Pairing: Finn/Aaron (M/m) ping pong paddle

*Another double today. We WILL get to New Orleans soon! Thanks for your patience and kind words.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Mikaelson Mansion

Kitchen

After School

Sage tapped her foot on the kitchen tile. It was all she could do to not scream at the boy.

"Why would you cheat, Aaron? We were going to have a nice dinner out to celebrate your dad getting his driver's license," Sage said in a disappointed voice.

Aaron thought about yelling back that Finn wasn't really his dad and that she wasn't his mom, but that wasn't true now. Wes hadn't even so much as called or emailed him. And he barely remembered his birth parents aside from recalling them on that terrible night they had died.

"Sorry, it was stupid," Aaron finally said, walking Sage's foot go up and down.

"Hey, look at us when we are talking to you," Finn said carefully. He reached down and lifted Aaron's chin. "I do not claim to fully understand the significance of your misbehavior. But Sage tells me that it can be very serious, leading to you getting expelled. Why would you risk that?"

"It was a pop quiz!" Aaron defended. "And I wasn't doing the reading so I didn't know the answers. Mrs. S. didn't even turn me into the office."

"Stop right there. You are very lucky your teacher did that and called me instead. I informed her that you will be grounded and studying tomorrow night instead of going to that dance," Sage informed him.

"That's fine. I didn't want to go to some stupid dance anyway!" Aaron shot back, annoyed at the punishment.

"Fine. We can add a spanking, too," Finn retorted. "Go to your room. I'll be in momentarily."

"I'm too old!" Aaron wailed, his voice rising. The blond teen's eyes narrowed. Having parents sucked.

"Aaron, don't make it worse. We're really not angry, just shocked. I asked you if you were keeping up with your studies. And you best hand over that mobile phone for a while."
"How long?" Aaron asked in horror. "I don't even remember Nessie's home phone number. I need to call her."
"Honey, her father probably isn't going to be any happier with her. Your teacher phoned him also. Now, go to your room and think about what you did," Sage said, calming herself.

"Congrats on the license, Dad," Aaron said bitterly. "I'm sorry I'm such a disappoint. Why don't you guys just drop me off at Whitmore. I'm sure one of the trustees would let me live there."
Sage gasped, but Finn reached out to him first.

"Hey, pal, none of that. You know we are very proud of you," Finn said roughly, putting his arms around the teen. "Now, you are going to be punished and then we move on. We'll go out and celebrate next week. Alright?"

Aaron nodded, too overcome with emotion to speak without crying.

To Sage, Finn said in Old Norse, "I am going to find the paddle. Niklaus took it and did not put it back. I ought to tan him next."

Sage smiled and nodded and then hugged Aaron herself. This time, he did break down.

"Oh boy, let it out," Sage soothed. She pulled back. "Honey, you look exhausted. Haven't you been sleeping well?"

"I'm o-okay," Aaron stammered, wiping away the tears with the back of his hand.

"You sure?" Sage pressed.

"I said I'm okay! Jeez," Aaron snapped, embarrassed that he had cried so easily.

Sage smacked him on the top of his thigh.

"Okay, then march in there and put your night clothes on. You are taking a rest after-," Sage began.

"After I get my butt roasted," Aaron finished. "Again."

"Right. Now, move before I get that fire started," Sage said, her irritation gone. He was so young and it was hard to see his blue eyes so upset. Compared to her and Finn, he was just a baby. "Aaron, the phone!"

Aaron grumbled as he dug out his phone from his phone and placed it in her outstretched hand. As he did, he saw nothing but love and affection in her eyes.

"Mom, I really a-am sorry," Aaron confessed, realizing he meant it.

"I know, honey," Sage said, watching him go to his room.

Damon and Kol's Room

Damon bound into the bedroom and tackled Kol.

"Whoa, how'd your first big drive into town go?" Damon asked, as Enzo pushed him off.

"Watch the hair! I just got it right," Enzo snarked, throwing a sharp elbow into Damon's gut. "And I'm already a better and safer driver than you."

"Oaf," Damon grunted, grabbing his abdomen. "Wow, you are testing tonight. I guess it is all that sexual tension. Now, any advice Stefan and Kol gave you. Forget it. They have no game. Listen, you have to-."

"Damon, I am not interested in your shite right now. I have a lot on my mind," Enzo said.

"Well, I was going to let you borrow my car...," Damon teased.

"You are a liar and an arsehole," Enzo countered. "Don't play with me. Plus, Lucy is coming over to pick me up. The restaurant she chose is in the city."

"Okay, okay, that's probably smart," Damon agreed. "She doesn't need to see you driving like Miss Daisy out there. Now, I do have a little gift for you, if you aren't gonna attack me again."
Enzo rolled his eyes and checked his hair again in the mirror. Stefan had lent him some gel and he thought it looked pretty good.

"You attacked me, mate," Enzo said, but he was interested in this gift. "You never bought me anything before."

"Yeah, that's because I am not sweet on ya," Damon cracked. "But I figured for your first big date, I ought to get you something."

"It best not be that hideous cologne you tried to give Kol," Enzo said, turning to Damon.

Damon fished around in his leather jacket.

"I actually have two things," Damon said, pulling out his wallet. He felt a little sad every time he used it as it had been a birthday gift from Elena, but he put that thought out of his mind. "Oh, here."

Enzo took the card. "Is it one of those gift cards? Rebekah said that was what she wants for her birthday."
"No, douche, it's a credit card!" Damon laughed. "Put it in your wallet in case you need it. Now, that is an American Express gold card so don't go nuts, but if you guys like wanted to get a hotel room or..."

Enzo's eyes misted. "Whoa, Damon, this is, ah, very good of you. I do have some cash, but thank you."

"You got it, buddy. I do want that back, though," Damon snickered. He turned to his dresser drawer and took out a small bag. "Here's the other thing."

Enzo took the bag and opened it to find a black box. It was heavy.

"What in the world is this?" Enzo inquired.

"Open it, dummy," Damon said. "And hurry up. I'm supposed to have a magic lesson with Kol like ten minutes ago."

Enzo opened the box and gasped. It was a beautiful and expensive looking gold watch. "It's a watch..."

"Yes, man, I even set it for you. A guy has to have a nice watch," Damon said lightly. It was a 18k gold Rolex.

"Damon, I...," Enzo started.

Enzo cleared his throat and flipped it over. On the back it said, "It's an honor to call you 'brother.'"

Enzo was speechless. "It's beautiful. But does Stefan know you got this for me?"

The last thing Enzo wanted was to get in between the two brothers.
"Who do you think helped me pick it out?" Damon laughed. "I wanted to compel the store owner, but Stef made me pay for it. Just don't lose it, buddy."

Enzo put on the watch, loving the way it looked and felt on his arm. He felt like a real gentleman now.

"Thank you, Damon," Enzo said, hugging the other dark haired vampire. "But it's too much."

"Yeah, probably, but I wanted you to have it," Damon said, pulling back.

"Damon, are you saying goodbye? You're planning something, aren't you?" Enzo demanded. He suddenly didn't want the watch. He wanted Damon not to go.

"I have to do this, Enzo. You know I do. Promise me that if something happens, you will watch over them. All of them," Damon said, his voice low and intense. "Elena. Stefan. And Dad."

Enzo didn't want to agree. Doing so was almost like giving Damon permission to kill himself on some fool mission. But yet he heard himself speaking.
"I will, Damon. I promise," Enzo said gruffly. "Just promise me that you will come back to us."
Damon didn't say anything, just disappeared in a cloud of mist. How the hell he did that, Enzo didn't know. He sat on the bed and put his head in his hands.

"Damon, my brother, what are you planning?" Enzo wondered.

Singerman Residence

Nessie sat on the floor playing dolls with her little sister. She didn't even annoy her and pretend to drop the babies like she usually did.

"How come you're being nice?" Jessica asked with suspicion.

"I'm always nice to you, twerp. Who made you that goofy bow you have in your hair?" Nessie asked, pulling the neon pink monstrosity that her sister loved.

"You did," Jessica admitted.

"See? I'm not so bad," Nessie said, hating the irony.
George had left work early and was outside mowing the lawn. He had taken her laptop and phone and grounded her for life. She wasn't even allowed to use the family desktop in the den without supervision. Nessie had tried explaining that a zero on one quiz wouldn't put a dent in her class average. With bonus assignments, she'd still have over 100%.

George had shouted, "That's not the point!" Then, he had lectured her on being honest and blah, blah, blah. Nessie had looked sorry and nodded at the right places, but tuned him out.

"What'd you do bad at school?" Jessica asked.

Nessie groaned. Of course, the twerp had heard their dad yelling at her. She had just tried to help Aaron.

George said something about her not being allowed to see Aaron anymore since all they did was get into trouble. Nessie just acted like she didn't care. The truth was that he was really her only friend. Being a semi-genius didn't win you any points with the popular kids, not when you messed up every test curve with minimal effort.

"Helped someone," Nessie answered.

"But that's a good thing," Jessica replied in confusion. She was trying to change her doll's diaper with difficulty.

"Here. Let me. Dolly is gonna pee all over the place if you do it like that," Nessie determined. That got a giggle out of the six, almost seven year old.

"Daddy said you were cheating," Jessica went on. She hated it when her sister was in trouble. Daddy stomped around and looked mad, he never did that to her.

"So I helped a friend just some answers and the teacher saw. Hey, do you still have that old game system I gave you?" Nessie wondered. She hadn't had time to research Hayley and it was nagging at her. If that handheld device had internet, maybe she could still do it.

"I don't know where it is," Jessica said.

"Oh, I was going to make you a new hair bow, but I don't know where my sewing stuff is," Nessie tried.

"Oh, I know. I'll go get it," Jessica perked up. "I want a purple one this time."

"Hurry up before Dad comes in," Nessie urged. "And I'll make you whatever you want. Just don't say anything."

"I won't," Jessica promised, running off to her bedroom.

Nessie smiled and tossed down the baby doll. Maybe she could still help Aaron out.

Mikaelson Mansion

Ballroom

"See, he was hungry," Julian said with a knowing smile. They usually only fed Mr. Slithers once a week. Elijah had stopped by the pet store and bought a mouse. He had dropped it into the large glass cage carefully. Once, he let the girls do it and they had dropped the mouse. Lesson learned.

Elijah nodded, "Yes, you were correct, son."

"He likes frogs, too," Julian added.

"I like frogs!" Ava announced.

"You like mermaids more though, right?" Indy inquired.

"Yeah, of course!" Ava agreed. "But Mr. Slithers can't eat mermaids. Right, Uncle E.?"

Elijah found himself mesmerized a moment, watching the mouse try to hide in the cage. The boa moved slowly. Sometimes it took a while for the hunt to be completed. He wondered if this was healthy for the children.

"Ah, right," Elijah answered. "Since you all were so well-behaved in town today, we'll have supper at the Grill."

"Cool!" Julian shouted, hopping up.

"Son, please do not yell. You are going to deafen me," Elijah teased, covering his ear.

"Sorry, but I am really hungry!" Julian announced.

"But you just had a snack not an hour ago," Elijah went on.

"Sage said we have small tummies," Indy corrected.

"Oh, of course," Elijah said, bowing. "My humblest apologies, dear lady."

The smaller twin giggled and twirled in her princess garb. Ava was wearing her regular boring clothes. She didn't want to dress up today.

"Can we go now?" Julian pressed, forgetting about his snake.

"Ah, I don't see why not," Elijah said. "But Indy, I am afraid you will have to change out of your gown. The last time you cried when you got ketchup out of it. That's a tough stain to remove."
"Okay, Daddy," Indy chirped, trying to yank her gown off.

"Here, let me help you," Elijah offered. "But your clothes are up in your room."
"I know," Indy said, wiggling out of the dress with Elijah's help. She ran off before he could remind her to take it up.

"I'll take it," Ava said, holding out her hands.

"Thank you, dear girl," Elijah said. He couldn't help but reach out and caress her face on the burned side. "Are you feeling quite well? You've been a little quiet this afternoon."
Ava shrugged. She knew that she couldn't tell anyone about what she heard. If they knew she took her necklace off, she would be in big trouble.

Julian dragged Ava with him. "I'm gonna wear my new sneakers!"

"Don't forget your socks!" Elijah called out, but they had already gone. He turned back to the aquarium in time to see Mr. Slithers devour the mouse. He couldn't seem to tear his eyes away.

Aaron's Bedroom

Aaron somehow couldn't believe that his big mouth got him over Finn's knee. He squeezed his eyes shut as the large vampire, pulled down his loose pajama pants after dusting them off with a brisk hand spanking. He tried not to wiggle and kick, but that was impossible. Finn pulled his pants down to his knees and picked up the ping pong paddle. Somehow, he thought it might be better than the paint stick that stung like hell on his thighs. But when the first pop echoed through his small room, he discounted that.

"Aw, Dad," Aaron called out. "Don't!"

But the paddle cracked down slowly and steadily. Aaron wondered if Nessie was getting it, too. He hoped not, but he knew that Deputy Singerman was strict and would do some kind of punishment.

Whap! Pop! Whack!

Aaron tried to kick his feet up to block the spanks, but Finn order his legs down.

Pop! Pop! Pop!

"Aaron, keep those feet on the floor or I am going to start the spanking over!" Finn threatened.

Aaron had kicked off his pants and underwear, allowing his feet to go free.

Aaron's brain couldn't process what that would mean. It felt like the spanking had already lasted an hour, but he had only been over Finn's lap for a minute or two. Most of the spanks had landed on the center of his behind, but Finn started to crack the round paddle down in the center of each cheek. One over the other.

Pop! Pop!

Pop! Pop!

"It freakin' h-hurts," Aaron bellowed, trying to keep his feet down.

Pop! Pop!

"I know, boy. Just take your medicine. We do not want a repeat of this from you," Finn lectured.

Pop! Pop!

Pop! Pop!

"I-I w-won't," Aaron promised, now throwing his hand back. Finn gripped it tightly and continued paddling, now faster.

Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!

Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!

"Ahhhhhh," Aaron let out, finally starting to cry in earnest.

Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!

Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!

"Waaaaaa-ahhhhhh," Aaron wept. He couldn't help it, his feet came up.

"What did I tell you?" Finn said. He shifted Aaron and hook his big right leg over Aaron's, pinning him. Now, Aaron could only cry as Finn popped lower on his sit spots.

Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!

Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!

Finn paused, "Now, I am almost done. But tomorrow you are going to apologize to your teacher. By the way you are sitting, she might guess you got a good spanking, but I shall not make you share that. Unless you do this nonsense again!"

Pop! Pop!

Pop! Pop!

Pop! Pop!

Pop! Pop!

Pop! Pop!

Pop! Pop!

"I won't, D-Daddy! I w-won't c-cheat again," Aaron howled. The stinging on his rump was fierce, but not a deep pain. But it still burned like crazy.

Finn paused to take a breath and landed five good cracks on the top of Aaron's pale thighs.

Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!

Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!

"AHHHHHHH," Aaron wailed, not caring if anyone in the house heard him. Finn was making sure he wouldn't sit at all tomorrow.

WHACK! WHACK!

WHACK! WHACK!

"There, I think you have had enough," Finn stated, putting the paddle on the bedside table and leasing Aaron's hand.

"Waaaa," Aaron sobbed.

Finn took his leg off of Aaron's gently sat the boy up, careful to make sure his hot behind wasn't resting on his knee.

"Shhhhh," Finn soothed. "It's over. You are fine."

Aaron, his voice hitched, "I-I'm n-not fine."
Finn chuckled and put his arms around the boy.

"Sorry, lad. I should not laugh. I had plenty of hidings in my life, though not as many as my brothers, I imagine. It hurts, but you are forgiven now," Finn said, smoothing Aaron's hair back. His face was a mess of tears and mucus. He couldn't find a tissue, but grabbed a clean t-shirt from the other side of the bed. "Here, blow your nose on that."

Aaron wanted to say that it was gross, but he did it anyway. He tossed the shirt to the floor. Now that he was on restriction, he'd have plenty of time to clean up his room.

"Did you really g-get s-spanked like that?" Aaron inquired.

"No, not like that," Finn admitted. "Mother favored a big cooking spoon, but back in those days, anyone in the village could give you a whipping. I think I saw Niklaus get thrashed with an old woman's broom for stealing her meat pie once."

"What about your d-dad?" Aaron pressed, curious.

"Oh, when my sister Freya and I were little we got into a good deal of mischief. Little Huginn and Muninn, they called us," Finn reminisced. "Once, we thought it was amusing to hide in a tree. Father did put us both over his knee and paddle us with a shingle for causing Mother so much grief. But it probably twas not very hard. Just the face that he was angry with us was punishment enough," Finn said, his voice lost in the memory.

"What h-happened to Freya?" Aaron asked, shifting to try to rub out the sting in his behind. He knew he should try to get up, but Finn was holding him close and rubbing his back.

"She died from plague," Finn answered hollowly. "After that, twas like our kind, loving father passed, too. He became cold and distant. A whipping with his strap was a thing to be feared. If not for Mother's herbs, I fear he would have killed one of us, especially your Uncle Niklaus."
"Killed? He sounds like a jerk," Aaron sniffed, realizing that some of the heat in his seat was dissipating. But he was eager to get his pants back on. He shuffled off of Finn's lap and gingerly located his sleep pants and shuffled them on.

"Jerk? Worse than that, times were much different, but he was a monster," Finn recalled. "And he made us monsters for a long time, hunting us across oceans to end his mistake. I missed most of that. Now, let us not speak of such ill events. Your mother wished you to take a nap."
Aaron nodded, disturbed by the story.

"Sorry about your family," Aaron said, getting in the bed after Finn folded down the bedspread.

Finn leaned over and kissed him on the head.

"Thank you, but we have a new family here," Finn said. "Now, sleep, my son. And when you awaken, things will be better."

Aaron thought about sharing his concerns about Hayley, but then yawned. His had been up half the night before. He'd shut his eyes for just a moment.

Mikaelson Mansion

"Elijah? Where the devil are you?" Klaus groused. He had a file folder in his hand. He thought he found a different way into the city through that Voodoo network.

"Daddy! We're ready," Indy cried, running into the ball room behind Klaus, nearly running into him.

"Take care, sweetheart," Klaus said, picking up the energetic child. "Where is your papa?"

Julian listened intently.

"Someone was here," Julian said gravely.

Klaus put down Indy and crouched by Julian, grasping his arms.

"Tell me, Julian. How do you know that?" Klaus said, careful not to alarm the boy.

Julian turned and pointed to Mr. Slithers. "He saw it."

"Look. I found something," Ava said in a hush. She leaned down and picked up a cufflink.

"That's Elijah's. M for Mikaelson. He never loses a thing," Klaus said gravely.
Indy started to cry.

"It's alright, child," Klaus said, but then he spotted something else. It was the second cuff link.

Elijah was gone and he had left them a clue.