I planned on doing a chapter where Marcel finally got in trouble, but credit to NCISherlockMoriartyGuardOwl for giving me the kick in the ass to write it.
"This is bullshit," Kol mumbles to himself as he flips through a textbook.
Elijah's voice travels from downstairs. "I can hear you!"
Kol flips off the door, thankful that vampire eyesight doesn't go that far. He glances back down at the homework in front of him. It's been a little while since he was in school and even back then, it required way too much tutoring from Rebekah. Now, he's starting at even younger grade. He assumed it'd be easier.
Only going to high school for 2 years and taking another couple off apparently does something to the brain. Algebra shouldn't be this difficult.
The equations before him swirl together and white noise echoes through his brain. His leg jiggles up and down. After yet another attempt at a problem, he's scratching at his arm…
Kol slams the book shut and gets up from the desk, heading for his nightstand. He once scoffed at those stupid fidget toys that his mom bought for him, but now, they're the only thing that helps him focus and not mutilate his body.
Elijah stopped being so militant about clothes after his breakdown 4 years earlier. Still, the sensory overload didn't stop there. Kol became overwhelmed in various situations, and the worst part was, it was never consistent. Some days he'd fare fine in large groups, others he was running from the room. One day, a fabric would feel fine and the next, it'd grate on his skin. At home, his special afghan and pillow case do the trick. He's not going to be caught dead with them outside the house, however.
Thus, the fidgets. Hayley bought a variety of them. Some are just simple vinyl poppers where he presses down on the bubbles until his mind clears. Others are squishy balls or activity cubes that he can mindlessly fidget with-he supposes that's where the name comes from. There's even a few that spin on his finger.
Kol pulls back the drawer and pokes around. He moves past the brightly colored balls and small pop-its.
"Skateboard, skateboard," he mumbles, pushing back a cube.
Those were an addition by Rebekah. They were the less embarrassing ones to have at school. Most teenagers had them.
Kol slightly pouts as he shuts the drawer, having come up empty. He pulls out his phone and scrolls through his text chains until he reaches the one solely between him and his parents. Hayley's under as "Mama" with a heart emoji and Elijah, "Daddy" paired with a book.
Have you seen my little skateboards?
His phone buzzes not a moment later.
Daddy: Are you texting me when you could easily come downstairs?
Kol: Do you know where they are or not?
Daddy: I shall not tell you unless you come down here and ask like a civilized person.
Mama: Elijah. Please.
Mama: Check our room, Munchkin.
Kol: Thank you, Mama 3 My favorite
Daddy: I am going to sell all our phones.
Kol snickers. He doesn't bother to say that there's no way his dad would go a whole day without being able to track him. There's a part of him that doesn't doubt his dad would find another way.
He heads down the hall to his parents' bedroom. It doesn't take long to find them, along with other various fidgets, on their dresser. Kol grabs two blue boards, running one of them up and down his arm. His body relaxes little by little. Maybe now, he can finally focus.
Kol's only halfway down the hall when he bumps into a rough, muscular body. He groans off the scent alone.
"Marcellus, what business do you have up here?" Kol asks, annoyed. "We mingle in the public quarters."
Marcel rolls his eyes. "Haven't you heard, Little One," the sound of the younger boy's nickname from Klaus drips sarcastically off the tongue. "We're family. I can go wherever I wish. In fact, I was just seeing the room Rebekah decorated for me."
Kol arches an eyebrow. "Why would you need a room? You have your own manor. Or did your subjects finally get sick of you and stage a coup?"
"As I said, we're family. Klaus figured it's best I had one. He and Caroline have a place to stay when they're with me."
"If only we could get so lucky and they'd stay with you permanently."
Marcel laughs. "Why? So the little baby can have his mommy and daddy to himself? What's next? Going to find a way to get rid of Matt and Rebekah?"
Kol's fingers curl into a ball. How tempting it would be to punch his nephew in his smug face…
He flinches at the mere thought of the spoon or slipper colliding with his bottom. Satisfaction is not worth sitting on the naughty stool and sleeping on his stomach.
"I have homework to finish," he says instead, heading for his room.
"Right, the little freshman." Marcel snorts. "I'm surprised they didn't put you in kindergarten. Need naptime and your binky?"
Kol bites down on his lip, digging his fingernails into his thigh. "I don't have a stupid pacifier," he growls.
"Oh, right. You suck your thumb," Marcel laughs. "Not sure what's worse."
Little by little, the threat of a spanking is suddenly vanishing from Kol's…
"Ahh!" Marcel cries out, jumping.
Kol glances down at his hands. His magic has been under control for the past couple of years. He practices regularly to keep from random freak outs. Is it possible he hurt his nephew?
"Hayley!" Marcel cries out, rubbing his bottom. "What the hell are you doing?"
It's only then Kol notices his mother standing there. She's fixed with a Look that Kol rarely sees. Even when he acts up, she's stern, but never angry. Her hazel eyes are narrowed, nostrils flared. Hands fall onto her hips, lips pursed.
"You can't spank me," Marcel continues his rant. "Whatever you want to do to that little brat is your own…"
Kol watches in shock as Hayley grabs hold of Marcel's ear and bends him over. With great force, the hybrid lands five firm smacks to his bottom before the vampire manages to pull away. The cockiness has drained from his eyes, a mixture of fear and shock in its place. Kol hides a smirk. The big, bad vampire king of the French Quarter is scared of a hybrid turned hundreds of years after him.
"Wha…what are you…" Marcel clears his throat, standing up straight. "You can't do that!"
Hayley shakes her head, her wild dark hair flying. "When Kol acts up in front of Klaus, he's allowed to spank him. I see no different with you."
"That's the arrangement you all have…"
"You are bullying my son. Trying to bait him into fighting you so that way he gets in trouble." Hayley takes a step forward. "That's not how a supposed "adult" acts."
Marcel frowns at the air quotes. "I'm older than you!"
"You're certainly not showing it!"
A large whoosh overtakes the hall. The remaining Mikaelson brothers now join the group. Elijah stands between his wife and son, while Klaus' place is by Marcel. Kol simply takes a step back to watch, wishing he had some popcorn or good blood to drink. He isn't sure who will win this battle. His mom is tough, but Klaus' protection and devotion to Marcel knows no bounds.
"What the bloody hell is going on up here?" Klaus asks. "Matthew could hear the two of you from outside."
Marcel speaks before Hayley can even open her mouth. "She assaulted me!"
Klaus' eyes darken and he takes a step forward. Hayley folds her arms over her chest, unafraid of the original hybrid.
"I spanked him."
Elijah lets out a small gasp. Klaus' resolve softens, but not by much. "You do not have the authority to punish my son."
"Why? You do mine."
"That is completely different. Kol is my brother."
"And my marriage, Marcel is my nephew. Elijah told me that he used to thrash him from time to time. Especially as you were too soft to do so."
Marcel ducks his head, clearly embarrassed. Klaus' mouth opens and closes like a fish, clearly searching for an argument. Kol holds back a snicker. Elijah looks between his wife and brother.
"Regardless, Hayley, I'm not sure how appropriate it is for you to strike Marcel…"
Hayley is quick to interrupt his attempts of diplomacy. "He was trying to bait Kol into yet another fight."
Elijah's face morphs from understanding to serious in a matter of seconds. He takes a step in front of his son. Elijah's eyes grow 10 shades darker as he regards his nephew. Klaus frowns, disappointment etched in his face.
"Is this true, Marcellus?" Elijah asks.
Marcel looks between the group, clearly trying to keep a brave face. "It's…this…this is ridiculous," he makes out, clearing his throat when his voice cracks. "I was teasing Kol, that's all."
"Teasing," Hayley scoffs. "You were making fun of him for sucking his thumb and calling him a baby."
"Is that not what he is?"
"Marcellus, that's quite enough," Klaus interjects, his voice soft yet firm.
"What? He can easily take what he dishes."
"Had Kol said anything to you?" Before Marcel can get out a syllable, Klaus continues. "Today. Not last week, not 100 years ago, today."
Marcel sighs, shaking his head. "No. But…"
"There will be no buts. Apologize to your uncle."
Hayley snorts. "That's it? An apology?"
Klaus glares at her. "Are you telling me what to do?"
"I'm not going to stand by and let this continue!" She snaps. "Your son has been bullying mine for weeks. It ends today. Either you handle it or I will."
Kol stares at Hayley, his eyes wide. He knows by now that she's not someone who plays games. Her spankings hurt nearly just as hard as his father's. She'll flash a warm smile, but has hard boundaries and rules.
Still, to have someone stand up to Marcel, in his name…he never thought he'd see the day.
Klaus looks between the two boys, exhaling through his nose. "Elijah's study. Now."
The eldest brother nods in agreement. "Marcellus and Kol, retire to your rooms."
Marcel scoffs. "Sending me to my room? I'm not…" A firm Look from his uncle shuts the nephew up and sends him down the hall.
Elijah places a hand on Kol's shoulder. "Go to you room, Little Prince. You are not in any trouble, this will just keep you safe while the grownups talk."
Kol nods, ignoring the grownup comment. From the look on his mother's face, now is not the time to argue…
Hayley doesn't even wait for the door of the study to shut before she begins.
"This has gone on long enough!"
Klaus pinches the bridge of his nose. "You're being dramatic. I shall have a talk with Marcel…"
"Right, because the rest of your talks have gone over so well."
Klaus takes a step forward, eyes narrow. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"Marcel walks around here as if he owns the place. He may be the vampire king of New Orleans or whatever title he made up for himself. But here? He is Marcellus. My and Elijah's nephew. Your son. And he will not bully my baby!"
Elijah places a hand on his wife's shoulder, gently massaging it. She only loosens slightly.
"Hayley is right, Brother," he says. "Back when Marcellus was a boy, you were reluctant to punish him. I had to do it most of the time, so you would look like the hero."
"You're too strict," Klaus argues. "Not just with him, but with your own boy."
"It gets results, does it not? Kol has turned his act around in the past few years. Sure, he still misbehaves but that's just a part of his personality. Somehow, he manages to find a way to leave Marcel alone."
"Now!" Klaus shakes his head. "When Marcellus was a boy, Kol would torture him."
"Which is why I feel he has every right to resent and not like his nephew. I shall not stand here and say they need to be friends." Elijah holds up a hand before his brother can speak. "However, it also means that if Kol is not instigating, Marcellus needs to leave him alone."
"I do not agree with my son's actions this evening."
"So, how will you handle that?"
"My son is my business…"
"Bullshit," Hayley interrupts. "That day Kol was the one who gave just as good as he got, we made sure he was taken care of so he wouldn't do it again. We told you exactly what we did. Yet, you never shared with us your progress."
Klaus growls. "As I said, I do not have to tell you a thing."
Elijah looks his younger brother dead in the eyes. "Drop the attitude right now, Niklaus." The sound of his full name straightens his posture. "Whether or not Hayley may strike Marcellus is still up for debate, but I am your older brother. If you continue to speak to my wife in such a fashion as well as defy my orders, I will pull you over my desk and thrash you myself."
Hayley bites back a smile. Elijah casts her a gentle yet firm Look to remain quiet. He watches as his younger brother reflects on the promise-not a threat. Eventually, his demeanor softens.
"I did thrash Marcel that night."
Elijah speaks before Hayley can. "How?"
"Over my knee, with my hand. 20 smacks."
Elijah raises an eyebrow. "20 smacks with your hand, on a vampire. One who's in his 20s, at that."
Klaus sighs. "We have just gotten back into each other's good graces. I did not wish to start off so poorly."
Elijah shakes his head. "Even if I found that to be a good excuse-and it's not-what has changed in the weeks since? You are well aware that it's an ongoing issue? How have you handled indiscretions since?"
"Elijah…" The older brother merely has to glance at the paddle on the wall for Klaus to stop the derailment. "I have swatted him some, used the spoon once when he got mouthy in the kitchen at his manor."
Hayley is holding her breath. Elijah will reward her later for her restraint. From how red her eyes are getting; he knows there isn't much time before she blows. The last thing Elijah wants is his office being ruined by her transforming.
"I wouldn't have been this easy on him back when he was a human child," he says. "I know you would have, which is part of the issue. Marcel now thinks he can do whatever he wants and there will be no consequences. This is exactly how Kol was after he was first daggered. The whole reason I pulled him over my knee and started the whole arrangement was to get him back in line. Stop him from becoming the spoiled, petulant and reckless child he was before."
Klaus remains quiet. He maintains eye contact as trained, fidgeting.
"Marcellus requires the same hand. I do not believe it needs to go as far as Kol has, he hasn't shown the signs. However, he needs someone to teach him right from wrong. To correct him when he does something he shouldn't. Not just a spanking, but timeouts and talking to's." Elijah takes a step forward and places a hand on Klaus' shoulder. "He needs a father."
Klaus purses his lips. His blue eyes are wide. Hayley stands back behind them, a genuine look of surprise on her face. There are very few people who can bring out this side in Elijah's younger brother.
"What if he resents me for it?" Klaus whispers. "He's had such a rough go of things…"
"So have all of us." Elijah shoots him a sympathetic smile. "I know what it is like to second guess yourself. I spent so long wondering if I was too harsh on Kol. Yet, look at how far he has come."
Klaus concedes with a nod. "You have done a good job with him brother."
Elijah shakes his head. "'Twas a team effort. I had Hayley, Rebekah…and you. Before the women began to help, you were on my side. Softer than I, but encouraging me to do right by Kol. 'Tis my turn to return the favor."
The younger brother slowly nods. "So…I should paddle him?"
Elijah walks to the heavy oak piece with the family crest imprinted on the back. He lifts it off the wall and places it in his brother's hands.
"'Tis my recommendation."
Klaus exhales through his nose. He glances over at Hayley. As the conversation cools, so does her face. She still isn't happy, but Elijah no longer fears a wolf attack will take place in his safe haven.
"I apologize, Hayley," Klaus says, sincerely. "I care deeply for Kol. Marcellus may be my son, but he is my baby brother." Hayley hums in agreement. "You have every right to thrash Marcel as you see fit." Klaus glances at Elijah. "You both do."
Hayley nods, her eyes only marginally softening. "Good."
Klaus hesitates, clearly waiting for her to accept the apology. After a few moments of silence, he exits the room. Elijah looks at his wife for a moment, a slow smile forming on his face. Hayley tilts her head.
"What?"
"You are quite the mama bear, aren't you?"
Hayley scoffs, a tiny smirk on her lips. "That's Mama Wolf to you." She walks over and pecks his lips. "I'll go check on our baby pup."
"I suspect lots of kisses and cuddles."
"He's getting whatever he wants after a day like today."
Elijah can't argue with that.
Klaus enters the room. He stands there for a moment, watching his son pace back and forth. Marcel stops as soon as he smells him, only seeing his eyes in that moment.
"Tell me you talked some sense into Hayley."
Klaus shakes his head. "I'm afraid I agree with her."
Marcel scoffs. "Klaus, I am a grown man. I lead an entire kingdom of supernatural. She cannot spank me like a toddler."
"She can, and she shall. Just as your uncle will…and myself."
Marcel glances down and sees the paddle. Klaus sighs as his son backs up a little.
"You…you wouldn't," Marcel stammers. "I…I just said, I'm not a child."
"You are my child. As of late, you've tormented Kol."
"Kol is a little asshole who had much joy torturing me!"
Klaus walks right up in Marcel's face. "You shall not use such language. Not ever, but especially not me." His son's mouth drops open. "Now, Kol was not a good uncle to you. There is no doubting that. He was also thrashed for each and every transgression, just as he is now. No one says that you two have to be best friends, hold hands and skip everywhere."
Marcel huffs. "Good."
"However, unless he is goading you, you shall treat him with respect. If that means not talking to him, then you simply shall not talk. You wish to tease him for the dynamic he has with Elijah and Hayley? You will see that you are just as much my little boy as he is theirs."
Marcel frowns. "But I am not a little boy! I'm a grown man!"
"You are. You're a fine man, Marcellus, and in spite of today, I am very proud of you." Marcel smiles a little, ducking his head at the praise. "However, I want you to stay on the right track, which means a little correction from your papa."
Klaus settles onto the California King, placing the paddle beside him. In a quick flourish, Marcel is over his knee. The young man squirms, desperately trying to break free. Klaus ignores him, undoing the belt and unzipping his jeans. Marcel grunts.
"Not bare!"
Marcel attempts to get up. Klaus wraps his leg around Marcel's to hold him down. He finishes pulling down the pants, followed by his boxers. Marcel's hands can barely cover his bottom before Klaus pins them to the top of his head.
"You claim to be a man, so take your punishment like one."
Klaus wastes no time smacking his right ass cheek. Marcel squirms mostly. Klaus knows any pain from the initial smacks isn't doing much. He quickly picks up the pace, switching from one cheek to another. Marcel kicks his legs. Klaus is quick to swat the insides of his scissoring thighs. Marcel groans.
"Ahhh! Alright, alright! I won't do it anymore!"
Klaus nods, hitting his sit spot three times.
SMACK!
SMACK!
SMACK!
SMACK!
"Owww! Klaus!"
"Whining will get you absolutely nowhere, you should know that by now," Klaus reprimands, paddling his hand down his left cheek. "You are a young man."
"It hurts! Ahh! I didn't think you could…" SMACK! SMACK! SMACK! "Owww! I didn't think you could make it hurt."
"I am over a thousand years old, my dear boy." He moves onto the right cheek. Marcel moans. "Compared to me, you are a mere child."
"I am not a child!" Marcel whines as his sit spot is whacked four times. His eyes pinch shut. "Ouch! Ouch! Ahhh! I am a grown man!"
"And even grown men, even vampires, will find themselves over a bent knee when they misbehave."
Marcel screams as he receives a few more smacks on alternating cheeks. "No! This isn't…aghh!"
Klaus continues with his hand for another few minutes. His hand imprints onto Marcel's dark bottom. When he lets up, Marcel is still moaning. He goes to move his hands back, but Klaus keeps them pinned down. He doesn't move the leg that is keeping his son firmly in place either.
"I'll find a way to leave again," Marcel threatens. "I'll run you out of this town."
Klaus shakes his head, keeping his pride aside. "You will do no such thing. I am not leaving you, Marcellus. As I said, I am proud of you. I also want what's best for you. And that is making sure you know right from wrong."
Klaus picks up the heavy oak paddle. He adjusts Marcel, ensuring that his bottom is all that will be hurt with it. Realistically, he should take him off his knee, but he wishes to keep him close. Klaus brings down the first two smacks in quick succession.
THWAP!
THWAP!
"Owwwie!" Marcel yells out.
THWAP!
THWAP!
"You will not tease anyone!" Klaus brings it down harder. Marcel cries in pain. "You will not start fights."
Marcel howls as another thwap comes to his sit spot.
"Owwwie! Owwww, please…I'm sorry!"
Klaus smells the tears before they even fall. He continues the spanking anyway.
"Yes, yes, let it all out. It's okay."
THWAP!
THWAP!
"Ahhh! Papa! Please! No more!"
Klaus' body lightens hearing the title he's gone without for over a century. It takes everything in him to finish the spanking. Marcel continues to cry, it quickly turning into sobs. He pleads with his papa to stop, apologizing over and over again. After 10 more thwaps, Klaus retires the paddle. Marcel carries on while remaining in position.
"You may relax," Klaus says. Marcel drops his arms as his father moves his leg. Still, he's kept over his lap. "I am going to take some pain, not all, just a little. I know what you can handle my boy."
Marcel continues to sniffle as his sore, throbbing bottom is tended to. Klaus rubs it for potentially longer than he should. Old habits and all that. Still, he manages to stop before the lesson is removed all together. Klaus moves backwards on the bed and places Marcel between his legs. The young man bounces a bit as his tender bottom collides with the thousand thread count duvet. He sniffles and rubs at his eyes. Klaus is quick to brush away a few tears.
"I do not enjoy doing that."
Marcel rolls his eyes. "Imagine how I feel." Klaus pops his thigh. "Hey!"
"I meant what I said, Marcellus. You may be the ruler here, but I am still your father." Marcel frowns. "If you get out of line, I shall spank you, however I see fit, wherever I see fit."
"But…"
"'Tis not up for discussion. You shall not mock or belittle Kol. If you do, this little lesson will repeat. As I said, you do not have to be his friend, but you will remain civil. Are we clear?" Marcel mumbles under his breath. Kol tilts his head. "Excuse me?"
Marcel sighs. "Yes, Papa."
Klaus smiles. "That's what I thought." He pulls Marcel close to him and strokes the back of his head. His son melts into him. "You are a fine man, my brave warrior. I don't want to see that change."
"Much is different from when we last saw each other."
"I am aware. You have grown a great deal. However, at the end of the day, I am still your father, yes?"
Marcel slowly nods. "Yes, Papa." He rubs at his eyes.
"Good boy." Klaus pats his shoulder. "Now, I shall tuck you in for a nap. When you wake, you shall write a letter of apology to Kol."
Marcel expels a soft yawn. "I don't need a nap."
"Spankings take a lot out of someone. You do indeed."
Klaus gets up and moves back the covers. Marcel is quick to crawl under them, laying on his stomach. Klaus pulls the blankets up over him and kisses the top of his head.
"I love you, my little warrior."
Marcel's eyes pull close. "Love you too, Papa."
He awaits until his son is fast asleep before heading down the hall to Kol's bedroom. His brother sits behind the desk, Hayley in a chair beside him as they look over his homework. Klaus clears his throat, causing them both to look up. While Hayley has relaxed quite a bit, there's a fire of protection in her eyes. Kol tilts his head.
"I came to apologize, Little One."
Kol frowns. "What for?"
"I didn't handle Marcellus properly, and I'm afraid that attributed to how he's treated you."
Kol shrugs. "He's responsible for his own actions, just as I am."
Klaus shakes his head, not ready to ease the guilt quite yet.
"Regardless, I am his father. 'Tis my responsibility. Just as it's your mama and daddy's job."
Kol's eyes are filled with sincerity as he smiles. "Not upset with you, Nik. Likewise not pleased with your son, but that is hardly your fault."
"I hope we can all resolve these issues."
Hayley speaks up before Kol can. "In time, perhaps. For now, we'll focus on our children, yes?"
Klaus nods. The two share a small smile.
"Aye, Little Wolf. Our sons shall come first."
