"Look, I don't do paperwork," Dwayne Pride grumbled, tossing a file onto the desk. His New Orleans drawl filled the small office as he glared at the mountain of reports that had accumulated since he had taken over the Special Agent in Charge position at NCIS New Orleans.

Christopher LaSalle, the new kid on the block, looked up from his own paperwork. His eyes followed the file's trajectory and met Pride's stern gaze. "I can handle it, Boss," he offered, flashing a quick smile.

Pride raised an eyebrow. "Good," he said gruffly. "You're with me on this next case." He grabbed his keys and headed for the door, leaving LaSalle to scramble after him.

The case was a tough one, a series of robberies that had escalated into a hostage situation. They arrived at the scene, a tense standoff with a suspect barricaded in a warehouse. Pride took charge, his confidence radiating like a force field around him. LaSalle tried to keep up, his adrenaline pumping as he listened to Pride's instructions. But in the heat of the moment, he made a rookie mistake. He stepped into the line of fire, almost getting shot when a stray bullet ricocheted off a metal pipe.

Pride's face contorted in a mix of fear and fury as he saw LaSalle's near miss. He barked orders to the team, getting them into position to breach the warehouse. They managed to rescue the hostages and apprehend the suspect, but the close call weighed heavily on everyone's minds. Back at the office, Pride called LaSalle into his private office, his expression a thundercloud of displeasure.

"Close the door," Pride ordered, his voice low and firm. LaSalle swallowed hard, his heart racing as he complied. He had heard rumors about Pride's strict disciplinary measures from his days as a sheriff, but he had hoped they were just that - rumors. The office was small, the walls seemingly closing in around him as he faced his superior.

"Take a seat," Pride said, pointing to a chair in the center of the room. His tone was measured, but the anger in his eyes was unmistakable. LaSalle sat down, his palms slick with sweat as he tried to mentally prepare for the dressing down he knew was coming. Pride leaned against the desk, his arms folded across his broad chest.

He slid a checklist across the polished surface. "Check all the punishments you think you'll be able to handle," the older man said, his voice like gravel. LaSalle's eyes widened as he looked at the options: push-ups, laps around the office, or a spanking. The spanking was the last resort, reserved for the most serious infractions. His stomach lurched at the thought.

Taking a deep breath, he made his decision. "Spanking, groundations, and extra chores" he murmured, his voice barely audible. He could feel his face flushing as he signed his name at the bottom of the paper.

Pride's eyes narrowed. "You think you can handle 25 on each cheek?"

LaSalle gulped, his heart skipping a beat. "Yes, sir." He knew he had signed up for this, but the reality of it was starting to sink in.

Pride nodded, his expression unreadable. He turned and opened the bottom drawer of his desk, pulling out a thick, worn leather belt. The sight of it made LaSalle's stomach clench with anxiety. He had never been spanked before, not even as a kid.

"Stand up," Pride ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument. LaSalle's legs trembled as he pushed himself out of the chair and positioned himself in front of the desk. "Bend over," Pride instructed, his voice firm.

With a deep breath, LaSalle leaned over the desk, his hands gripping the far edge. The cool leather of the belt brushed against his palms, and he couldn't help but wonder how it would feel against his bare skin. Pride stepped around behind him, and the silence in the room was deafening.

The first smack of the belt took LaSalle by surprise, even though he had braced himself for it. It stung like fire across his right cheek, the sound echoing off the walls. He bit his lip to keep from crying out, his eyes watering.

"One," Pride counted, his voice firm but not unkind. The second strike fell quickly, landing with a sharp crack on the left cheek. "Oooow!" LaSalle couldn't hold back the cry this time, the pain shooting through him like a bolt of lightning.

The third and fourth smacks followed in quick succession, the sting growing with each blow. LaSalle's eyes watered, and he clenched his fists tighter, his knuckles turning white against the desk. He felt the heat spreading across his buttocks, and a strange mix of fear and anticipation grew within him.

"Three... four... five," Pride's deep voice counted, the rhythm of the belt punctuating his words. The pain grew, each strike a reminder of his mistake. LaSalle's legs quivered, and he had to fight the urge to jump up and escape the punishment. But he had made a promise, and he was going to see it through.

Suddenly, the world around him began to spin. His breaths grew shallow, and his chest tightened. The room seemed to close in, the walls pressing against him like a vice. The smell of leather and the faint scent of sweat mingled with the scent of fear, and he realized with a jolt that he was having a panic attack.

"Breathe, LaSalle," Pride's voice cut through the fog of panic. "In through your nose, out through your mouth." LaSalle focused on the instructions, trying to calm his racing heart. He knew he had to get a grip on his nerves, but the fear was overwhelming.

"I... I can't," he managed to stutter out, his voice shaking. The belt hovered in the air, poised to deliver the next blow, but Pride's hand remained still. He had seen this before, the look of pure terror in a young agent's eyes when faced with a punishment that was as much mental as it was physical.

Pride stepped closer, placing a firm but gentle hand on LaSalle's back. "You can," he said firmly. "You're stronger than you think." His voice was soothing now, the anger from earlier replaced with a stern but caring tone.

LaSalle took a deep, shuddering breath, trying to slow his racing heart. The leather of the belt felt cold and heavy against his skin, a stark contrast to the heat of his cheeks. He nodded, trying to convey his understanding. He didn't want to disappoint Pride, didn't want to be seen as weak.

Pride studied him for a moment, his eyes searching LaSalle's face. He could see the fear and the embarrassment, the desperate attempt to hold it all together. With a sigh, he made his decision. "Alright," he said, his voice softer now. "We'll finish this tomorrow. You need to get some rest and get your head on straight."

LaSalle felt a wave of relief wash over him, even though the reprieve was only temporary. He nodded again, unable to find the words to express his gratitude. Pride slid the belt back into his drawer and rounded the desk, his movements surprisingly gentle.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his hand resting on LaSalle's shoulder.

"Yeah," LaSalle lied, his voice shaking slightly. "But, Pride... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... to freak out like that."

Pride's gaze softened. "You don't have anything to apologize for," he said, his hand still resting on LaSalle's shoulder. "It's my job to make sure you learn from your mistakes, not to break you."

LaSalle nodded, still breathing heavily. "But I signed up for the full punishment," he said, his voice filled with concern. "You're not mad that I couldn't finish?"

Pride's hand remained on his shoulder, the warmth of his touch offering a strange comfort amidst the embarrassment of the situation. "I'm not mad," Pride assured him, his tone calm and reassuring. "But we're not done with this. You need to understand the gravity of what you did."

The tension in the room seemed to dissipate slightly, and before LaSalle could stop himself, he found his arms wrapping around Pride's waist. He buried his face against the older man's chest, his body trembling with the aftershocks of adrenaline and fear. It had been a long time since he had felt the comfort of a fatherly embrace, and Pride's firm presence was like a lighthouse in a stormy sea.

Pride's arms came around him, and LaSalle felt a gentle squeeze. The older agent didn't say anything, just held him for a moment, allowing the young agent to gather his composure. The warmth of the embrace was surprising, and LaSalle couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and gratitude. For a brief moment, the weight of the world lifted off his shoulders.

They stood like that, two men in an office that had suddenly transformed into a space of understanding and compassion. Pride's hand patted his back, a silent acknowledgment of the fear that had overtaken LaSalle. "You're alright," he murmured. "We've all been there."

LaSalle felt a lump form in his throat as the tension drained from his body. He had never had a father figure, not really. His own father had been in and out of his life, and when he was around, it was more about the bottle than his son. But here, with Pride's strong arms around him, he felt a connection he hadn't felt in years.

As Pride's hand stroked his back in a comforting rhythm, LaSalle's grip tightened around his waist. The words slipped out before he could stop them, a reflexive response to the sudden flood of emotions. "Thanks... Dad," he whispered, his voice muffled against Pride's shirt.

The older man's arms stiffened, and for a moment, LaSalle was sure he had gone too far. But then Pride's hand paused, and he felt a gentle kiss press against the top of his head. The gesture was surprising, but it brought with it a strange comfort, a feeling of belonging that he hadn't experienced in a very long time.

"Alright, son," Pride said, his voice thick with emotion. "Let's get you home."

The drive was quiet, the tension in the car replaced by a newfound understanding between the two men. LaSalle couldn't believe he had called Pride 'Dad', but the comforting silence suggested that the slip-up had been accepted. Or maybe Pride had heard it before, from other scared rookies in need of guidance.

As they pulled up to LaSalle's apartment, Pride spoke up, his voice gentle. "Look, Christopher. What happens in that office stays in that office. Understood?"

"Yes, sir," Chris said, his voice still shaky. He nodded, not meeting Pride's eyes.

When they arrived at Chris's apartment, the young agent felt a sense of relief wash over him as he stepped out of the car. The night air was thick with the scent of rain, and the distant rumble of thunder promised a storm was on its way. As they approached the door, it swung open, revealing Cade, Chris's older brother, standing in the doorway. Cade's face was a mix of surprise and concern, his eyes flitting between the two men.

Pride's eyes lit up with a knowing smile as he took in the sight of Cade. It wasn't often that he saw his agents outside of the professional setting, and this unexpected reunion was a welcome sight. "Hello, Cade," he said warmly, extending a hand. "I've heard a lot about you."

But Cade's expression was anything but welcoming. His eyes darted from Pride to Chris and back again, his hands tightening around the doorframe. "Chris, what's going on?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. "Is everything okay?"

"It's nothing, Cade," LaSalle said quickly, trying to play it off. "Just work stuff."

But Cade wasn't buying it. His eyes searched Chris's face, looking for the truth. The air was thick with unspoken words, the weight of Cade's mood pressing down on them like a storm cloud.

"Look, Cade," LaSalle began, trying to keep his voice steady. "Pride was just giving me a ride home."

But Cade's eyes remained fixed on Pride, his gaze unyielding. "I don't recall inviting you in," he said, his voice tight with tension. It was clear that he was in the midst of an episode, his mood swinging like a pendulum.

Pride's smile never wavered. "It's okay, Cade. I just wanted to make sure your brother got home safe," he said, his voice calm and soothing.

But Cade's eyes narrowed, the tension in his jaw tightening. "I can take care of him," he snapped. "We don't need any help."

Pride's smile remained, unflappable. "I'm sure you can, but I just want to make sure he's okay after the day he's had," he said calmly.

Cade's gaze finally left Pride and settled on Chris. "What day has he had?" he asked, the hostility in his tone giving way to genuine concern.

Chris took a deep breath, his mind racing to find the right words. "It's... been a tough one," he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "I made a mistake on the job, and Pride's just making sure I learn from it."

Cade's gaze softened, the storm clouds in his eyes dissipating slightly. "What kind of mistake?"

"It was pretty serious," Pride said, his voice still calm but with an undercurrent of gravity. "But it's nothing we can't handle. I just need to make sure he's okay."

Cade's eyes searched Chris's face, looking for any signs of pain or distress. "Did he hurt you?" he finally asked, his voice low and protective.

Chris felt his cheeks burn as he thought about the spanking that had almost happened. "It's... complicated," he said, his eyes darting to the ground. "It's part of the job, Cade. Sometimes you mess up, and you gotta face the consequences."

Cade's gaze remained on Chris, his expression unreadable. "Did he hurt you?" he repeated, his voice a mix of protectiveness and suspicion.

LaSalle took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation he had never wanted to have with his brother. "It's not like that, Cade," he began, his voice low. "Pride's just trying to teach me a lesson. It's... part of his style."

Cade's eyes searched his, looking for the truth. "What kind of lesson?"

Chris took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. "The kind that hurts," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But it's not like that, Cade. It's not the same as... what you do."

Cade's eyes narrowed, the muscles in his arms tensing. "What do you mean?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous. "Did he spank you?"

Pride's smile slipped slightly, but his eyes remained steady. "It's a disciplinary measure, Cade," he said calmly. "It's nothing personal."

But Cade wasn't listening. His eyes were locked on Chris, searching for any hint of fear or pain. "Did he spank you?" he repeated, his voice like steel.

Chris felt his face redden, his eyes dropping to the floor. He knew Cade's history with their father, the way he had used physical punishment as a way to assert his dominance. He didn't want Cade to think Pride was like that. "It's... it's not what you think," he stumbled over his words. "It's just... it's part of the job."

Cade took a step closer, his eyes never leaving Chris's. "What kind of job is that?" he said, his voice low and threatening. "What did he do to you?"

Chris swallowed hard, trying to find the words to explain. "It's just how things are done in the field, Cade," he said, his voice shaking slightly. "It's not abuse, it's... it's just a way to make sure we don't make the same mistake again."

But Cade wasn't convinced. His eyes bore into Pride's, the accusation in them clear. "How many times did you spank him?" he demanded, his voice low and menacing.

Pride's smile faltered, his eyes flicking to Chris before returning to Cade. "It's not about the number, Cade," he said calmly. "It's about the lesson."

"How many times?!" Cade asked again, his voice rising with each word.

"It was... it was just a few," Chris interjected quickly, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's over now."

The tension in the air was palpable as the two men stared each other down. Cade's eyes were like lasers, boring into Pride's, looking for any sign of a lie. Pride's face remained stoic, his posture firm and unyielding. "I'll be the judge of that," Cade said finally, his voice a low growl.

Pride's gaze didn't waver. "It's not for me to say," he replied calmly. "What's important is that your brother knows the severity of his actions."

Cade's eyes didn't leave Chris's for a moment. "How many, Chris?" he asked again, his voice tight with tension.

Chris took a deep, shaky breath, his heart hammering in his chest. He knew he had to tell Cade the truth, but the words were caught in his throat. "F-five," he finally managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper. "Five times."

Cade's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenching. "Five," he repeated, his voice cold and hard. "And how many was he supposed to get?" Cade asked, his gaze shifting to Pride, the accusation in his voice thick.

Pride met Cade's gaze, his eyes unwavering. "Twenty-five," he said evenly. "It's a serious infraction, and I don't take it lightly."

"Twenty-five?" Cade's voice echoed with incredulity. "What the hell did you do to deserve that?"

Chris shifted uncomfortably, his cheeks burning with embarrassment. He had never talked to Cade about the details of his work, especially not the disciplinary aspects. "It was a... a judgment call," he mumbled, his eyes darting to Pride for help.

Pride's expression remained serious, but his voice was steady. "Your brother stepped into the line of fire," he said, his words echoing in the tense silence. "He's lucky to be alive."

Cade pushes Chris inside, "Looks like your getting 25 tonight after all little brother" Cade said with a dark chuckle, shutting the door behind them.

Chris looked up at his brother, his eyes wide with fear and confusion. "Cade, no," he whispered, his voice shaking.

"Its for your own good bubba" Cade said and pulled down Chris' pants and boxers.

Cade's hand was firm and unforgiving as it landed on Chris' bare skin. The first smack echoed through the small apartment, and Chris couldn't help the yelp that escaped his lips. It was nothing like the controlled punishment he had almost received from Pride. This was raw and painful, each smack seemingly fueled by Cade's own anger and frustration.

The sting grew with each strike, and Chris found himself unable to hold back the tears. His body jerked with each impact, his eyes squeezed shut as he tried to focus on the lesson he was supposed to be learning. But all he could think about was the humiliation of being spanked by his own brother, the man who was supposed to protect him.

Pride's voice was a distant memory now, his gentle words lost in the cacophony of pain and fear. Cade's hand fell again and again, each smack harder than the last. Chris's cheeks burned, not just from the punishment but from the embarrassment of being in this position. He had always looked up to Cade, had always thought of him as the strong one, the one who could handle anything. But now, as he felt the tears slide down his face, he realized that even Cade had his breaking points.

"Cade, please," he managed to get out between sobs. "It's okay, I get it." But Cade's hand didn't stop, and the only response was the steady rhythm of the slaps against his skin.

Pride's gentle voice echoed in his mind, a stark contrast to the pain he was now experiencing. He had to remind himself that this was a lesson, that it was for his own good. But as Cade's hand continued to rain down on him, he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the sheer brutality of it all.

The slaps grew harder, and Chris could feel his skin bruising beneath his brother's fury. He tried to focus on Pride's earlier words, the calmness of his voice, the firmness of his touch. But Cade was anything but gentle, and each smack brought him closer to the edge of his endurance.

"Cade," Chris gasped, his voice shaking with pain and fear. "Cade, please. It's enough."

But Cade's hand didn't stop. "How many did you count?" he demanded, his voice low and menacing.

Chris's mind was a blur, his body consumed by the pain. He could barely think straight, let alone keep count. "I don't know," he gasped, his voice thick with tears.

"Start counting," Cade ordered, his hand not relenting. "One."

Chris felt the first smack on his other cheek, and the pain was a fresh, searing agony. He choked back a scream, his eyes welling up with tears. "One," he whispered, his voice shaking.

Cade's hand fell again, the slap echoing through the apartment like a gunshot. "Two," Chris managed, his voice strained and tight. Each hit felt like a brand, leaving a hot, throbbing imprint on his skin.

The smacks grew in intensity, and Chris's cries grew louder, filling the small space. "Three," he choked out, his body shaking with each impact. Cade's face was a mask of concentration, his eyes narrowed and his jaw set.

As the fourth strike landed, Chris felt a fresh wave of pain on his untouched cheek. The shock of the new sensation was almost too much to bear, and he gritted his teeth, his eyes watering. "Four," he whispered, his voice hoarse from the effort of holding back his sobs.

Cade's hand fell again, and Chris's body jerked with the impact. "Twenty-five" he gasped, his voice barely audible. The pain was blurring his thoughts, making it hard to focus on anything but the stinging in his backside.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Cade's hand stopped, and Chris slumped over the couch, his body trembling with the aftershocks of pain and fear. His cheeks burned, the skin feeling like it was on fire. Cade's breathing was heavy, his eyes still filled with a mix of anger and concern.

Chris took a moment to compose himself, the sobs slowly subsiding. He knew the routine all too well. He pushed himself up and turned to face Cade, his eyes red and puffy from crying. Without a word, he stepped into his brother's embrace, his head resting on Cade's broad chest. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice muffled against the fabric of Cade's shirt.

Cade's arms wrapped around him tightly, his grip firm but not painful. "It's alright, bubba," he murmured, his voice a mix of exhaustion and frustration. "I just want you to be safe."

Chris nodded, his eyes squeezed shut as he tried to hold back the tears. "I know," he whispered, his voice cracking. "I'll be more careful."

Cade's grip tightened for a brief moment before he released Chris, stepping back to give him some space. "You better," he said, his voice still firm but with a hint of affection. "Now go get changed and sit down. We're going to talk about this."

Pride watched the exchange, his mind racing. He knew he couldn't leave now, not with the situation so unresolved. "Cade, if it's alright, I'd like to stay for a bit," he said, his voice calm and measured. "Just to make sure everything's okay."

Cade's eyes flashed with something that looked like anger, but then he nodded curtly. "Fine," he said, his jaw clenched. "But this is family business."

Chris looked up at Pride, his eyes pleading. He didn't want the older agent to see him like this, didn't want him to think less of him. But Pride just gave him a firm nod, his eyes filled with a mix of understanding and determination. "I'm here for you, LaSalle," he said, his voice steady.

Cade's expression didn't change as he led them to the kitchen table, his movements sharp and precise. He pulled out a chair, gesturing for Pride to sit, while Chris remained standing, his eyes glued to the floor. "What do you want?" he asked, his tone brusque.

Pride took a seat, his gaze flicking to Chris before returning to Cade. "I just want to make sure your brother understands the gravity of his mistake," he said calmly. "And that he's okay."

Cade's jaw tightened, but he didn't argue. "I've got it covered," he said, his voice gruff. "You've done your part."

Chris felt a surge of gratitude towards Pride. Despite the embarrassment of the situation, he was thankful for his boss's presence. It was as if having Pride there was a buffer, keeping Cade's rage in check. He pulled out a chair and sat down, his legs feeling like jelly beneath him.

"Did I hurt you?" Cade's question hung in the air, heavy and accusatory. Chris took a deep breath, the pain in his bottom a stark reminder of his brother's fury. "No," he lied, not meeting Cade's eyes. "It's fine."

But the lie was a poor one, and Cade's expression said he knew it. The older man's gaze searched Chris's face, looking for any sign of the truth. "Look at me," he demanded. "I hurt you didn't I?"

Chris took a shaky breath and nodded, his eyes finally meeting Cade's. "Yes," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But it's okay. I know you didn't mean it."

Cade's expression softened, the anger in his eyes replaced by a look of regret. He reached out and placed a hand on Chris's shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm sorry, bubba," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "I just wanted to make sure you knew how serious this was."

Chris nodded, his eyes still red from crying. "I do," he murmured, his voice hoarse from the sobs. "I just... I didn't expect it to be like that."

Cade's expression shifted, the anger dissipating like a storm cloud. He stepped closer to Chris, his hand dropping to his side. "Come here," he said softly.

Chris looked up, his eyes still filled with fear and pain, but the tone of his brother's voice was soothing. He took a tentative step forward and then another until he was in Cade's arms again, this time not as a submissive receiving punishment but as a comforted little brother.

Cade's embrace was fierce, and as he held Chris tightly, he felt his own eyes begin to water. The weight of what he had just done crashed down upon him. He had lost control, had hurt the one person he never wanted to cause pain. "I'm sorry," Cade choked out, his voice thick with emotion. "I didn't mean to... I just... I was so scared."

Chris could feel Cade's heart pounding against his chest, the warmth of his brother's tears soaking through his shirt. He knew that Cade's actions had come from a place of love, of fear for his safety. But the pain was still fresh, and the memory of the harsh punishment lingered. He wrapped his arms around Cade's waist, holding onto the only anchor he had in this storm of confusion and pain. "It's okay," he whispered, his voice trembling. "I know you were just looking out for me."

Cade's embrace grew tighter, his own sobs muffled against Chris's shoulder. "I'm so sorry," he said, his voice cracking. "I didn't mean to hurt you like that."

Chris held onto Cade, feeling the tension in his brother's body slowly begin to ease. "I know," he whispered back, his own tears drying on his cheeks. "It's okay."

Pride sat quietly at the table, watching the two brothers. He knew that he had to tread carefully. The bond between them was clear, and he didn't want to interfere too much. But he also knew that LaSalle needed to understand the seriousness of his actions on the job. "Cade," he began, his voice soft. "Your brother is going to need to learn from this. We can't have any more... misunderstandings."

Cade's grip on Chris tightened briefly before he pulled back, his eyes wet with tears. He looked at Pride, his expression a mix of anger and regret. "You're right," he said, his voice thick. "But I hurt him."

Pride's gaze was firm but understanding. "You were just trying to get through to him," he said gently. "But now, we need to figure out how to move forward."

Cade nodded, his eyes still on his brother. "I know," he murmured. "But I never wanted it to be like this."

Pride gave them both a moment, allowing the gravity of the situation to sink in. "Chris, can you go get dressed for bed?" he asked gently. "We need to talk."

Chris nodded, his eyes still on the floor as he shuffled off to his room, his bare bottom still stinging from Cade's hand. Pride turned to Cade, his expression a mix of concern and firmness. "You can't let your emotions get the better of you," he said, his voice low. "What you did tonight was too much."

Cade's eyes snapped up to meet his, the anger in them flaring briefly before it was replaced by something closer to guilt. "I know," he said, his voice tight. "I just... I couldn't stand the thought of him getting hurt."

Pride nodded, his expression sympathetic. "I understand," he said, his voice still gentle. "But you can't let fear drive you to do something you'll regret."

Cade took a deep breath, his eyes dropping to his hands. They were still trembling slightly from the exertion of the punishment. "I know," he murmured. "It won't happen again."

Pride nodded, his expression serious. "It can't," he said firmly. "We're all on the same side here."

Cade took a step back, his arms dropping to his sides. "I know," he said, his voice filled with resignation. "I'll talk to him in the morning, make sure he's okay."

Pride nodded, his gaze softening. "That's all I ask," he said. "Now, I should be going. It's been a long day for all of us."