Pairing: Keelin/Kai (F/m) beach paddle, hand

" When brothers agree, no fortress is so strong as their common life."

– Antisthenes

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Mystic Falls, Virginia

Mystic Falls High School

Parking Lot

Tyler had Connor drive the SUV home. He sat in the passenger seat, shifting to try to get pressure off his throbbing backside.

Connor shook his head and muttered, "Man, you gotta get it together. Everybody was saying that you and Caroline were screwing back stage..."

Tyler turned up the stereo and hissed, "We weren't...but Care was feeding off the fucking janitor. I warned her about giving into the hunger, but she didn't listen."

"How did you not get suspended?" Connor asked, turning out of the school parking lot. It was chaotic with other teen drivers honking and tearing out of the lot erratically. Connor was patient and let several smaller cars exit before them.

"Are you going to let every other person go before us?" Tyler scoffed. Connor glanced over with a look of concern.

Erik and Jeremy were trying to arm wrestle in the back seat. Rachael was listening to her headphones. Matt was with the others in the truck. He was dropping Dana off at the ice cream shop and meeting a tutor at the Grill to work on his math.

"Settle down. We'll get home," Connor replied patiently. "Erik, knock that shit off."

"Fuck off," Erik smirked. Connor turned around and glared about him until he stopped. Aaron was reading a book and Silas had his eyes shut.

"So, what happened?" Connor asked slowly.

"Ric happened," Tyler admitted. "Dad gave him permission...and I'm grounded. Not hunting on the full moon."

"Really?" Conner prompted. "I thought that was a done deal..."

"Nope. Maybe I should go stay with my mom a couple of days," Tyler suggested. "I don't even want to face Dad. He was pissed."

"So Ric let ya have it? Well, it ain't the first time you got it at school from him. At the rate you're going, it ain't gonna be the last," Connor stated wryly.

"Tell me about it," Tyler hissed. "I can hardly sit here. Fuck, man, just drop me off at the caves. Maybe I can hide in there, like some fugitive."

Connor rolled his eyes, "I'd say don't worry, but I can't lie to you. You're fucked."

"Thanks, Conner," Tyler continued sarcastically. "That really helps. If it was anyone except Ric, we could have compelled them. He acted like Caroline almost drained that old man. He was fine."

"Uh-huh," Connor said skeptically. "I'm sure he was as right as rain."

Tyler laughed, "You and your goddamn country sayings. I bet Angela has no clue what you are talking about half the time."

"She understands enough," Connor said. "You know, she's actually smarter than people give her credit for. Now that I got her in the vo-tech, she's doing real good. I thought she was going to do cosmetology, like her sister, but she switched to health care. She can get her nurse's aide certification about the time I get my carpentry one."

"Oh, that's good. Plus, you guys get out of classes half the day," Tyler commented, looking out the window.

"Yeah, you know, I never even thought I would graduate," Connor remarked. "So that's something."

"Yeah," Tyler said. "One more year of this...then, we're free."

"We're free now," Connor replied. "Boy, you have no idea of how good you've had it. I know you had a lousy day, but believe me, it could be worse."

Tyler thought about Connor's past and how rough he and Erik had it.

"Yeah, and I guess we brought this one on ourselves," Tyler said. "I just have to learn to say no to Care...I'm sure Stefan Salvator would have told her no and we wouldn't be in this mess. I'm a shitty vampire and a worse boyfriend."

Connor slowed to a stop at the light and made a left for home.

"Dude, he's like 150 years older than us," Connor laughed. "We are still baby vamps. Plus, add on our werewolf side and I think we're doing okay. I mean, look at all them stories Uncle Kol tells about how him and the old man used to go out partying. They killed like a hundred or some people at a time. We're practically angels..."
Jeremy spoke up from the back, "Now that's a stretch!"

Tyler smiled and turned the music up even louder. Connor did have a way of putting things in perspective.

Mikaelson Mansion

Main Level

Kol was in the kitchen feeding the dog when the teens came home. The younger kids didn't get off their bus for another 45 minutes. Vanessa was putting out the cut fruit tray that Elijah had left.

"Hey guys, grab something to eat," Vanessa said. "Did Matt head to meet his tutor?"

"Yes," Jeremy said. "He was going to the Grill. He said he'd be home right after."
"Good," Vanessa replied. "Do you want me to read over your essay? The mythology one?"

"Sure," Jeremy said. "I have the rough draft. I think I can get it finished tonight."
"Great, honey," Vanessa said. "I'll look at it before the kids get home."
Vanessa had been an English teacher at MFHS before she got turned by Kol. Before that, she had worked at Whitmore College and had a degree in literature.

"Where's Uncle Elijah?" Tyler asked, looking around. Their uncle was usually in the kitchen to greet them after school.

"Um, he had to go on a little trip. Freya also went," Vanessa replied. "But don't worry, he made some of his meat loaves for dinner. We just have to put them in the oven. But tomorrow, we're getting take out."

Tyler was surprised, he asked, "Is everything okay? I mean, how long is he going to be gone?"
"I don't know, dear," Vanessa said with a hint of worry. "Everything is fine. But your dad wanted to talk to you in his office. He's upstairs."

"Great," Tyler mumbled. Vanessa gave him a look of sympathy and patted him on the shoulder.

"Go on," Vanessa said. "He's waiting."

Tyler finished the bag of animal blood, knowing that it wouldn't heal him like human blood would and slowly started for his dad's study. At least he wasn't going to spank him in front of Cami, Tyler reasoned to himself.

Kol patted Sadie as he left her to eat.

"Boys, grab something and let's go talk by the pool," Kol said to his sons. Aaron grabbed an apple and a Gatorade, but Silas just took a water.
"Something wrong, Dad?" Silas asked, taking a sip.

"No, I just want to speak to you," Kol answered. "Or shall I make an appointment?"

"No, we're coming," Aaron said, giving Silas a look.

Kol left the dog out after she scarfed down her food and stepped out to the backyard. He walked the short distance to the chairs around the pool and sat down. Aaron sat on the chair next him and Silas stood there, gazing at the pool.

"Come, Son," Kol coaxed. "Have a seat. Take a load off."

"I'm good here," Silas said stiffly.

Kol shrugged. He had learned as a father to choose his battles carefully.

"Is everything okay, Dad?" Aaron asked anxiously.

"Aye," Kol answered. "But there may be some trouble in Louisiana. Elijah and Freya are joining Marcel and Tommy there tonight. Look, we don't know much yet, but I want you boys to be very aware of your surroundings. We're not going to lockdown like we did before, but I need to know where you are at all times."

Silas snapped, "I thought you said we weren't in danger!"

Kol looked up at the teen who so closely resembled Stefan.

Calmly, Kol said, "You are a doppelgänger, Silas. You will always be in danger as long as their as witches who want to use your blood. You know that. And Aaron, with your family's ties to the Whitmore College and the Augustines, you are need to be aware of your surroundings. This is not up for debate. Do you understand me?"

"Yeah," Silas grumbled.

Kol vamped up and swatted the seat of Silas' jeans hard.

Crack!

"OWwwww," Silas yelped, now rubbing his backside with one hand. "What was that for?"

"The cheek," Kol thundered. "Try again. I am in no mood for games."

"You sound like Uncle Elijah," Aaron said.

"Are you begging for a smack, too?" Kol retorted.

Aaron looked down, "No, sir."

"Good. Now I asked you lads if you understood," Kol tried again. "No running off. You go to school and then come straight home. Got it?"
"Yes, Dad," Silas said angrily.

"Good," Kol said. "Now, sit. That brings me to the next point, your attitudes towards the family."
Aaron opened his mouth, but then clamped it shut.

"Go on, say your piece," Kol encouraged, sitting back down.

Silas finally sat down on the lounge chair to Kol's left.

Aaron remained silent, so Silas took a breath.

"I hate it here," Silas said with emotion. "It's so crowded and there are so many rules. When can we go home?"

"This is our home, but the house won't be ready for a few more weeks," Kol said. "The contractors promised it would be ready in time for the wedding, but you know, they often lag behind. Now, we have rules at our house. I don't see the problem here."

Aaron finally spoke, "They are just stricter. Like the other guys are such pigs, always wrestling and jumping around. Then, an adult comes up and yells at us for not doing our chores, when we did."

"Is that true, Silas?" Kol inquired.

"Yeah, pretty much," Silas said. "They fight a lot, too. Like we couldn't even play our game before bed because we have to be like in the bed at 10pm. Half the time I'm not even tired but I have to lay there. I'm not a baby, I can go to bed when I'm tired and still get up."

Kol nodded, thinking. "You know, it's a huge house. Why don't you boys take Rebekah and Marcel's old suite? You would be on the third floor with the girls, but they wouldn't bother you much. You would have a lovely balcony..."

The brothers exchanged a look. Silas smiled, "Yeah, that would be great. But isn't Aunt Rebekah's old clothes still in there?"

"Aye, but we can move it into storage. Just don't let me catch you playing with her revolving shoe closet all bloody night. I will speak to the others about your bedtime, but if you are late or I can't wake you-."
"Then, we'll go back to 10pm," Silas interrupted. "We got it, Dad. Thanks."

Kol smiled, "I think it will be bit quieter. But I will be checking to see that you keep it reasonably tidy. There is a laundry up there so you can tend to your own clothes. I also think there is a nice kitchen area where you can keep some food and drinks."

"And our guitar practice won't piss anyone off!" Aaron announced with glee. "This actually sounds pretty cool, Dad. Can we move our stuff now?"

Both Aaron and Silas were into their music and were learning multiple instruments. Neither had been able to play much since they moved into the mansion.
"Sure," Kol said, getting up. He pulled both of his boys into a quick embrace. "But remember what I said about the safety. If anything strikes you as odd or something happens, call me from school or come get me."

"Yeah, yeah," Aaron said.

Kol popped him on the bottom. Whack!

"Watch that sass, mister," Kol warned. "I am trusting you two. Don't make me regret it. I don't want you arguing with your aunts and uncles. If you have a problem with something they ask you to do, come tell me or Georgie. Then, we will discuss it with them. You do not give them attitude or there will be consequences."
"We know, Dad," Silas said, now excited at the thought of moving rooms.

"Go on, get your stuff," Kol said, as they scampered off. "Then, do your homework!"

Klaus' Study

Klaus flipped through the dossier, searching for clues of what could be going on. Ric had faxed over his notes about the Order of the Celestial Dawn...

Eons ago, heaven was a united front. There was a great war and the angel, Lucifer, was cast out of heaven. Prophecy states that a baby would be born of an abomination and an angel. The child would have the powers of both heaven and hell. This child could grow up and take up the celestial throne. Markers can be triggered...Some factions want the child to ascend to restore Heaven and destroy Hell.

Ric's notes were a bit of a mess and Klaus didn't see the actually prophecy or where it came from. He remembered the ruse he and Elijah had orchestrated over the The Sun and the Moon curse. It was all false, created so they could get the moonstone and reverse Esther's spell on Klaus' wolf side. Now, he had a son and Ansel could be in danger from his sins. Klaus would never let that happen...His thoughts drifted to the Crescent wolf, Hayley. He barely knew the girl. Everyone, including Marcel and Elijah spoke highly of her. So young, yet an Alpha and soon to be a mother.

Klaus' hearing heard Tyler come down the hall. He had left the door ajar.

"It's open, Son," Klaus said, putting down his pen.

Tyler pushed open the door.
"Um, Aunt Vanessa said you wanted to see me?" Tyler said in a low voice.

Klaus stood and walked over to Tyler. As quickly as his anger festered, seeing Tyler's pained face, it ebbed away.
"Come here," Klaus said, hugging Tyler. "I'm not angry. Ric said he punished you already."

Tyler rested his head on Klaus' shoulder for a moment.

"Dad, don't. You should be mad. We, no I, really screwed up," Tyler admitted.

Klaus smirked, "Yeah, you did this time. But it's all well in the end. Now, can you sit and talk about this or would you rather stand?"
"I can sit," Tyler said, "just not comfortably."

Klaus led him over to the leather couch along the wall. Tyler sat gingerly and Klaus put an arm around him.
"So the man is okay," Klaus said. "Ric was worried and had him checked out by the nurse. His blood pressure was very low. It seems that he is on the verge of retirement anyway, but Ric is going to suggest that today be his last day."
Tyler's face fell, he stared at the silk carpet adorning the floor. His vampire eyes admired the patten.

"Son?" Klaus prompted. "He'll be fine. We'll give him a stipend."

"No, I'll pay out of my accounts," Tyler determined. "It's my fault and Caroline doesn't have that kind of money."
Tyler was heir to the Lockwood fortune. He would not get most of it until he was 25, but he had gotten access to some of his monies a few months earlier on February 10th, when he had turned 17. Tyler had rarely used the account and had plenty of money that had accrued.

"Fine," Klaus went on. "That would be one way of making amends. But why did you even prey on this man? Don't you get plenty of blood at home?"

"Yeah, of course," Tyler said. "But Caroline was having a real bad craving. She's been practicing compelling people and...It just kind of happened."

"I understand. Believe me, I truly do," Klaus noted. "But Ric mentioned that Stefan is going to be keeping a closer eye on Caroline at school. Not that you aren't capable, but it will be easier for Stefan to stand up to her. Freya left a tea that may help with some of the cravings that she can sip on during the day. That should help a little."

"Maybe Bonnie could do a spell or something," Tyler suggested. "You know, if she gets bad again during the day."

"Um, the Bennett witch has left with your Aunt Freya and Uncle Elijah. Something has come up. Tyler, I know we all wanted to believe that this nonsense with the angels was over, but it may just be beginning. I do not wish to get into details until I know more. But we must remain on high alert. That means-."

"I know the drill, Dad," Tyler said. "I mean I turned Care to keep her from taking Ansel. Maybe that is why I've been giving in to her. If I wouldn't have done that, she'd still be human."
Klaus turned his blue-green eyes on Tyler.

"No, Son," Klaus said. "She would still be under the influence of the angels. You saved your brother and perhaps all of us. I will always be in your debt for that. I know how hard it must have been for you."

Tyler nodded, "It sucked. I kinda thought Care could take the cure by now and go back to being human...but if the angels are starting up again."
Klaus agreed, "Yes, it's too soon. And Caroline, aside from this mishap at school, has done remarkably well. You know, once she drinks Penny's blood, there is no going back to immortality?"

"I know that," Tyler said. "It's just so hard sometimes to see her struggle with the hunger."

"She will get through it," Klaus vowed. "That is why Stefan is the perfect person to guide her. When I met Stefan in the 1920s in Chicago, he was a ripper. They actually named him...Well, I'll tell you that story later. I think we have the matter of your punishment to discuss."
Tyler's shoulders slumped. He asked, "Where do you want me?"

Klaus was confused a moment. "I'm not going to thrash you. I told you that you are grounded. One week and I mean to hold you to that. But in all honestly, the cancellation of the hunting trip is also about safety. The Sheriff and her deputies are going to be doing extra patrols."

Tyler ventured, "So, we can do it the next month? When things calm down?"

"Of course," Klaus said. "I am sorry I phrased it so on the phone. That's not really part of the punishment, but you will be confined to the house. No game room, video games, television, and you can hand over your phone."
Tyler's lips tightened, but he figured Caroline was probably grounded, too.

"Can I go to work?" Tyler asked.

"Yes, you may," Klaus said. "But no friends over or outings. I aim for you to never repeat this incident at school. We are lucky Ric is a loyal friend."

"Who always manages to have a big ass paddle near him," Tyler scoffed.

"Well, he's a hunter at heart," Klaus grinned. "And he is well-prepared for his duties. You owe him a debt of thanks because if you were suspended I would have spanked you soundly each day. And I do not keep to a ten swat limit, do I?"
Tyler groaned, "No, Dad, you do not. Actually, my butt is pretty sore. Can you heal me?"

"No this time," Klaus said firmly. "And I want you boys to help Silas and Aaron move their things. They are moving to Rebekah and Marcel's old quarters on the third floor."

"Ugh, with the girls?" Tyler exclaimed. "That is awful. Do they realize that Penny is going to make them play with them? Still Cami told Penny she couldn't get a cat, she's been acting like one. She'll scratch their freaking eyes out!"

"Oh, your sister is not that bad," Klaus said smoothly. "She is now on a pirate kick. I never should have taken her to see that Pirates of the Caribbean movie..."

"Oh, so that is why she was chasing Joey with a wrapping paper tube," Tyler reasoned.

"Yes, and she intends to be Jack Sparrow for the wedding," Klaus announced. "That your uncle is having a costume party for a wedding does not surprise me, though. He would do something like that. Anyway, I should look in on the girls. You'll go see to your cousins now?"

"Yeah, Dad," Tyler said. "And I'll talk to Ric about the money for Mr. Stemper, the janitor."
"Good," Klaus said. "And leave the phone on my desk."

"Ugh," Tyler couldn't help but sigh. "Okay."
"Love you, Son," Klaus said, rising from the couch. Tyler got up stiffly and Klaus exhaled. He bit into his wrist.

"Only take a few drops," Klaus warned. "I don't want you to forget about this folly too soon."
Tyler drank briefly and felt the tinging in his hind quarters.

"That's better. Ric is pretty strong for a human," Tyler groused.

"Ah, I bet he is," Klaus said, laughing.

Keelin and Freya's Room

Evening

"So you are denying it?" Keelin snapped, eyeing her oldest son closely. The beautiful African American werewolf was not happy with the way this conversation with son was going. She had put the younger kids to be a little earlier and still wanted to say goodnight to the girls. But she also wanted to follow up with her conversation with Kol from earlier.

"Mama, I didn't say I didn't do it, but you don't understand why," Kai whined. If he said too much, he would be snitching on Tyler about how he had spanked Jeremy. Kai didn't want to get them in more trouble as they finally seemed to have made up. They were joking around earlier at dinner and Tyler actually seemed like he was in a good mood for once.

"Mom is on a plane to New Orleans right now," Keelin said. "I didn't even tell her about this because a lot is going on. We have expressly warned you to not siphon without permission. It is one of the rules we have for you to keep us all safe."

"I know that, but-," Kai tried. "It's just...You wouldn't understand."

Kai didn't want to explain the whole circumstance of what happened when he siphoned Tyler. It was different with his mothers. They just wouldn't get what it was like up in the guys' room.

"You are right, Kai," Keelin said. "I don't understand why you think you can break the rules and get away with it. And I don't care for this new flippant attitude either!"

Kai's calm, cool demeanor diminished.

"Mama, what do you want from me? I was at school all day, then work, and now you are yelling at me and won't let me explain! It's ridiculous. God damn-!"

Keelin gripped Kai by the ear before he could finish his sentence, she dragged him over to the bed. She might not have had access to witchcraft, but Keelin had her werewolf strength. Kai feared where she was headed.

"No, Mama, I'm sorry! I didn't mean it," Kai babbled. "Don't paddle me!"

"That is exactly what you need, young man," Keelin snipped, still dragging him. She used her left hand to grab the round wooden beach paddle. Keelin then sat on the bed and put down the paddle. Kai tried to hold up his pants but a growl from Keelin stopped him. Keelin held Kai still with her legs, turning him slightly. She popped the back of his black uniform pants with the flat of her hand.

Smack! Smack!

"Noooo," Kai protested, as she swatted his thighs in a flurry of smacks.

"Let's get these pants down," Keelin countered. She reached over and unbuttoned Kai's pants, working them down to to below his behind. Kai covered his front with his hands as Keelin yanked his pants further to his knees. Leaving his white briefs up, she leaned her lanky son over her left thigh.

Pop! Pop! Pop!

Kai sucked in his breath as he felt the first swats descend. They were loud in the large room and it took a second for him to feel the burn on his behind. His thin briefs didn't help.

"Mama, I am sorry," Kai wailed, trying to use his feet to get up. She pushed him back down with her left arm and he was pinned in place.

"Stop struggling or I am going to spank you tomorrow before school," Keelin threatened.

Kai's face grew red as he realized the position he was in. Keelin pulled him tighter to her and lifted Kai's legs to rest on the bed after moving the pillows.

Pop! Pop! Pop! The round beach paddle was large enough to almost cover Kai's entire bottom.

"Ohhhh," Kai shouted, kicking up a foot. His legs were hampered by his pants, twisted around his knees. All least she left his briefs up, he thought.

"Feet down," Keelin ordered. "You take your spanking like a big boy. You were big enough to siphon your cousin, now you are gonna pay."

Pop! Pop! PoP! Pop! Pop!

Kai's behind burned and he tried to shift from side to side unsuccessfully.

"It wasn't my fault," Kai objected. "Ty was..."

Pop! Pop!

"What? You better talk or we're going to be here a while," Keelin said. She brought down the lightweight paddle on the center of Kai's toned backside once more before tucking his underpants into his backside.

Kai jerked, "No, Mama, please!"

He knew the paddle would sting more on his bare skin as it was probably coated in vervain...but he also didn't want his mother to see part of his bare behind.

"I am doctor," Keelin reminded him. "I have seen your backside before, young man."

Keelin patted Kai's now almost bare cheeks with the wooden paddle. Tap! Tap!

Kai broke down in tears, "Mom wouldn't spank f-for t-this!"

Pop! Pop! Keelin now concentrated on whacking the center of each cheek. She could see a pink circle bloom now as Kai's legs jerked.

"For the disrespectful was you are behaving, she certainly would," Keelin answered back sharply. "We let your uncles handle some of your discipline, but maybe that is a mistake. We are still your mothers. We look after you, make sure you are fed and have clean clothes. And we still tuck you into bed every night! You are not grown yet, mister."

Pop! Pop!

"I-I k-know," Kai wailed, trying not to kick, but failing.

Pop! Pop!

Kai's legs were hampered by his pants, but he was slowly kicking them off.

Pop! Pop!

Pop! Pop!

Pop! Pop!

Kai's backside was now on fire. Keelin continued to paddle him for another full minute until his behind was red.

Pop! Pop!

"It s-stopped Tyler's h-healing!" Kai finally shouted. He would do anything to stop the paddle from descending again.

"What?" Keelin said, stopping. She put down the paddle and rubbed Kai's cheeks. She didn't see any bruising, but she felt like he had almost had enough.

"When I-I siphoned Ty, Uncle Klaus spanked him after and I think it stopped his healing," Kai sobbed out.

Keelin replaced Kai's underpants and started to yank off his pants. He didn't need them anymore.

She helped her son up and let him cry and try to rub his bottom a moment as she went to get him a drink of water. She also brought back a damp wash cloth for his face.

"Mama, are you g-going to t-tell Uncle Klaus?" Kai sniffled.

"Honey, this is serious," Keelin reported. "You've siphoned me and it was...bracing, but I never noticed any ill effects. But if hybrids have a different result, that could be dangerous. We don't always know the effects..."

"Like when I siphoned U-Uncle Kol and h-he went into that c-coma?" Kai recalled.

"Yes, that was the result of a century old spell," Keelin shared. "But if this is true, hybrids may be more weakened by siphons that we knew. I am glad you told me."

Kai sniffed again, "Ty was, um, m-messing with Jeremy. I thought he was too r-rough on h-him and I wanted him to get a t-taste of his own m-medicine. I didn't k-know what e-else to d-do."

Keelin sat down and pulled Kai to her to wipe off his face.

"Honey, you could have called an adult? Right? Kol is right across the hallway," Keelin suggested.

Kai bit his lip, "It was kinda late...You know I gave him that saffron recipe and I didn't want to disturb them."

Keelin nodded, "Ah, yes, this saffron. That might be too much information, but you need to be smarter. Siphons have been feared and either killed because they are so powerful. Kai, if you hurt Tyler, you'd be beside yourself. That is why we have the rule. Do you understand that you actually put yourself in danger here?"

Kai slowly nodded, "Like Uncle Klaus would kill me if I messed up his son?"

Keelin smoothed back Kai's spiky dark hair. "No, honey, but you cannot use your power on your family...unless there is no other recourse. Like life or death."

Kai wiped at his eyes, "I guess I get it now. But isn't it good if I figured out that hybrids might have this weakness?"

"Yeah, it's a good thing. Mom left to find out more about what is happening in New Orleans. We don't know what kind of weapons they have. And we are lucky to have you on our side. I know I don't say it enough but I am proud of you," Keelin said, getting tearful. "And I love you so much that it scares me to think that someday we may need to call on you and your gifts in battle."

Kai grinned, "Well, you could bring that paddle with you. No one would mess with you, Mama. No one." Keelin stood and cuddled him to her a minute until Lukas came in with Joey.

"Mama, Joey peed the bed again," Lukas yelled out. "Kai, where's your pants?"

"Kai, pull on a pair of sweats," Keelin suggested. "I'm going to take care of this. I'll be up to tuck you in, Son."

"Okay, Mama," Kai replied. He found a pair of Keelin's sweats from med school and carried Lukas back to his room.

"Did you get in trouble?" Lukas, Kai's younger brother asked shyly.

"Yep, bud," Kai said. "I got the paddle! I messed up and did something I shouldn't have done."

"Oh no, did it hurt?" Lukas asked worried.

"Yeah, but don't worry, you got a couple of years before you get that thing," Kai said, tickling him.

"Good, cause I spilled juice over Jo's homework and she said she was tellin' Mama," Lukas said.

"Oh, Jo always says that," Kai laughed. "She never tells on you."

"I know," Lukas replied. "But she made me help her clean up all the blocks! And I didn't even spill them out...Do you think Mommy will be home tomorrow?"

"It might be a couple of days, Luk," Kai comforted. "But we can make her a picture tomorrow, okay?"

"She likes Spiderman," Lukas said, yawning. "Or I can write her a letter telling her Joey peed the bed again. Can you send to her so she gets it in her pocket? That was cool."

Kai smiled pleased that Lukas remembered that magic spell.

"Sure. I'll even teach you the spell. I bet you will be a great witch," Kai encouraged.

"Like you and Jo?" Lukas prompted. "Liv would be so mad if I was better at magic. She's better at math...and running."

"You're good at a lot of stuff," Kai said. "That was good of you to take care of Joey tonight. You're a good brother."

Lukas leaned his head on Kai, getting more tired.

"So are you, Kai," Lukas said, yawning again.