"Hey, look who finally showed up!" Matt called out, slapping Jeremy and Tyler on the back.
"Matt, good to see you. This is our new 'Uncle' Elijah and this is Finn, they just moved here," Jeremy said.
Elijah had helped Finn change his shirt before getting into the car to hide the bolt marks. Jeremy kept side glancing at the man to make sure he was still conscious. He wasn't used to seeing vampires heal, especially as quickly as an Original vampire did. It was disconcerting to say the least, but he guessed it was better than seeing him dead.
"Nice to meet you. I hope my friends here are behaving themselves better than they did in school," Matt laughed.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Matt. Your friends are boisterous, but we appreciate the youthful energy they bring to the house. Plus, no one else can figure out how to set that DVR device," Elijah quipped back.
"Let me grab you some menus and get you some drinks," Matt said next. After he took their orders, Jeremy checked his phone and got messages that Bonnie would stop by later, but Elena and Stefan were out the lake house. On a Tuesday night? Jeremy saw Damon at the bar and went to investigate if his sister was really away or fibbing to him.
Elijah went to clean up in the restroom and Tyler was alone at the table with Finn. His slightly burning backside reminded him that Elijah told him to apologize.
"Ah, sir, I wanted to say I'm sorry about the bolt thing. Uncle Elijah whipped me with a stick while you were feeding again," Tyler said blushing.
"Good. I think you deserve a much harsher punishment, but it looks like my brothers have grown soft and fat off the land here," Finn ground out of his mouth like a curse.
"Well, sorry. It was an accident," Tyler said unable to not defend himself.
Finn said something under his breath in another language and looked away.
"I was 'away' a long time. I shall try to live in this new world, but it is much changed," Finn said looking around the Mystic Grill in confusion.
"Got ya," Tyler said, not having any idea what he meant by that.
But then Tyler thought at least he doesn't want to kill me right now.
"Damon, have you seen my sister?" Jeremy asked abruptly.
"Oh, little Gilbert...'Nice to see you Damon. How are you?' I guess, your 'new family' hasn't taught you any manners!" Damon mocked.
"Sorry, I was just hoping Elena would meet me here," Jeremy said sadly.
Damon cringed at his own bad manners.
"Hey, hey, wait. She and Stefan went up to your family lake house to look into something. A lot has been going on, it's probably better that you aren't around to get involved," Damon remarked.
"Like what?" Jeremy pressed.
"Like want a drink, kid?" Damon said holding out his glass.
"I"m 17," Jeremy said dryly.
"Like that ever stopped you before?" Damon said smirking.
Matt called out, "Jer, food is out."
"Thanks, man," he said to Matt. To Damon he said, "See ya later, I gotta get back."
"Jeremy," Damon called.
"Yeah?" Jeremy said surprised because Damon hardly ever called him by name.
"Did Tyler Lockwood ever mention anything about his family being...cursed?" Damon asked quietly.
"Cursed? Damon, I have no clue what you are talking about," Jeremy said with a puzzled look.
Damon gave him a short nod and went back to his drink.
Jeremy said to Matt, "How are things really, man?"
Matt's face fell,"Dude, I'm screwed. I don't have enough money for rent and I don't know what to do. Mr. Saltzman was about to call social services on me when he found out my mom took off. I don't know what to do."
"Matt, you can stay with us. We'll ask and I'm sure they will be cool with it. Just be ready to leave. We have stuff at our house, you don't need to bring anything," Jeremy promised.
Back at the table, Jeremy was happy to see that Klaus had arrived.
"Splendid idea! How was your hunting trip?" he asked sipping a glass of ice water.
Klaus looked at Elijah and he shook his head slightly. Then, Elijah opened his mouth, but then shut it looking at Tyler.
"Good, mostly. There was a little accident though," Tyler admitted flushing.
"Are you both all right?" Klaus asked looking each boy over.
"They are fine. Perhaps Tyler can fill you in later? How was shopping with our lovely sister?" Elijah smiled.
"I have blisters, no money, and she forced me to buy a $300 scarf," Klaus admitted.
Tyler chimed in, "Well, the ladies like that stuff!"
"No, Son, it was for me. She was eyeing some lavender colored polos when I dragged her out of there. I did manage to buy you boys some items for your amusement since the weight room is still in progress," Klaus said.
"Great! Like what?" Tyler asked.
"Paintball guns, baseball gloves, a football, and some other athletic equipment. In truth, I told the lad working to bag up the most popular items sold. Next time, you two will have to come with me," Klaus offered.
"Awesome. Thanks, Dad," Jeremy said.
"Where's Finn?" Elijah asked suddenly.
"I thought he was in the loo," Klaus admitted. "I'll go check."
A few moments later, Klaus found Finn pacing outside the Grill.
"What ails thee, brother? I was hoping we'd have a chance to talk," Klaus said slowly.
"Niklaus, after so long dreaming of this day, of freedom...I am not sure I can live like this. Too many sounds, too many people. I do not understand. The lights are too bright..." Finn said staring at the street light.
"Finn, you were...asleep for many years. It will take some time for you to adjust. Let us help you, brother," Klaus pleaded.
"Asleep? I wish it were so! I was awake in there for centuries," he roared.
"What? That is impossible. The others said that it is like a deep sleep," Klaus said horrified.
"After a few hundred year, I think, you wake. You are knowing but cannot move or do much but think. I thought of all of you so often. I wonder how much you thought of me. I may have gone insane long ago," Finn admitted.
Elijah came out hearing the last part.
"Forgive us, Finn. It was not just Niklaus who allowed you to suffer so. There is no excuse for what we did. Let us situate you somewhere quiet and private," Elijah pleaded.
"There is a lake cabin we have not far from Mystic Falls. Would you like to stay there, brother? You can hunt and fish and live like we did in the old days. You can call on us if you need us. There are many animals near and you shall have whatever you need," Klaus said quietly.
Finn nodded and said, "Please. Take me there now. I always thought that we were all monsters, but I see myself as the only real monster here now. I need to live how to live again."
"Come, let me drive you," Elijah said leading Finn away.
Klaus announced, "Elijah is taking Finn for a holiday at our Lake cabin. Are you ready to go?"
"Ah, we were thinking of asking Matt if he wanted to come over. He is living alone now and..." Jeremy asked, looking around for Matt.
"Of course. But what do you mean, he's living alone? His sister Vicky was murdered and his mom took off. He's kind of like us, no parents," Tyler said.
"You have me now. Tyler, your mum is around, just busy. You can check in with her tomorrow, okay? Now, go get Matt and let's get on our way," Klaus said clapping his hands.
Tyler found Matt and said, "Get your shit. You're coming with us."
"You don't have to ask me twice," Matt said waving bye to the manager. His shift had been over for 20 minutes already.
Klaus drove the boys home as Elijah took Finn to the cabin. The hunting trip was a test for Finn and he did not pass. They had set up the cabin as a back up. Elijah detested the rustic look of the place, but was willing to stay if Finn wanted him there.
Klaus and Jeremy helped Matt get situated in Jeremy's room, as Tyler went to take a shower.
Rebekah peeked in.
"Who is this handsome lad?" she said smiling at Matt.
Matt blushed and held out his hand, "Matt Donovan, ma'am."
"Ma'am, my are you a keeper! I'm Bex. Are you staying here, too?" Rebekah purred.
"No, I'm just spending the night," Matt said.
"He's welcome to stay as long as he wants," Klaus announced.
"It would be cool if we could get bunk beds and all sleep in my room. Then, we could turn Tyler's room into like a game room?" Jeremy offered.
"Sure, if that's what you boys want. We can talk about it tomorrow. Matt, let us know if you need anything else," Klaus said walking out with Rebekah.
"Thank you, Sir," Matt said smiling. This place was epic. This one bedroom alone was the size of Matt's entire house now. These people must be millionaires.
"Of course. Jeremy, can you tell Tyler to meet me in my room when he's done?" Klaus said softly.
"Sure, but Dad? He feels really bad about what happened," Jeremy said quietly.
"I'm sure he does. Don't worry, I won't be too hard on him," Klaus said, stepping back and kissing him on the head.
"Go to bed, boys," Klaus said.
"Thanks again for today, Nik," Rebekah said as she headed to her rooms.
"I would say anytime, but I may need a few weeks to recover," Klaus teased.
"That scarf is going to look very handsome on you!" she gushed.
"If you say, sister. Where has Kol been hiding? I've barely seen him this week," Klaus wondered.
"He must have found a lady friend already. You know him, Nik. Elijah called and said he was staying with Finn," Rebekah said eyes wide.
"Yes, he needs some time away. Elijah prepared the Lake cabin for him to stay in as long as he needed to," Klaus said evenly.
"I'm really proud of you two for not justing daggering him again. Honestly, he is a little scary, but I don't want him to have to spend another few centuries in that coffin," Rebekah admitted.
"Good night, Rebekah. Tell Kol I want to talk to him when you see him," Klaus said kissing her cheek goodnight.
Klaus took a shower himself and got dressed for bed. He heard a soft knock on his door.
"Come in, Tyler," Klaus invited.
"How did you know it was me?" Tyler asked puzzled.
"Well, there was only one little naughty boy I invited here for a bedtime chat and also, we can identify people by their footsteps," Klaus mused.
"Oh, it must be cool to have special powers, huh?" Tyler mused.
"Pros and cons. Stop trying to change the subject. Tell me what happened today, Son," Klaus said sitting on his bed and patting the spot beside him.
"Um, Uncle Elijah told us not to touch stuff without permission. We decided to invite our families to the Grill and I realized that my mom wouldn't come. I got mad thinking about it and picked up the crossbow. I fired it and it went into Finn's chest. I thought I killed him for a second. Then, he changed...and came toward me really fast," Tyler paused, his voice shaking.
"It's okay. That can be very scary, then what happened?" Klaus prompted.
"Ah, Elijah got in front of me and pushed him back. They were yelling in some weird language and then Finn left," Tyler stopped not wanting to continue.
"Then, did Elijah punish you?" Klaus asked gently seeing how embarrassed Tyler was.
"He told us if we didn't listen he was gonna switch us. So he made me bent over and smacked me with the stick," Tyler admitted.
"He switched you?" Klaus asked with surprised.
"It was over my pants and it stung a lot but I could tell he wasn't hitting me hard at all. I got it maybe ten times about..."
"What, Tyler, go on," Klaus pushed, sensing there was more.
"I could tell he didn't want to do it, but I think Finn was really mad. I was afraid he was going to kill me," Tyler confessed.
Klaus pulled the boy into a hug, "Finn is going to go stay in our lake cabin for a while with Elijah. You don't have to worry about him again. I'm sorry that I wasn't there, but I trust Elijah to protect you. It seems like he did."
"I could have killed someone, like Jeremy, because I got mad again. I don't know why I don't just forget about my mom. She forgot about me," Tyler ranted.
"No, Son, she didn't," Klaus said. "I met with her today."
"My mom?" Tyler said in awe.
"Yes, she feels terrible about how wrapped up she got in town business. She misses your father a great deal. She also left me a little gift," Klaus chuckled. "You're not going to like this, but she is hoping I can get your behavior under control."
"Oh, damn, no!" Tyler groaned.
"Watch your language. You don't want to add getting your mouth washed out with soap to what you have coming," Klaus said reaching into his bedside table.
"No, are you kidding me?" Tyler burst out when he saw what Klaus was holding.
"Your mom said this little paddle was the best motivator for you to mind your temper," Klaus said gripping the wooden paddle shaped as a hand.
"I hate that thing! This is so embarrassing. I can't believe she gave you that," Tyler moaned. He stomped his feet and pulled his hands into fists.
"What's embarrassing is a young man having temper tantrums and behaving like a spoilt brat," Klaus said firmly.
"You're right. I'm sorry," Tyler said ashamed of his outburst.
"Let's take care of this and then you can go to sleep. It's been a long day. Over," Klaus said guiding his son over his lap. He moved back on the bed so his whole body was supported.
Klaus put the paddle with the words "Helping Hand" down on the comforter. He wanted to warm up Tyler's behind a little with his hand before paddling him.
Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack.
Tyler relaxed when he felt the lighter swats. Maybe Klaus was going to go easy on him like Elijah did.
Klaus was swatting randomly and steadily.
After a minute or two the light whacks were building up. Klaus started spanking a little harder.
Crack. Crack. Crack. Crack. Crack.
Tyler shifted a little to start to ease the burn. The smacks continued without pause until Tyler was starting to wiggle. He hoped that Jeremy didn't tell Matt where he was. That would be too humiliating.
Jeremy's thoughts were brought back to his present situation but a hard swat in the middle of his behind. He sucked in his breath.
"Why are you here, young man?" Klaus asked bringing his hand down on Tyler's sit spots now harder.
"Ouch! I lost my temper and shot Finn," Tyler gasped. He was now shifting from side to side. Klaus was holding him in place with his left arm.
"Still. Was it worth it to disobey your uncle?" Klaus asked, spanking harder and faster.
"No! Please Dad, it hurts. I always got switched. Stop," Tyler yelped trying to push himself up as hard as he could.
"A token few swats...I'm sorry to tell you but that was no switching. Let's see how red your behind is. Lift up so I can take down your pants," Klaus ordered with one last whack of his palm. Tyler's leg kicked and he groaned softly.
Whack!
"Please don't," he begged with no hope that his father would keep his pants up.
Tyler's lifted up and felt the air on his flaming backside. Klaus pulled the pants down to his knees. He took a moment to examine the boy's rear end and yanked up his t-shirt to see. It was pink but there were no signs of the switching that Elijah administered except for two thin red weals across Tyler's sit spots. His brother really must be going soft.
"You have two little marks from the switch. I'm going to put some balm on you so you don't bruise. Stay still, son. You're doing well," Klaus reached over and unscrewed the jar of salve. It reminded him that he hadn't seen Nicole all day either. He was going to need more salve soon.
Tyler felt the cooling balm smoothed over his burning backside. He wished his ordeal was over, but he knew he could have killed someone with his temper. The tears started dripping down on the comforter as he tried to stay still.
"Okay, I'm giving you ten swats with the paddle and we're all done. Keep still and think about how it is better to obey then lose your temper," Klaus scolded, putting his hand on Tyler's lower back to hold him in place.
Pop! Klaus brought the paddle down firmly on Tyler's right cheek. Tyler wailed and shifted his body to try to get up. For his efforts, he got a harder whack on his left check. Pop!
The balm soothed, but left Tyler's backside more sensitive to the paddle swats. His behind felt lit up with fire.
Klaus smacked him twice and each sit spot hard causing the boy to yell out, "Fuck! Stop! This is bullshit!"
A blood vessel in Klaus's forehead pulsed.
"What did you just say?" Klaus growled popping the paddle down smartly in the center of Tyler's now red behind.
"Stop!" Tyler sobbed.
Klaus was trying to stay calm, but the fact that the boy was misbehaving during the paddling irked him.
Klaus stopped and said, "I guess you do need your mouth soaped out, mister." He tucked the paddle under his arm and stood up his rebellious son. Swatting him with his hand on the rear to get him moving.
"I don't know what has gotten into you, but you are going to learn to watch your mouth and behave yourself if I have to paddle you every night for a week," Klaus said dragging Tyler to the large marble bathroom, as Tyler tried to cover his bottom.
Spank! Spank! Spank!
Tyler was sobbing and trying to dig his heels in the carpet, but he was no match against his angry hybrid father.
With one hand still clasping Tyler's arm, Klaus decided to try something new.
"Open your mouth," he commanded as he grabbed the liquid pump soap.
"No, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it," Tyler wailed.
Klaus grabbed the paddle under his arm and swatted Tyler's backside hard three times. Whap! Whap! Whap!
"Open, or you are not going to sit for a week!" Klaus warned popping him again twice on the thighs. Crack. Crack.
Tyler reluctantly opened his mouth and Klaus squirted in the soap. Tyler immediately grimaced and gagged.
"Put your hands on the counter," Klaus demanded.
Tyler opened his eyes wide and obeyed.
Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack.
Tyler jerked up from the searing swats and covered his bottom.
"We are going to repeat this until you can start behaving. Now back over and do not move," Klaus ordered.
Tyler did and got four more hard whacks to the center of his flaming backside. Crack. Crack. Crack. Crack! He squeezed his eyes shut and didn't move, except for stomping his feet.
"Okay, you can rinse," Klaus said exhausted by the ordeal.
Tyler spit out the foul soap and rinsed his mouth for a few minutes. Klaus handed him a towel and had him wipe his face. Still carrying the paddle, he walked Tyler to the bed and sat down. He put the paddle on the side table and pulled him into an embrace, holding him and rocking him as if he were a small child. Tyler was rubbing his bottom fiercely.
"It's over. Let it out. Shh, shh," Klaus comforted him softly. He felt drained and spent.
"Sorry, I..." Tyler sobbed.
"I know. It's over. You're forgiven," Klaus said lifting the back of Tyler's shirt to inspect the damage. The paddle was light and stingy and didn't leave any marks except an overall red surface. Klaus imagined that Tyler would feel this for at least tomorrow. That might not be a bad thing reflecting on his poor behavior during the punishment.
Klaus put the boy in bed under the covers to his side. He figured he would let him sleep here. It would be awkward to have to explain to Matt what happened today. He got in behind him and hugged him, and stroked his hair. This was harder than he thought it would be. Like himself, this boy had a well of anger in him, that could be dangerous.
"We all love you, your mother loves you. You're going to get through this," Klaus whispered, not knowing if the boy was awake to hear.
Tyler fell asleep dreaming that he was in that wolf cave again. He was happy and content with his pack cuddled against him. The pain in his behind dulled to a heat rather than a burn. He felt safe and knew that he was going to be okay.
-
Kol was standing outside the door. He had come to check in with his brother after Rebekah found him. What the bloody hell was going on in there? It sounded like Klaus was beating the devil out of that boy. For a split second, Kol was almost envious. Then, he turned to seek out Nicole. They had much to plan.