Tyler rips open a package of pop tarts, barely waiting for the foil to fall to the counter before shoving them in the toaster. Marcel is quick to grab the litter.

"It wouldn't kill you to pick up after yourself," he says.

Tyler shrugs, grabbing two bananas from the bowl and getting to work on unpeeling. "Who has the time?"

Marcel rolls his eyes. "Dad will kill you if he thinks you're purposefully making a mess for Bethany."

"Good thing I never would. Someone has a stick up his as…" He trails off as his father walks in the room. "Hi, Dad."

Klaus shakes his head. "Nice save." He notes the box of pop tarts and sighs. "Tyler, we've discussed healthy breakfasts."

"I have fruit!" Tyler argues as he finishes taking off the last peel. "Plus, they're strawberry, not chocolate."

"Only 'cause you finished the chocolate ones yesterday," Marcel quips.

Tyler shoves him, earning one in return. Klaus claps his hands.

"Boys, enough, 'tis too early." He walks over to the coffee triangle and begins taking things down. "You have practice after school, little pup?"

"Yup." Tyler's already finished one banana by the time the pastries pop up. He grabs them and ignores the brief burn, biting into one.

"And Little Warrior, you're volunteering today?"

Marcel nods. "I'll be home by 4."

"Good. Maybe we can finally have a family dinner this evening."

"If Tyler leaves any food," Marcel says as he observes his brother polishing off the pop tarts in record time.

Tyler glowers at him. "The full moon is next week, moron."

"Tyler," Klaus warns,

"He teased me first!"

"Alright, alright. Both of you, eat in silence."

Tyler doesn't miss the smirk as Marcel grabs some cereal. He rolls his eyes and resists throwing the remaining banana at him. That'd be a waste of food.

Jeremy enters the room, heading straight for the fridge. He doesn't spare a look to anyone around him nor say a word. Klaus presses the button on the coffee maker.

"Good morning, Angel." Jeremy remains silent as he opens the door and inspects the contents inside. "Marcel is fixing cereal, if you want some."

Tyler arches a brow when his brother doesn't respond. "I didn't eat all the pop-tarts," he offers.

Jeremy wordlessly shuts the fridge and walks over to the bowl. He grabs an apple and begins walking out of the room. Klaus takes a step forward.

"Jeremy, your brother was talking to you."

"I can hear him," the teen mumbles.

"Then what do you say?"

Jeremy scoffs, refusing to turn around. "I don't want a stupid pop-tart. Better?"

"No, you know that's not how we talk to people. We also look them in the eye."

Jeremy spins to face his family. Irritation is written across his face, though he fakes a smile. "No, thank you, Tyler, I don't want a pop-tart." He drops the smile when glancing at his father. "Better?"

Klaus clicks his tongue. "You are pushing it."

"Whatever. I'm eating this in the garage."

He takes a large bite from the apple before walking out of the room. Klaus frowns, shaking his head as he turns back to his coffee. Tyler finishes off his banana and glances over at his elder brother. Marcel leans against the counter with his bowl, a mixture of amusement and worry in his eye.

Jeremy's barely spoken to any of them since the night before. He attempted to go out, despite being grounded. Klaus stood firm. A tantrum ensued and Jeremy got sent to his room for disrespect. He didn't leave, even after Klaus said he could.

Tyler's still reveling over the fact that his brother was actually spanked and grounded. He thought for sure, he'd be put in timeout or at most, lose a night of TV privileges. Then to not cave when Jeremy pouted about being stuck in the house…who is this man that stands before him?

"You okay, Dad?" Marcel asks.

"Absolutely fine." Klaus watches as the coffee drips into the pot. "We'll leave in a bit."

"That's not what I was asking."

"Your brother has some very big feelings right now. He'll find a way to get over it."

Tyler snorts. "Okay, who are you and what have you done with our father?"

Marcel glares at him. Tyer doesn't pay his brother any mind. He keeps his eyes on their dad. Klaus tilts his head.

"Pardon?"

"You've never gone this far when punishing Jeremy!"

"Tyler," Marcel makes out through gritted teeth.

"No, Marcel, c'mon. You have to admit this is insane." He keeps his gaze on his father. "Have you been poisoned with vervain? Wolfsbane? A combo of the two?"

Klaus inhales through his nose. "I do not need to explain my parenting to the two of you."

"Hey, I didn't say anything about that," Marcel remarks, holding up his spoon in defense. "Don't lump me in with him."

"You were clearly implying something about it."

"Look, I think Tyler is just a little surprised because…" He trails off and bites his lip, shrugging. "You really don't treat Jeremy like this."

Klaus throws his hands in the air. "So, it's a problem when I don't discipline the boy. Now, you two have an issue with this?" He shakes his head.

Tyler and Marcel look at each other, eyes wide. Had he…no. He would've had something sooner.

Klaus bristles as he carries on. "No matter, as I said, I do not need to explain my parenting choices to the two of you. You're the kids, I'm the father. How I handle Jeremy is my business!"

Tyler grumbles as he slinks back. "Great, so now I'm still in trouble."

The briefest of hesitation comes across Klaus' eyes. Tyler disposes of trash and heads for the door. His father vamps in front of him. Tyler folds his arms over his chest. Maybe he shouldn't have brought up Jeremy, but did his dad really have to bite his head off for it?

"Tyler," Klaus' voice is soft. "I didn't mean to lose my temper with you."

"I didn't do anything wrong," he mumbles.

"Little Pup," he tilts his head. "You know better than to question my authority."

"It was just weird, alright? That's all I was trying to say. God forbid I worry about you."

"Did you? Really? Or were you just trying to tease me?"

Tyler squirms, looking away. Klaus gently guides his chin back. Tyler sighs. He doesn't answer his father's question and decides to counter instead.

"What did you mean with the whole we have an issue with how you handle Jeremy? When did we say that?"

It's Klaus' turn to hem and haw. Tyler sees Marcel narrow his eyes.

"Were you spying on us?!"

Klaus sighs. "Marcel…"

"Papa! You promised!" Marcel drops the bowl of cereal onto the island, milk splattering onto the granite. "Maybe you can't turn off that supernatural hearing, but you're not supposed to use it."

"Marcel, I didn't mean to."

Marcel glowers, shaking his head. Klaus walks over to him, putting a hand on his cheek. Marcel is quick to pull away. Tyler frowns. He's starting to regret bringing this up all together. He's not totally tuned into what his brother and father's relationship was like prior to him, but he knows it wasn't always perfect. Klaus promised to give the boys a reasonable amount of privacy.

"Little Warrior," Klaus says softly. Marcel stays a good distance from him. Their father sighs. "Alright. I shall be honest. Originally, I didn't mean to overhear your conversation about how I parent Jeremy. Then when I heard Tyler mocking me, I decided to listen in." Tyler draws his lips to the side, innocently looking away. "That was wrong, I know."

Marcel folds his arms over his chest. "Why didn't you say anything about it?"

"At first, I didn't agree with the two of you. I thought you were overreacting. So, I wagered it wasn't a big deal."

"Yes, you going back on a promise means so little."

"Marcel." His body language doesn't change. "Little Warrior." Klaus sighs. "I am very sorry." He glances over at Tyler. "Both of you. I should not have listened in. I won't do it again."

Tyler nods, shrugging a little. Truth be told, he expects that his father might eavesdrop to a certain extent. Still, he knows what a big deal this is to Marcel. His older brother remains tense.

"You've said that before."

"I have," Klaus admits. "I also kept my word for a good long while. I think I've proven I can be trusted, even just a bit, no?"

Marcel's lips fidget a bit. "It was really an accident?"

"Aye. I take full accountability, regardless."

Little by little, Tyler sees his brother's shoulders relax. "As long as you don't do it again."

"I won't." Klaus puts an arm around him and pulls him close. Marcel rests his head on his shoulder. Tyler holds back a smile. "The truth is, even after I realized you were right, I didn't bring it up as I felt embarrassed."

Tyler arches a brow. "You?"

"My sons, little boys, could see my failings as a parent."

"Well, one, we're not little boys," Tyler points out. He's quick to carry on before his father can rebut. "Two, you haven't failed."

"Jeremy's had very little discipline until now."

"Yes, but that doesn't mean you've failed. Just that you wanted to protect him."

"This isn't how you made it sound the other night."

Tyler walks over to his father and brother. He allows Klaus to wrap his free arm around him.

"We were just venting, Papa," Marcel speaks up. "We get it, Jeremy's a human. And he's your baby."

"All three of you are my babies," Klaus gives a pointed look at Tyler. "Even those who want to say they're not."

Tyler chuckles. "I knew that was coming."

"I just need you both to know that I was not favoring him in any way. I love the three of you equally."

"I know," Marcel says. "You were the same way with me when I was younger. If anything, you let it go on longer."

"I should have learned my lesson."

"It's your nature. You want to make sure we feel happy and loved. Which we still do, even when we're punished."

Tyler nods. "If anything, I should be offended, because you didn't let me get away with nearly as much." Klaus' eyes widen. Tyler holds up his hand. "It's a joke, Dad. Relax."

Klaus exhales. "Good. Because I really do love all three of you. It's why I can be a little strict sometimes. I want you to be the best versions of yourself that you can. And yet, I also don't want you to ever feel unloved or that I'm the worst dad ever."

"All kids think that at some point. With most parents, it's not true. It's just a kid, being a kid."

Marcel nods. "We love you, Papa, and we know you love us. Jeremy included. He's just going through what I did when you first started punishing me. But look at me now."

Klaus looks between the two of them. He plants a big, wet kiss on each of their heads.

"When did the two of you get so smart?"

"I think it was going back to school," Tyler teases. "You learn a lot more the second time around."

Klaus chuckles. "I suppose so."

"Jeremy will get over himself. Eventually."

"I guess I just have to put up with a moody little boy for a bit."

Marcel smiles. "You used to say when I was pouty that you'd rather me be upset than dead because I did something stupid. Still applies here."

Klaus rubs his back. "You're absolutely right." He gives them each one last kiss. "Go finish up your breakfasts, then we'll head out."

The following afternoon, Jeremy curls up on the window seat in the art studio as he sketches in his pad. Ever since he was grounded, he's been forced to use more of the pencil and paper rather than the cool drawing tablet he got for his birthday. So many projects he's unable to work on, all because his dad is being stupid and unfair.

There's a knock on the open door. Jeremy doesn't bother to look up. "Go away."

Tyler's voice floats into the room. "That's not very nice. I have gummy bears."

Jeremy rolls his eyes. The candy were how he and Tyler first bonded. Jeremy was a wreck upon arrival and clung to Klaus' side constantly. The first time Klaus had to put him down for a few minutes, Tyler swept in with a bag of gummy bears, calling him "JerBear" for the first time. Jeremy quickly forgot all about his dad and focused on his new brother.

But he had been little when that happened. Big Jeremy can't be persuaded by something as ridiculous as candy.

"I said go away, Tyler"

"JerBear doesn't want gummy bears?" Tyler fakes a gasp. "Say it isn't so."

Jeremy grumbles, finally looking up from his sketchpad. Tyler stands there, bag in hand and a playful smile on his face. "What do you want? Outside to taunt me with candy?"

"First of all, if I wanted to taunt you, I would've just eaten it instead of offering you any." Tyler pops a green one in his mouth. "But I'm a nice big brother, so…" He holds out the bag.

"I don't want any stupid candy," Jeremy fibs. "Besides, I'm sure there's something in my jail sentence that says "no sweets" or whatever."

Tyler snorts. "Aww, is Daddy's little boy not happy with Daddy?"

Jeremy whips his pencil across the room. Tyler grabs it without breaking a sweat.

"That's not gonna help your case."

Jeremy scoffs, slamming his book shut. "You know what? I was leaving you alone and not bothering you."

"Yeah, because you're not talking to anyone. You're walking around here, pouting like a big baby who didn't get his way."

Jeremy crosses his arms over his chest. "He's being completely ridiculous. He grounded me!"

"Yeah, because you were stupid and didn't tell him where you were going."

"I was just with some friends!"

"C'mon, Jeremy." Tyler shakes his head and walks further into the room. "Dad may have a lot of dumb rules, but that one's pretty easy. All you have to do is call him and ask for permission."

"He might have said no."

"Maybe. But you can't expect to break a rule and not get punished."

Jeremy frowns. "He could've just put me in timeout."

Tyler tilts his head. "Do you think I would've been put in timeout if I did that?"

Jeremy bites his lip. He thinks back to a little after he was adopted. Tyler snuck out of the house to go to some party. It was the first time Jeremy had ever seen his father upset. Marcel took him upstairs and he couldn't hear anything, but the next morning, he noted that Tyler sat on a pillow at breakfast and he wasn't allowed to play video games for a few days.

"That's…different," Jeremy excuses. "You're older than me."

"It doesn't change that rules are rules. Dad's gone pretty soft on you, Jer. And you kind of took advantage of that."

Jeremy gasps. "What?! No, I haven't!"

"Yeah, you kind of have. You know he thinks of you as "the baby" and you use it to your advantage a lot." Jeremy opens his mouth to speak, but Tyler carries on. "Like that day in my gym? You kept saying that I yelled at you and wasn't being nice. Even though you were the one in trouble. You knew that Marcel and Dad could get mad at me about that."

Jeremy pulls his legs closer to him, biting his lip. In the past, all he had to do was pout and his dad would cave. Was it really unfair to expect that?

Tyler pauses. He speaks slowly, as if he's being careful with his words. "We don't…we don't talk much about our other families. Ya know, before we came here and everything."

Jeremy shrugs. "You and Marcel never want to."

"It's hard. We didn't have the best childhoods. But you…what were your biological parents like?"

"I…" Jeremy trails off with a frown. "I don't remember them that much, honestly. I was 7 when they passed away. Elena says they were nice."

"And your aunt Jenna?"

"She was a lot of fun." Jeremy's lips barely poke up in a smile. "She finished up school while taking care of us, then started working as a psychologist."

"What would she do if you acted up? Did you get in trouble?"

Jeremy is quiet for a bit. He traces the rings around his sketchpad.

"Jenna…I don't think she really knew what to do. She was young. We were cared for and stuff, but she didn't really have a good hand on discipline. I would try to be good, but sometimes I'd act out at school. She'd just…talk to me. I'd promise to do better but then I would end up doing something bad again. Until she got me into art, it was that cycle." He shrugs. "Sometimes I got TV taken away, but mostly, she'd just get sad."

"So, you never really had to face any consequences?"

Jeremy slowly nods, the realization washing over him. "I guess," he mutters.

Tyler walks over and kneels in front of him. Jeremy meets his eyes. They're surprisingly kind, no hint of teasing whatsoever.

"Your aunt loved you. I know she did. Whenever she dropped you off here for your lessons, she was bubbly and fun." Jeremy ducks his head to hide a smile. "But like you said, she was young. 22. Not exactly the right age to take on a teenager and little kid."

"There wasn't any choice."

"I know. She did the best she could. Like I said, the fact that she didn't discipline you or your sister doesn't change she didn't love you. She just didn't know how to handle things. Dad…well, he's had about 2 centuries worth of parenting. So, he's going to punish you. It also doesn't change that he loves you."

"I know that part," Jeremy mutters. "It still sucks."

Tyler chuckles, ruffling his hair. "It does. Trust me, as someone who has gotten grounded plenty of times, it's no fun. I roll my eyes when Marcel or Dad says this, but it's true, the best way to avoid that is following the rules."

"The rules are boring."

"They are. They also keep you safe."

Tyler holds out the bag of gummy bears. Jeremy goes to grab some, only to have the bag pulled away. He pouts.

"Hey!"

"If I give you some, will you promise to be nicer to Dad?"

Jeremy sighs. "I didn't mean to be a brat. I'm just…not used to all of this."

"I know. He does too. Still, he doesn't deserve all this."

"He doesn't." Jeremy's pout increases. "Do you think he still wants me to be his baby?"

"Are you kidding? I think he's been worried that you don't want to be anymore."

"That's ridiculous."

"Well, how is he supposed to know if you're walking around giving everyone the silent treatment?"

Jeremy sighs. "Good point. I'll talk to him." He looks at the bag. "Can I have my candy now?"

Tyler smiles. "Sure, JerBear."

His older brother reaches into the bag and pulls out two green, one orange and three red. He drops any yellow back into the bag, ensuring Jeremy doesn't get any of his least favorite.

Jeremy holds off on talking to his dad until later that night. Marcel's out with friends and Tyler's working out. He searches the house for Klaus, eventually hearing his shower running. Jeremy sits on the edge of his father's bed and waits. He glances at the flatscreen TV on the wall but resists the urge to turn it on. After 15 minutes, Klaus emerges from his ensuite bathroom, wearing flannel pajama pants and long sleeve v-neck. He does a double take when he sees his son.

"Jeremy? Is everything alright?"

"Yeah." Jeremy sighs when the worry in his father's eyes doesn't go away. "Seriously, Dad. Everything's fine. I just came to…" He gnaws on his lip. "I came to apologize."

Klaus tilts his head. "What for?"

"I've been a brat."

Jeremy doesn't miss the briefest chuckle that escapes his father's mouth. Klaus walks over and sits beside him.

"I take it your brother spoke with you?"

"Is he really the only one who calls me a brat?"

"Yes. Something I've spoken with him about several times."

"He wasn't wrong, though," Jeremy points out. "I pouted because I didn't get my way. That's bratty."

"Everyone has moments like that," Klaus says. "Tyler is no exception. Even Marcel can get that way."

Jeremy tilts his head. "I've never seen that."

"Well, you'll have to trust me."

"I really am sorry I didn't tell you where I was going," Jeremy says, his voice soft. "I thought you'd say no."

"I might have. That's still no reason to break the rules."

"I know. I guess I also thought I'd get away with it, so it didn't matter."

Klaus sighs, running his fingers through his damp curls.

"That is my fault, Jeremy," he says. "I have the tendency to baby you, because well, you are my baby. Your brothers are too, but there's something different about you. For one, you're human. That makes you more fragile than they are. Then, you're the youngest. The last baby I'm ever going to have."

Jeremy manages to hide the bit of relief. He's not sure if he could ever become an older brother. As annoying as it is to sometimes be "the baby", it's all he's known his entire life.

"So, I am lighter with you than I am your brothers," Klaus continues. "But you still need to be held accountable for your actions and have not just age but situation appropriate punishments."

"I know," Jeremy mumbles. "It's just not fun."

Klaus smiles. "They're not supposed to be fun, Angel. That's why they're called punishments."

Jeremy dramatically sighs. "I guess." He shifts. "I'm sorry I've been acting out at bedtime too. I don't know why I do that."

"Because I allowed it to turn into a game. See, I haven't exactly been on my best behavior either."

"Maybe someone should ground you," Jeremy teases with a smirk.

Klaus chuckles as he rolls his eyes. "Don't tell your uncle Elijah. He is all too proud to warn that he'll tan me or your aunt's bottoms shall we step too far out of line." Jeremy snickers "In all seriousness, I am going to be better."

"I am too," Jeremy says. He pauses. "I'm still your baby, right?"

"Oh, now, that is a very silly question." Klaus squeezes cheek. "Always. I can't promise I'm going to stop babying you all together. Just get better in some aspects."

Jeremy lets out a dramatic sigh, though he doesn't have enough energy in that one. Maybe it isn't so bad being the baby sometimes.

I have gotten quite a few requests for Marcel, so we'll get some one on one time between him and Klaus in the next chapter!

As always, let me know what you think and feel free to leave prompts!