frkhems prompted "Do we get to see when he was diagnosed with ADHD would've loved to see Klaus side of that."
This wasn't the original installment I had planned for next time, but I got inspiration for this one instead!
I want to add, obviously ADHD looks different case to case. I went off my own experiences. Similar to Kol's diagnosis in my other fics, I am not trying to speak for everyone. Nuerodivergence is not one size fits all.
Tyler's knee bounces as he stares at the bright purple wall in front of him. He spent many a time in the principal's office during his first run of high school. That one was white with stupid motivational posters. The school psychologist takes a different approach, clearly. It has tie-dye smiley faces and peace symbols. It almost feels that stupid decades dance that the school puts on every year.
"Can't I just go?" Tyler asks Dr. O'Connell. "I promise, I'll stay in class. You don't need to do all this."
"You're not in trouble, Tyler. I already explained that to you several times. The principal sorted out that punishment last week."
"And I've been good," he argues. "I haven't skipped a single class since. My dad already handled it."
Tyler shifts a little. Corporal punishment is more than allowed, but he still feels embarrassed admitting that he's spanked over his dad's knee then placed in timeout like a naughty toddler. Especially the part when he cried into Klaus' shoulders and got rocked the same one would a newborn. Then he was fed a bottle and spending the night in his daddy's bed. Even if the school is aware of his classification, he doesn't want all that public.
Dr. O'Connell's smile remains patient. "Again, I didn't call you or your father here because you're in any more trouble. I've observed you for quite some time, Tyler. And I asked for your files to be sent from the first time you were in school. After reviewing them, I wanted to chat with you both. He should be here soon."
"You shouldn't have bothered him," Tyler mutters. "He's got his studio to worry about."
"Do you often worry about bothering your father?" The woman pushes her glasses up her nose. "You've mentioned this a couple of times. He seemed very concerned on the phone."
"I know he is. He always is." Tyler huffs. "I told him he doesn't need to. I'm fine. 18. Legally, an adult. I only came back to school for Jeremy. So he wouldn't have to be alone his freshman year. I'm the older brother. It's my job to look out for him."
"And it's also your job to look after you," the psychologist gently reminds him. "When you can't, then your father will help. Which is why we're here."
Tyler makes out his dad's scent long before he knocks on the door. Dr. O'Connell grants him entry. Tyler doesn't look up as his father enters the office.
"Mr. Mikaelson," Dr. O'Connell says. "Welcome. Thank you so much for coming."
"Of course. Is everything alright? Is Tyler okay?"
"Tyler is sitting right here," the teenage hybrid points out, still staring at his black and orange Air Jordans, a gift from Rebekah. She always gets him the best shoes. "Maybe we shouldn't talk about him otherwise."
"Tyler," Klaus warns.
Tyler grumbles. So much for not being in trouble. This was probably some trap. They call his dad down here and try to pin something on him. Maybe even a dumb thing he did back from his first go-round at Mystic Falls High.
Klaus drops in the chair beside him. Tyler's eyes remain on his shoes. A firm, but loving hand falls on his back. He wants to remain strong. Keep his position and just wait this whole thing out. They'll probably talk about him like he's not there anyway. Like the dumb kid they probably think he is.
His father's voice drops into a register that there's no way the human psychologist would be able to hear. "Little pup."
Tyler's head slowly rises. Klaus' blue eyes are filled with love, protection and worry. Tyler pulls away from him and folds his arms over his chest. Klaus sighs. He turns back to the psychologist.
"You said he's not in trouble, correct? He hasn't been wandering from class?"
Dr. O'Connell nods in confirmation. "Yes. Tyler has improved greatly in that area. According to his teachers, he's still taking quite a few "bathroom" breaks." She uses air quotes. "But as he comes back in within a few minutes, they're not as concerned."
"I just need a minute," Tyler says.
"I know you do. That's why your teachers have allowed it. However, there are other concerns."
Klaus arches a brow. "Such as?"
"Tyler is clearly a very intelligent boy. He shows understanding of the material when it comes to things like homework. But then on tests, he performs poorly."
Dr. O'Connell pushes forward a copy of his last History test. There's a large, bright red D in the top right corner. Tyler bites his lip. A flicker of disappointment crosses Klaus' eyes. Tyler holds back his tears. He isn't about to cry here like some big baby. Even though he let his dad down. Again.
"Coach Tanner gave this to me ahead of time," Dr. O'Connell explains. "He is willing to give Tyler a retake, as he's on the team and one of the best players."
"I don't want Tyler getting any special treatment," Klaus says.
"In this case, it's not. You see, from what I'm hearing from all of the teachers is that Tyler seems to have a lot of trouble focusing in class. First, he leaves the room often for breaks. When present, he's restless or talking to his friends. He seems to have low impulse control as well. Such as when he got in trouble a few months back for attacking that boy."
"I was defending Jeremy," Tyler is quick to defend.
"Shhh," Klaus hushes him, patting his shoulder. "Let Dr. O'Connell speak."
"No, this attributes to my point," she says. "You're right, Tyler. You were defending your brother. And that's not a bad thing. As I said, you're not in any further trouble. In fact, I feel as though maybe we could've avoided several of these instances had someone read your files sooner."
She opens a manilla envelope. Tyler realizes it says "Mystic Falls Elementary School". Are they really digging that far back? He got in quite a bit of trouble back then, but that should hardly matter now! That was well over 20 years ago.
"Tyler, do you recall ever being tested for services?" Dr. O'Connell asks.
He shakes his head. "I think I had to talk to someone like you before, but it was only a couple of times."
"Is there a reason for that?"
"My biological father said that therapy was for people with real problems." Tyler shrugs. "He was a dick."
Klaus sighs. "Tyler. Language."
"Well, he was!"
Dr. O'Connell holds up a hand. "This is important." She glances at Klaus. "And Mr. Mikaelson, when you adopted Tyler, did his paperwork say anything about services?"
Klaus shakes his head. "It mentioned he had a bit of a troubled past. But outside the accommodations he'd need for his classification, there was nothing else. Why? Is there something wrong?"
"No. At least not with Tyler." Dr. O'Connell exhales through her nose. "There is, however, something deeply flawed with the system."
Tyler's brows furrow right alongside his dad's.
Dr. O'Connell folds her hands and looks directly at him. "Tyler, when you were 8 years old, your teacher recommended you to be evaluated. That's why you spoke with the psychologist. You also had someone come to the classroom to observe your behavior. I take it you don't remember that part?"
Tyler shakes his head. "But it was a long time ago."
"I understand. Well, at the end of it all, you were diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder."
Klaus tilts his head. "ADHD?"
"Yes, sir. Tyler qualified for many services at the time and the school was willing to offer all of them. However, Richard and Carol Lockwood declined."
Tyler looks down at the file. He vaguely remembers a lot of fighting around that time. Richard scolding him for not listening at school. Asking why he couldn't just be normal? Threatening him to be like the other kids or there'd be bigger consequences. Tyler tried so hard to follow what his biological father wanted. But then he'd get bored in class. Or something would make him so mad that he'd have an outburst.
He's spent over a decade wondering why he couldn't be what Richard wanted him to be. Being a Little was the final straw, but the resentment built years ago. With a classification that he was allowed to hide, because Tyler was too young to do anything about it.
"I don't understand," Klaus says. "Why were they allowed to deny him services if the school recommended them?"
"By law, parents don't have to get their children help." Klaus' eyes narrow. Dr. O'Connell nods sympathetically. "I do not agree either, Mr. Mikaelson."
"That's ridiculous!" Klaus declares, banging his fist on the desk and causing the folder to shake a little. Tyler curls into himself. "So, my son has been struggling for years, all because they were allowed to hide it from him? I mean, doesn't he have a legal right to know his medical history?"
Dr. O'Connell remains calm, much to Tyler's amazement. Most would either be annoyed or scared by now. "As this was brushed to the side, it was not put into Tyler's official medical history. Just his school files. It didn't even travel with him to junior high and above. I had to do some digging to find it myself."
Klaus softens a bit. "I appreciate you doing that much."
"Of course. The goal is to help Tyler in any way we can."
"Is there even any point?" Tyler speaks up. "I mean, it's been too long. I'm too old."
"That's not true. You can start receiving services. We can make accommodations for you and get you in touch with the school's para. She does one on one."
"Great, so I'd have a babysitter following me around all day?"
"I don't think that's needed now. But you'll meet up with her once a day. She'll keep in contact with your teachers. We'll arrange so you can have proper breaks as well as extended time on tests."
Tyler's face turns red. He doesn't want all this extra fuss.
"I'm only here for one year," Tyler argues. "I'm just getting my brother acclimated to high school."
"It is my assessment that you should stay an additional year."
Tyler's eyes widen. Klaus puts a hand over his, which silences him. "If you think it's best, then it's what we'll do."
"It'll keep it fair. As of now, Tyler's grades are not on par to graduate. This will also allow him to have an additional year of services. Even after he's finished here at MFHS, I can recommend further therapies to help him continue to succeed in life."
Tyler is doing everything he can not to cry. "Can I still play football?
"Of course you can." Dr. O'Connell smiles. "In fact, I think that's helping you a lot. It gets out your energy and maybe a bit of that aggression. So long as you don't drop, we won't have to tell Coach Tanner to bench you."
"Do you think his classification has exacerbated this at all?" Klaus asks, sounding almost like a journalist at a press conference.
"Yes. Children with disabilities tend to struggle a bit more given their fluctuating mental state. But we can also give you services he can attend, even when he's dropped. As well as support to you, so you can better understand your son. If you're interested."
"Of course I am." Klaus squeezes Tyler's hand. "Send me everything you have on this so I can best help my little boy."
Tyler's face heats up. Dr. O'Connell continues to smile but he just feels 2 feet tall. She and his father talk for another 10 minutes, working out particulars and a meeting with the school's paraprofessional, Ms. Penelope. Tyler remains quiet until the psychologist returns his attention to him.
"I'd also like to meet with you, Tyler. Once a week. We can talk about anything you'd like."
"Do I have a choice?"
Klaus nudges his ribs. Dr. O'Connell chuckles. "No, you don't. But I hope you'll learn to like it."
"I guess," he mumbles. Under his father's stern glance, he meets her eye. "I mean, thank you, Dr. O'Connell. I appreciate your time. May I be excused?"
Dr. O'Connell nods. "Yes. Allow me to write you a slip back to class."
"That won't be necessary," Klaus says before she can grab the stack of passes. "I'm taking him home with me. I shall be back later to pick up Jeremy."
Tyler gets out of the office as fast as he can. Maybe he can make it back to class in time. There's no way his father will follow him all the way there.
He only makes it as far as the lobby before Klaus grabs his arm. Tyler whines, pushing at him.
"I want to go back to class."
"As noble as I find that, you're coming with me."
"Great, so we have a whole meeting about how I can improve at school but now you're forcing me to go home?"
"Would you like me to carry you out of here or can you walk like my good big boy?"
Tyler's cheeks burn once again. He yanks away from his dad but follows him out to the parking lot. Klaus opens the passenger door for him. Instead, Tyler opens the back and throws himself into his booster seat. Klaus arches a brow. Tyler folds his arms over his chest.
"You're treating me like a baby. So, I'll sit in the back in my stupid baby seat like your dumb little boy."
Klaus inhales then exhales, shaking his head. "You are not dumb, my little pup. But if you wish to sit here, you are more than welcome to."
His father straps him into the booster seat. Tyler pouts. He should know by now than to try to play mind games on his father and guilt him over dumb stuff. Klaus is an expert in chess. He's always one move ahead.
Klaus grabs the black leather diaper bag off the floor and unzips it. He digs around for a moment before pulling out Pooh. Tyler kicks his legs.
"Why did you bring him?"
"Because I thought you may need your friend. Here."
Klaus forces his arms apart and places Pooh against his chest. Tyler's arms are then wrapped around his favorite stuffed animal. He only hangs on because he doesn't want to move his arms from his chest. Not because he needs a stupid bear.
His father kisses the top of his head and gets up front. Tyler stares out the window as they drive home.
"Your bubby is out volunteering," Klaus explains. "So, it'll just be you and me."
"Joy," Tyler mutters under his breath.
He thinks of the diagnosis. ADHD. He knows a few kids with it. Never seemed like that big a deal. But now, it's him. He's already Little. Already has to be dependent on someone. That's on top of being a hybrid with a triggered curse.
The creator above must have figured it wouldn't hurt to slap on one last label.
Why him? Why of all people? Marcel gets to drop to an older age. He has far more independence than Tyler will ever have. And maybe Jeremy is the baby, but at least he doesn't have to worry about raging out or becoming a beast once a month. Nor do either of his brothers struggle with academics. Marcel didn't have any formal education until he was 10 and he's far smarter than Tyler will ever be. Jeremy makes honor roll every semester due to Klaus getting him a tutor early on. But he outgrew the need for one.
Of course dumb ol' Tyler is getting held back in a year that he chose to go back to willingly. He has to meet with all these people. It's not enough to be a hybrid or a Little. Two things he doesn't even mind anymore. But it's just a reminder of how little autonomy he's had his whole life.
Once they're back at the house, Tyler has to wait for Klaus to unstrap his seat. He isn't surprised when his father scoops him up and hoists him onto his hip. Tyler wants to jump down. Run up to his room and slam the door shut. But his father would only follow.
And besides, maybe it isn't so bad being held like this. Klaus' arms are strong, protective. They won't let him down.
Klaus carries him inside and up to the master bedroom. He settles onto the small couch by the fire place and settles Tyler beside him. The stuffed animal is still nestled in the teenager's grip.
"I'm sorry," Tyler whispers.
Klaus tilts his head. "Whatever for?"
"This is just another thing." Tyler tries to hide the whine in his voice. "Just one more problem. You shouldn't have to deal with…"
"Tyler Niklaus Mikaelson."
Tyler bites his lip to hide his smile. He never had a middle name, nor did his brothers'. For Marcel, middle names were still quite new and not something the Mikaelsons were used to. But when Hayley adopted Kol and he took on a form of her birth name as one, Klaus asked the boys if they wanted that too. Marcel was bestowed "Gerard" by his own choosing. It means "brave spear". Klaus picked "Angelo" for Jeremy, when the boy couldn't think of one. All to represent that no matter what, he's going to be the precious miracle angel baby.
Klaus turned his middle child into his namesake. By his own reasoning, of the 3, they are the most alike. Jeremy and Marcel were completely fine with it.
"I still don't know if I'm deserving of that name," he admits. "Either of them, really."
Klaus frowns. "I don't know what I can do, my boy. I show you love, compassion. I tell you over and over again that you are wanted. That you are never too much. I make sure you feel safe and secure. What am I not doing?" His voice breaks a little. Tyler's smile drops. "Why do you still say such horrible things about yourself?"
Tyler drops his bear and throws his arms around his father. Klaus cuddles him close.
"It's not you," Tyler whispers. "I know deep down how you feel. But I…I can't help it. I'm still scared that I'm just a burden to you. Even though you've told me repeatedly for years that I'm not."
Klaus strokes his hair. His eyes are soft. Tyler swears he smells a few tears coming. "Perhaps it's a good thing you shall speak with Dr. O'Connell once a week. I hate to admit it, but maybe she can help you more than I."
"Admitting defeat? I didn't think you could."
"I am not giving up. It shall be a team effort," Klaus corrects. "You'll speak with her. But you and I will continue to have several conversations."
Tyler makes a face. "I don't like talking."
"I know you don't. I am not a big fan of it myself. But one thing I have learned over the years is that it will help. Talking keeps you from acting on impulse."
"Don't you know, that's sort of my thing?"
Klaus shakes his head. "It's something we shall work on. Along with keeping those grades up."
"What does school even matter?" Tyler whines. "I already have a high school diploma. Jeremy doesn't need me around anymore. In fact, I think I'm embarrassing."
Klaus chuckles. "Well, he thinks the same of me and I'm still around."
"Daddy."
Klaus adjusts them a bit so they're sitting up.
"You heard Dr. O'Connell. This extends past school. It will help you with your day to day life. The more help you get, the better."
"I can do it on my own."
"No, you can't. I know this won't be easy, but you'll see results in the long run. And I shall read up all I can to make sure that I know how to help you at home."
"You don't have to."
"You're my little boy, I absolutely do. More importantly, I want to."
Tyler makes a face. "Did you have to call me that in front of her?"
"At least she didn't hear me calling you my sweet baby pup," Klaus coos.
He kisses his cheek. Tyler pushes his face away, earning him three more kisses. Klaus grows serious for a moment.
"Perhaps I should have seen this coming. Noticed the signs."
"There's no way."
"I know there are some crossovers between ADHD and autism. Kol was diagnosed years ago. Looking back, the two of you share some similarities."
"You're not a doctor," Tyler points out. "A know-it-all, but not a doctor."
"Watch it, little one," Klaus only half-heartedly warns. "My point is, I am going to do all I can to help you. But, you also need to be honest with me, yes?"
Tyler reluctantly nods. "I guess."
Klaus tilts his head. "What was that?"
Tyler sighs, kicking his legs. "Yes, Daddy."
Klaus presses a kiss to his temple. He rubs his hand up and down his son's back.
"I cannot believe Richard would do this to you," Klaus muses.
Tyler tilts his head. "Really? It's that much of a surprise?"
Klaus nods in defeat. "Suppose you're right. But it should have been in your file so I could have helped you sooner. You have to know, Tyler, had I been told, I'd get you the proper help from the start."
"Dad, my first week here, you got me to see a doctor and followed every recommendation they had for my classification to a T. I believe that if you knew about this, you would've done more. You're not Richard. You're also not Mikael."
Klaus stiffens a little. For a moment, Tyler worries his father will get mad at him for speaking that name into existence. It's barely said amongst the family. Tyler knows he likely hasn't even heard the worst of the stories. But from the couple Klaus has shared, paired with the ones Kol and Marcel have let slip, Tyler knows it wasn't pretty. He understands why his dad is so obsessed with being a better father. Why he beats himself up just as much as Tyler does when it comes to his own life. They still never discuss it. Tyler doesn't wish to upset him.
Instead, Klaus pulls him onto his lap and cradles him close. He smothers Tyler's face in kisses. Tyler giggles, kicking his legs. He does feel a few tears hit his cheek and nose when Klaus kisses them but they're brief.
"I love you, my sweet puppy," Klaus whispers. "You need to know that."
"Really?" Tyler smirks. "Because you haven't made that clear?"
Klaus clicks his tongue. "Cheeky little pup." He ruffles his hair. "Did you have lunch?"
"Nuh uh. My block was next."
"Well, it's Bethany's day off and she didn't run to the store yesterday. So, I guess our only option is going to The Grill for burgers." Klaus shrugs with a sly smirk on his face.
Tyler's eyes light up. "And chocolate milkshakes?"
"I figured that was a give-in." Klaus fixes his son's hair. "You know all I ask is that you try your best in school, hm? I've never punished you for grades so long as I know that to be the truth."
"I know, Daddy. And I do try, I promise. Sometimes my brain just wants to get through it so quickly. I know it's not right, but…" He trails off with a shrug.
"We'll work on it, alright? Not to worry. We'll work on it with Dr. O'Connell and Ms. Penelope. Maybe I'll even speak to your uncle and aunt to see if they have any advice. If you're alright with me telling them."
Tyler shrugs. "They won't treat me any different right?" He pauses. "I mean that for everyone. I don't want them treating me like some kind of freak."
"Do people treat Kol different on account of his autism?"
Tyler shakes his head. He's aware of his cousin's needs. Sometimes he can't do everything they can due to sensory issues. But for the most part, he keeps up with the rest of them. He's only a year older than Tyler, biologically anyway. And they regress around the same age as well. He's just Kol. That's it.
"Then they won't do the same with you, I promise. Everyone loves you, Tyler, for exactly who you are." Klaus taps his nose. "This won't change anything."
"I guess. I mean, you can't be any more protective than you already are."
Klaus chuckles, patting his back. "I think I just may surprise you." Tyler pulls a face. Klaus squeezes his cheek. "You look too cute when you pout."
Tyler pushes his hand away and grumbles. "Mean."
"Of course I am." He reaches over and picks up the discarded bear. "Should we put Pooh away or is he going to join us for lunch?" Tyler tries to grab him but Klaus holds him out of reach. "You've got to be quicker."
"Daddy!" He gets close to grabbing him a few times, but his dad always manages to put it just out of reach. Tyler pouts.
Klaus chuckles and lowers him back down. He places him in Tyler's grasp. The teen hugs his bear close. "Are you going to hold Daddy's hand?"
"I'm too big for that," Tyler argues, as if he's not cuddling his teddy.
"It's holding my hand, stroller or harness," Klaus reminds him. "Though, you do have the new Winnie The Pooh backpack harness from your auntie Bex. She seems to spoil you boys too much."
Tyler smiles. "She says it's because I'm very cute. And she has a girl, so she needs to give us all the boy stuff she finds."
"Uh huh, I'm sure."
"Can I have the harness? Please? That way I can walk by myself like a big boy?"
Klaus nods, smiling. "Whatever you want, baby pup."
I have debated giving the boys middle names for the longest, as they don't have any canonically. I wanted to keep Gerard in Marcel's name somehow. And Angelo for Jeremy just screamed "duh". While Klaus loves all 3 of his sons equally, I felt that Tyler receiving his daddy's name as his middle would mean more. Plus, it gives Tyler that extra bit of security that he truly is Klaus' son.
Also...we've met Cami in this universe. Perhaps she'll pop up more. We'll see.
As always, feel free to leave prompts or ask me questions! I am on Tumblr and love communicating on there, as well as in the comments!