statement about Connor.
"Well then come with me. Duncan is worried about you."
Connor held firmly his upper arm and led him to his car. "Get in boy", he ordered and Richie obeyed.
The ride home was a silent one. Richie was very afraid of the consequences but he had also a yearning for Mac. He had really missed him the last few days. This was a new feeling for Richie and it made him additionally very tense and apprehensive.
Connor got out of his car and opened the door to the passenger seat. "Get out of my car boy." Richie obeyed and the older Highlander led him into the apartment.
Duncan talked with Tessa on the phone.
"Connor found him Tessa. I will call you back in some minutes," and then he hung up.
He immediately approached Richie and hugged him hard. "Are you all right, my lad?"
"Yes, I'm fine, Mac"
"I've been very worried about you and Tessa as well."
"Huh, I'm sorry."
Duncan held him for a while. He was so glad that Connor had found the boy.
"Go shower and put on your pyjama, then come into the kitchen, you must be hungry."
"Huh, sure I am."
"Well, go ahead."
"When Richie was in the shower Connor told him how he had found the boy. He wanted to break into a jewellery store and then he was even cheeky and cocky to me. He got of course a mini spanking and a warning, Conner informed Duncan.
"When does Rachel come back from the concert?" Connor asked.
"I think soon," Duncan said and prepared an omelette for Richie.
"Duncan this time you must be very hard. Such a thing must not happen again."
"Yes you are right Connor but first I want to know why he took off. It seems important to me."
"That's not important. First you have to show him who holds the reins. Later, you can still ask him. He will answer you, then certainly more honest."
"We'll see. I am responsible for Richie. He is not John. He does not trust me and with a spanking it is not done."
"He is your ward Duncan, but he belongs to our family. More disobedience and criminal activities you can no longer tolerate."
"No, you are right, I will not tolerate more disobedience and criminal activities but he is still a child and I will first feed him, then talk to him and then put him to bed. To overreact or just deal him a spanking will not help, Connor."
Richie had listened to the last sentences. Tentatively, he stepped into the kitchen.
"Sit down Richie, here your omelette," Duncan said reassuringly.
"Thank you Mac."
"You're welcome."
"At least we have found our missing family member, he is your ward and you deal with him now, Donnchaid!" Connor remarked.
"I call Tessa she still worries about Richie. Please, Connor stay with him."
Conner just nodded and Duncan disappeared into his bedroom.
Connor sat down. Richie felt uncomfortable and nervous. He tried not to gulp down the food too quickly.
Richie tried to stay cool. When he finished eating, he got up and washed the dishes.
"I am assuming that you know that you've done great crap", Connor barked.
"Why, I can take care of myself. I do not need anyone."
"This is probably your default response. Every child needs a family and you too. You can only be glad that Duncan is your guardian. I would have pointed out to you long ago where your place is in our family and how you have to behave."
"Don't worry Connor; Richie will learn that soon enough.
Go to your room my lad and wait for me there. Remember, the door remains open and the window remains closed," Duncan instructed Richie.
"Huh, sure, Sir", Richie said with a shy glance at Duncan and disappeared.
"What said Tessa?", Connor asked.
„The same as you told me, Connor."
At that moment Rachel came back home.
"Hello you two."
"Hello Rachel. Connor has found Richie," Duncan informed her immediately.
"Oh, thank God. Where is he now?"
"He is in his room. Okay, I tell him good night and then I go to bed myself. I am very tired. Good night."
"Good night," Rachel they said in unison.
"Hello Richie."
"Hi Rachel."
"Luckily, Connor has found you. We were all very worried about you. Duncan loves you and wants only the best for you. But you seem not to care."
"Huh, Rachel, that's not true."
"I know from personal experience that it is not easy when you have no parents. My parents were murdered by the Nazis during the war. I was constantly on the run. Connor has found me and raised me as his daughter.
Duncan wants to do the same for you. He wants to give you a permanent home. Why do you have such trouble to believe it? Why do you resist so vehemently against his good intention and his love for you?"
"Huh, I do not know Rachel."
"Then you should think about it. Duncan deserves at least your respect and your trust. He would never do something that harms or hurts you. I know this from experience. He took care of me a few months when I was twelve years old. Connor was then disappeared without a trace. He is a good person, Richie."
"So and now I go to bed. Good night Richie." She gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Good night Rachel." Oh, please do not close the door."
"Why?"
"It is Mac's idea."
"Okay, sleep well, Richie."
Yikes, again someone who read him the riot act. Probably a family tradition, Richie thought.
Richie could not sit still. He paced for a while up and down in his room. Then it was too exhausting. He sat back down on the bed and took up his think and pout position.
Duncan found him like that as he entered the room. He sat down on the bed close to Richie.
"Richie, I want an explanation for your behaviour. Why did you run away?"
"Huh, I honestly do not know it."
"This is not good enough. Try it again."
" I honestly do not know Mac." Richie tried again to be evasive.
"This is not good enough. Try it again. I won't accept that."
"Okay, I overheard your conversation with Rachel."
"What did I say about you that you had to run away."
"Huh, you told her that you love me and intend to adopt me."
"Yes, I said that. It is meant very seriously. Still, I do not understand you. Explain it to me."
"I cannot, Mac, please let me be."
"But you can explain it to me. Try it."
"Uh, I got scared."
"Why, Richie am I a monster or did I hurt you?"
"Uh, no, just so no reason," Richie pouted.
"I do not believe you and it is no acceptable explanation. Try to explain it to me I have time."
"Huh, you know that Emily wanted to adopt me and then died, Richie said with a hint of stubbornness.
"Yes, what does this have to do with it? I brought her only misery and death."
"Richie, it had hardly anything to do with you, you were a five year old child. That was not your fault."
"Theresa tried to adopt me too. She lost her job shortly before because of me. As a single mother with two daughters she had no chance. The judge was against it. I've also brought her only problems and misery. She had to move away."
"Adults may repeatedly lose their jobs and have to move. That's life.
So you think, you bring the people who love you just misery and misfortune. "
"Yeah, sort of, Richie admitted with a shade of red in his face."
"Okay, therefore I assume, you deserve no family?"
"Huh, yes sort of, Tessa had also to fly to France, because her Grandmother had a stroke," the boy stuttered.
"That has nothing to do with you, Richie. She is 80 years old Lady and this can happen. That's life."
"I'm just trouble and bad news for you," Richie said with a shy glance at Duncan.
"Yes, you are a little rascal, but I still love you. You now belong to our family. Therefore, you are treated as a family member and I will refer you to your place."
"Uh, Mac what do you mean? "
"Richie, you're not a model child. We have already known. There is nothing new for us. That you have trouble believing that you are lovable is also very clear to me.
But that you think you bring us only trouble or misfortune is wrong and childish. Next time you talk to me about your feelings. So we can sort them out together.
And yes you are a handful and need attention, but that's okay. You are still a child in need of guidance.
It was not your wish that Emily died. It was not your wish that Theresa lost her job. It was not your wish that Tessa's grandmother had a stroke. That's just life. You could have done nothing to prevent that.
Do you understand that now?"
"Huh, yeah, that's just life."
"Therefore you also understand that I really have enough of your ill-considered actions and your bad behaviour.
Repeatedly I have told you that I am there for you. You can talk to me about everything including your feelings. But I know it is very difficult for you and you don't trust me. It is understandable but it makes me sad. But Richie I won't accept that anymore.
In future I want to know what's going on inside your little head. If you do not understand something or you're confused, you talk to me. Understood?"
"Huh, okay yes I try."
"No, you don't try, you talk to me. Is that clear my boy?"
"Uhm, yeah crystal clear, Sir."
"Well then, get up now."
"Why, Mac?"
"You have not followed our house rules and then you did criminal, illegal and dangerous things again. In our family tradition such misconduct and stupidities are punished with a spanking. So now get up immediately!"
"But you told me, that you would not spank me."
I told you that we can find other punishments, but now you've gone too far. I won't tolerate your behaviour and attitude anymore. I'm fed up with it."
"No, please, I'm sorry. You can't do that Mac, please", Richie begged.
"Richard, I can and I will. I'm your guardian and I am responsible for you. I'm really fed up with your behaviour." Duncan said firm and gave him a hard glance.
"No, you can't do that you bastard, Richie yelled angry."
Duncan had no more patience.
"I can and I will do it. In addition, you'll be punished for your foul language!"
Duncan pulled Richie out of his think and pout position directly onto his lap. The Pyjama pant was no problem and pulled down instantly to Richie's big dismay.
Before he could complain at all, he already felt the first very hard blows to his buttocks.
No comparison to the first spanking he had received from Mac.
Smack, Smack, ….
Richie just focused on the fact that he wanted to make no sound. Mac should not have the satisfaction of him crying like a baby.
Smack, Smack, ….
Mac would not bring him to tears. He would not embarrass himself. He was a tough guy.
Smack, Smack, ….
Mac could not hurt him. He was a though guy.
Smack, Smack, ….
He could run away again. He was a though guy and was in full defy mode.
Smack, Smack, ….
Mac noticed that Richie was in full defy mode and stopped for a moment.
"You're one little stubborn child, rebellious, pigheaded, obdurate, sassy, unruly and disobedient, who always brings himself in trouble and danger."
"That's just your stupid opinion you bastard", the boy yelled stubborn.
"That was just the beginning of your spanking my lad", Duncan informed him and struck him even harder.
Smack, Smack, ….
Duncan targeted his buttocks over and over again. Sometimes he hit the curve between the thighs and his buttocks and then he targeted his posterior again.
Smack, Smack, ….
Soon, Richie's butt was burning terribly. He couldn't resist anymore. He had to scream and cry.
"Ow, ow, huh, Mac, please ow, huh, ow, ow, huh, stop, huh, ow, please," he hiccupped.
Mac stopped for a moment.
"Nay, your butt is not even red enough. It is absolutely not red enough; you're still stubborn and defiant."
Duncan restarted and again a little harder, Richie could not believe it but felt it to his great dismay. Richie tried to resist and fight but had no chance against Duncan.
Smack, Smack, ….
Richie shouted and wept more violently. Duncan was not impressed by it and distributed blows to all parts of his rear.
Smack, Smack, ….
"Please stop Mac, ow, ow, ow, ow," Richie whined.
After a while Duncan stopped again.
Thank God, thought Richie. "Mac, I'm sorry, he hiccupped.
"Yes, I even believe you. But we have definitely reached a point and this is no longer sufficient. Your bum is not red enough."
"Oh, no, please be merciful Mac, I'm really sorry."
"No, not this time my laddie, otherwise you learn anything. In the future you're trying to keep your house rules and you behave decently. Otherwise I can repeat this lesson at any time."
Duncan struck again and distributed blows to all parts of his rear.
Smack, Smack, ….
Richie screamed and wailed and wept bitterly. But this time Duncan had absolutely no mercy.
Smack, Smack, ….
Richie shouted, "Stop you bastard I hate you!"
Thereupon, the blows got harder again and Richie immediately regretted his stupid mistake. Richie could only weep and wail.
Smack, Smack, ….
Duncan stopped after some time.
"So, now your backside is red enough in my opinion."
Richie could not even answer anymore; he was so dissolved and needed some time to compose himself.
Duncan pulled Richie's pyjama pants up and rubbed soothing circles into his back. Richie, however, was just very angry about this treatment. Duncan felt a little too late that something was wrong. Richie broke free and fled into the bathroom. Duncan was quick enough and Richie could not bolt the door.
"Leave me alone you bastard, you can't treat me like a toddler. Go away, you son of a bitch."
Duncan pulled the boy to his side and then he sat down on the toilet. Richie found himself once again in his lap. Head down and butt in the air.
"Apparently I was wrong. We need to continue for a bit."
It was raining hard blows on Richie's bum. It was not long he wept and wailed again.
Smack, Smack, ….
This time, however, Duncan felt that the boy surrendered after some time. Still, he did not stop with the spanking. He wanted the lesson to sink in. Richie had to really remember who had the reins in his hands.
Smack, Smack, ….
When he stopped, he let Richie get up immediately and grabbed his hands so he could not run away. Then he pulled him onto his lap. Richie hissed when his butt hit Duncan's lap.
"Are you done with your accusations, insults and your tantrum my boy?"
"Huh, yes Mac, I'm sorry," he stammered and rubbed his eyes.
"Good boy, it helps not to improve your situation, on the contrary, you should know that by now."
Richie felt miserable and his butt was hurting and only throbbed and throbbed.
The tantrum was now replaced by a fit of weeping and self-pity. Richie leaned against Duncan and turned his head into Mac's chest. Duncan was prepared and kept him tightly so he did not slip. He rubbed soothing circles into Richie's back and spoke reassuringly to Richie.
It was a very long time until Richie was calmed down and somewhat relaxed. Richie was very ashamed of his behaviour and his stupidity. Mac rocked him gently and stroked his head and back. Just let go, all is well now and forgiven. Try to breathe slowly in and out. You will be okay soon.
"So, better now", Duncan said soothingly after a while.
"Mac I'm really sorry. I'm so sorry that I offended you and ran away from home."
Ah, suddenly something has changed in Richie's perception? Richie had never said before that he was at home here, Duncan noticed.
"It's okay my sweetie. Duncan planted a big kiss on Richie's head. I hold you tightly. You need have no fear."
"Mac, my butt burns and really hurts," the boy whined.
Sometime later Duncan carried him back to his room and deposited him in front of his bed. "Stay put and don't rub your bum it will not help the burning. I go look if Tessa has some aloe vera."
After a while Duncan was back and told him to come to him and sat down in the chair. Duncan told him to face the bed and pulled Richie's pyjama pants down. Richie tried to escape but Mac gripped his hips.
"Richie hold still I only want to apply some aloe vera to your butt. But if you don't want it just tell me and you can step away."
He let go of Richie's hips and the boy did not move. So Duncan started to apply the cool ointment and rubbed it gently in.
"Huh," Richie gasped and moaned a bit.
"So, better now my lad you can pull up your pants."
Richie quickly pulled up his pyjama pants again when Mac allowed it. Richie wanted to hop in his bed but Mac pulled him onto his lap again. Richie hissed and then settled down.
"Not so fast my little one. First you repeat why you got these spankings."
Richie was ashamed and hid his red face again in Duncan's chest. Duncan stroked gently Richie's head and back and rubbed gently circles in his back and waited patiently.
Richie snuggled up to Duncan and breathed deeply in and out.
"The first spanking I got because I violated the house rules again. I run away and put myself in danger and did or attempted to do criminal and illegal stuff. The second spanking I received because I threw a tantrum and insulted you again. "
"Good boy, just breathe slowly in and out. It's forgiven but be aware that I will keep my promise to you about what happen when you use foul language again. I'm fed up with this habit."
"Huh, I'm in for the soap thing," Richie mumbled.
"Correct assumption, Richie it will help you to curb your language in your head."
"How long Mac, Richie pouted.
"At least a week as I promised you," Duncan told him firmly.
Richie sniffed and rubbed his eyes again.
"But not tonight, I'm very glad and relived that Connor found you in one piece and healthy. I missed you Richie and I worried about you. "
Richie sniffed again and snuggled even closer to Duncan.
"I hold you tightly my sweetie, you are at home now, and it will be all right in the end," he told the boy gently. Duncan planted another big kiss on Richie's head and continued to rub his back soothingly and rocked him gently.
Richie felt safe, protected, loved and accepted. He had missed Duncan so much over the last few days. He was not able to tell him but just snuggled closer. Richie still found it difficult to admit it to himself.
That was enough for Duncan at the moment and he stroked and rocked him gently until finally Richie fell asleep completely exhausted.
Duncan had been so focused on Richie that he had not noticed that Connor was leaning against the doorpost.
"Donnchaid you cannot spend the whole night in that chair you and our laddie would be very stiff in the morning."
Connor pulled the duvet off and Mac put the boy on his belly into his bed. Then he covered him gently.
"Sleep well my sweetie," and he planted another kiss on Richie's head.
"Come on Donnchaid you need a drink! This boy is quite a drama queen. It took quite a while for him to yield. At least he did calm down and fell asleep."
"Yes, you're right Connor. Thank God, he had no panic attack, this time and it is a great step forward. He has also apologized that he had run away from home."
"Yes, that sounds like one step forward. Why he ran away." Connor asked.
"He overheard me and Rachel talking about him. He has heard that I wanted to adopt him."
"Donnchaid that really is absolutely no reason to run away, on the contrary."
"Yes for you or me, maybe, but Richie has a different and a bit confused logic!"
"What do you mean?"
"He fancied that he would bring people who love him misfortune and misery. Emily died and Theresa lost her job and Tessa's Grandmother got sick and he blames himself that she is now in France. Moreover, he thinks the judges are always against him."
"Well, until today he had not the best experiences with judges, but the rest is really absurd," Connor stated.
"It just shows that I must be even more careful and attentive. It is not the first time, that he understands something else as we do."
"Hm, that makes it a bit more difficult, you are right. We should go to bed Donnchaid."
"Yes I'm tired and drunk. Good night Connor."
"Good night Donnchaid."
Richie woke up and rolled onto his back. He yelped and immediately last night came to his mind. He rolled onto his left side. Ah, that's better. He noticed the aloe vera ointment on the dresser. He certainly would use it later.
Mac had dealt him quite a spanking but he had really deserved it. It was stupid to run away. I should trust Mac and take his instructions seriously.
Huh, he had disgraced himself and behaved like a toddler. The spanking had not been pleasant. Mac had really hit him hard this time, absolutely no comparison to the first time.
Nevertheless it was a good feeling to be back here. If he was really honest, he had missed especially Mac, but also Tessa a little. After the spanking Richie had felt so safe, protected, loved and accepted. It was a new experience and a reassuring feeling.
Rachel is right. Mac is a good person, caring, understanding and sympathetic and he really deserves it, that I trust and respect him.
He and Tessa have taken me in on a voluntary basis and have tried to give me a permanent home. I have made only crap and mischief and was disobedient and ungrateful. In addition, I have took off and insulted, especially Mac again and again.
They have punished me but they did not hurt me not even last night. Okay, his bum hurt still a bit. Other foster parents have hurt me in ways Mac and Tessa can't probably imagine. They used for it different types of abuse or neglect.
On the contrary, he and Tessa have always cared for me even when I was sick. They were with me and have even read stories to me. Until I really got better, they stayed with me.
I think Mrs. Harrington was right, I must adapt and change and it is really my last chance. I must accept that I'm only fifteen and therefore need parents. Mac and Tessa want to take care of me. Perhaps I should let them.
The last week was exhausting and not nice. I felt so alone. His gaze fell on the clock. Oh shit, it is almost eleven clock. I should probably get up.
Richie put on something comfortable and then the hunger drove him into the kitchen. He wondered where Mac was and the visit.
Connor had heard that the boy had gotten up and walked into the kitchen.
"Good morning, sleepyhead."
"Morning Connor, where's Mac?"
"He escorted Rachel to a school friend who lives in the mountains of Seacouver. It is isolated but he knows the place well."
"When are the two back," Richie asked.
"I think in the late afternoon," Connor retorted.
Richie was visibly disappointed that Mac was not there.
"Duncan needed some time for himself. The last days were difficult for him. He cares about you and was afraid for you. He looked for you all over Seacouver and could hardly sleep.
I strongly advise you to refrain from such actions in future; otherwise you will get the next spanking from me even if Duncan is against it and I have to kill him temporary to deal with you.
I am the head of this family and I expect that you will respect and obey Duncan. He loves you and cares for you and so do I."
"Huh, sure, I will try Sir," Richie said intimidated.
"No, you will not try it. You will do it. Is that clear boy," Conner remarked forcefully?
"Huh, it is crystal clear, Sir."
"Well then have breakfast. Then you receive your yoga lesson. Even if Duncan is not here, your intensified house arrest still stands."
"Uh, Connor, do you know whether the house arrest will be extended or not?"
"I don't know, lad. You need to talk about it with Duncan. But I would assume it in your place."
Oh, that was not the answer he wanted to hear. But he probably should not annoy Connor. The Yoga lesson with Connor was more strenuous than with Mac and totally frustrating. He was constantly corrected or rebuked. He had to pull himself totally together.
Unfortunately the day did not improve. After the shower he had to continue to write his essay and he really had no desire to do so. Connor noted that, of course, and warned him again. After lunch, Connor told him do the dishes and then to show up in Duncan's office.
A short time later Richie presented himself in Duncan's office.
"Sit down laddie," Connor ordered. Richie obeyed but surly.
"I have some new sentences for you to write down and remember to write legible.
Here you have a pen and paper. Write down the following.
I respect and obey my guardian, without contradiction, and entrust myself to him.
I know that he loves me and therefore only wants the best for me.
I am a family member of the Clan Macleod and behave as it is expected of me, if not; I will be punished according to our family tradition.
Is that clear for you, laddie?"
"Huh, yes. Well then you know what your job is for this afternoon, you can start."
Conner turned to Rachel's laptop and paid Richie no more attention. After a while he started to lead endless calls in different languages. Richie did not understand a word. Even more tedious than with Mac, Richie thought. But he didn't dare to contradict Connors instructions.
After four hours, with little breaks in between he had quite enough.
"Connor, may I go to my room, please. I'm tired. I wrote now for more than four hours, always the same sentences."
Connor looked at him intently and Richie felt intimidated.
"Okay, you may go. Remember the door remains open and the window closed. Duncan has called; he and Rachel are back in half an hour. They bring Chinese food for dinner."
Richie was relived to be in his room. Connor was more firm than Duncan. It was a little wonder that he had let him go but he was thankful for it.
Richie needed some time for himself to think about what happened since yesterday evening. He sat down on his bed and felt just tired and confused.
The sentences he had to write down the last few hours crowded still his mind. Why had Connor let him write down these sentences?
Well, Mac was his guardian true and apparently he had worried about him over the last week. But Mac loves me and Connor too, no way. I'm not a family member I'm just an ungrateful street kid with a bad behaviour who lives here. I always was and will be. But they thought otherwise and they told him otherwise and even let him write down.
Yesterday Duncan had told him what was it? Ah, that I have trouble believing that I'm lovable . I can remember all this adults who wanted to have children and showed up at the orphanages.
Richie could remember that after Emily's dead he hadn't talked for over a year and the adults thought he was a difficult child. Then came the time he was too old for them or too cheeky or too wild and too uncontrollable and so on, never good enough to be adopted by someone.
The foster families, his social worker put him in, took only advantage of him. They needed the money, they needed some to beg and steal for them, or simply someone to beat up or abuse. Only with Emily and Theresa he had a good time and it was both time not Mrs. Tyler who put him into these foster homes.
This time Mrs. Harrington was responsible for him and it seemed that she was experienced enough. She thought that Mac and Tessa could give him what he needed.
But could he now after what he had experienced the last ten years just let go and try to fit in and trust and love them. There certainly would be a time Mac and Tessa would be fed up with him. Mac had told him that yesterday.
No, to be correct, he had told him with his behaviour and his attitude he was fed up not with him as a person. That's not the same and he had indeed showed him his place in this family. Richie could still feel the spanking.
It did not hurt anymore but his butt was still irritated. First he was so angry when he received the spanking but afterwards when Mac just held him then he had felt safe and protected. He had cried like a baby and had snuggled up to Mac, which just had hold him tight and told him that he is loved.
Richie was deep in thoughts and had not heard that Mac and Rachel had come home.
Duncan found him that way on his bed and in his pout and think position and not react to him when he entered the room.
Duncan sat down on the bed and waited a moment till Richie registered that he was not alone any more. Then he patted the teens head lightly. "Hi Richie, you okay?"
"Hi Mac, huh, sort of."
"What do you mean with sort of, Richie?"
"Huh, just a bit confused, you know."
"No, Richie I don't know that's why I ask you. I see you thinking but I'm no mind reader. "
"You, sure, you want to adopt me or view me as a family member? One day and I guarantee you it is before I'm eighteen years old you will regret it. You will bring me back to social service. It always happens."
"Richie, I'm nearly four hundreds years old and I'm consciously and voluntary decided to give you a home and a family. To care for you is a challenge but I like it, it is a new experience and I'm glad I have this opportunity. I told you, that we will be there for you. It is not an option to bring you back because you are sometimes not a model child. But you know we want you to work on it.
You're one little stubborn child, naughty, annoying, rebellious, reckless, pigheaded, obdurate, sassy, unruly and disobedient, who always brings himself in trouble and danger.
But you are not only that, you are also adorable, cute, lovable, smart, curious, brave, loyal, trustworthy, have your heart on the right place, funny, creative and fresh, enthusiastic, hardworking, helpful, you care about your friends, you are a challenge, it is not boring around you, you surprise me and so on."
"Huh, it really sounds that you made your decision."
"Yes, Richie I will adopt you and I hope it will go thru before the end of this year. So there will be no bringing you back to the orphanage."
"Mac, what when the judge is against it?"
"Then we have to think about another solution. But I'm pretty sure this is not necessary. If needed we can always fake identities and disappear. After all that's what Immortals normally do after a decade or so."
Somewhat satisfied with this answer Richie continued, "Mac, will you extend my house arrest?"
Duncan gave him a thoughtful glance and Richie shuddered visibly.
"We make a deal. We extend your house arrest for one more week, the one you missed. From now on you obey me; you do what you are told without a murmur or back talk, no whining and no complaining.
Then you have a full month till school starts to go out with your friends and to enjoy and relax a bit. Maybe we go on holiday for one or two weeks.
But if you disobey I will extend first your house arrest till end of September and if your attitude still not improves till I find you have learned your lesson.
So it is your decision, Richie. Every child has to learn to obey at a point in his live or feel the consequences. You are certainly old enough to understand that. It is necessary for your future. I had to learn it too. I was once a foolish and reckless lad too.
When I was a child I had to obey my parents and when I was a young immortal I had to obey Connor. It was not always easy because I then tough as you do now that I can take care of myself but it was simply not true. Not as a teenager and not as a young Immortal."
Connor was leaning on the doorpost and laughed.
"Aye, Donnchaid you were a very foolish, naïve and very reckless young immortal and I had to remind you several times that I was your teacher and you my student."
"Did you spank him Connor," Richie asked curiously.
"What do you think?"
"Huh, I asked you Connor."
"Well, laddie you should ask Duncan about that."
"He won't tell," Richie pouted.
"Well, there are things you don't tell but there are also certain possibilities to punish an immortal student for his foolishness. He can't die after all and can revive on your lap."
"Huh, that hard?" Richie asked again.
"Aye, if it's needed to prevent them from permanent death and so hard is important. Every death strengthens a young Immortal. But I'm sure you two are as hungry as Rachel and I, so come on."
Dinner was a pleasant one and after that Richie had to do the dishes. The adults retired in the living room. When his task was finished he entered the living room hesitantly.
Mac saw him and said," Come on lad, sit with me on the sofa." Richie sat down next ho him and Duncan put his arm around the teenager. Richie snuggled up and put his head on Duncan's shoulder.
"Do you want to know how I found Duncan and started to train him," Connor asked the lad.
"Huh, yes sounds interesting," Richie said curious.
"Connor, be aware that I'm sitting here. So be honest and don't tell the lad outrageous story's about me. In the end he still has to respect me. But I know that I sometimes was a foolish student. But I was 25 years old, cast out of my clan, had lived a year as a demon and got this quickening form this hermit who forced me to take it. I was so scared because I didn't know what I was and felt really lonely. I lived in a cave and was half out of my mind, Duncan explained.
Connor told Richie about Duncan and they laughed a lot. It was a mirthful banter between Connor and Duncan and Richie liked the stories.
Too soon Duncan told him to go to bed but he obeyed without a murmur.
Ten minutes later Duncan entered the room and found Richie already in bed and the boy faked deep sleep.
Duncan sat down and rubbed Richie's back for a moment. Richie did not react.
"Richie sit up you are not in deep sleep after only 10 minutes." Duncan pulled down the comforter.
Richie decided to sip up and looked at Duncan. "Huh, it was worth to try Mac."
Duncan just smirked.
"Sure laddie, but you know what I promised you and I will keep it. So you come either willingly with me in your bathroom or I can help you. If I have to help you your butt will be red again. It is entirely your decision."
Richie got up and entered his bathroom followed by Mac who had one of this little soaps in his hand and unwrapped it. Then he wetted the soap for a moment under hot water. Mac sat down on the toilet lid and told him to come to him. Richie grouchily obeyed.
"Now open up your mouth Richie," Duncan ordered.
Richie took a step back and Duncan took hold of his left wrist.
"Richie I told you to come here and to open your mouth. Do you really need my assistance," he asked firm.
"Huh, no," and then the boy decided to obeyed. Duncan put the wet soap in Richie's mouth.
"You may close your mouth."
The boy obeyed again and Duncan took hold of Richie's other wrist too and ordered, "now I want you to look at me all the time."
Richie did and Duncan told him.
"I know Richie, that it is a habit to use foul language and you learned it from your friends and your foster parents. But it is time to let it go. You can use other words to express yourself and your feelings.
I don't say that I never use a word like that myself but it is certainly on rare occasions and mostly not towards a person. So I will be more lenient when it slips out occasionally when something goes wrong but from now on I won't tolerate when you insult somebody and to just say sorry won't be enough.
To use a civilized language starts in your head. So you will focus on what you say and when you feel that you are angry or upset just try to breathe slowly in and out. It will help you to concentrate on something else instead of a outburst or a tantrum. You used that before and you know that it works.
By now Richie's cheek's were wet with tears and puffed-up and the boy was slightly shacking.
"You can spit out the soap then you come back to me," Duncan gave the longed-for permission.
Richie hurried to obey and when he was back Duncan pulled him in his lap.
"Tell me why you got this punishment and what you can do to prevent it in the future."
Richie sniffled and some tears rolled down his cheeks. The sharp taste and the burning was still on his tongue.
"I did use foul language and insulted you and that's the consequence for my behaviour, Richie pouted.
"That's correct Richie and what can you do to prevent further punishment?"
"I must keep a civilized language in my head and try to calm myself when I'm upset or angry. I can use the breathe technique you taught me and shut up."
"Do you think you can do that?"
"Huh, it worked once maybe it will work the next time. I try but it will be not so easy."
"Good boy, now you can rinse your mouth." Richie hurried to do so.
Duncan strolled back in Richie's room and sat down on the chair and waited for the lad. Some minutes later the boy came out and wanted to go to bed but Duncan stopped him and pulled him again on his lap. This time the boy struggled and said forcefully with a hint of attitude and annoyance.
"Mac let me be I'm not a baby," he tried to push at Mac's chest and to stand up. But Mac held him in a firm grip.
"Stop struggling Richard and sit still," came the command from Mac.
"No, let me go!" Richie intensified his struggle ut to no avail.
"Stop to be a stubborn child Richard and settle down," Duncan instructed and then landed a hard smack on Richie's butt.
"Ow, Mac!" he protested.
Duncan then started to rub soothing circles in Richie's back and told him firm but in a gentle manner.
"No you are not a baby. You are a fifteen year old laddie, who doesn't know what it means to be a family member or to be loved. I know that quite well and it makes me sad. I know too that you need some assurance and I'm prepared to give it to you in every fashion that is required. You need to know that we care about you and that you are lovable. I want you to feel at home, loved, safe and taken care of.
So from now on we will do that every evening before I put you to bed. It's your time to cuddle.
It is what parents do with young children usually. That's true. The parents want to let them know that they are loved and taken care of. You didn't have this experience or assurance during the last ten years. But we both know that it is something very important and vital for a child. You still are a child so it is not to late to give you the needed assurance, acceptance and love.
You know you can come to me anytime with your sorrows, feelings or problems. But not in your cuddle time.
Richie tried to stand up and struggled again but to no avail. Mac had to deal him two other smacks. Then the boy finally yield and settled down. Duncan held him firm. He continued to rub soothing circles in Richie's back and some time later the rigid boy relaxed and slid his head on Duncan's chest.
"That's fine laddie, just relax and breathe slowly in and out I hold you and you are always safe with me."
When the boy had calmed down and had completely relaxed, Duncan held him some more minutes. Then he allowed him to go to bed and tucked him in as usual and stayed till Richie was sleeping.
Then he joined Connor in the living room.
"Donnchaid, I will fly back to New York tomorrow afternoon. John will be back from his boarding school on Friday afternoon and we will fly to Scotland on Saturday morning. So you see I can't stay longer but I have arranged our flight back to go over Seacouver and John and I will stay for some days. I find it necessary that the boys meet. They have a lot in common and I'm sure it would be nice if the two can build a friendship."
"Yes, Conner I would like that and I'm very thankful that you found the lad."
"Donnchaid, you phone whenever you need my help, support or advice but you know that already."
"Yes, Connor I know, but you know too, that it also works the other way around."
"Yes, certainly I know that. Well, it's time for bed. See you at six for our morning run."
"Huh, sure Connor, good night slave driver."
"Good night Donnchaid."
Thank you for reading, please review. Next chapter coming soon!
