Prompt for Gar ( ) on Damon's new symptoms. Thank you.

Pairing: Ric/Jeremy (M/m) paddle, hand; Ric/Elena (M/f) hand, brush

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Gilbert Residence

Dinner

"That's weird," Jenna stated, looking out the kitchen doors, as she washed a pot. "Look at the sky. It wasn't supposed to rain tonight."

Elena draped the dishtowel on her shoulder. She glanced out and saw the clouds rolling towards them menacingly in the sky.

"Yeah, it was nice out when I came home from practice. It looks bad out. Um, Jenna, about this morning...," Elena started. The two of them were cleaning up after dinner. Jenna forced April to go upstairs and relax as she had cooked most of the meal.

"Honey, Ric is going to deal with that. I can't swing that big paddle. I'm sorry I just can't," Jenna admitted, setting the pot on the drainer for Elena to dry. Jenna had a little smile tugging at her lips and Elena wondered what was up.

Elena picked up the pot, gulping, "Big paddle? But Ric already, you know, took care of it at school!"

"He said he swatted your bum for lying and mouthing off, not cheating. Elena, I don't know what you two were thinking honestly," Jenna went on, taking a sip from her water glass.

"We weren't thinking," Elena huffed. "Is Ric, ah, dealing with Jeremy now?"

"Yes, Jeremy didn't want to wait. I hope April doesn't hear it, though," Jenna mused.

"April got spanked more than all of us put together. The pastor used to make it pretty clear what would happen if she acted up when I was babysitting. Back then she was kind of a handful, I even covered for her a couple of times," Elena smiled.

"Really?" Jenna mused surprised. "She's so well-behaved. I never would have guessed that."
"Yeah, why do you think she's so well-behaved?" Elena laughed. "April led a pretty sheltered life. I think she's still too naive for high school. If someone swears around her, she blushes and gets embarrassed."

"Huh," Jenna said, putting away the dried pots. "I guess that can be a good thing. Ric said you spent your money buying her that make-up?"

Elena nodded, "Yes, I thought it would help her fit in more. April is infatuated with Rebekah Mikaelson. Bekah streaked her blond hair pink and April can't get over it. Plus, she has no clue that we are surrounded by vamps."

"Yes, maybe we need to have a talk with her at that lake house this weekend. Do you think she's ready? I know it is still a shock to me," Jenna confirmed. "I don't know. Maybe we should wait longer?"

Elena leaned against the counter.

"Yeah, I don't know if she'll ever be ready to hear the truth. But she's so vulnerable...and innocent. I think the longer we wait, the more it seems like we are all lying to her. I don't want to be a part of that," Elena acknowledged.

"Fair point," Jenna conceded. "Why don't you go do your homework? Ric will be in after he's done with Jeremy."
"Jenna," Elena whined.

Jenna's face grew stern. "Don't Elena. We warned you kids about what would happen if you misbehaved and a day later you pull this. No more fussing or I'm going to give you a warm-up."
Elena held her hands up, intoning, "No, that's not needed. I'll go. But for what it's worth, I'm sorry."
Jenna put down her water and hugged her niece.

"I know. Now go up and do what you need to do. I'll be in to say goodnight. I have some work to do myself," Jenna said. "I have to turn in a thesis proposal by next week. I missed the last two deadlines. At this rate, I'll never get my degree."
"That's probably our fault," Elena surmised. "Okay, I'm going."

"Love you, Elena," Jenna called.

"I know. Me, too," Elena said, getting her bag and going up the stairs.

Ric and Jenna's Bedroom

"That's what Mr. Connor's gave you?" Jeremy asked, his voice squeaking. He picked up the paddle, surprised that lighter than it looked. There were a dozen dime sized beveled holes all through it.

"Yeah, it was leftover in the shop from years ago when kids used to make paddles to take home. See these holes? They help the wood cut through the air and they sting like hell," Ric demonstrated. "My old football coach had one like it, but maybe without so many holes."
"I can't believe you used to get it at school," Jeremy grinned, picturing the big man bent over a desk. "What'd you do?"

Jeremy laid the paddle on the bed and nervously wrung his hands.

Ric cleared his throat.

"Oh, be last for practice. Um, rough housing...Stuff like that. Oh, we'd also get it if we fooled around on the field," Ric admitted. "Now, you lean over the bed. I'm only going to give you three. Believe me, that's enough for your first time getting popped."

Jeremy groaned, imploring, "Do I got to, Ric? Elena said she's not mad and I turned in my original paper, so technically, I didn't cheat."

Ric gave Jeremy a firm look.

"If you want to keep those sweats up, bend over now. I would hate to give it to you on the bare butt or add on swats," Ric warned, picking up the wooden paddle. Thunder crashed outside and Ric looked out the window, but kept his focus on Jeremy, who was still standing.

"That's four," Ric stated evenly. "Want to make it five?"

Jeremy's eyes got wide and he awkwardly laid over the queen sized bed.

"Um, I don't think this is going to work," Ric said. He got Jenna's chair from the make up table. "Over this and grip the seat. Spread your legs."

Jeremy's face grew hot as Ric arranged him and lined up the blade of the paddle on his outstretched rump.

Jeremy clenched and braced himself.

"No, legs wider. Lean over more and don't let go," Ric directed.

"Ric, I can't," Jeremy whimpered, feeling more blood rush to his face.

"You ready?" Ric prompted.

"No!" Jeremy whined. "Don't."
Ric drew back, using both hands and cracked the backside in front of him.

Pop!

Jeremy heard the loud rapport of the wood before feeling the sharp sting. A deluge of rain descended outside, but that was the second that Jeremy felt the burning across both his cheeks.

"Ahhhh," Jeremy said, trying to push himself up.

"Stay down or it won't count," Ric threatened.

Jeremy felt the full sting now and shuffled his feet.

"Keep your position," Ric said, tapping the paddle again. "You gonna cheat and steal again?"

"Nooooo-," Jeremy started, but a second whack silenced him and he started to sob.

Pop!

This swat caught him slightly lower, but part of it still overlapped. The sting was sharp, but the burning lingered. He rosed up and clutched his bottom with both hands.

Ric gave me a minute and then said, "That didn't count. Back down."

"Nooooo," Jeremy wailed, but Ric helped him back over.

"Hurts, doesn't it?" Ric asked, tapping his squirming behind again. "Still still, I don't want to clip ya."

Pop!
Ric aimed the third whack a bit lower and heard both a crash of thunder and the paddle crack in half. Jeremy was now up again and dancing wildly around, holding the seat of his sweat, crying.
"I c-can't...," Jeremy bellowed.
Ric held the handle of the broken board.

"Ah, well, that was interesting. I guess we're done. Let me check your backside," Ric said, tossing the remnants of the paddle on the bed.

Jeremy let Ric pull down the side of his sweats as he fussed and sniffed.

"It's barely red, but no bruises," Ric attested, sitting in the chair. Jeremy's sweats and underpants had protected him from any red marks from the holes.

Ric pulled Jeremy over his lap hastily and spanked him over his sweats with his palm for a minute.

Spank! Spank! Spank!

Spank! Spank! Spank!

"Stopppp, R-Ric. I a-already got p-paddled," Jeremy howled.

"Hardly a real paddling," Ric said cheekily. "But Connors filled me in on how to make a proper paddle for a teen. For now, you'll have to do with my hand."

Jeremy cried harder and bicycled his legs wildly. He couldn't believe this. He would never pull this shit again! It just wasn't worth it.

"Now, tell me what you learned from that little exercise."
Jeremy stomped and tried to get his bearings, but the burning was intense.

"N-No more l-lying or stealing," Jeremy sniffled. "Or cheating...Ric, I'll be good. I swear!"

Ric pulled Jeremy over to him on his lap. Jeremy moaned when his sore rear settled on Ric's knee.

"It's over, buddy. You did pretty good, but the paddle didn't," Ric said, hugging him and rubbing his back. "Hopefully, we wouldn't have needed that thing again anyway."

"No! N-Never," Jeremy shuddered. "How come it broke?"

"Too many holes, I guess," Ric laughed. "Mr. Connors told me that it was only poplar. A hardwood paddle would not break like that."
Jeremy pulled back from the hug and asked, "Did you do that on purpose to teach me a lesson?"

Ric nodded, "Maybe. I also didn't want to leave bruises on your butt. One time, I spent the week with a purple ass after the team mooned the opposing team. Well, my right cheek was purple anyway. I was damn lucky my old man never found out or I'd have gotten licked with his belt. But I hope you are a faster learner than I was. Jer, you have no need to cheat or lie. We love you and we are here to help. Got that?"
Jeremy laid his head on Ric's shoulder, nodding, "Yeah, I got it. I still feel bad though."

Ric said gently, "No more guilt. You got punished and paid the price. Now, go finish your algebra. I'm going to go see to Elena."

Jeremy winced as he got up.

"So she doesn't get the paddle trick? That's not fair," Jeremy pronounced.

"She's getting the brush," Ric determined. "That old thing won't crack so easily."

Jeremy rubbed his rear again and agreed, "Nope. It's certainly won't. Dang, I am really glad they don't paddle anymore at MFHS or I'd have to be on my best behavior 24/7!"

Ric bit his lip, saying, "Oh yeah, about that. Mr. Connors also filled me in on some faculty perks...You aren't going to like this one bit."

***
Elena's Room

Elena changed into her pajama shorts and t-shirt. She went to call Stefan to check on Damon, but there was no service. She checked the landline near her bed and it was dead, too. Bonnie had texted earlier that Damon was still sick. Elena frowned, maybe she could drive over to the Mikaelsons? But the storm was raging outside. Jenna and Ric would never let her go.

There was a knock, she could tell it was Ric.

"Come in," Elena called. She was relieved Ric didn't have a paddle with him, but immediately noticed the old wooden hairbrush.

"Ric, I know you're gonna punish me, but I'm worried about Damon. The phones are dead. Can I drive over there?" Elena implored, flinching as another flash of lightning lit up the room.

"I hope the power doesn't go out," Ric said, looking out the window. "But no, you don't need to be there. We have some business to take care of."

Ric held up the brush.

"Ugh, that thing stings like crazy," Elena complained. "Jenna said something about a big paddle?"

"Oh, that is now firewood," Ric confirmed. "I may have played a little joke on Jer. I wouldn't use that thing on you. I don't even think they paddled girls at my school. They always just got detention."

"Hmm, well, you can give me detention," Elena offered.

"Believe me, that actually can be worse," Ric laughed, sitting on her unmade bed. "How about we just get this over with?"

"Okay," Elena said with resignation. "Can't believe I'm getting it twice in one day. I'm almost 18!"
"I won't tell you the last time I got it then," Ric shared. "Now, don't give me a hard time and it will be over before you know it. Over my lap."

Elena rolled her eyes and huffed over to Ric, who pulled her diagonally across his lap. Elena's chest was on her bed and she grabbed handfuls of her comforter as her legs dangled off Ric's lap. She wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of crying, she was too old for this.

"I know what you're thinking," Ric said softly. "But I hope someday you will see this is for your own good."

"Yeah, right," Elena grumbled angrily.

Ric put the brush to the side and started spanking with his hand. Elena raised up her head in shock. Ric was spanking hard and fast and she started to try to squirm away.

Smack. Smack. Smack.
Ric's left hand held her flat. "You're not going anywhere."

"Oh!" Elena yelped as Ric cracked her bare thighs.

"Ouchhhh." Whack! Whack!

Ric's large hand walloped Elena for about twenty spanks before he picked up the brush.

Elena took the break in the spanking to throw back her right hand, covering her bottom.

"Move the hand. I'm just giving you a little paddling, but I can give you more, young lady," Ric drawled, patting her hand with the flat back of the brush. "You can do this."

Elena thrashed, trying to free herself and Ric pinned her hand.

"Fine," Ric said, sighing.

c

Ric swatted Elena's right cheek four times, then her left. He let the weight of the brush snap down and flicked his wrist at the last second.

Whap! Whap! Whap! Whap!

Whap! Whap! Whap! Whap!

Whap! Whap! Whap! Whap!

Whap! Whap! Whap! Whap!

He gave Elena two more rounds of spanks all over her wiggling bottom before stopping. She was sobbing too loudly for him to speak to her.

"Waaaa-waaaaa! Ahhhhh," Elena moaned, even after Ric had stopped.

Ric guessed she was letting all of her emotions out and let her over his lap until she was able to breath normally.

"It's done," Ric said quietly. "I hope we don't have to repeat this, but if you pull crap like that, you're find yourself getting spanked good."

Elena's mind was blank and she wiped her face on her comforter.

"Here, let me get you a tissue," Ric said, helping her up. Elena, like Jeremy, hopped up and down for a moment after he let her up. So much for not crying, she chided herself. But oh, how her cheeks stung. The brush had covered her whole behind and her thighs stung where Ric had spanked them. Maybe that was the worst part.

Ric handed Elena a wad of tissues and nosily blew her nose. She tried to be angry, but when Ric gave her a sympathetic look, she broke and hugged him tightly. Outside, the storm raged and the lights flickered. Ric wondered if Jenna got out some candles. It wasn't looking good.

"S-Sorry, Ric," Elena sniffled. "I don't mean to be such a brat..."

"You're not a brat, Elena," Ric said, standing and wrapping her in his arms. "You're just a kid. You're learning. I love you, kiddo."

"I love you, too," Elena muttered into his chest. "But that sucked."
Ric laughed, "I know, but you didn't want to lose your car keys or be grounded, right? We really didn't want to cancel this weekend."

Elena snaked a hand back and felt the heat on her bum. It was a dull throbbing now.

"No, I guess not," Elena concurred. "So how old were you the last time you got your butt beat?"

Ric now flushed, "Ah, 22. But that is a story for another night. You know, I think we should head over to the Mikaelsons. Something about this storm doesn't seem right."

Elena looked out, "Is it just me or is the lightning and thunder off. I thought the lightning came first...Ric, something is weird. Let me throw on some clothes."
"Go on," Ric agreed. "I'll drive though."

"Yeah, you will. I'm going to be in the back on my side. My butt is throbbing too much for me to sit. Maybe Stefan will give me some of his blood?" Elena taunted lightly.

"Try it and I'll heat up your behind again, missy," Ric teased. "But yeah, there is something wrong here..."

Miller's Hardware Store

Main Street

Wes had argued with Aaron about the paint color. Aaron had dallied and been unable to choose a color for his new bedroom.

"Aaron, hurry up. It's getting bad out," Wes reprimanded. "Pick a color and let's go get the pizzas."

"Okay, I think I'll go with black," Aaron smirked.

"That will make the room look like a closet. Do you want that?" Wes enunciated tightly. His nerves were shot, he had never liked storms.

"It already is the size of closet. I'm like the only person who doesn't have their own bathroom," Aaron complained. "It's not fair."

"Aaron, we'll lucky we have a place to hide out. You do understand that once word is out, I'm in grave danger. You, too," Wes tried to explain.
"So hire a bodyguard? I don't see what the big deal is," Aaron snapped. "People quit their jobs all the time."

"It's more than that," Wes said, pausing. He couldn't really bring himself to tell Aaron everything. "Just pick another color and let's go."
"No, I want the black," Aaron stated firmly.

Wes exhaled, trying to be patient. "What about a slate gray? That one isn't so bad."
"I want black I said. You said I could pick! Don't being a little bitch, Wes," Aaron fumed, stomping his foot, as he often did when he didn't get his way.

"Aaron Whitmore, you better watch yourself," Wes warned, his blue eyes narrowing. "I don't appreciate your new attitude!"

"New? I've always been like this," Aaron smirked. "You were just never around to deal with me!"
"I see that was a mistake now," Wes replied.

An older man came up behind them, asking, "You fellas decided? I'll get it ready for you. That is, if this storm don't knock out the lights."

"He'll take the black, thank you," Wes responded, glaring at Aaron.

Aaron smiled, grabbing the keys from Wes' jacket pocket, "You pay. I'll wait in the car."

Aaron took off before Wes could stop him.

"I'm sorry. He's going through a stage," Wes apologized as the older man took the can of paint to get it stirred. "Honestly, I don't know what to do with him. He seems to want to argue with me nonstop...I can't take it anymore."

"I had younguns of my own," the man replied. "Mrs. Miller and I never let them sass us like they do nowadays. Now, my kids have little ones of their be needed some primer?"

"Yes, please," Wes said, embarrassed the older man had witnessed Aaron's tantrum.

"How did you handle it?" Wes asked, following him to the paint counter.

"Oh, we had a set of these," Mr. Miller guffawed, pointing to a set of red ping pong paddles. "Kept one in the truck and had one at home. Go on, take a set, they are on sale."

Wes was about to turn him down and then he recalled Aaron's words to him. He could no longer be the guardian from afar. Aaron needed him to step up.

"We don't have a ping pong table, but I'll take a set of those paddles," Wes intoned. "I'll take the money out of his account. And throw in a few extra paint stirrers. "
"Will do," old man Miller chuckled. "I got fly swatters on sale, too. Them come in handy. But truth is, you and your boy need to find some common ground. Try to find something you both like to do. You gotta put the time in. He'll come around. They always do with some discipline and love. Don't give up, mister. This is when they need ya the most."

Wes nodded and took the bag from the older man with thanks. He wasn't sure if he'd follow through with his advice, but he didn't have a better plan. That was for damn sure.

"Oh, I'll see ya soon when you come back for a new paint color," Mr. Miller laughed. "That stage don't last long. Just don't give up on him. I can tell there's a good boy in there."

"Thanks again," Wes said, feeling better.

Mikaelson Mansion

Wes yelled at Aaron to help him bring in the pizzas. They had called ahead and ordered several to feed everyone. Wes noticed several cars parked in the circular driveway. Lightning crashed heavily.

"But I need to bring in the paint," Aaron whined. "I want to get started."

"Aaron, you have to prepare the room. We'll do it this weekend. Now, get the pizzas like I asked," Wes said impatiently. The weather and his own hunger not helping his mood.

Aaron muttered, "Screw you" and stalked off.

"Aaron, God dammit!" Wes cursed, wanting to wring his neck.

Enzo came into the garage.

"We were getting worried," Enzo said, grabbing the pizzas Aaron had left in the car.

"The storm was bad, but I went slowly," Wes replied.

"Oh, I wasn't worried about you, just the pizza," Enzo said dryly. He strode into the house without another word.

Wes set the pizzas on the counter and looked around. Aaron's door was shut and music was blasting.

Lucy, came in, "Oh finally. I'm going to grab a plate if you don't mind."

"How's Damon?" Wes asked. "Any change?"

"Um, you really have to see for yourself. The vampires are looking over the spells. It might be a long night," Lucy said. "Is this a supreme?"

"Sorry, I don't know. I just picked it up," Wes said, as the house went dark.

"Shit," Lucy said. "They said they have a generator."

"Oh good," Wes said, grabbing a slice. "I never liked storms much."
"Really," Lucy said, her dark skin luminous. "I love them. But this one, it's different. Do you feel that energy?"

"Energy?" Wes questioned, after swallowing. "I'm sorry?"

"Feel it," Lucy said. "In the air..."
Wes shrugged, "I don't feel anything...I'm going up. There are breadsticks and salads in the bags."

"Thanks," Lucy said. "Just ah, prepare yourself."

Damon's Bedroom

Someone had brought in a table and chairs to lay out all the Traveler documents and paperwork. Nadia was leaned over, translating.

"This says that with the death of the body, the passenger can still...I can't make out this word...remain in spirit?" Nadia said in her heavy accent.

Katherine looked closer, "I think it says reside, Daughter. Pearl, is your concoction ready?"

Pearl nodded and stopped grinding up the white willow bark, lemon balm and catnip. She added another pinch of elderflower, along with more yarrow, along with some water, into a bottle.

"This paste should bring his fever down somewhat. Maybe I should add some coriander seeds?" Pearl suggested, suddenly doubting herself.

Bonnie said, "I think that is enough. But I can get you some."

She couldn't help but touch the ring, careful not to twist it.

"Bonnie, be mindful of the ring," Stefan warned.

Pearl looked over fearfully, "No luck getting it off?"
"None," Stefan confirmed.

Bonnie shrugged helplessly.
"I feel like this is my fault. Are you sure there is nothing there about a ring binding the spirit of the passenger?"

Nadia shook her head, "No nothing...Maybe if we tried to remove just the stone?"

Stefan frowned, "No, it's too dangerous. It's connected somehow to Damon. We need to know more. Maybe Ric's friend can go back to that Armory? Find out more."
Klaus' lips tightened, "Phones are dead. Ric should be here soon. All we can do now is try to keep the fever from roasting my son from the inside. I've never seen magic like this."

Bonnie trembled, "It must be black magic. We did the cleansing spell and killed Markos, I don't know what else we can do."

Klaus eyed the ring, which sparkled in the dim light of the bedroom. He had an idea, but he didn't think Bonnie would like it. But if his son got worse, the finger had to go.

Pearl crushed up more herbs and stirred the mixture again anxiously. She was usually such a deft hand and calm in stressful situations.

Katherine put a hand over her friend's trembling hand.

"Pearl, it is good. Do not doubt yourself now," Katherine coaxed.

Pearl nodded her ascent and let Katherine take the poultice.

"Coat his throat and his forehead," Pearl ordered, as Klaus stepped back.

Elijah came back into the now full room.

"The rain woke up the children. Rebekah and Kol are with them now," Elijah said softly, wrinkling his nose at the paste being applied to Damon's body.

"Allow me," Klaus said, almost taking the mixture from Katherine.

"Nay, Klaus, you lack the touch," Katherine said. "It need only be a thin layer. What do you know of nursing the sick?"

Before Klaus could mention that he had indeed nursed his first son through fevers, Damon's eyes open fluttering. He said something in a foreign tongue.

The room began to shake and a vase crashed from a table to the floor.

Elijah vamped out to see to the children.

"Is this an earthquake?" Bonnie yelled, as the rumblings grew stronger.

Stefan paled, "I think it's coming from Damon!"