Pairing: Ric/Jeremy (M/m) hand, paddle

Mikaelson Mansion

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Earlier

Klaus was beyond exhausted when they finally got Aaron home. The putrid smell from Aaron's puking had not diminished in the hour long car ride. They had stopped at a diner and tried to clean Aaron up and the car, yet the vomitus scent lingered. They got some water and some soup to go as Aaron said he couldn't stomach anymore than that. They had let Aaron fall back asleep in the back of the car while Wes himself nodded off as Klaus drove back to Mystic Falls.

Klaus directed Wes to take Aaron into Greta's room.

"You two will have to share until we can work out a better arrangement," Klaus said tiredly. "But I suppose it beats your basement cell."

"It does," Wes agreed. "I'm going to try to get him to drink and at least eat the soup. Thank you for getting him."

"There should be some painkillers in the cabinet. I would just let him sleep," Klaus suggested, "The boy, like you said, is blameless. I will trust that you will keep to our agreement?"

Klaus realized that he never got the information from the Traveler's if they had slaughtered his Greta. He wished that Kol had kept the professor alive, but he realized it couldn't be helped. Klaus tried not to think of how Damon could have put his own life in jeopardy for his own.

"Yes," Wes said. "The information I have given you has put a target on my back. When the Augustines find out, I'm as good as dead."

"Won't they be looking for you?" Klaus asked, checking his watch. It was late, or early, he mused to himself.

"No, I've left for research trips before quite abruptly. I have teaching assistants who take care of my classes for me. I've sure no one would miss me," Wes admitted. "I have no real friends and no family. My work was my life."

Klaus saw the honesty on the man's face. "Ah well, that is, rather sad. But Wes, I've been in that position for many years. If it wasn't for my family, I would be alone, but you have the boy."

"Yes," Wes said, looking back at the inebriated sleeping teen. "He's not perfect, but either am I."

"Get some rest yourself," Klaus said, shutting the door.

Klaus went to his bedroom, showered, and fell into a deep sleep.

Morning

Hours Later

Bang! Bang! Bang!

"I'd know that damn knock anywhere," Klaus mumbled, rolling over in his king sized bed. "Come in, Elijah!"

Elijah came in, "I tried to let you sleep, but there's been an incident."

"An incident, hmm?" Klaus said. "Did your children break something else? I told you, I am getting used to it. Tis no matter. Now, may I go back to sleep?"

Elijah begun to tidy up Klaus' room, picking up his socks and other dirty clothes.

"Um, it's not my children this time," Elijah admitted. "It is Damon."

Klaus groaned and sat up, pulling on a robe that was on the bed.

"Go on," Klaus said huskily. "I am listening."

"It seems Damon thought to discipline Stefan this morning. He had a witch, not Bonnie, her relative perhaps? Cast a spell to retard Stefan's healing and then he gave him quite the trouncing," Elijah began.

Klaus blinked and rubbed sleep from his eyes.

"So? How many times have we both taken Kol in hand? A hundred. Stefan had no business bringing the Gilbert boy to that blood bath. Plus, they really wanted Stefan, they said something about him being a double? Truly, Elijah, I could have used you there. We are all fortunate to have survived," Klaus rambled. "But I know I encouraged you to stay here with the youngsters."

Elijah frowned and put the soiled clothes in the hamper.

"I didn't tell you the worst part. Rebekah was concerned and asked me to look in. By the time I got there, the boy's behind was bruised and swollen," Elijah shared. "I had to shout at Damon for him to stop. Stefan was hysterical. It seems that Damon had lost himself for a moment."
Klaus looked up in disbelief, "Bruises, you say. Well, even I'll admit that we never went that far with Kol, even that time he set that whole town on fire in Madrid. Where are they now?"

"Stefan hasn't come out of the room...and Damon's taken off," Elijah explained. "I attempted to heal Stefan with my blood, but he couldn't take it due to his past inclinations."

"Taken off. I was going to have words with him for throwing himself in front of me last night. They had a bolt made of white oak stake. He took the bolt in the chest, near his heart," Klaus said, standing up. "If it wasn't for Ric's armor vest, he could have been killed."

Elijah started gathering up garbage.

"We don't know if the white oak can harm Damon. But you, on the other hand, would have been dead," Elijah stated.

"Very," Klaus agreed. "I'll see if I can track down Damon. He made his amends with Ric, so maybe he is there or at the Grill? You know I cannot abide by that kind of abuse. Never. I will deal with it. It shalln't happen again. Is that all?"

Elijah paused, holding an empty can.

"Actually, now that you mention it. Stefan didn't seem to recall that he had a prior relationship with Rebekah," Elijah said slowly. "I find that quite odd."
Klaus' face grew dark.

"I compelled him. In the 1920s," Klaus admitted. "I see no need to reverse it, even if that was possible. What of it?"

Elijah grew stern, saying, "It is of some importance in our sister. In her mind, it was only a few weeks ago while you were gallivanting around the windy city. You didn't think to mention it to her?"

"It was fling, Elijah. Another one of her meaningless romps! She will meet new people at school. Can you not stay out of this?" Klaus thundered.

"Calm yourself, Brother. I am merely bringing it to your attention. I see where you son gets his animosity from," Elijah said. "I will leave you to dress. And clean up this room. You are a grown man for God's sakes."
Klaus' face grew red, but before he could reply, Elijah was gone. He threw a book at the door and then got dressed.

Mystic Grill

Damon snapped his fingers and the bartender came over.

"Get you something?" the girl asked.

"Bourbon, neat," Damon growled. "And leave the bottle!"
"Sir, it's 10am," the girl said pointedly, looking at the clock.

"Did I ask for the time? I can read a clock," Damon retorted.

"Don't take it out on her," Ric said, coming to sit on the stool next to Damon.

"Another glass for my friend!" Damon shouted, as the bartender bring the bottle and another glass. She smiled at Ric, but side-eyed Damon for his rudeness.

"Thanks. Ignore my friend, he's an ass," Ric said sheepishly. Ric turned to Damon and looked at him, saying, "Now, tell me what the hell happened?"

Damon groaned, "Do we have to talk about it?"

Ric shrugged and poured them both a drink.

"It is a bit early, even for me. I told Jenna that I'd be back for lunch. I have my own shit to deal with," Ric reminded Damon.

"Oh yeah, Little Gilbert," Damon chuckled. "That's what I was busting Stefan's ass for. Elena would never forgive us if something happens to that kid, even if he is a twerp!"

"He's a good kid, he just doesn't think shit through. I mean, at his age, who does? And 'that kid' is going to be my nephew," Ric said sharply. "That is, if Jenna doesn't dump me for drinking with you when I have a million things to do today."

"She won't," Damon said. "But Ric, I fucked up."

Ric was concerned, "Have a drink and then just tell me what happened. I can't play these guessing games."

Damon threw back the bourbon in a gulp, emptying his glass.

"So I asked Bonnie's cousin to do an anti-healing spell last night," Damon admitted, glancing around to make sure no one could hear his confession. "Lexi just 'had a talk' with him and I figured it wasn't working because he doesn't feel it that long."
"So wait? A 'talk?' Like a 'talk-talk?' Damn, Lexi whupped Stefan and you didn't think it took 'cause he can't feel it for long?" Ric clarified, still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that Lexi did that.

"Yeah, look, I know it's weird, but Stefan is stubborn," Damon explained. "When he's in his ripper phase, that's the only way she can get through to him. Pain. I though it was worth a try. I mean she has this big ass hairbrush so I figured he could take it. But I went overboard."

Ric sighed, "I know you two haven't been getting along lately, but you basically beat him. That's not okay. What the fuck were you thinking?"

Damon fiddled with his glass.

"I wasn't thinking, man. I was just whaling on him and then 'Uncle' Elijah came in. He stopped me, but the damage was done. Stefan never cries like that and he was afraid of me," Damon acknowledged. "He wouldn't let me apologize or anything. I just left..."

Ric grabbed the glass from Damon and refilled both of their drinks.

"You were way out of line. Not to change the subject, but did Klaus talk to you about last night? I mean, you freaking threw your stupid ass in front of him. He didn't look too Goddamned happy about it either. Honestly, I thought you'd be the one sporting a sore ass," Ric remarked. "And you would have deserved it."

Damon looked at Ric in surprise.

"Ric, I'm different now. After that spell, I am ten times stronger than I was before. I feel bullet proof. My reflexes are faster, my senses more acute...Plus, I knew I had the armor on," Damon snorted. "I trusted you, buddy, and you came through. And Klaus went with that Augustine doctor to get some kid at Whitmore. I haven't even seen him."

"Well, you might want to wear that armor on your butt 'cause I don't think you're out of the woods yet. Oh, by the way, your new daddy just walked in," Ric snickered. "Apologize to Stefan when he is ready. It's gonna take time, but maybe you can work it out. Still waitin' for your apology for snapping my neck, by the way..."
Ric got up and got out his wallet.

"No, man, it's on me," Damon assured him. "You takin' off?"

"Yup, I don't want to be here for this. Call me later, if you're still alive," Ric proposed.

Klaus stopped Ric midway and thanked him for his help the night before. Ric accepted and then headed for home.

Gilbert Residence

"Jeremy, Ric is home," Jenna said from the doorway. "You've slept long enough. Get up and take a shower. Then, come down and eat."

Jeremy snapped, "What's the point of getting up? You guys already said I'm grounded!"

Jenna's eyes widened and she advanced towards the bed.

"You know, I've had it with the shitty attitude. You have a lot of nerve whining after what you did last night. Now, do as I asked or you are going to be a sorry little boy," Jenna warned.

Jeremy rolled his eyes and pulled the covers over his head. He was depressed and didn't want to deal with any of this.

"Just leave me alone," Jeremy moaned.

"Don't talk to me like that. After what you and Stefan did you should be kissing my ass and apologizing. Instead, you are doubling down on acting like a brat. Now, get up before I get you up!"

Jeremy uncovered his head, "Fuck off, Jenna. I'm really not in the mood."

Jenna slammed the door and went down to meet Ric.

"Ric, I just can't with him today!" Jenna fumed. "Jeremy just told me to 'fuck off' when I went to get him out of bed. April, Elena, and I are going out to lunch and then taking Bonnie her stuff. She's staying with her cousin."

"Wait! Jeremy said that to you?" Ric asked flabbergasted. "What the hell is he thinking? Go on, have fun. Hopefully, when you girls get home he'll have a new attitude."

Jenna pecked Ric on the cheek, called Elena and April and then left.

Ric made a cup of tea and sat down at the kitchen table. Then, he grabbed the paddle of the top of the refrigerator and headed upstairs.

Mystic Grill

Klaus sat down on the seat Ric had just vacated and gave the bartender a charming smile.

"Be a love, my dear. Take that bottle away and bring my son here some water. Or perhaps some of that strong black coffee you serve here? Thank you," Klaus purred.

Damon grumbled, "You are sitting in Ric's seat."

Klaus looked around, feigning surprise, "Ah, I do not see his name upon it. So Elijah said you had a...troubling morning?"

"Stefan is afraid of me. I admit it, Klaus, I fucked up. Are you going to make it worse?" Damon questioned.

Klaus put a hand over Damon's.

"I've spoken to you about my father and you, about the man who raised you. Both were brutes, perhaps for different reasons, or perhaps not. Mikael could not hide his distain for my perceived weakness, my love of animals and art. I was not the killer he wished for in a son. It wasn't the beatings that hurt me, it was that hatred. I imagine it was the same for you?" Klaus theorized.

Damon looked at Klaus in surprise, saying, "I guess. I mean Giuseppe beat my ass on a pretty regular basis, but that was the norm. I used to watch the other kids on the estate with envy, they would get punished, sometimes even worse than me...but they were also shown love at times. Giuseppe just tried to make me look stupid in front of my everyone. He also seemed to despise me and I never knew what I did to make him so hateful. But deep down, I know it was because I was less than. But what does this have to do with Stefan and me?"
Klaus whispered, "You were never 'less than,' Son, nor was I. My point is that, we were abused, but the deepest wounds were emotional. We owe it to those we love to never become the ones who loathed us to them. You were much too harsh and abusive toward Stefan, and that will not happen again. However, it is the mental wounds that haunt me, not the physical. Do you see what I am saying?"

The bartender came back bringing water and coffee.

Damon nodded and took the steaming hot mug.

"I see. I guess I just don't see how I can face him again. The way he looked at me, it was with fear," Damon said, haunted. "I tried to apologize but Elijah made me leave and Stef wasn't listening anyhow."

"You must earn back his trust with action. The words will also need to be said when he is ready to hear them. I will go with you. It is no excuse, but your body is coursing with new powers. The highs are more intense and these lows with be even worse, just like when you were a new vampire. And as a wolf, you will feel different around the full moon. I cannot explain it, but you will feel its pull," Klaus explained. "The witch part, I cannot attest to as I never felt it, but I imagine that will also be a new part of you."

"Great, it sounds like I'll have perpetual PMS," Damon groused.

"I don't quite know what that is, but it sounds unpleasant," Klaus quipped. "Now, it's not all bad because when it is good, it is glorious. I only felt it for a few hours before my mother cursed my wolf side and I sought that feeling for 800 years," Klaus shared. "Now, we haven't even discussed your behavior last night."

"What? I acted on reflex," Damon said. "I knew I was protected."

"You knew nothing," Klaus hissed. "And if you ever do that again, I shall make my displeasure known. Nay, I will not bruise or welt you, but you can count on getting a hiding every night for a week! And a damn good one, too."

"Come on, Klaus," Damon said, looking around. "Don't be like that. This was a one time thing. It won't happen again."

"You are a Mikaelson now. We have scores of enemies and our battles never seem to end," Klaus pointed out. "Now, come. We have something to attend to. You can follow me."

"Follow you? To where?" Damon asked in puzzlement.

"To Miss Bennett's home. She is expecting her car," Klaus said evenly.

"No, Klaus! Please, don't make me give up my car," Damon begged, his blue eyes watering at the thought.

"Yes, I had the title transferred," Klaus said. "Consider this your punishment for putting your life in danger and absconding when you got upset. A time with no vehicle will do you some good. Hurry, I don't want to have to add on to your restriction."

"R-Restriction?" Damon stammered. "What do you mean?"
"You are on warning until further notice. This means you have lost all privileges and will not get any warnings for misbehavior. You will be in bed before 10 pm and have a list of chores to complete. Oh, and we will also begin your training, magical, defensive, and combat," Klaus rattled off. "Any violations will result in immediate punishment. And I think you ought to get a right good thrashing in front of Stefan for what you did to him. It will expunge your guilt and let him know you were punished."

Klaus tossed down a hundred dollar bill and took Damon by the arm.

"You're spanking me in front of Stefan? No way. Nope. Can't do that. Ugh, I wish I would have been killed last night," Damon groaned. "This sounds like hell."

"Don't even speak that way again about yourself," Klaus warned. "I am not above taking you in the loo for a bit of talking-to! And you will take your punishment. You were man enough to dish it out, but can you take it."

"You take my car, my freedom, and threaten to treat me like a kid," Damon whined. "Am I supposed to be happy about this?"
"I have given you the gift of being one of the strongest, if not the strongest immortals on the planet. Plus, you have a new home and family that loves you," Klaus said. "And I will help you with your beloved brother. With a little help managing your new gifts and the challenges that come with them, I feel like you two can repair your relationship. Do you trust me?"

Damon looked into Klaus' blue-green eyes, smirking, "Yup, Daddy Klaus, I do."

"You and your nicknames. Very amusing," Klaus laughed. "Now, let us present Miss Bennett with her new car. It is always wise to keep the witches happy. I learned that one the hard way."

Gilbert Residence

Jeremy came out of the shower with his towel wrapped around his waist. He did feel better. Jeremy heard his phone beep and went to find a text from Anna asking if he wanted to meet at the library. He thought he should just call Anna and tell her that he was grounded again and couldn't hang out. It was funny, but with Vicki in rehab, he hadn't even thought about her much.

As Jeremy started to push "call", there was a hard knock on his door.

"Jeremy, it's Ric," Ric said through the bedroom door.

"Um, Ric, I'm getting dressed," Jeremy said. "I'll tell Jenna sorry in a minute."

"Open the damn door now," Ric yelled, after trying the door and finding it locked.

Jeremy gulped and went and opened the locked door. Ric's large frame filled up the doorway and Jeremy backed up when he saw the paddle in Ric's left hand. Ric had warned him about a paddle, but he thought the history teacher was bluffing to scare him. Now, Jeremy was feeling frightened.
"No, Ric, don't spank me," Jeremy begged. "I'll say 'sorry' to Jenna. Just let me get dressed."

"Jenna took the girls and left for a few hours," Ric stated, coming in and shutting the door. "You and me need to have a long and serious talk."

"Okay, yeah, I know I m-messed up," Jeremy stammered. "Just let me get dressed."

"Don't bother," Ric said gruffly. "Sit down and hear what I have to say."

Jeremy sat on his unmade bed, almost more scared of Ric's calm tone than if the man had been shouting. It was unnerving.

"The way you spoke to Jenna before...It never happens again," Ric said, staring intently at Jeremy. "I know bad stuff happened to you and your sister. I am sorry about it, truly and deeply. But Jenna gave up her job, her apartment, and her life to drop everything for you kids. That was her choice and she has never complained about it, but she deserves a hell of a lot more love and respect than you are showing her."

Jeremy hung his head and started to cry.

"I never thought about it before," Jeremy admitted. "She had a lot of friends and a cool place, but she left it for us. Jenna was here when my parents died and never left us again. Unlike Uncle John, who hardly even visits, except when he comes to bug her over the estate. Ric, I really need to tell her sorry now."

Ric held up his hand, warning, "Hold up. You also stole my vervain shots and dosed Lexi with them. Those hunter supplies were for emergencies. I trusted you to be responsible and you let me down. I know you were worried about Bonnie last night, I was, too, but you did a lot of wrong things."

"I didn't listen to you," Jeremy sniffed, wiping away his tears with a tissue. "I convinced Stefan that we needed to help when all I did was put Stefan in danger. Oh man, Ric, you guys must hate me."

Ric softened and he got up and moved closer to Jeremy, putting a strong arm around him. He set the round paddle on the bed.

"No one hates you," Ric said softly. "We love you a lot, which is why I'm going to paddle some sense into your stubborn behind right now. But to be clear, the spanking is for your behavior today. You are grounded for stealing from me and sneaking out last night. But I am proud of you for trying to help. That was brave of you."
Jeremy sniffed, "But stupid."

Ric smiled and agreed, "Okay, it wasn't your best move, but kid, I've done a ton of stupid things. But one of them was not moving in here with you guys and being part of this family. I value every moment I have with you, even when times get tough. Now, you ready to get this over with?"

Ric didn't know how long the ladies would be out. April still had a bit of a cold and might not last long out. He thought Jeremy would appreciate the privacy of getting spanked without anyone else hearing.
Jeremy swallowed, "How many am I getting with the paddle?"

"I don't know. Enough," Ric stated, pulling Jeremy up and over his lap. The wet towel was still around his waist and Ric wasted no time in starting the spanking.

Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack!

Jeremy shifted as he felt the hard whacks descend. Ric had his upper body and the bed and his feet with still on the floor.

Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack!

After a moment, Jeremy wiggled more and was dismayed to find the towel loosening.

"It's coming off soon anyway," Ric explained.

Jeremy let out a yelp as his damp backside felt the first crack without the padding of the cotton fabric. The spanks were loud on Jeremy's bare bottom and echoed in the bedroom.

Whack! Whack!

Whack! Whack!

"Ah!" Jeremy continued, drumming his feet into the carpet. Ric swatted the center of each of Jeremy's bare cheeks from side to side for another moment. "OWWW-OHhhhhhh!"

Whack! Whack!

Whack! Whack!

"Owwww," Jeremy hissed as Ric's cracks lowered and assaulted his tender sit spots. "Ouch! Damn!"

Whack! Whack!

Whack! Whack!

"Watch it," Ric warned. "I think we're getting somewhere now."

Ric spanked a bit slower, trying to cover the whole area to warm it up before the application of the wooden paddle.

Whack! Whack!

Whack! Whack!

Jeremy sobbed and tried to grasp on to the sheets in order to not reach back. He was feeling the heat and tried to pull himself up further, but Ric's left arm held him down flat. The spanking seemed to go on forever. Jeremy's feet continued to drum into the floor and he tried to kick up a foot, but he was rewarded with sharp smacks on the top of his thighs until he lowered his foot.

"Arggggh. Ohhhhh," Ric heard Jeremy cry after each whack.

Ric paused and examined Jeremy's bottom. It was getting pink all over and he thought it was time to finish it up.

"Okay, I'm going to start with the paddle. Give me your right hand," Ric said as he hooked his right leg over Jeremy's legs.

"Ric! Don't," Jeremy begged. His butt was hot and throbbing. He couldn't take the paddle.

Ric rested the light round paddle over Jeremy's right cheek.

"Tell me why I am paddling you," Ric asked, tapping the wood lightly.

"I s-smarted off to J-Jenna and c-cursed at her!" Jeremy answered in a high pitched voice. "I'm s-soooorrrry."

Pop! Pop!

Ric used his wrist to flick the paddle down on first the right side, then the left.

"OHHHH," Jeremy yelled, pounding the bed with his left hand. "Hurts..."

"I know," Ric said, he swatted Jeremy in the center of both cheeks a bit firmer. Pop! "I'm been here, kid. Believe me, I've been here."

Pop! Pop!

Pop!

Ric continued the paddling in the same pattern for another series of licks.

Pop! Pop!

Pop!

Then, he spanked a bit lower and Jeremy howled in shock.

"AHHHHHH," Jeremy exploded. "Stooooppp! Ahhhh."

Pop! Pop!

Pop!

"Hang in there. You're doing well," Ric stated, keeping a steady pace.

Pop! Pop!

Pop!

"Ohhhhhh, I'lllll b-be g-good," Jeremy vowed, sobbing.

Pop! Pop!

Pop!

"Almost there," Ric said.

Pop! Pop!

Pop!

Ric knew the boy could take more, since the paddle was light and stingy, but he decided to give him a break. It was after all, only his second time over Ric's knee.

Pop! Pop!

Pop!

"Okay, that's it. You're going to be fine," Ric said. "All done, kiddo." He figured Jeremy might feel the licking for another hour or less.

Ric unhooked his legs and let go off Jeremy's hand, but let him cry over his knee another moment.
"I know it doesn't seem like it, but I went kinda easy on you," Ric said, rubbing his back lightly. "Now, you are going to sit at your desk on your sore butt and write Jenna an apology letter. I think Lexi is leaving tonight, so a phone call apology will suffice for her."

"O-Okay, R-Ric," Jeremy sniffled, getting up. "But that d-didn't feel real e-easy honestly."

"I know, but you deserved it, mister. Go on and put some pants on," Ric said, giving Jeremy a light tap on the rear to get him up. Jeremy hopped up and rubbed his stinging cheeks vigorously for a moment.
"That paddle sucks. When did you have time to make it?" Jeremy complained. He realized he was, indeed, still nude and quickly found a pair of sweats on the floor that he stepped into. He almost faltered, but Ric caught his arm, steadying him.

Ric deflected, "Never you worry about that. Now, I hope to see a lot more of the respectful, helpful boy rather than the sullen, sassy teenager side of you. Okay? Because when the brat comes out, the paddle will come out, too. Come here, buddy."

Ric wanted to comfort the boy, but wasn't sure if now was the time. Jeremy looked angry.

Jeremy grimaced, "No way. I'm really gonna try, Ric. You'll see."

"I know, Jer. No one is expecting you to be perfect, we all have bad days, but we just can't take it out on others," Ric explained, as Jeremy reached back and rubbed his rear again. The sting was sharp and his backside felt warm.

"You know I hate doing that. I used to get it from my dad and after I'd swear I'd never talk to him again. I swore I'd never yell at my kids or punish them, but here I am," Ric recalled. "If you need some time, I can go."

Ric stood, but Jeremy said, "Wait, Ric. Don't go yet."

After a brief pause, Ric stepped forward hugged Jeremy for a long moment. He kissed the top of his head, feeling some relief that Jeremy wasn't too resentful. Jeremy blew his nose and then put on a shirt.

Jeremy sighed, pulling away, "Okay, Ric, we're good. But do I got to sit when writing that note?"

"Yep, you have to. And use your best handwriting or you will re-do it," Ric warned. "Your aunt deserves your best."

"I know, she really does," Jeremy conceded. "Hey, how about we make dinner tonight? You know she likes my spaghetti!"

"That's an awesome idea," Ric agreed. "I can make a salad and some garlic bread. You okay, here? I'm going to throw in some laundry."

Jeremy got some notebook paper and gingerly sat down at his desk. He shifted uncomfortably as he chewed on the end of the pen as he thought about what to write. He started, "Dear Aunt Jenna, you are the best aunt a guy could have. I'm real sorry about today. I didn't mean it. I hope you know how much I love you and appreciate all you do..."

By the time he finished, Jeremy felt better, aside from the itchy throbbing in his behind, he felt a lot better.