Roses_of_Magic prompted "do you think we could see a bit more of Marcel's and Tyler's relationship?". Paired with numberonebaka's prompt dealing with Tyler going to Marcel for comfort after a spanking (though I did tweak it a bit).
This takes place a little after "Saving Tyler". He is somewhat more adjusted but is still struggling a bit.
When living at the Lockwoods, Tyler never had to go shopping. His mom ordered his clothes, keeping his style in mind. In fact, any style he had, was technically her doing. He never cared much. As he got older, she'd give him a credit card and a budget to order things online. It worked for him. He was a growing boy who often shot through sizes quickly. It made more sense to just click through a website instead of going to the mall every few weeks.
Now, he's a hybrid who won't grow. It should be easier to purchase clothes online. Instead, he finds himself at the mall with his father.
Klaus insisted on getting him some new clothes. Tyler was perfectly fine with what he had. His dad wants him to freshen his wardrobe, as well as get some more things for when he drops into a younger state. Something Tyler doesn't want to think about.
"Can we go now?" Tyler tries to hide a whine as they walk out of yet another store. Luckily, there's no bags. All packages are being sent back to the house. "We've got enough stuff."
"You still need some more jammies," Klaus points out.
"I don't need pajamas." Tyler rolls his eyes, ignoring the warning Look he gets. "I have plenty."
"For when you're a big boy." The tips of the young hybrid's ears turn pink. "When you're little, you'll want something to match your age."
Tyler frowns. "I don't want new stuff," he mumbles.
"You showed me a lot of items you like," Klaus points out. "Remember the Mickey t-shirt?"
He shoves his hands in his pockets, pouting. "That was different," he mumbles.
Klaus smiles, patting his back. "It wasn't. You want things for your younger space and we shall buy them for you. Come, just one more shop and we can go."
"You said that 4 stores ago," Tyler points out.
"This time I mean it. When we leave, you can get one of those giant pretzels or whatever they are." Tyler's eyes light up, his pout dropping. Klaus chuckles. "See, I am not a horrible, mean daddy, am I?"
Tyler pokes out his tongue. Klaus keeps a hand on his shoulder as they walk into the next shop. Unlike the others that had a mix of Little and regular clothes, this is targeted directly at those who fall into a younger space. There's a wide spectrum. One section is dedicated to babies, with onesies and bodysuits. The toddler section is where Klaus starts off. It's barely a step-up from the babies. Their pajamas are mostly one pieces with little feet and butt flaps, some have hoods. Daytime clothes include overalls and t-shirts. Some items still have snaps, though this is usually the age group where human Littles are potty training, so most of it allows them quick access. That's not a concern for Tyler.
Klaus is busy sorting through the different clothes, fluctuating between pajamas and daytime. Tyler crosses his arms over his chest as he looks around the store. There's a stupid, melodic classical tune playing over the speakers. About a dozen caregivers mingle throughout the shop, many with their own Littles. While some don't look thrilled to be out shopping, they still seem comfortable. Whether it's holding their mommy's hand or their daddy has them on one of those leashes.
A tall brunette woman with a tight smile approaches them. Tyler slinks back a bit. He makes out her name tag "Tammy". "Are you finding everything you need alright?"
Klaus nods. "Yes, thank you. I shall let you know if we need any help."
Tyler expects Tammy to move along, but she lingers. "You know, we have a play area for Littles while their caregivers shop."
She gestures to the back of the store. It's a small set-up with a toy kitchen, some blocks, trains and a bin for puppets. Tyler huffs, folding his arms over his chest.
"That shit's for babies," he mutters. He isn't a stupid baby. This whole thing is stupid.
Klaus' head snaps up. Tyler bites his lip, trying not to whine off his father's stern glance. He turns to the saleswoman, apologetic. "No, thank you, he's fine. I'm sorry about his attitude." Klaus looks back at his son. "What do you have to say for yourself?" Tyler shrugs. "Tyler…"
"It's alright," Tammy says, holding up her hands.
"No, 'tis not. He should not have spoken to you in such a way. He knows better. Tyler, what do you say?"
Tyler doesn't move or say a word. Tammy slowly slinks away, a bit of regret in her eyes. Tyler would smile if not for his father's death glare. Maybe she won't bother the next Little who just wants to be alone!
"What is with this behavior?" Klaus asks, his voice low and firm. "We have spoken about it."
"I don't want to play in some dumb baby area!" Tyler starts to stomp his foot but quickly thinks better of it. "I don't want to be here at all."
"Then you say "no thank you". Cursing is not becoming of you. And when we make a mistake or hurt someone's feelings, we apologize."
"I am not apologizing to her."
Klaus shakes his head. "I think someone needs a nap when we get home."
"No! I don't want a stupid nap!"
"It's not about what you want, it's about what you need. Now, lower your voice or you will find yourself in a worse position than bed when we get home, young man."
Tyler glares at him. Klaus ignores the look and goes back to browsing the clothes. He occasionally asks Tyler what he thinks or tells him to pick something out, but Tyler is tight-lipped. If he speaks, he's going to land himself in more trouble. That's the last thing he wants.
His eyes flutter back to the play area. He sees a girl taking some fake food from the oven. Tyler squirms. He just got a toy kitchen in the playroom at home. It's bigger than that one, but still. This tiny, pink one looks cool too. They even have real Thomas trains. For the first time, he even spots a tiny TV playing an old Rugrats VHS tape.
Maybe it would be fun…
Tyler backs into a shelf, clenching his arms tighter to his chest. No! He's not a little kid! He doesn't need to play with dumb toys while his dad shops for stupid clothes. All to go in the big, dumb nursery with his cool football bed. It's all for little boys.
Tyler is big. He doesn't need any of this.
Once Klaus has his back turned, Tyler slowly begins to inch away. First, he tries to make it appear that he's actually looking at the pajamas. Next, he casually glances at the section for older boys, probably Marcel's age group. One step, two step. He checks over his shoulder. Klaus is preoccupied checking sizes.
Tyler takes the opportunity to vamp out of the store. He spots Vans cross the way and double checks that his wallet is in his pocket. Klaus told him he could get anything he wants. Well, when he's big, he likes sneakers. This will put him in the mood.
He's not halfway down the open concept floor when he's jolted back. Tyler wiggles as he takes in his father's scent and hears his racing heart.
"What do you mean taking off like that?!"
"Let go!" Tyler mumbles, heat coming to his cheeks. He tries to push Klaus' hand off his collar, but to no avail.
Klaus shakes his head. "You know better."
"I just wanted to look at shoes!"
"We went over the rules before we got here. You need to tell me if you want to look at something, not just take off. You know the mall is too busy for you to be alone."
Heat rises to Tyler's cheeks. "Shut up! You're so stupid!"
Klaus crouches down, meeting his son in the eye. Tyler's irritation melts when he sees the disappointment etched on his dad's face. Klaus gently grabs his chin.
"We are going to walk to the car and I am going to hold your hand the whole way."
Tyler frowns. "But…"
"It is that or I shall carry you."
Tyler sinks down onto the ground, folding his arms over his chest. He doesn't want to hold his dad's hand. He doesn't want to be carried. He just wants all of this to be done and over with.
"1…" Klaus begins. Tyler stares into space. He ignores the other shoppers that pause and briefly stare before pretending that they're not paying attention. "2…" Tyler draws his knees to his chest. "Tyler, do you want me to get to 3?"
"You can count, can't you?" Tyler snaps.
One moment, he's on the floor. The next, Klaus has picked him up in a cradle position and is carrying him towards the exit. Tyler pounds his fists against his shoulders and whines.
"Put me down!"
"No. You have proven you cannot be trusted walking alone. Little boys don't get that privilege. They need to be carried or hold hands. Or in some cases, have a harness."
"I don't want a stupid leash!"
"You need to prove to me that you can act like a big boy. That's how you get treated like one."
"You're stupid!" Tyler fires back. "And a dick! And I hate you!"
Klaus shakes his head. Tyler growls. His dad never seems to care when he says the "h" word. It doesn't change how he showers Tyler with love and affection. That's just stupid. Klaus should hate him. Want him gone. Not cling tighter.
They eventually reach the SUV. Klaus opens the backdoor and deposits a whining Tyler into his booster seat. The little hybrid tries to pull at the belt, but it locks in place. Klaus reaches into the bag on the floor of the car and rifles out a green pacifier. He attempts to put it in Tyler's mouth, but it is tossed to the side.
"No! I am not a little boy!"
"Have it your way," Klaus replies, unamused.
He gets up front, leaving his fussy son in the back. Tyler wiggles and kicks his legs. He wants out of this dumb baby seat. He wants Klaus to scream at him, call him names. At least it'd be over. When Richard got mad, he'd smack Tyler and that would be it. He'd get locked in his room and left alone.
The ride home is fairly short and Tyler doesn't find himself calmer by the end of it. Klaus pulls the SUV into the garage and parks. He comes around to the side and quietly unbuckles his son's belt. Tyler bolts from the car, heading straight for the door. Klaus is quick to grab him.
"Let me go!" Tyler demands. "I don't want to be around you! You suck!"
"You are entitled to your very big feelings," Klaus tells him, as if he's speaking to a 3-year-old. "The fact of the matter is, your behavior hasn't been very good today. That cannot go unpunished."
Klaus lowers himself down onto the bench where everyone takes off their shoes. He unzips Tyler's jeans and pulls them down, followed by his boxers. Any attempt Tyler tries to stop him futile. He's pulled over his father's lap, the knee being adjusted so his bottom is high in the air. Tyler wiggles, kicking his legs. Klaus smacks his thighs 3 times. Tyler yelps, throwing his hand back to rub. Klaus brushes it away.
"We use our nice words," Klaus lectures as he paddles his hand down Tyler's left cheek, followed by the right. Tyler whines. "We shall not be rude to anyone…" SMACK! SMACK!"Especially not service workers."
"Ahhh!" Tyler wails as his bottom begins to warm beneath the firm hand. "Owww!"
"You say "no thank you, ma'am"…"SMACK! SMACK! The blows land to Tyler's sit spot and he nearly jumps off his father's lap. Klaus readjusts him. "Or "Daddy, I'd like to go to this store" or "Daddy, I'm not happy with you right now."
Tyler cries out. "Ouchie! Daddy! Stoppp!"
"No. For some reason, you think you can get away with saying whatever you please. Actions have consequences, my little pup." SMACK! SMACK!"You will not curse or say unkind words to me or anyone else for that matter."
Tyler wails, kicking his legs and earning himself more swats to the thighs. The burn radiates through his skin.
"You do not run away from me, Tyler," Klaus continues as he gets the top of his bottom twice. "I need to know where you are, at all times. You cannot take off like that!"
SMACK!
SMACK!
SMACK!
Tears fall down Tyler's cheeks. His dad's voice sounds worried. Almost as if…he might cry?
"Anything could happen to a vulnerable little boy."
SMACK! SMACK!"Ouchie! Owwwww, Daddy!" Tyler sobs. The tears mix with his snot.
"I will not lose you, because you want to be stubborn."
Tyler tries to grab onto a shoe, but he's too high off the ground. In spite of his legs dangling, he feels like a child. Technically, that's what he is. The tears continue to fall as a tiny sob escapes his mouth.
"Owwie!" Tyler exclaims.
"Will you take off from me again?"
"N…no!"
"Will you treat everyone with respect?"
"Y…yeah…" SMACK!"Owwww!"
Klaus delivers a few more blows to the bottom. Tyler's bottom feels as though it's on fire as he remains over his lap. He hiccups and sniffles while Klaus rubs his back.
"There, there," he coos. "It's all over, all done. You took your punishment."
The tears continue to fall, perhaps growing worse from the sudden affection. He tries to rub his bottom, but his hand is pushed out of the way.
"Let's get you upstairs and into some nap clothes."
Tyler rubs at his eyes. "N…no."
Klaus tilts his head. "No?"
"I don't want you."
Tyler forces himself up and pulls his boxers and jeans over his sore, aching bottom. The original hybrid's hand certainly knows how to smart a bottom. He does a tiny, painful dance to adjust to the material.
He's not a little boy. He doesn't need his daddy's comfort after a spanking.
"I…I'll go to my room," he announces. "I don't want help!"
Klaus' face falls a bit. "Little pup…"
"No!"
Tyler stomps out of the garage, rubbing his sore behind with one hand and his face with the other. It's not fair! He didn't want to go shopping for stupid clothes and he didn't want to stay with his dad. Tyler's never had to do any of that before. Why is Klaus insisting he start now?
He doesn't want all this love and attention. Tyler wants to go back to being ignored. It was easier.
Eventually, Tyler makes it up to his room. He grabs some tissues and does his best to clean up his face. Tyler spots the stupid Pooh Bear that Klaus gave him his first night and glares at it. The bear's dumb smile doesn't go away.
Every move that Tyler makes is painful. He takes his jeans off and tries to pull on some sweats, but the heat radiates down his legs. Tyler manages to remove his boxers. The padding of the soft pants aleves it somewhat.
The tears continue to fall. He grabs his bear and hugs it close. The pain is slowly fading away, but another weighs him down. He's alone. He pushed out Klaus.
"Good," he mumbles. "He's mean and unfair."
But suddenly, being alone isn't very fun.
Tyler walks out of his room and looks around. He can hear Klaus downstairs, likely getting his sippy cup of blood ready for nap. Tyler doesn't want to see him. Instead, he finds himself slipping through another door.
Marcel lays on his bed, flipping through a book about chess. Tyler doesn't understand the game. At first he assumed it was similar to checkers but there's so many moves and pieces. He can't play it for long without getting a headache.
The elder brother glances up. Tyler sees the hesitation in his eyes and bites his lip. While Marcel has been a welcoming brother, Tyler's struggled with the concept of a sibling. He's been an only child for his entire life. Now, he enters a home where he not only has a sibling, but an older brother. 7 years isn't a lot, but Marcel has lived more life than that.
"Do you need something?"
Tyler digs his foot into the hardwood. He could make up an excuse. He could snap and tease Marcel to make himself feel better. He could rip that stupid book to shreds. Scream, shout, throw another tantrum.
He's too tired for all that.
Instead, his voice is soft as he says, "I hate Dad."
The corners of Marcel's lips turn up. He places a marker in his book and sets it on the nightstand, sitting up a bit. "He spanked you?"
Tyler nods, pouting. "It's not fair! All I did was go to look at shoes."
"That's all?"
"Uh huh. He got mad because I didn't want to look at the stupid baby clothes."
"Hm. Is it possible you took off?"
Tyler looks away. "I can be by myself."
"I'm sure you have before. But you know Dad's rules."
"They suck. He sucks."
Marcel pats the space on the bed beside him. It's Tyler's turn to hesitate. He sometimes lays in bed with his dad. That's bad enough. Only little kids lay with their big brothers.
Marcel's bed looks comfy, though. And standing somehow hurts his bottom more than sitting right now.
Tyler walks over, rubbing his sore bum the whole way. He slowly climbs onto the bed. Marcel arranges so he's sitting on a pillow. Tyler rests his chin on the top of Pooh's head.
"Dad's rules can be a lot at first," Marcel acknowledges. "I know I struggled with them."
"I'm not a little kid."
"Not all the time, but you know that you can be."
"My biological parents never did any of this."
"I know. Mine didn't either." Tyler tilts his head. Marcel doesn't talk about his background much. Klaus was the one to tell him he saved the young boy from slavery. "My mama died when I was young. My biological father…well, let's just say we didn't have that kind of relationship. Or any relationship, really."
Tyler frowns when he sees the brief flash of pain in Marcel's eyes. It disappears as quickly as it arrives. "That…sucks." He can't find a more eloquent word. What do you say to someone who grew up in such a way?
Marcel chuckles in spite of himself. "You can say that. Anyway, it was jarring to go from that to living with an overprotective father who had many rules. I wasn't even classified at the time. The system didn't exist yet."
Logically, Tyler knows how old his brother is. Yet, it's weird to think there was ever a time when the system wasn't in place.
"Dad can be annoying, but he cares. He loves you, Tyler. A lot. He always wanted a lot of kids but given how he lives his life, he was hesitant to take more on. You were special." Marcel smiles. "He saw the profile for you and knew you needed a firm yet loving home. I think he sees a great deal of himself in you. I do too."
Tyler frowns. "You think I was wrong to run off?"
"I think you're a kid. You'll make some mistakes. It's hard to accept our classification."
"I used to tell people I didn't like being Little. If I could, I'd change it." Tyler cuddles Pooh closer. "But…that's just 'cause it'd be easier. I wouldn't have to need someone."
"You do. We may be immortal, but we still need interaction., Ty. We're not robots."
Tyler's voice is barely audible. "What if I get used to it and then it all goes away?"
Marcel wraps an arm around him and pulls him close. A soft tear falls down Tyler's face. Marcel rubs his back.
"It's not going anywhere."
"It could."
"Look at what Dad has done to keep you close. It doesn't matter how many times you act out, TyTy. He's not going to leave you. Neither am I."
Tyler sniffles. He lays his head on his big brother's shoulder.
"It'll take some more getting used to. But the sooner you realize Dad loves you and won't ever send you away, the better you'll feel." Marcel smirks. "So will your bottom."
Tyler groans. "That's no fun."
"It's not. But Dad really doesn't like to spank us. He only does it if he knows a timeout or taking away privileges don't work. You'll never like it, but it's just how it is. And in the end, you know he'd never truly hurt you, right?"
Tyler nods. In spite of everything, he's never felt unsafe here.
"Still don't wanna see him right now," Tyler mumbles.
"That's okay. We can hide out here."
"Really?"
"What are big brothers for?"
Marcel pulls a throw over the two of them. Between the exhaustion from the day and spanking, paired with his brother rubbing his back, Tyler is out within moments. He stays snuggled up against Marcel with his Pooh Bear in his arms.
When Tyler awakes, he's still in a cuddle. He blinks a few times, letting out a small yawn. As he rubs at his eyes, he makes out Marcel reading his book. Tyler only moves to grab his bear that fell between them.
Tyler looks around the room and sees Klaus standing in the doorway. The pain in his bottom is mostly gone. His nose is red from all the sniffling. Head hurts as his spaces crash against one another.
Not leaving Marcel's side, he mumbles, "Sorry, Dada."
Klaus nods, a small smile on his face. "It's quite alright, my little pup." He walks over to the two of them. "Look at my baby boys together."
Marcel makes a face, glancing up from his book. "Not a baby."
"No matter how old you get, yes you will be." Klaus affectionately pinches his cheek and then gives him a kiss. Marcel pokes out his tongue. "Cheeky little warrior." Tyler smiles. It's fun watching Marcel squirm. Klaus looks down at him. "You need to eat."
Tyler pouts. "I didn't get my pretzel."
Klaus chuckles. "Next time, if you behave. Though, I also think next time you'll have your special backpack with the harness."
Tyler pulls a face, but doesn't argue. "Not getting up."
"We all need to eat at the table. Do you want me to carry you?"
Tyler shakes his head. "Bubby do it."
Marcel grins and nods, lifting him into his arms.
Next time, Jeremy tries to be a big boy. Marcel and Tyler have the audacity to stop him from killing himself in the process. What terrible big brothers, truly.
As always, let me know what you think and feel free to leave prompts!
