elliefufu prompted: "Maybe for a potential prompt: Students at the highschool make comments about Enzo and Damon(possible homophobia or just shit talking) and Stefan just loses it. He refuses to tell his parents what they said because he doesn't want them to feel hurt by it." Combining with, AlessiaNot's prompt "Stefan it's playing 'house' with other littles and some make fun of him for having two dads"

Trigger Warning: Homophobia. While I avoid language in this chapter, still take care of yourself. No fic is worth your mental health. As a queer woman, I take this very, very seriously.

Stefan groans, squirming as his daddy wipes his face. He keeps glancing over his shoulder at his friends. They all got to play with toys after snack time. Why is he the only one having to get the yucky wipe to his cheeks.

"If you keep moving, it's going to take longer," Damon tells him. Stefan keeps his face forward, but still squirms.

"I wanna play!"

"Your friends will still be there in one minute." Damon scrubs hard on his nose, getting off the last of the yogurt. If not for his bib, it would've ended up all over his Spiderman t-shirt. "This is what happens when we rush, huh?"

Stefan expels an exaggerated sigh. "Daddy," he whines.

"Alright, all done." Damon tosses the wipe and tousles his son's hair. "We'll stay for a bit longer. You go have fun."

Stefan beams and races over to his friends. Elena isn't here today, she's big. Mr. Klaus brought Jeremy, though. His dads tell him he has to be gentle with him. Stefan would never hurt Jeremy, he's just a baby. The youngest little one stands with the group. Carina stands in the middle. As usual, she's in a dress rather than play clothes. Carina can't get dirty, so she always picks the games.

"We'll play house," she announces. "Jeremy can be the baby."

Jeremy makes a face. "I don't wanna be the baby."

"You're the youngest. You have to. I'll be the big sister." She scans their group. "Jack, you can be the doggie…Kai, the daddy…"

"I'll be the other daddy," Stefan volunteers.

Carina makes a face. "We need a mommy, not a daddy."

Stefan frowns. "Nuh uh. There can be two daddies."

"No way. There needs to be a mommy and a daddy. That's how it's 'posed to be."

"Not everyone has a mommy," Stefan says, Damon's words echoing in his head. "I have two daddies."

Carina and Kai snicker. Stefan's frown increases, folding his arms over his chest.

"Don't laugh!"

"Your family's weird," Kai says.

Stefan's tummy aches. He glances over his shoulder. His daddy is busy talking to the other parents. If he could hear the conversation, he'd be over here by now. Stefan looks back at the other kids. Jeremy stands beside Stefan, tugging on his arm. The older little ignores him.

"My family isn't weird," Stefan fires back. "You're adopted too."

"Yeah, but I have a mommy and a daddy," Kai points out. "You have two daddies. That's weird."

Carina nods in agreement. "My mommy says it's unnatural. Your daddies shouldn't get a baby."

The pain in Stefan's stomach increases. He stomps his foot. "Your mommy's a meanie!"

Stefan feels Jeremy let go of him and out of the corner of his eye, he watches as he runs over to the adults. He can't be bothered to care. Kai narrows his eyes.

"Your daddies are creepy."

Stefan growls. His teeth hurt for a brief second, the sharp ones piercing his lips. Stefan looks around for the closest toy and locates a big Tonka truck. He grabs it and chucks it at Kai's forehead. His so-called friend breaks out in a wail.

A firm, yet panicked voice rings out from behind him. "Stefan!"

Stefan ignores it, grabbing a wood block next. He winds it back, ready to aim it at Carina this time. Someone grabs his arm, prying the toy from his hand. Stefan looks up and sees his daddy. Damon's bright blue eyes are narrow, his lips forming a frown. Kai's mommy is fussing over him, while Carina's scoops her up, hiding her face.

"What in the world has gotten into you?!"

"Kai deserved it!"

"I don't care what he did, we do not throw toys!"

Stefan growls, stomping his feet again. A small crowd has formed around them. Klaus is nearby, holding Jeremy in his arms. The little friend looks at Stefan with pity.

"You need to leave," Carina's mommy, Susan, tells Damon.

Klaus steps forward. "Is that really necessary? The kids fight all the time."

"He may return next week, if his behavior improves."

"Perhaps if we took a breather…"

Damon swiftly interrupts him. "It's fine, Klaus. I think it's time for Stefan to go."

"No!" Stefan whines.

"It's not an option. Now, I want you to apologize to Kai."

Stefan shakes his head, folding his arms over his chest. Damon crouches down to his height. He touches his chin. There's no smiles. Strict Daddy has taken over. Stefan squirms.

"We do not hurt our friends. When we do, we say we're sorry."

"No! You can't make me!"

"Stefan Antonio Salvatore-St. John…"

"No! No! No!"

Stefan throws himself onto the floor, kicking his legs and pounding his fists. Tears build up in his eyes. It's not fair! Kai was being mean! He said naughty things about Stefan's daddies! Stefan tries to find the words, but the only thing his brain tells him is "no". He repeats the two letter word over and over again.

Eventually, Stefan finds himself lifted off the ground. He's adjusted so he's over his dad's shoulder. Damon gives his apologies to the group before carrying him out. Stefan punches his back, screaming.

"I don't wanna go!"

Damon doesn't say a word. He carries Stefan out of the building and into the parking lot. Stefan begins shrieking. Damon ignores him at first as he tries to strap him into the car seat. Stefan claws at his daddy, his face turning bright red from the screaming. His dad's voice starts out low.

"Stefan…" The little one keeps it up. "Stefan, cut it out." Stefan kicks his legs, flinging one of the straps out of the way. Damon's voice raises three octaves, not yelling, but teetering on the line. "Stefan!"

Stefan's shrieking ceases. He sniffles. Daddy really doesn't look happy now. He doesn't understand! Stefan still can't find the words to explain.

"This stops now," Damon tells him. "You can be upset, you can cry, but you will let me put you in your car seat. There will be no more shrieking either. I can't drive with that. I could get in an accident and then we'd both get hurt. You even more so if you don't let me strap you in nice and tight. You're already in a bit of trouble, mister, do not make it worse for yourself."

Stefan slowly nods. He continues to cry and sniffle, rubbing at his eyes as his dad straps him in. Damon double checks that they're on tight.

"Thank you," he mutters. Stefan whimpers. "Do you want your binky? It may help you calm down a bit."

Stefan makes grabby hands. Damon reaches into the front pocket of the backpack and finds the pacifier. He pops it into his son's mouth. Bunny and Gus are also placed in his arms. Damon lets out a deep breath, caressing Stefan's hair. The little boy sucks on his binky and cuddles his comfort items. The pain in his stomach partially subsides.

"Let's get you home," Damon whispers. "You're going to have some quiet time in your room."

The only thing Stefan's brain tells him to say is "no", but he manages to stop his mouth. Damon shuts the door and gets in the front. Stefan spends the rest of the ride sucking on his pacifier and hugging his toys to his chest. He tries to keep his mind off what happened. Maybe Daddy will calm down and change his mind. He doesn't want to go in time out! It's not fair

It doesn't take long for them to get home. Stefan's tummy still hurts, but it's not as bad as before. His tears are still drying, but the pacifier has subsided any potential hiccups. Damon lifts him up and carries him towards the entrance through the garage. Stefan looks around. His daddy's car is the only one there.

"Papa," he mumbles.

"Papa's at work," Damon explains, softly. "He'll be home soon."

"Tell him?"

"Yes, I am."

The tears start up again. Stefan doesn't like when either of his dads get upset, but especially his papa. He doesn't get cross often. When he does, Stefan knows he really messed up. What if he doesn't love him anymore? He could go far, far away. The mere thought gets Stefan worked up once again.

Damon brings Stefan up to his bedroom. He settles him on the bed and turns to the alarm clock on the nightstand. Damon fiddles with it for a moment, until there's a red 1 and 5 beside each other.

"You'll stay up here and calm down a bit more," Damon's voice is softer now. "I'll be just downstairs. You can keep your stuffies, but no taking out any other toys or books. Take some deep breaths, suck your binky, calm down a little."

Stefan nods, leaning against his pillows. Damon walks out of the room, leaving him alone. Stefan stares up at the ceiling. He prefers the timeout corner. The naughty stool isn't much fun, but at least he's around his daddies for that. He only gets sent to his room when he's been very, very naughty.

Crow sits on his headboard. More of the pain melts away. Stefan's tears dry up once again as he sucks on his pacifier, cuddling his mouse and bunny. As he slowly calms down, Kai and Carina's words echo through his head.

"Your daddies shouldn't get a baby."

"Your daddies are creepy."

It's not true. Stefan knows that. They're big meanies. Still, those words hurt to hear. He doesn't want anyone making fun of his daddies. They wouldn't let anyone do the same to him. He had to do it! Kai would've kept saying naughty things.

Stefan glances over at the clock. There's a 7 by itself now. He hears the garage door open and shut. Enzo's home. Soon, he and Damon will come up. They'll ask why he got so upset.

The reason will make them upset.

He doesn't want his daddies sad.

Stefan keeps his eyes on the ceiling until the alarm goes off. A moment later, his dads come into the room. He smiles briefly upon seeing his papa until he remembers what happened. Disappointment is written in Enzo's eyes. Stefan sinks lower on the bed, taking out his pacifier.

"Are you calm?" Damona asks. Stefan nods. "Are you ready to talk about what happened?"

Stefan shakes his head. "Nuh uh."

Enzo sighs. "Stefan, this isn't you. You don't try to hurt your friends."

"Kai isn't my friend," he mumbles.

Enzo raises a brow. "Did he do something?"

Stefan sees Damon's arms fold over his chest. Even in his young space, he can spot his daddy ready to kick butt from a mile away.

"We…fought," Stefan offers lamely.

"Over?" Damon asks with a raised brow.

"Nothin'," he mumbles. "Something stu…silly."

"We need to know what it is."

"I don't want to talk about it."

The room is silent for a moment. His dads walk over, sitting on either side of him. Damon rubs his back.

"Stefan, whatever happened, violence is never the answer. If you're having a problem, you come get one of us or a grownup."

Stefan shrugs. His dad casts him a warning Look. He sighs. "Yes, Daddy."

Enzo runs his fingers through his son's hair. "And if your daddy tells you it's time to leave, you need to listen."

"I didn't want to leave," Stefan whispers.

"I understand that," Damon says. "However, it was time to go. It's okay to be disappointed, but you have to use your words."

Stefan pouts. "Hard."

"I know, but that's why we talked about using our big breaths, right?" Stefan reluctantly nods. "It is very important that you follow our rules, Bunny. You could get in trouble or hurt. All of this is to keep you safe."

He looks up at his dad with wide, puppy dog eyes. "No more screamin'."

"Do we throw toys?"

"Nuh uh."

Stefan doesn't want to promise he'll get an adult. That'll only make his daddies sad. He's already decided he doesn't want to do that. Luckily for him, it seems that Damon didn't hear. While Jeremy got his own daddy, if he said anything, Klaus would've told Damon. He hopes Jeremy doesn't tattle later on.

"I'll be a better listener," Stefan promises instead. "I'm really, really sorry, Dada."

Damon sighs, a small smile poking across his lips. "You're forgiven, sweetheart." He kisses his forehead. "Are you sure you don't want to tell me what happened between you and Kai?"

Stefan shakes his head. "He's just…not nice."

"Did he say something about you?"

"No."

"Then who?" Stefan shakes his head. Damon sighs yet again. "You know you can tell me or Papa, right?"

"I know, Daddy." Stefan rolls over to face Enzo. "Papa, are you mad at me?"

His papa shakes his head, stroking his cheek with his thumb. "No, Bambino. I'm not. It takes a lot of courage to say sorry. And I know you'll do better next time."

"I will. Am I still in trouble?"

"No TV or tablet for the rest of the night." Stefan pouts. "Plus, early bedtime."

"In Daddy and Papa's bed?"

"Always."

Enzo scoops him up and places him on his lap. Stefan snuggles into him, holding out his hand for his daddy. Damon moves closer, wrapping his arms around them. Stefan buries his head in his papa's chest. Maybe if he told the truth, he could get his tablet back…

He can go one night if it means his daddies aren't sad.

"Suspended," Damon says, his voice slow, purposeful.

He stares at Principal Weber. Enzo sits beside him, equally dumbstruck. The balding, elderly gentleman nods, his hands folded on the desk.

"2 days, out of school," Principal Weber says, his voice monotone. "He'll be expected to keep up with his schoolwork during this time."

"That's not what we're worried about," Enzo says. "It's just…are you sure you've got the right kid?"

"Mr. Tanner found Stefan pinning Drake Phillips to the wall in an empty staircase. He had a healing black eye." Principal Weber shakes his head. "We are very lucky it was another vampire. Had he hurt a mortal, we'd be having a much different conversation."

Damon's muscles tighten. "Of course, of course. You need to know, this isn't how we're raising him. Stefan will face serious consequences for this."

"I believe you," he says. "I agree with you that this is very out of character for Stefan. It's partially why I'm going so light on the punishment."

"Did he say why he did this?" Enzo asks. "Was this other boy bullying him?"

"I asked about that, he says no. But he was also tight lipped outside that. And of course, Drake is claiming that Stefan randomly attacked him." Enzo opens his mouth to speak, but the principal carries on. "Of course, I don't believe that for a second. We talked to both extensively, I don't think we're getting anywhere today. So, the best course of action is for you to bring Stefan home. Try to talk to him."

"Oh, trust me," Damon says, shaking his head. "We'll do plenty of talking."

"Before you go, you have to sign a form acknowledging what we discussed."

He and Enzo take turns signing it. Damon is in disbelief as his sloppy signature goes on the second line. He's agreeing to Stefan's suspension. While he may have gotten a few referrals from Tanner, none of those were substantiated. Damon rolls his eyes and fights the detentions.

He can't advocate for his son this time. That hurts his soul.

After shaking hands with Principal Weber, Damon and Enzo exit the office. Stefan sits in a chair, picking at some skin around his thumb. Enzo clears his throat, causing him to look up. A bit of fear is written in his green eyes. Still, he doesn't speak as he stands up, hoisting his backpack over his shoulder. Damon snaps his fingers, pointing at the door. Stefan dutifully follows them out to the car. It's only 10 AM. No one is leaving for lunch yet, they've got this entire lot to themselves.

"Suspended," Damon finally says as they walk towards the Camaro. "You're suspended, Stefan."

"I know," he mumbles. "Weber explained it to me."

"Well, maybe you can explain it to me, because I don't quite understand." Damon vamps in front of him. "We just had a discussion last weekend about violence."

"I was little…"

"Don't," Enzo interrupts. "You know you remember everything from your space. In fact, Baby Stefy seemed to take it in a lot better."

Stefan narrows his eyes. "That's not very nice."

"Well, neither is your behavior. What in the world has gotten into you?"

Stefan folds his arms over his chest. "Nothing."

"No, no, we're not doing this," Damon says, his voice firm. Once again "Serious, Strict Daddy" has taken over. Stefan squirms a little. "I let you get away with this after our playgroup because I knew you were overwhelmed and exhausted. I didn't want to bait you into a tantrum. That was clearly a mistake."

Stefan groans. "I don't want to talk! I'm sorry I got suspended."

"That's not what I care about! I care about the why!"

Enzo runs his fingers through his hair. "Stefan, you know you need to be careful with your anger. These past two times, it's been vampires. Their injuries will heal, but a human…you could revert…"

"I'm not going back there!"

"Watch your tone," Enzo warns.

Stefan grumbles, storming for the car. Damon grabs his arm, turning him back around. He takes a deep breath, trying to calm down. Screaming at Stefan isn't going to get them anywhere.

"You're talking. Now."

"I want to go home! I'm sure I'm grounded, I'll go to my room and be miserable!"

"Oh, that'll happen. After you talk."

"I don't want to talk!"

Damon can feel the vein pop out of his forehead. "Well that's too bad, because we have to!"

Enzo steps between the two. He moves his husband's grip from their son. This time, it's Damon's turn to get a stern look.

"We're not getting anywhere," he says, trying to keep his voice even. "Let's just go."

"No, because the second we go home, he'll run to his room and refuse to talk."

"Anything is better than standing in this parking lot yelling at each other."

Enzo rubs Damon's forearm, whispering soft, encouraging words in his ear. Little by little, his muscles relax. He looks back at his son. Stefan's arms are crossed over his chest, his lip formed in a small pout and stubbornness overtaking his green eyes. Damon sighs, taking a deep breath. He walks over to him.

"Bunny," he whispers. "This isn't you. You're not the violent type. Whatever this kid did…it had to be bad." Stefan stares at the ground. Damon frowns, his voice growing desperate. "Baby, what is this boy doing to you?"

"He didn't do anything to me," Stefan mumbles.

"Why else would you do that?" Stefan shakes his head. "C'mon, Stef."

Stefan sighs, looking up at him. "We're not going home until I tell you, are we?"

Damon nods, holding back a smirk. "You're absolutely right."

Stefan plays with the strap of his backpack. "He…he called Papa a name."

Enzo frowns. Damon's muscles tighten up once again, an involuntary growl escaping his lips. "Me?" His husband asks.

"He and his stupid friends were talking about The Grill," Stefan says, his voice soft. "And he started saying…I…I can't repeat it."

"C'mon, Bambino. You've come this far."

Stefan chews on his lip. "I don't want to make you sad."

"I'm only sad right now because I'm worried about you. Whatever it is, it can't be that bad."

"It's…a bad word. A really, really bad word."

Enzo takes a step back, swallowing. Damon's nostrils flare. His legs begin to carry him to the school, until he catches Stefan in his peripheral.

Violence is what got him into this mess in the first place.

Damon would love nothing more than to rip that dumbass, ignorant teen to pieces, throwing him into a fireplace. Making sure that his husband nor his son will ever go through hearing that disgusting, horrendous word again…

As if the world will ever allow that to be possible.

By the time he turns back around, Stefan is in the backseat. Damon takes in his husband. Enzo's got a small, sad smile on his face. Damon rubs his arm.

"You alright?"

"It's going to happen," he says. "We live in a world where vampires, werewolves, witches and more are known and accepted…but this shit still happens. It's not okay…but I'll survive." He looks at the car. "I'm more worried about my bambino."

Damon nods in agreement, squeezing his shoulder. "Do you mind if we join you at The Grill for a bit?"

Enzo tilts his head, but ultimately agrees. The two get into the car. No one says a word as Damon drives through town. Stefan leans his head on the window. Damon doesn't chastise him about smudging the glass. They drive through town, getting to the bar in a matter of minutes. There's an hour until opening, the staff rushing around to get ready. Damon keeps his hands on Stefan's shoulders, leading him into the back.

The manager's office has completely transformed since the husbands purchased the bar. There's two desks side by side, with matching Mac Books. Pushed up against the wall is a pullout couch with a throw across the back. In the corner is a tiny toy chest, with some duplicates of Stefan's favorite toys. Each desk has a drawer filled with extra pacifiers, bottles, bibs and more. There's a smaller third desk in the corner opposite the chest, perfect for Stefan to either do homework or color, depending on his space.

"Sit down, Bunny," Damon whispers.

Stefan obliges. Damon and Enzo plank him on either side, not giving him much room to move. Stefan squirms.

"The other day," Enzo speaks up. "Did Kai…"

"No," Stefan interrupts. "He didn't say that word."

"What did he say?"

"Well, first Carina said that you and Dad shouldn't have a baby."

Damon sighs, shaking his head. "Why am I not surprised Susan would spew that bullshit," he mutters.

Stefan bites his lip. "Kai…he said you two were creepy."

Enzo frowns, wrapping his arm around his little boy. "I am so sorry you had to hear that, Topolino."

"It didn't hurt me…it just made me mad. I don't want people talking about you and Dad like that."

Damon rubs Stefan's back. "Stef, unfortunately, this is something we're used to. Most of Mystic Falls is accepting, but we know some aren't okay with us."

"It doesn't bother you?"

"It does, but I also know that punching and screaming isn't going to solve intolerance."

Stefan furrows his brows. "What can we do?"

"Well, what you can do, is exactly what I told you over the weekend. Get an adult. Tell them exactly what you heard."

"There's a chance nothing will be done."

"No, but in this situation, you're the one in trouble. That little asshole got off Scott free." Stefan twiddles with his fingers. "Don't worry, I'll talk to Weber."

"I doubt your suspension will be lifted," Enzo adds. "But at least he won't get away with this."

"And as for Kai and Carina, I'm going to talk to Caroline and Klaus. I know they've been tired of Susan's BS for awhile now. She won't get to stay in the group. Same for Kai's parents."

Damon knows they don't have to worry about retaliation. Carina is homeschooled, while Kai doesn't attend at all.

"Your baby group should be a safe space," Damon continues. "You shouldn't have to hear all of that."

"You guys are so worried about me, but it was about you," Stefan points out.

"Yes, but as we said, we're used to this. It's not okay, but we can handle it. We just don't want our little boy to hear these things."

Stefan nods, not bothering to argue that he's not a baby. "You know I don't agree with them, right? You guys aren't creepy. And…I'd rather have two dads any day."

Enzo smiles, caressing his cheek. Damon hides a sigh of relief. He'll never regret not giving Stefan a mom. Damon knows his brother doesn't want another…

And still, it's nice to get that confirmation. That he's happy as is.

"No more fighting," Enzo whispers, his voice still firm. "You get a grown up."

Stefan sighs. "I don't like when people make fun of you guys. If someone said something about me, you'd want to kick their as…butt."

"Yes, but we're the daddies." Stefan gives him a Look. Enzo chuckles. "Alright, alright. The difference is, we are working on holding back our anger. I mean, look at your daddy. He didn't go tear that jackass limb from limb."

Damon hums. "Even though I wanted to."

"If you find yourself getting worked up, take some deep breaths. Take a walk. Go find someone to talk to. Call one of us." Enzo gestures between them. "Anything that's not using those fists."

Stefan chews on his lip. "I'll try." Enzo kisses his cheek, mumbling about what a good boy he is. "Am I in trouble?"

Damon glances at Enzo, exchanging a silent conversation for a few moments. Eventually, he looks back at his son. "For the duration of your suspension, no TV or tablet. No going out either. You'll also write an essay about alternatives to fighting."

Stefan makes a face, but nods. "Yes, Dad." He hesitates. "Can I come here tomorrow? I'll stay in the office and be good."

Damon smiles. "Sure."

"Maybe I can help Papa cook," he says, fluttering his eyelashes.

"Absolutely not."

"What about helping you behind the bar?"

"That's a double no." Stefan pouts. Damon chuckles, ruffling his hair. "We have some time before we open. You can help me stock the fruit."

Stefan hops up, that glimmer of glee in his eye.

Next time, something a little lighter. We'll get to see the first time Enzo was called "papa".

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