Pairing: Ric/Jeremy (M/m) hand, belt
Elijah-Klaus/Enzo-Stefan (MM/Mm) hand, mild
Mikaelson Mansion
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Afternoon
Stefan tried again to call Elena, but there was no answer. He had spent a restless night on Kol's couch, barely sleeping. Even with the wax earplugs, he could hear his chainsaw like snoring.
"Screw this," Stefan mumbled, pushing away his algebra homework. He could do it in his sleep, but it still was due tomorrow. Elijah had Enzo sitting at his office desk, working on a reading book.
"Problem?" Elijah asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, I can't get ahold of Elena. I think I'm going to just drive over there," Stefan shared.
"I thought you were restricted to the house?" Elijah pressed.
"Nope. I'm off the hook," Stefan shared. "And that was Damon."
"Damon and Niklaus have been in the garage all afternoon," Elijah noted. "Enzo's been working hard. Why don't you take him with you?"
Stefan paused, he really didn't want to take Enzo, but didn't know how to bow out gracefully.
"Ah, sure," Stefan said finally. "But I don't know how long I'll be there."
"That's fine. Dinner is 6 sharp. You should have enough time. Call if you'll be later," Elijah said lightly.
Stefan frowned, not used to be accountable to these older vampires. "Okay, will do."
Enzo hopped up, saying, "I am ready. Maybe I could drive your motorcar?"
Stefan laughed harshly, "I don't think so. You don't even have a license."
"What's a license?" Enzo asked.
Stefan rolled his eyes and walked out, with Enzo trailing after.
Elijah couldn't help but remind them to behave themselves.
"Have fun, boys," Elijah said, straightening Enzo's work. He was checking through Enzo and Kol's punishment work. Kol was a fine writer, but Enzo did not seem to grasp the basics of punctuation and mechanics. They would have to work on that before they enrolled him in further education.
***
"Thanks," Enzo breathed, once they got to the garage. "My arse was getting numb and my hand is aching. I don't think I ever wrote so much in one sitting."
"Yeah?" Stefan asked. "I guess there isn't much need to write when you were imprisoned, huh?"
"Damon and I used to use the walls of our cell. Your brother isn't the most patient instructor, but besides plot our escape, we had little else to do...That is, when we weren't being cut up," Enzo grimaced. "They cut my organs out over and over again for years, so I guess the writing isn't that bad."
"It sounds terrible," Stefan winced, looking around the garage. "I didn't even know Damon was missing. Some brother I am."
Enzo stopped, "How would you have known? You two had lived apart for years. The Augustines were clever and wily, they didn't have many leaks."
Stefan shrugged, "After the war, I figured Damon just wasn't interested. Say, they didn't get much done in this garage. Where are they?"
Enzo shrugged, "Maybe they took a break? So you had a lot of ladies after the war? I heard that was a happy time."
"I suppose. There were a couple of woman, but no one serious," Stefan mentioned, getting into the driver seat. "I didn't know what love was until I met Elena...but now we are just friends."
Enzo was confused, asking, "But you still fancy her? Damon, too?"
"We both love her," Stefan said, revving the engine of his Porsche. "I think we always will, but she's young. Seventeen. She deserves to have a normal, human life. A career, a family, maybe even kids. Neither of us ever wanted her to turn."
"I see," Enzo said, shutting the door. "So, how fast does this thing go?"
"Fast," Stefan grinned, shaking the bad mood he was in off. "Come on, I'll show you."
***
Gilbert Residence
April, Jeremy, and Elena sat at the kitchen table looking expectantly at Ric and Jenna.
"Is, um, everything okay?" April asked anxiously. She toyed with the placemat in front of her. "Did I do something wrong?"
Jenna sat and put a hand on her arm.
"Oh no, sweetie," Jenna soothed. "We just wanted to talk about some ground rules and safety stuff. You know, to make sure we're all on the same page?"
Jeremy looked at Elena skeptically, he knew he was still in for it for skipping out last night.
"Look, I'm really sorry about last night. I know I worried you guys," Jeremy blurted out.
Ric sat down with a bottle of water.
"Yeah, thanks for saying that. We'll discuss that later. But for now, I took the liberty of making a list of stuff," Ric said, turning to grab a notebook from the island.
"Ric is making us a family syllabus," Jenna joked. "Always the teacher..."
Ric grinned, "Yeah, well, it's harder to argue with things when they are in writing. So, to start, we need to know where you guys are at all times. With April starting school tomorrow, I want you all to come home unless you have an activity that we know about. No stopping off at the Grill or going to someone's house without permission. We need to know who you are with and exactly where you are at all times. No one 'telling' us later, you need to get permission before."
Elena looked at Jenna, saying, "Okay, that's fair. My cheerleading schedule is on the frig."
"That's fine," Jenna added. "I taped a family calendar up there. If you have something, jot it down on the calendar. That means appointments, activities, and school functions. I'll do the same for my classes and stuff."
"What if it's a last minute thing?" Jeremy pondered.
"Call first," Ric stated. "Or check in with me at school."
"Kinda hard when you took my phone," Jeremy muttered.
Ric exchanged a look with Jenna and took the phone out of his pocket, sliding it over to Jeremy.
"We're giving you your phone back," Jenna shared. "And April, we'll get you one tomorrow. I want you to have them on you in case you need anything. And keep them charged. Elena, your phone was on the floor in the living room dead. We all need to be more responsibile."
April was puzzled, asking, "Is something happening in town? You look kinda worried. Does this have to do with the...explosion at the farm?"
Jenna shook her head, saying, "No, dear. The Sheriff said the first reports from the investigators look like it is leaning towards an accident."
"Oh," April replied sadly. Had her father suffered? She had so many questions that she needed answered.
"I'm sure we will find out more when the investigation is completed," Ric comforted. "Second thing, you guys need to help out around the house. I made a little list here of our jobs. Mainly, your rooms need to be kept picked up and dirty laundry taken down to the basement. I'll be in charge of laundry. Jenna will do the shopping and cooking on nights she is not in class."
"I can help cook," April piped up. "I don't mind."
"That would be helpful, April," Jenna said. "But we want you to adjust to school first. You guys can do take out or have left overs to start with. Kitchen clean up will be on a rotation."
"Kitchen clean up?" Jeremy groaned.
Ric smiled, "It's not that serious. Loading the dishwasher, cleaning pots, sweeping up, and taking out the garbage. You don't do your chores, no allowance that week. Believe me, if you don't that after eating, it piles up."
"And you can get bugs," Jenna added slyly, eyeing Ric.
"Oh, you knew about that?" Ric moaned.
"About your disgusting apartment? Kinda hard not to when ants were everywhere," Jenna admitted.
"Yeah, so now I'm embarrassed," Ric noted sheepishly. "Um, next item...Curfew. We'd like you all in bed by 10 so no one gets any more tardies..."
Jeremy exclaimed defensively, "My alarm didn't go off. That wasn't my fault, the power went out."
Elena elbowed her baby brother.
"Stop. I woke you up five times and you went back to sleep," Elena chided. "Ric had already left and you made me late, too. I can't get a detention because of practice. Jer, you need to go to bed on time."
"Fine," Jeremy said grudgingly. "But 10 seems too early."
"Be that as it may, you can stay up to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays," Ric commented. "Is that fair?"
"Midnight? I never had a freaking bedtime before! Well, not since I was like eight," Jeremy complained.
"Leading to the next point," Jenna said. "If you are grounded, bedtime will be moved up earlier, depending on the offense. And we will listen to you, but the final decisions will be made by us. We are the adults, you are the children...I know you don't want to hear that, but it's and whining isn't going to work anymore on me."
"But that's not fair!" Jeremy protested.
Ric cleared his throat, saying, "And like Jenna said, we want to listen, but you need to communicate respectfully. I think we've gotten into some bad habits here of-."
"Here we go with the lecture," Jeremy scoffed.
"Jer-," Elena tried, not wanting this to turn into a fight. April was looking uncomfortable.
Ric sighed, "Kids, we're not trying to lecture you or talk at you, but things need to change. Our job is to get you to adulthood with the skills you need to be successful. That's not always fun. These rules are for protection, but also so we can keep our sanity. And the truth is that if you do what you are supposed to, you don't get in trouble."
Elena smiled, "That sounds reasonable. Come on, Jeremy, this isn't that bad."
"But we're in high school now!" No one said anything and Jeremy finally blew out a puff of air and nodded, "Fine. What else?"
"We could do without the attitude all the time," Jenna said gently. "We really aren't going to yell at you and nag you anymore. If you can't speak and act respectfully, then you will need to face the consequences. I know you want to be treated maturely, but you also need to show us that you can handle responsibility. That means homework is done when you get home. Ric shouldn't need to check in with your teachers, he has enough to do at work. We want you to bring home tests and quizzes. And study before, no more last minute cramming. That never works."
Elena looked down at her lap, guiltily, "Mrs. Halpern said I can re-take that trig quiz."
Jermey added with a smirk, "Yeah, you really bombed that. 43%! That's a first for you."
Ric grunted, "I am still waiting for your geography project. You aren't getting anymore special treatment or extensions because I'm your teacher. Got it?"
"If you wouldn't give us so much work, it wouldn't be a problem," Jeremy snapped.
Ric smiled tightly, grinding out, "April, dear, why don't you go watch t.v.? I think we need to talk to Elena and Jeremy a little more. Do you have any questions?"
April bit her lip. "No, but I wanted to say thanks again for taking me in. I don't know where else I would have gone...My Aunt Mae said I can stay with her, but she's getting pretty old and money is tight for her. So thanks."
Jenna stood and hugged her, adding, "It's been wonderful having you here. You have a home here as long as you like. You know that."
"Yeah, thanks," April repeated. "I should go up and get organized for tomorrow. I'm not even sure what to wear, all my old clothes are so conservative. And really, I don't mind helping with the cooking..."
Jenna smiled, "You don't have to do that, but thank you."
April nodded and went upstairs to make sure she was ready for her classes at MFHS tomorrow.
Jeremy twiddled his thumbs, snarking, "Now, you can lay it all out now that she is gone. Guess you aren't going to beat her ass, huh?"
"Jeremy, you are way out of line," Jenna hissed. "Yes, we started to get a lot firmer with you two. April has been nothing but cooperative and obedient and she is not officially our child...yet. But I think your behavior required desperate measures. April doesn't know about the supernatural, but in time, if she is still here, we are going to need to share that. Until then, you two need to help protect her, she has been through a lot."
"We will, Jenna," Elena vowed. "We'll look after April. Do you really think the explosion was an accident."
Ric leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs.
"No, honey, that was no accident. I think these Travelers were somehow behind it," Ric admitted. "That's why we need you to stay close to home. There is more going on here. It's just not over yet."
Jeremy looked concerned. It crossed his mind that they had just lied to April's face, but if he lied, he'd get punished. This whole thing wasn't fair at all.
"But what about my so-called friend, Anna?" Jeremy mentioned. "Do you think we should give her what she wants?"
"No way," Jenna interjected. "Jeremy, no friend treats you like that. I know it's been tough on you with Vicki gone, but I want you to stay away from this girl."
Jeremy shrugged, "Honestly, Vicki wasn't a great friend either. And that 'girl' is like 500 years old. She was awfully interested in this compass."
Jeremy took the compass out of his back pocket. "Here, it just looks like some old thing to me."
Ric reached out and touched the golden compass.
"Mind if I hang onto this? I want to do a little research on this. It must be important if Anna came back to Mystic Falls for it," Ric noted.
"She wants her mom out of that tomb. I told her it was impossible, but she is pretty determined," Jeremy mentioned. "Take the thing. I really don't care. You can have the journal, too."
"Ric will look into it," Jenna finished. "But there is still the matter of last night to discuss."
Jeremy looked at Elena and mumbled, "Sorry, I got you in trouble."
Elena blushed and looked out the glass doors.
"Yeah, I just want you to be happy, Jer," Elena intoned. "But this kind of stuff isn't helping."
Ric exhaled, "Elena, I shouldn't have been so...abrupt with you. Jenna and I talked, we don't plan to use the paddle as a first resort, but if groundings and other consequences don't work. It's still on the table."
Elena felt uncomfortable and pleaded, "But we're too old. This is just silly. Mom and Dad never spanked us!"
Jenna smiled, "You got a couple of whacks that maybe you don't remember. You had great parents and they wanted the best for both of you. They also weren't dealing with all these vampires! The stakes are higher now. You disobey and you can be putting your life in danger."
Elena admitted, "Ric, I should have fessed up sooner. I don't know what I was thinking. I guess I didn't want Jer to get in more trouble, even when he is being a little brat."
Jeremy chuckled, "Um, thanks, I think."
Ric reached across the table and grabbed Elena's hand.
"Thank you for being reasonable about this," Ric said with emotion. "I should have just threatened to take your car keys."
Elena's eyes widened, "No way. I need my car!"
"Relax, you were punished and we aren't taking your car. This time anyway... What happened is over and done with," Jenna consoled. "But anymore risking your lives and you can expect a good, old-fashioned spanking. You break your groundings, lie, or are defiant and you're going to get it. I don't like it anymore than you do, but we need to be able to trust you two."
Jeremy swallowed, "You can. I swear. When I found out Anna was a vamp, I was scared. I thought she was going to kill me or compel me. Believe me, I learned my lesson."
Ric and Jenna looked at each other.
Ric said, "We're all taking vervain morning and night from now on. Damon gave me access to their cellar and we're going to start using it. Elena, why don't you and Jenna go check on April? I need to talk to Jer alone."
Jenna got up and took Elena by the hand.
"Come on, let's give April that outfit we got her," Jenna coaxed. "I think she'll like it."
"Yeah, it will be a nice surprise," Elena said, casting one pitiful last look at Jeremy before they left. He was slumped over the table, looking miserable.
Ric cleared his throat.
"I gave you your phone back because Jenna and I decided on your punishment," Ric started.
"Well, I don't have a license or a car, so I'm assuming I'm grounded for life?" Jeremy complained.
"We talked about that, too," Ric said. "You can go to your art class on Wednesday night still, but you are home aside from school until Friday."
Jeremy perked up, that was better than he expected.
"Cool," Jeremy said. "Um, thanks."
"Don't thank me yet," Ric said softly. "For sneaking out when grounded, I am going to spank you before bed tonight."
"No! Ric, please," Jeremy exclaimed, instantly tearing up.
"And I'm going to introduce you to my belt," Ric shared. "Just a couple of licks, but I won't have you directly disobeying. I know it's not your fault that Anna is a vampire. I also appreciate you being honest with me. That's why your whole whupping is not going to be with the belt."
Jeremy's face crumpled.
"Can't we just get it over with now? I don't wanna wait," Jeremy said.
Ric looked at his watch, saying, "I was going to give you an early bed time but-."
The door bell rang.
Ric mumbled, "Stay here. I wonder who that is."
Jeremy kicked the table leg in frustration, cursing under his breath. He wished Ric had just beat his butt last night when they got home. Waiting was unbearable for the teen.
Stefan came in a moment later after having a quiet conversation with Ric at the door.
"Hey man," Stefan said. "Sorry to barge in but Elena wasn't answering her phone. I brought Enzo." Ric was behind him, with Enzo lingering in the doorway.
"Hey, Stef," Jeremy said glumly. "Enzo."
"Hey mate, nice house," Enzo said, looking around. Ric got them sodas and sat back down. Enzo started roaming around the downstairs.
"Ric said you had some trouble last night?" Stefan began. "You met a vampire?"
Jeremy looked at Ric in surprise, this was so embarrassing.
"Yeah, I thought she was some cute, but strange, chick. Not so," Jeremy admitted. "Stefan, she said her mom had some kind of old pharmacy where my dad's office is in town. Did you know her? Her name is Anna, or Annabelle?"
Stefan leaned against the island and folded his arms.
"Annabelle Zhu," Stefan recalled. "Her mother, Pearl, ran the apothecary. She was tight with Katherine, and very beautiful and exotic looking, especially at that time in the 1860s. Jonathan Gilbert, your ancestor, may have had a thing for her...Wonder if his wife ever caught wind of it? That would have been quite the scandal. What the hell is Annabelle doing back here, though? I assumed she was in the tomb."
Jeremy looked up, "Her mom still is. She wanted that compass I gave Ric and Jonathan's diary to get her out. Stefan, she isn't going to stop until her mom is free."
"And she tried to get to you?" Stefan inquired, tapping his hand on the counter. "I only vaguely remember her. I think she looked like 14? I don't like this one bit. Jeremy, did she ask you for anything else?"
Jeremy thought carefully, "No, but she told me she was working on a report for her mom for homeschool on town history. I took her down to the basement of my dad's old office and that is where I found the journal. She wanted it real bad, but I wouldn't give it to her...Then, Ric showed up. I haven't been back there since."
Stefan looked at Ric, saying, "We should check it out. Jonathan was always making inventions for guys like my father. Some of them worked to, like your rings."
Ric held up his Gilbert ring and twisted it around his finger. He never took it off. Jeremy wore his too.
"Yeah, thankfully or your brother would have killed me," Ric pointed out. "But how did he manage that? From the little bit I read in the journal, the guy seems like a kook."
Stefan rubbed the stubble on his chin.
"Emily Bennett. She must have spelled the items. Why? I have no idea," Stefan said. "How much of the journals did you read?"
"Not a lot," Jeremy said. "Why? And what do you mean by journals?"
"There has to be more than one," Stefan informed them. "And I learned the Gilbert ring worked by mistake. But only because..."
Stefan drifted off, unable to continue.
"Why, Stefan? What happened?" Ric asked.
"I killed him," Stefan admitted. "Drained him dry. Then, I saw him walking around town as right as rain the next day. He betrayed Pearl and Emily in the end. He was a bastard. Sorry, Jeremy, I know he's your ancestor, but he was a scumbag."
Jeremy was amazed, "You killed him! Wow, Ric's right, I should read more. Can we go check the office and see if there are anymore?"
Ric looked at the microwave clock and saw it was was 5:45 pm.
"Um, we have some unfinished business tonight, young man," Ric reminded Jeremy. "I'll bring your vervain up. Take your shower and get ready for bed and I'll be up shortly. And get that homework done."
Jeremy bit his lip but didn't want to argue in front of Stefan. Enzo was looking at family pictures in the living room as Jeremy went upstairs.
Stefan gave Ric a questioning look.
"Uh-oh," Stefan commented. "Someone is in trouble."
"Yeah, he snuck out to meet with this Annabelle," Ric explained. "How about we plan to check out the office after school? I'll get the key from Jenna."
"Sounds good. I actually have to be back by 6. Can I run up and say hi to Elena?" Stefan inquired politely.
"Yeah, of course," Ric said automatically. "Stefan, just how bad is this? Is there any chance those cave vampires could get freed?"
Stefan hesitated, "It's bad, Ric. One vampire can cause havoc in a town...I don't know how but I have a feeling Katherine is involved. I'll stop by the boarding house tonight and grab some more vervain. Also, I need to look through my father's things. The old house burned down long ago, but he had some stuff hidden beneath an old ice house that survived. Jonathan and Giuseppe were drinking buddies. I'll talk to Damon and see if he knows anything."
Ric grinned, "So you two are talking again?"
Stefan frowned, "I guess. But Damon and Klaus are as thick as thieves. I feel like they are up to something themselves. Klaus wants that Augustine Wes alive and Damon is just going along with it. Supposedly, Enzo and Damon are affected by some residual magic from the Travelers. Not sure I buy it. Did Klaus call you?"
Ric admitted, "I don't think so, but I haven't had my phone on. I actually was the one who found that about the coven. I think there is some truth to it. It's not like you to be so hard on Damon. You okay, man?"
Stefan shrugged, "I don't know. Lexi left and living with the Mikaelsons is...odd. They-!"
Stefan stopped, "Shit, we have to go. Elijah demands everyone be at the table dressed at 6. We're never going to make it if we don't leave now. Tell Elena-..."
"I'll tell her you stopped by," Ric laughed. "Go."
Stefan grabbed Enzo and dragged him out.
"Come on, we'll break some speed limits," Stefan promised.
"Right-o," Enzo cried, whooping. "Bye, Ric."
Ric started to say, "Be careful" but they were already gone.
Mikaelson Mansion
Rebekah had her hair tied up in one of Greta's scarves. She couldn't get the ink out and one side of her blond hair had a blue twinge. She glared daggers at Kol as she sat down to dinner. Wes and Aaron were joining them. Elijah eyed Aaron's rumpled shirt with distain but held his tongue. Wes had a long day of trying to contact the boarding school to get records faxed over. He was successful but Aaron was defiant and restless.
"Lovely hair, Sister," Kol cackled.
"Kol Mikaelson, I am going to-," Rebekah started tightly.
Elijah said, "Mind the children, please. Indy, I want you to eat some salad tonight."
Indy smiled sweetly, "Okay, I will try it."
Elijah was surprised at her acceptance, but please.
"Thank you, dear," Elijah replied. "I see two children getting dessert, but I am not so sure about your Uncle Kol and Auntie Bex. They may get sent to bed with no supper."
Klaus grinned, "Oh, even Elijah wouldn't be cruel. Now, where are Stefan and Enzo? I thought you told them not to be late!"
Elijah frowned, "I did. This is most unacceptable."
Damon tapped on the table with his fork.
"You know, I'm always the late one. Stefan hates to be late," Damon worried.
Klaus assured, "I am sure he is fine. Though I did put in a call to Ric and he didn't answer."
Elijah put down the bread sticks, "Stefan said Elena wasn't answering her phone. Is that usual?"
Damon frowned, "No, she's glued to that thing. You don't think...? Maybe we should go over there?"
"No one panic. You all eat, I shall go," Klaus said, taking his linen napkin from his lap. There was a sharp knock on the door.
"That's not bloody good," Kol quipped. Elijah silenced him with a glare.
Julian hit Indy with a bread stick when no one was looking. She tore it and tossed a chunk of it on his lap. As the children laughed, Klaus led in Sheriff Forbes.
"Sheriff? Is everything alright?" Damon asked, standing up, his napkin falling to the floor.
Liz Forbes took off her hat, her short blond hair in disarray, she was still in uniform.
"Sorry to interrupt your meal. Actually, one of my deputies caught Stefan going over a hundred miles an hour! They impounded the car and took them to the station. I have them in the back of the squad car," Liz shared. "Hi kids, you two are looking good! Having fun here?"
Indy chirped, "Oh yeah, we like it here. Want to see our new toys?"
"Sure, but not right now," Liz smiled. "Um, I'm going to release them into your custody, but there will be a hefty fine. You can pick up the car from impound."
Damon snapped at Klaus, "Still think no one should be sent to bed with no supper? You deal with them. They could have caused an accident!"
Klaus patted his son on the shoulder, soothing, "Go eat. I'll take care of this. Elijah, will you accompany me."
Aaron was wide-eyed, "I thought I was a screw up. Wes, when can I get a car?"
"Never," Wes said, taking a sip of his wine.
Aaron smiled at the kids and threw a piece of his bread stick at them when he thought no one was looking to make them laugh.
Liz waved bye to the kids and followed the vampires out to her squad car.
"Sheriff, we really appreciate this," Elijah said smoothly. "The boys will be making a sizable donation to the Mystic Falls police association for your trouble. It shall not happen again."
"Thank you," Liz said. "But that's not necessary. But maybe a course in driver's safety will do the trick. I think I have a pamphlet about it in my car."
Liz opened the back doors and uncuffed Stefan and Enzo.
"I am releasing you both into the Mikaelson's custody," Liz said gruffly.
"Thanks, Liz," Stefan mumbled. "I mean Sheriff Forbes...Please don't mention this to Caroline. I'll never hear the end of it."
"I think you have bigger problems than my daughter," Liz chuckled.
Klaus grabbed Stefan and Elijah helped Enzo out of the car.
"He was driving!" Enzo whined. Elijah turned him and landed several cracks on the younger vampire's thighs. "Owwww!"
Slap. Slap. Slap.
"Elijah, it's my fault-," Stefan tried, but Klaus swatted him firmly and pushed him into the house. Smack! Smack!
"I see you have the situation in hand," Liz quipped. "Good night, gentleman."
"Thank you, Sheriff," Klaus said again. "I think we do."
Elijah guided Enzo into the grand entrance, scolding, "I do not even know what to say. You two march up to Enzo's quarters right now."
"What about supper?" Enzo moaned.
"Move!" Klaus hissed. "And we had better find you two standing in the corners!"
"Corners?" Stefan moaned. Elijah now turned him and spanked him six times. Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack.
"Ahhhh, okay...G-Going," Stefan protested, trying to cover his backside. Klaus popped Enzo hard on his rump to get him going.
Elijah sighed, "Well, we shall at least finish our meal. A hour miles an hour? I cannot even imagine what they were thinking."
Klaus said, "You don't really mean to starve them tonight?"
Elijah confessed, "Of course not. But let them stew a bit...Better they deal with us than Damon, did you see the look on his face?"
"Aye, he must get that from me," Klaus determined with a hint of pride. "But our chicken grows cold. After you, Brother."
Elijah calmed himself and went back to the table. A half hour in the corner would do the miscreants some good.
Gilbert Residence
Evening
Ric checked his phone and texted Klaus back. He had an old friend at an organization that specialized in supernatural knowledge and artifacts. It was called The Armory and located in Grove Hill, only seven miles from Mystic Falls.
Ric started to put a call into Dorian Williams, but then realized it would have to wait. He had to tend to Jeremy. Ric knew it sucked waiting for a licking. He thought they would both feel better when it was over.
Jeremy was sketching in his notebook when Ric walked through the open door.
"You got all your homework done?" Ric asked, looking around the messy room.
"Yeah, I guess," Jeremy replied.
"No, I want an answer. Did you or didn't you?" Ric pressed, shutting the door.
"Yes, sir, I did," Jeremy replied in a stiff voice. "Is that what you want?"
"I want the truth. Now, Stefan laid a lot on us. We are going to look into your dad's office tomorrow. Jer, I really don't want you involved in all this. If that girl comes around you, I want you to let me know," Ric said. "Also, I'm going to give you a couple of things, just in case you are in danger."
"A crossbow?" Jeremy questioned, smirking.
"I think someone at school would notice. How about some vervain shots, a vervain spray, and a few other items disguised as everyday objects?" Ric tried. "I'll put them in your backpack and show you how to use them in the morning."
"Okay, Ric," Jeremy said. "But do I got to get spanked again?"
"Yes," Ric said firmly. "And we talked about why? I want you to think about this before you even think of acting up again. Slip down those sweats."
Jeremy begrudgingly got up and pulled down his sweats. He had on boxers and gasped as Ric sat on the bed and pulled them down. Jeremy covered himself and tried to pull his shirt down lower.
"I'm not wasting any time spanking your pants tonight," Ric informed the teen. "Over my lap."
"But you said...," Jeremy started, shuffling a bit.
Ric reached around and slapped Jeremy's bare behind. Crack.
"No arguing," Ric warned. "Over my lap."
Jeremy arranged himself over Ric's knees, feeling awkward.
Ric pulled him in closer with his left hand and wasted no time starting the brisk spanking.
Whack! Whack! Whack! Whack!
Whack! Whack! Whack! Whack!
Jeremy's eyes popped open and he tried to look back to make sure Ric wasn't indeed using the wooden paddle.
"Stop squirming," Ric ordered. "This is just your warm up."
Whack! Whack! Whack! Whack!
Whack! Whack! Whack! Whack!
Ric's big hand was hard and Jeremy was soon kicking and crying.
Whack! Whack! Whack! Whack!
Whack! Whack! Whack! Whack!
"If you don't want a spankin', you follow the rules," Ric lectured. "I know you can behave if you want to!"
Whack! Whack! Whack! Whack!
Whack! Whack! Whack! Whack!
"I w-want to," Jeremy hissed, pounding the bed with his fists. His bottom was again on fire. He couldn't believe he was in this position again. "Ohhhh, ahhhhh, arggggh."
Whack! Whack! Whack! Whack!
Whack! Whack! Whack! Whack!
"S-Sorrrrry, R-Ric," Jeremy sobbed, scissoring his legs open and shut.
Ric rubbed Jeremy's cheeks a moment, they were pink and warm. It was time.
"Okay, buddy. I'm going to have you get on top of the bed over a pillow," Ric shared. He stood Jeremy up and let him stomp and cry as he laid a bed pillow in the center. "Get over that so your behind is higher."
Jeremy cried and whined that he had been spanked enough and didn't need the belt. Ric paddled him with his hand a few times until Jeremy obeyed.
"Okay, O-Okay," Jeremy shrieked, getting face down with the pillow under his hips.
Ric had him move a bit so his backside was where he wanted it. Ric took a deep breath and took off his belt.
"You're only getting five," Ric determined. "But if you don't listen, you're getting more."
Jeremy sobbed into his hands, wiggling his burning behind.
Ric wrapped the buckle end of the belt around his hand, leaving only a short strip of leather loose. He adjusted Jeremy's cotton t-shirt, pulling it up higher to bare his bottom more.
"Ready?" Ric prompted.
"Noooooo," Jeremy wailed.
Whap!
Ric laid down the first lick on the fullest part of Jeremy's pink rear creating a darker red mark. Jeremy howled and turned to his side, holding his rump in both hands, his modesty forgotten.
"That didn't count. I know it stings, but you earned this," Ric said sternly. He remembered all the times he had been in similar situation. It wasn't anymore fun being on the other side of the strap.
Ric waited until Jeremy settled and then moved him back in position. This time, he put a hand on his lower back.
Thwap.
Ric whacked the belt a little lower and Jeremy howled again. Thwap! Thwap!
Ric went a little lower with each lick. He landed the last two in the same spot over Jeremy's crease area. Jeremy's kicked as much as he could with his pants around his knees.
Thwap! Thwap!
"Fuckkkkkk," Jeremy hollered, trying to turn over again.
"One more," Ric threatened. He held Jeremy down firmer and gave him the last swat back over the center of his bottom. Jeremy screamed into his bed and kicked his legs.
"Okay, buddy. All done," Ric said, tossing the belt to the side. Ric sat on the side of the bed and patted Jeremy's back, talking to him softly. Jeremy's backside was pink with redder areas where the belt had landed. He slipped off Jeremy's boxers and sweats and then got a wet washcloth in the bathroom.
Ric cleaned off Jeremy's face and helped him into his bed. He pulled the covers over him and tucked him in.
"You made it, Jer," Ric soothed. "I know that stung and your butt is going to be maybe a little tender in the morning. But you're gonna be fine."
Jeremy sniffed, "So y-you're n-not mad at me?"
Ric's heart skipped a beat. "No, bud. I'm not mad but I was really scared last night when I was driving around. I went to the library and it was closed. I was relieved when I saw you jogging down Main Street. You have no idea."
"S-Sorry, Ric," Jeremy croaked. "I thought I was doing Anna a favor, but she was using me the whole time."
Jeremy cried a little more as Ric stroked his hair.
"I'm not defending her," Ric stated. "But if her mom is in that cave, I kinda feel for her. But this one is out of our hands. We need to let the Salvatores deal with this one. Okay?"
Jeremy whispered, "Okay. Will you stay with me?"
"Yeah, of course," Ric said, stretching out next to Jeremy on the bed. "You know there are other girls out there..."
"Like who?" Jeremy asked.
"Like ones who are human," Ric smiled. "I don't know. Maybe we should just go away this weekend? Didn't Jenna mention something about a lake house?"
Jeremy smiled, turning a bit. His rear was still stinging and hot, but the thought of getting away sounded nice.
"Yeah, we have a real nice lake house at Dunham Lake," Jeremy reported. "I broke my arm there jumping off the dock. My dad warned me not to, but I just had to do it. Guess I didn't listen too well, even as a kid."
Ric yawned, "Hey, you'll get there, buddy. Now, go to sleep. I'll talk to Jenna about that vacation later."
Jenna found them both sleeping later. She woke up Ric quietly and was relieved that Jeremy seemed okay. Jenna thought a trip to the Lake House this coming weekend would be perfect.
