A Brat and His Toys
Author: Nelson
Revised Jan 2004
Vic and Benji were enjoying a lazy Sunday morning having just finished their breakfast of scrambled eggs; cheese had been added at Ben’s request. As usual, Ben was devouring the sales flyers that engorged the Sunday paper while Vic stuck to the headlines, sipping his coffee. Suddenly, Ben sucked in his breath, sitting up sharply at the table as he reviewed the weekly offerings from Best Buy. His own coffee cup hit the table with enough force to slosh a bit of the liquid over the side.
"What?" Vic asked mildly, totally used to Ben reacting to something he liked in that particular flyer. Ben was definitely an electronics junkie. Vic enjoyed watching him drool week after week at some new audio-visual offering. Vic tried not to overindulge him, not allowing Ben to buy everything he would like, but not refusing him much either.
Ben exclaimed, "The DVD recorders are only $599.00 now!"
That got Vic’s attention. "ONLY?!!" Vic said, tipping the paper down from his sightline so he could see Ben over it. “You might as well have said ‘$600.00’. You can buy a VCR for one-tenth of that price these days.”
"Vic! These things were $1000.00 only a year ago. They're finally affordable!" Ben said holding the flyer so Vic could see.
"For whom?" Vic asked, amused at Ben's excitement but in no way agreeing.
"Viicc," Ben whined. "Can we get one?"
"No."
"Why not?! We can afford it."
"That's not the point. I don't think we need to spend that kind of money on something we don't NEED. They will continue to get more affordable, you know that.” Vic returned to his paper and added, “They will have to be much cheaper before I'm willing to buy one."
"But, Vic! I've been wanting one forEVER! I've never seen them this cheap!"
"I said ‘no’," Vic said with finality, eyes still fixed on the headlines.
Ben grunted loudly to communicate his disapproval, with his mouth hung open in disbelief. Not wanting to start the day out this way, Vic appeared not to notice, but just continued looking at the paper. His lack of concern further appalled Ben.
"What?!" Ben asked indignantly. "Just like that? Just 'no'?! Aren't you going to give me a reason?” When Vic refused to answer, he added, “That's not fair!" He finished with an effective stamp under the table, his bare foot slapping the linoleum to punctuate his words.
Vic slowly lowered the paper and pierced Ben with his dark eyes and simply said, "Corner. Right now."
Ben let out another grunt, mouth open again. "WHY?!"
Vic laid the paper down and got up from the table without a word, while Ben tried to scramble away from the table before it was too late. Vic was already in motion before it dawned on Ben that he was coming after him, and Vic clasped Ben by the upper arm before he could make it to the corner on his own accord. Vic marched him to the corner, delivering a round of sharp swats to Ben's posterior before leaving him. Ben only had on his thin PJs for protection and he arched his back involuntarily with each swat. He was quite certain Vic was trying to lift him off the ground, yet he went nowhere while Vic's hand was clamped to his arm. Ben squirmed at the sting left in Vic's wake after the swatting stopped, but remained undeterred.
"This isn't fair!” he complained to the wall. His hands were on his behind trying to rub away the sting. “I should be able to buy what I want," he grumbled.
"ONE more word or outburst and you'll be complaining to the floor from my lap, young man! I'll pull your pants down and do it right. Now, rein it in!" Vic warned to Ben’s back. Hearing no further complaints from the corner, he returned to the table and his newspaper, glancing at the clock occasionally.
Ben clamped his mouth shut in a distinct pout, and managed not to kick a hole in the wall in protest. He fumed for an entire 15 minutes, and was no less angry when Vic finally called to him. “Are you finished with your tantrum, Benjamin?"
Still furious, but sick of staring at the wall, Ben replied through clenched teeth, "YES, sir."
Vic wasn't convinced. "Doesn't sound like it. Let's see if more time makes a difference. And, if not, you're going to get a spanking, so I would try really, really hard to let it go if I were you, Benjamin."
Ben huffed again but, wisely, MUCH quieter than before. He effectively buried his annoyance, not wanting to be spanked first thing in the morning. He knew Vic meant what he said, and he tried hard to get over it so he could leave the corner and keep from ending up bared across Vic’s lap with a clear view of the linoleum. That would be even less exciting than the wallpaper pattern he was glaring at. More active, yes, but far, far, less exciting.
After what seemed like forever, Vic called to him again. "So, what did you decide, Ben? Are you done or do I have to spank you this morning?"
A meek, "I'm done," came from Ben's lips.
"Good. Come here to me." Ben shifted in the corner then turned and walked slowly to Vic with his head down.
Vic took him by the arms then tipped his chin up so he could look directly into his eyes. Vic said with determination, "You throw a tantrum like that again, you will NOT get off with corner time. I will turn you over my knee if it happens again. You know better because we’ve had to deal with it before. Am l crystal clear, mister?"
"Yes, sir."
Vic stared hard into Ben’s eyes for a moment, making sure his point was made then pulled him into a hug. "All right, go get yourself dressed. We need to go grocery shopping." He kissed Ben’s head then pushed him toward the door to get ready.
Ben grudgingly took a shower hoping the stream of water would help calm his temper. Going to the grocery store wasn't going to help, since he desperately hated grocery shopping. What a terrific day it was turning out to be. Ben tried to lose himself in the calming stream of water, but couldn’t stop thinking about the recorder or how he might be able to buy one.
Meanwhile, Vic was hoping the shower would improve Ben's ill temper, and that the rest of the day would prove to be more pleasurable. It wasn’t starting out good. Vic had already taken his shower and was busying himself dressing while Ben cleaned up. He finally emerged, looking quite handsome, towel wrapped loosely around his slim waist. His wet hair hung in strands in front of his eyes, which reflected he was not much happier.
"Come here, gorgeous," Vic said, pulling his petulant lover over. "Is that a pout I see on your lips?"
"No," he grumbled, but his facial expression wasn’t in sync with his answer.
"I'm not so sure," Vic said covering Ben's mouth with his own. "Cheer up, sweets. You can get one later when the price drops some more."
"I don't care," Ben replied, still obviously miffed.
"Get dressed, brat," Vic playfully swatted the towel-clad bottom then sat on the bed to put on his shoes. He had to push Ben along several times as he took great pains to select his clothes and get dressed. Vic knew it was Ben’s way of reminding him he wasn’t happy with the decision about the recorder. Vic patiently put up with the stalling, wanting nothing more than to salvage something good out of Ben’s mood and the rest of the day.
When Ben was finally ready, they got in the car to head for the grocery store. Vic buckled up and started the car, and glanced over at Ben while waiting for the garage door to lift. “Put your seatbelt on, Benji.”
“I’m fine,” Ben replied stubbornly.
Vic watched him and Ben looked out the side window to avoid Vic’s hard glare. Vic said, “Benjamin, I’m not going to fight you all day, young man. You’re not happy. I’ve gotten the message. Now, if you don’t want me to give you a response, you’d better straighten up and watch the attitude.” Ben sat willfully silent without making a move for his seatbelt until he saw Vic reach for the door handle.
He quickly grabbed for the seatbelt and said, “No! I’m getting it, see? I’m putting it on.”
Vic paused, thoughtfully considering his next move. Ben was relieved when he made no effort to leave his side of the car. Vic said, “Consider that your last warning, Benjamin.”
“Okay, I’m sorry. Can we just go?” Vic knew Ben was trying hard to get the crosshairs off him and he complied, trying to keep things from escalating further.
Not much was said on the trip to the store. Vic was all right with that, because as long as Ben was quiet, he wasn’t saying anything to get himself in trouble. They entered the store and Ben rolled his eyes when his ever-anal lover pulled out the grocery list. Vic asked Ben to grab a buggy while he looked over the list.
Ben selected a buggy and sourly pushed the cart along as they shopped. Vic said, “We need to go down this aisle,” indicating the canned food section. Ben quietly followed with the buggy as Vic directed him to the various parts of the store they needed to be. Aside from Ben's mood, the shopping trip was occurring uneventfully, and quietly, until they passed a display of Little Debbie's and Ben tossed a box into the cart.
"Put that back, please. You don't need it," Vic instructed.
Ben’s hands went to his hips in a purely defiant stance. "What?! Now, I can't even have a snack cake?" he asked.
Vic replied calmly, "You know I don't keep that kind of junk in the house. It's pure sugar. Put it back and calm down."
"Oh, my God," he said slowly, rolling his eyes in tandem with the words. "It's not like they are laced with arsenic, Vic. What's the big deal if I eat sugar now and again?"
More than a little annoyed with Ben's mood and mouth, Vic looked hard at him and stepped closer for him to hear. He spoke quietly but with a cold edge to his voice, "Do NOT raise your voice to me and do NOT cause a scene in this store. Put them back on the shelf, NOW."
"FINE! I don't know why I can't have them. It's not like they cost $600. Oh, that’s right, it’s because I don't NEED them," Ben said with sass.
Vic looked down the aisle and seeing no one else around, promptly and discreetly swatted Ben's behind, hard. "Take them out of the cart now or I will haul you to the car. I suggest you calm down. You're asking for it."
Seething in spite of feeling the sting from the warning swat, Ben picked up the snack cakes and slammed them down on the shelf. "There! Satisfied?"
Vic swatted him twice more. "That is IT, Benjamin. You are going to get a spanking when we get home."
Ben immediately wished he had never seen the Little Debbies and regretted his temper tantrum. Nothing would calm his temper quite like the promise of a spanking. The threat of one was still just that, a threat. The promise of one, however...
His temper nearly vanished immediately and he said, "Vic, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it."
"Not another word, young man. You've been asking for it all day, and now, you’re going to get it. You were warned both this morning and then seconds ago about your tantrums."
"But, Vic..."
"I said not another word, and I mean it."
And, he didn't say another word. Ben maintained a quiet sulk throughout the rest of the shopping trip and the ride home was equally, uncomfortably quiet. They pulled into the garage and Vic got out of the SUV.
"Help me get the bags into the house then go directly to the bedroom and plant yourself in a corner," Vic said, unlatching the cargo area where the groceries were.
"Vic, please...I promise I’ll stop acting up. I’m not mad anymore. I swear…"
"Benjamin David,” Vic said, cutting him off. “You were warned. Help me with the bags."
Ben’s face formed a frown and he mutely grabbed as many bags as he could, slowly making his way into the kitchen. Stalling for time, he started to put items away but Vic stopped him, taking the groceries from Ben's hands. "Upstairs, Benjamin."
He turned pleading eyes to Vic, but it didn't work. It never did. Vic simply pointed in the direction of the stairs in response.
Ben carried heavy feet and a tumbling stomach up the stairs to their bedroom. He found his corner and stood in it, his ears tuned to Vic downstairs. The waiting always seemed worse than the actual spanking; that is, while he was waiting. Knowing what was coming and knowing also there was no way to avoid the inevitable, he shifted miserably in the corner. All he could think about was the impending spanking, wishing for all he was worth that he never picked up the box of snack cakes. He knew it would start an argument. Why couldn't he just shut up? Vic was right. He had been warned and he just couldn't stop.
Vic busied himself putting the groceries away taking his time to give Ben some space to reflect on his behavior. Satisfied that he had waited long enough, he went up the stairs. Ben started shifting involuntarily from foot to foot getting more nervous as he heard Vic approach.
He heard Vic enter the room then his voice called from behind him. "Come here, Ben."
Ben turned around and immediately checked Vic’s hands for the paddle. He was thankful it wasn’t there, although, he had been known to send Ben for it. He hated when that happened. He hated the paddle and hated even more handing the implement over that would be used to turn his butt to scarlet. It was like literally asking for it.
"Have a seat," Vic pointed to the bed. Ben complied and looked at the carpet.
"What did I tell you this morning about your temper?" Vic asked with his arms crossed.
"To control it."
"Look at me, Benjamin." Ben slowly raised his eyes to Vic's. "And, what did I remind you would happen the next time you threw a tantrum?" Oh, please don't make me say it, please, Ben thought, but said nothing. He hated admitting he was due a spanking. He hated the word and the sound of it on his lips. "Benjamin! What did I say?"
Ben jumped at the tone. "You, you said...you um..." he just couldn't say it. You’d spank me, that's what you said, he thought.
"Benjamin, answer the question! I know you heard me this morning."
"A...sp...a spanking. You said you’d spank me," Ben finally managed, face crimson with the admission.
"Did that not matter to you?"
"Yes, it mattered! I don't WANT a spanking," he said earnestly. “I really don’t!”
"Then why did you insist on throwing a tantrum in the grocery store? And, over snack cakes at that?"
"I don't knooowww..." Ben couldn't stop the brimming tears. "I didn't mean to...It just happened…"
Vic realized Ben’s actions were the result of more than just a bad mood. He asked, "This is still about that recorder, isn't it? You certainly are not that attached to Little Debbie cakes."
"You won't let me have anything I want," Ben answered pitifully, hoping for some sympathy.
"Ben, that's hardly true, and you know it. Besides, you don't have to have everything you want, and that isn't the issue. The issue is your inability to control your temper resulting in disrespect to me and tantrums. We’ve been over this time and again. I let you off easy this morning but I reminded you it wouldn’t happen again the next time you threw a tantrum. I clearly warned you of what I would do, didn't I?"
"Yes, sir," the tears tried to start again, Ben's throat constricting in an attempt to hold them back.
Vic held out his hand to Ben, raising him from the bed then taking a seat himself. "Pull your pants down and bend over my lap."
Ben's stomach took another dive, "Vic, please..."
"Now, please."
Ben saw the look in Vic's dark eyes and knew he was at the point of no return. Ben's hands went to his fly and unfastened his pants. He managed to push his jeans down then reached for his shorts. His stomach continued its antics as he pushed his shorts down to mid-thigh. As soon as they were out of the way, Vic gripped his wrist and pulled him across his knees. He immediately felt Vic's arm clamp around his waist anchoring him firmly in place.
He felt his heartbeat quicken and he reached for one last chance to avoid what he knew was coming. He couldn’t help but try. "I'll never talk to you like that again, Vic, I swear...please don't...don't spank me...please."
"I'm glad to hear it, Benjamin. However, you aren't being spanked for what you might do later, but for what you did today."
Damn. With that, Vic raised his right hand and brought it down hard against Ben's bottom. He brought it down again and again, giving equal attention to both of Ben's cheeks. Ben howled and continued to plead while he still had breath to do it. He was crying hard and trying with all his strength to get out of Vic's grip and out of the path of his continually-falling hand.
He eventually gave up and lay limp across Vic's knees. Vic stopped and said, "Am I going to have any more tantrums from you?"
Never, never again, Ben thought. He tried to say it but was lucky to manage a high-pitched "No, sir" around the sobs. Vic delivered another several swats to the middle of Ben's flaming bottom to further make his point before ending the spanking. Ben slipped to the floor when Vic released his grip and buried his head in the bedcovers beside Vic. Vic rubbed his back and shoulders waiting for him to calm down. When the tears had begun to die away, Vic pulled him up while gathering him in his arms and hugged him.
"You don't lose your temper with me, understand?" he said gently, while his formerly-punishing hand now delivered soothing strokes down Ben's back.
Ben's head nodded against him. "I'm sor..sorryyy," he hiccupped into Vic's shoulder.
"Thank you. But I want you to understand, if you throw another tantrum like the ones you have today, you're going to get the paddle. I’m tired of dealing with this issue over and over. My hand is obviously not getting through to you. So, from here on out, you get paddled for tantrums. Is that clear?"
"Yes, sir. It won't happen again."
"Let’s hope not," Vic said, not at all convinced they wouldn’t be discussing the issue in the future. It was a problem Ben had that he just couldn’t seem to get over. Vic intended to make the consequences such that Ben would think before throwing a fit.
"I won’t do it again." Ben was quite sure he could keep from throwing another tantrum any time soon, probably for at least a week or so. But, with the threat of a paddling, he knew what he was feeling could feel a lot worse and he intended to try hard not to earn a more thorough response from Vic.
*******
Ben was mostly quiet the rest of the day, subdued from being punished. Vic chalked it up to pouting, and wasn’t the least bit surprised by Ben’s silence. As the day wore on, he began to come around and was more congenial by dinner time.
"I'm sorry I was so rotten this morning,” he said while they worked on the dishes. “I've just really wanted one of those recorders for a long time. Even before they started selling them commercially."
"Thank you for the apology, but that’s over with. I’m not upset about it, sweetie," Vic answered. "Why do you want one so badly?" he asked, curious.
Ben’s face lit up with the opportunity to let Vic know why they were so special, and he launched into an excited explanation, pausing from drying the dish in his hand. His face lit up with the opportunity to sing the praises of the glorious DVD recorders, and his eyes grew with his excitement. "Because DVDs don't wear out like video tapes; they last longer, have better quality, take up less space..."
Vic interrupted the sales pitch and said, "Those all sound like good reasons, but not enough to warrant spending $600. You know as well as I do they WILL continue to get cheaper. There will be more choices, too.” Vic rinsed a plate and passed it to Ben. Ben’s face fell as he accepted the plate and Vic continued to explain. “Competition is good for electronics quality and prices. You know that," Vic continued, elbow-deep in dishwater.
"I know. I just don't want to wait anymore” Ben said, swiping the towel over the dripping plate. “How much WOULD you be willing to pay for one?"
"I don't know. I guess $300 or so would be fair."
Ben silently continued with the drying thinking it would be a long time before the recorders saw $300 when an idea suddenly struck him. "You know, if I got my old job back at Best Buy, I could get the employee discount, and it wouldn't cost much more than $300. I could pay for it then, too." He was almost giddy with excitement over his idea.
He was promptly deflated with Vic’s response. "No."
FUCK! There he goes again, Ben thought. Hell flew threw him as he slammed down the dish towel. "WHY not?!!"
"WATCH it, Benjamin. Do I need to get the paddle already?" Vic asked as he pointed a dripping finger toward the drawer where they kept the paddle.
The threat wasn’t enough to stop the runaway train Ben was on and he exclaimed, "NO! But, can't you at least think about it?"
"I don't need to think about it. I can barely get you to do your schoolwork as it is and that's all you have to worry about right now. I can't imagine the fight it would take if you were working on top of it." Vic deposited a handful of clean and rinsed silverware into the dish drainer as he spoke.
"I promise I'll keep up with my homework," Ben said, pleading. "You won't even have to ask me to, I swear, Vic."
Vic released the dirty water and laid the dishrag across the ledge of the sink to dry then turned to look squarely in Ben's eyes and said slowly, "I. Said. No. Understood?"
Ben's lips pursed together in rage. "FINE!" He yelled, his face red with anger, hands balled into fists at his side.
Almost as soon as it came out, Ben wanted to reel it back in as Vic's face told him he had clearly crossed the line for the second time that day. If his face didn't give it away, watching Vic pull the paddle from the drawer gave him an inkling. Being pulled down over Vic's lap gave him yet another distinct clue. If he still wasn't sure, it became quite clear when Vic pushed his sweats and underpants down to his knees.
Vic brought the paddle down against Ben's bottom soundly as he had promised he would do in response to Ben’s tantrums. Ben felt the sting erupting as the paddle connected with his butt, which was not fully recovered from earlier that day.
"OW, Vic!...Pleaassee...I'm sorry...Stop..."
Vic paid no attention, intent on making sure Ben learned a good lesson in respect. "I told you about your mouth and I've heard all I care to hear of your temper and lip for one day," Vic lectured as the paddle did most of the talking, sharply punctuating his words with his displeasure at Ben's attitude.
He finally stopped snapping the paddle down then laid his right hand against Ben's bare bottom. "DO you talk to me like that, young man?"
"N..no, s..s..sir...." Ben managed to sob a response.
"DO you use that tone with me?"
"N..no, sir."
"What do I mean when I say 'no'?"
"You mean no."
"That's right. And you don't throw tantrums when I tell you ‘no’ to get your way." Vic took the paddle back in his right hand and landed another few swats to Ben's buttocks to further drive the message home before stopping. Ben lay across his lap sobbing, tears streaming down his face. Vic deposited the paddle on the kitchen table then helped Ben up. He pulled his crying lover into a hug for the second time that day and tried to calm the tears.
Ben’s sobs turned to sniffles and hiccups and Vic said gently, "I don't want to hear another word about the DVD recorder or we'll continue this discussion, is that understood?"
Not wanting to ever talk about it again, at least at this point in time, Ben vigorously nodded his head against Vic's shoulder indicating his sincere agreement. "I'm sorry," he sobbed. "I couldn't help it. I just got so mad."
"I know. Go upstairs and get your face cleaned up then get ready for bed."
“Are you coming?” Ben asked, wanting the closeness of his lover.
“I’ll be right up, sweetie. Let me finish wiping down the kitchen.”
Ben nodded and pulled reluctantly away, but not before Vic delivered a firm kiss to his forehead.
*******
The next day, Ben was still thinking about the recorder but was careful to keep his mouth shut about it around Vic. His bottom was still smarting from the dual attack the day before and he was careful not to draw more attention from Vic by bringing it up again.
Meanwhile, Vic was doing his own thinking about the recorder and the events of the previous day. He couldn't understand why Ben had been so upset and was puzzled over how strongly he felt over the recorder. He rarely threw tantrums of the magnitude he had the day before, not to mention over something as unimportant as Little Debbie cakes. He had a temper for sure, but Vic had never had to spank him twice in one day for it.
Regardless of Ben’s complaints, he had certainly not been deprived of his electronic "toys": Xbox, DVD player (progressive scan, of course), wide screen TV (HDTV monitor, 16:9 aspect ratio), AV receiver with speakers... That one still puzzled Vic. Ben had insisted they get the receiver, and not the more economical home theater system. Something about component and optical input jacks, if Vic remembered right. He had finally relented and bought Ben the system for Christmas. Maybe he would try talking to Benji later about the recorder when it wasn't such a "sore" subject.
*******
Later that day, Ben met Zach in the library to do some research for a class. Benji quietly filled Zach in on the day before, not willing to dwell on the fact he was spanked twice.
"You talked like that to Vic?! Why couldn't you let it go? Did he kill you? What did he do?" The questions flowed from Zach's shocked lips like a river.
"He wasn't exactly happy," was all Ben was willing to reveal. He paused then grinned at Zach conspiratorially. "I think I've figured out a way to pull it off and get it, though."
Zach grinned back, "Oh, you're going to get it all right, but I doubt it's what you want. You obviously have no regard whatsoever for your ass, or do you like getting it beaten?"
"NO, asshole. Do you?” Ben retorted sharply. “Just listen, would you?"
Ben proceeded to tell Zach his plans. “There’s no reason I can’t get my old job back at Best Buy. I tried to convince Vic that was the thing to do because I could get the recorder with my discount and have the money to pay for it.”
“And…I’m guessing he said, ‘no’?”
“Yeah, but I could still do it and he wouldn’t have to know.”
Zach looked at his friend suspiciously. “How do you think you’ll pull that off?”
"I can work the afternoons. I get out of class early enough to work a good three hours a day with my class schedule this semester," he calmly explained.
Zach spoke slowly as if Ben had a learning disability, "Benji, put down the pipe and step away. What are you smoking? That will NEVER work!” Zach tried to talk sense to his friend for once rather than talk him into trouble. “You'll have to work weekends, dufus. You don't think Vic might notice that?"
"I've got that covered. I'll tell Vic I'm working with a group on a project. I won't need the job for more than a month to get the discount. I can swing it that long."
“You’re going to lie to Vic?” Zach was shaking his head. “NOT a good idea. Why are you even going to bother? It’s not like you can use the recorder or anything.”
“I’ll use it when he isn’t around,” Ben said, getting agitated. He didn’t want to hear Zach’s warning or reasoning, if it didn’t match what he wanted to hear. “I can pack it up in between times and stash it somewhere.”
“You aren’t thinking straight. You’re just doing this because you’re still mad. Once you cool off, you’re going to wish you thought this through.”
Ben had heard all he wanted to hear and said, “Shut up, Zach.”
Zach just looked at Benji and shook his head again. "Been nice knowing you, my friend." Ben scowled, determined not to let Zach's very wise counsel set him back. "I hope you like cereal because Vic's going to turn your butt to shredded wheat," Zach concluded as he got up to leave.
Sometimes, Ben really hated Zach's wit. He decided to worry about the consequences later, and there was no guarantee he would be caught.
*******
Ben set out for Best Buy after school that afternoon, determined to set his plan in motion. He spent time admiring the many items in audiovisual while he waited to speak with the store manager. He was easily offered a position having demonstrated he could cover multiple departments when he worked there in the past.
He also applied, and was approved, for a store credit card. He could barely contain his excitement knowing he could pay for it in 18 months, same as cash, but take it home the same day. Vic didn't need to know about that either, Ben thought. He had been banned long ago from using credit cards, having demonstrated his propensity for using them often, but paying them rarely. He was in debt to the tune of about ten grand when he met Vic.
His first purchase with his new Best Buy card was none other than the coveted recorder. The only downside was that between school and work, he wouldn't be able to use the recorder if he planned to hide it from Vic. He would need time to figure out a way to break it to Vic, but he wouldn't do it if he thought there was a remote chance it would cost him the luxury of sitting. He would just have to use it when Vic wasn't around and keep it hidden the rest of the time.
*******
Four days later on Friday morning, Vic announced at breakfast he would be late that evening since he had some errands to run. “So, I should be about an hour later getting home,” Vic was saying.
“Okay,” Ben said around a mouthful of toast. Ben had been able to hide his part-time job all week, and Vic’s errand would give him a little more cushion to get home ahead of him. He knew he’d need a different kind of cushion if Vic got home first or found out about his moonlighting career.
"Would you like to meet somewhere for dinner? Maybe Nelson and Zach could meet us and we can catch a movie afterward," Vic suggested.
Ben was starting to feel the effects of managing work and school, but knew better than to let on. He really didn't feel like going out that night. He just wanted to crash. Plus, his conscience was beginning to assert itself now that the thrill of the "win" was wearing off. He thought of the offending purchase hiding in the trunk of his car and squirmed with guilt. "Sure, sounds great," he said tiredly.
Vic sipped his coffee and eyed him suspiciously over the rim. “What?” Ben asked nervously.
Vic sat the mug down and asked, "Are you okay?"
Ben melted slightly under the scrutiny. "Yeah, I'm just a little tired," he managed easily since it was true. “That’s all.”
"I hope you're not getting sick,” Vic said, planting his hand to Ben’s forehead to assess his well-being and Ben pulled away. “Benjamin…” Ben sat still and let Vic feel for any heat. Feeling no fever, he said, “You don’t feel hot.”
“I told you…”
“What time did you say your study group meets tomorrow?"
“At 9:00," he answered with a stab of guilt.
The lie might have flowed easily from his lips, but he hated doing it. It was a blatant lie and he knew how Vic felt about lying. He hated being dishonest, but it was that or surrender his butt, which would also mean he'd have to surrender the recorder. Right now, his bottom took priority. His conscience would just have to shut up and take a number.
"Maybe we'll skip the movie tonight.” Vic pulled Ben to him, and gave him a tight hug and a kiss. “You're already tired and you'll need to get up early tomorrow. Looks like early bedtime tonight. I'll call Nelson about dinner and let you know."
Ben sat easily in his lap and relaxed against his chest, with no argument whatsoever about an early bedtime on a Friday night. The lack of complaint further raised Vic's radar. Vic had expected the usual pushback when he suggested early bedtime, but his lover sat mutely against him. Perhaps Ben was simply tired as he said, he thought. He really hoped he wasn’t getting sick. Vic caressed Ben’s head and asked, “Are you sure nothing’s bothering you? You need to talk to me if it is.”
Ben’s stomach lurched and he was in awe at how much his partner knew him. “No, sir, I’m fine.”
Vic pushed his hair back away from his forehead and kissed him there. “Okay, if you’re sure.”
Ben began to think hard about what he had done, and decided finally, embraced in his lover’s arms, that the recorder wasn’t worth the guilt he was feeling. He had no intention of confessing his sins to Vic, but he decided he would return the recorder and give his notice that night. He couldn’t stand to continue to lie to Vic no matter how much he wanted his own way. It wasn’t worth how he was feeling, and he cared too much about Vic to let things continue as they were. He knew Vic would be disappointed in him if he knew what he had done, and he couldn’t bear that.
*******
Vic had continued to think about how insistent Benji had been about wanting the DVD recorder, and he decided he would look into it without a word to Benji. His evening errands included a trip to Best Buy JUST to check it out. He pulled the SUV into the parking lot at the electronics store giant later that afternoon.
"I really need to buy stock in this store, living with Ben," he muttered to himself as he got out of the car. He made his way to the audiovisual department and approached a young salesman from behind.
"Excuse me. Could you tell me..." the words died on his lips as the handsome sandy-haired salesman morphed into his partner, wearing an equally shocked expression AND a Best Buy polo shirt.
Vic's eyes grew to the size of saucers as his blood pressure started pumping. After the shock began to wear off, Vic's eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched. "WHAT are you doing?!!"
Ben's mouth tried to work, words failing him. He muttered after finding his voice, "Vic...what are you...how did you...I can explain..."
While Ben was having trouble finding words around the shock, Vic had no trouble at all. "You will be doing just that. What time do you get off?" Vic nearly growled.
"S..ss...six o'clock."
"Before you leave, you will turn in that shirt, WITH your resignation. I will pick you up PROMPTLY at six. Do NOT make me wait, young man!"
Vic's face turned red allowing his physiological state to communicate how very unhappy he was at the moment. He didn't wait for an answer, but simply turned on his heel to leave.
“Vic, wait!” Ben exclaimed, trying to stop him. Vic turned to see what Ben had to say, and Ben could see the storm in his dark eyes. “I already gave my notice, Vic. I did it tonight. This is my last day. I couldn’t stand… I didn’t like doing this behind your back.”
Vic looked at him, still obviously angry, but didn’t respond at first. Ben squirmed under the glare and was vaguely aware of a customer who sidled up next to him. Vic’s eyes flicked to the customer and he chose his words carefully. “Thank you for telling me. We’ll talk at 6:00.” He turned and continued on his way out, leaving Ben to deal with his customer.
As Vic walked away, Ben breathed for the first time since he had turned to find Vic standing there. He turned his attention to the customer and struggled to keep focused on what the man was asking while his brain worked furiously through his personal predicament. A million questions flew through his head. How had Vic known? Would Zach have told? Probably not. Did he just happen to stop in for something? That was unlikely. Vic rarely went to Best Buy of his own volition without Benji tugging him along. The butterflies in Ben's stomach were dancing merrily. At least someone was happy.
Ben finished with the customer, and the rest of the evening seemed to fly by to his chagrin, with the clock continuing to tick ever closer to six o'clock. Finally, around ten minutes before six, he changed back into his school clothes in the employee bathroom. He knew he wouldn't be wearing the pants much longer.
He stepped outside and found Vic waiting just as he had promised. He tentatively opened the door to the SUV and peered uncertainly inside. Vic said, "Get in the car. We'll get yours later. I don't want you out of my sight."
It didn't look as if Vic was any less angry than when he left the store earlier. Not another word was spoken until they pulled into their drive and Vic pulled the keys from the ignition. "Upstairs and find a corner," Vic said simply.
Ben's fingers curled around the door handle of Vic's SUV and he tugged the door open. He got out but was fairly certain his stomach stayed behind. Ben made his way to their bedroom and obediently stood in the corner of the room they shared, leaving the door open. His ears were keenly tuned to the carpet outside the door, listening for the signs of Vic's certain approach.
In the comfort and quiet of his corner the tears that had been threatening began to fall silently. He was tired, guilty and not looking forward to facing Vic. After about thirty minutes, Vic had his temper under control and was ready to face Benjamin. He turned dinner down on the stove and made his way purposely up the stairs to deal with his lover. He had already called Nelson and told him they would not be able to meet for dinner.
"At BEST Buy?" Nelson responded, having just heard about Benji's latest activities. “Hmm. Sounds like you’ll be busy then…Okay…Sure, we’ll catch up later…”
Zach was sitting beside Nelson on the sofa, his ears perking up at hearing Nelson's conversation. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what was going on. Vic must have found out about Ben’s job. He knew Benji was going to be sitting uncomfortably the next few days, and was likely wishing he had listened to Zach about now.
Nelson finished his conversation and hung up the phone. He said to Zach, "Looks like we're on our own for dinner tonight, Sweetpea."
"Why?" Zach pushed, wanting the details. Nelson wasn't biting.
"Vic needs to discuss something with Ben."
I'll say, Zach thought. “What are they discussing?” Zach tried again.
Nelson looked suspiciously at his brat. “None of your business, young man,” he said then added, “as if you don’t know.”
Zach grinned at Nelson and said, “Know what? It’s your job to know everything.”
“Don’t even try it, Zach,” Nelson said, hooking his arm around Zach’s neck. He pulled the wavy head of his lover toward him, kissing it on the top, and Zach giggled with delight.
*******
Ben heard the sounds of Vic's footfalls on the steps, then heard him enter the room, softly closing the door behind him. "Sit on the bed, Benjamin."
Ben turned his wet eyes to Vic and they fell on the little "souvenir" from the beach Vic was holding. Vic had picked it up when they went back to the store to return that damn hermit crab Zach had insisted on buying. Vic had apparently gotten the joke the maker had intended and he had chuckled when he looked at the "board of education". He liked it enough to offer one to Nelson.
"How about that? Finally, a very practical souvenir that isn't a t-shirt. What do you think, Benji?" he had asked with a grin, holding out the paddle.
It was decorated, distastefully in Ben’s opinion, with a drawing of a spanked child and the words "Board of Education" written across it - in red of course.
"I think the salt and pepper shakers would be much more useful," Ben replied with a pout, pulling away from the wood.
Vic had disagreed and had no problem dropping it and $6.00 down on the counter. This would be Ben's first "lesson" from the Board of Education since Vic bought it.
"It seems to me we have several issues to discuss," Vic began, bringing Ben back to the present.
Several issues? This was not going to be good, not good at all, Ben thought. He couldn't bring his eyes up to meet Vic's.
"How long, Ben? How long have you been working there?" Ben continued to look down, unable to answer with the lump in his throat. Vic’s voice rose a notch when his partner didn’t answer, "BENJAMIN DAVID MONROE! LOOK at me and answer the question!"
Ben jumped at Vic's obvious displeasure. He brought his eyes up to Vic's with difficulty. "I...I...started on Tuesday," he replied, voice barely above a whisper.
"ALL week?!" This whole week you have been disobeying me by working there? Four days?" Vic roared.
Ben quietly answered, "Yes, sir."
Vic’s voice dropped and he asked calmly, "Did you buy the recorder after I told you not to?"
Shit. That looks and smells like issue number two.
"Um, yes, sir, but I never even opened it. I returned it tonight when I quit before you even got there. I've been feeling really bad about it..."
"So bad you continued to work there, lying to me on a daily basis, while you kept what you were told several times not to buy."
“But, I returned it tonight! I swear! I felt horrible…”
“I’m glad to hear you finally did the right thing, but that doesn’t change the fact you disobeyed me and lied to me for four days.”
Lying was looking an awful lot like issue three. This was getting worse by the second. Lying was the worst of the offenses. Vic did not allow it under any circumstances and never hesitated to punish promptly and thoroughly on the rare occasions when Ben crossed that line.
"How did you pay for it, Benjamin?"
Crap, crap! Number four. Ben began to cry harder in spite of himself, realizing just how much trouble he was in. He angrily wiped at his eyes trying to stop the flow there. He had forgotten all about the credit card. He couldn't answer.
"BENJAMIN DAVID!"
"I got a credit card," Ben whispered, his voice slightly higher with his tears. He was eaten alive with the guilt, and although this exchange was anything but pleasant, a small part of him was glad to get it all out in the open.
"A credit card!" Vic exclaimed incredulously. "I don't believe you, Ben. Is there anything else I need to know about this week? Have you managed to do anything else I've distinctly told you NOT to do?"
"No, sir," Ben sobbed. "Please don't be mad at me...I don't want you to spank me..."
"You should have thought of that much earlier. Not a week ago, I spanked you to remind you that no means no. Apparently, I didn't do a good job and failed to make my point. I can assure you after I am finished with you this time you will understand better."
"Please, Vic. I quit before you told me to and took the recorder back."
"While I’m glad to hear that, it doesn’t change what you did. You will be grounded for the next month for disobeying me in getting the job and buying the recorder after I distinctly, clearly told you 'no'."
Here it comes. The verdict was in and Ben had been found guilty. Now his personal judge and jury would recite the decisions made in the penalty phase. Counts one and two were covered. And he was just getting started.
Count three. "You will cancel the credit card by writing a letter to the company tomorrow. Then you will write lines for getting the credit card. You knew full well you are NOT allowed to have one. I will tell you what and how many tomorrow. Credit cards are off limits to you until you can prove to me that you can be responsible with them. Behavior like what you have demonstrated this week is NOT convincing me!"
"Yes, sir." Three issues down and he hadn't gotten to the lying yet. Not good.
"And for lying," here it comes, count four, "I’m going to wash your mouth out and then I’m going to put you across my knees, pull your pants down, and paddle your bottom."
The brat death penalty for the worst offense. A tear escaped down Ben's cheek. Vic's eloquent description of things to come made Ben's stomach tighten. "Vic, please...please don’t...I don't want you to spank me...please...can't you punish me another way?" he wailed.
"You ARE going to be spanked, WITH the paddle. You’re lucky I’m not using the belt."
"I'm sorrryy..."
"Get up, please, and go to the bathroom,” Vic said, pointing toward the bathroom door with the paddle. “Let's get this done."
Ben moved from the bed as Vic instructed, not at all interested in making him decide to switch to the belt, and trudged into the bathroom with Vic right behind him. He watched as Vic pulled out a fresh bar of soap and quickly unwrapped it. “Sit down,” he said, nodding toward the toilet. Ben closed the lid and sat down with his eyes firmly fixed on Vic’s hands as he lathered the soap. With soapy suds covering the new bar, Vic said simply, “Open.”
Ben closed his eyes tightly and barely parted his lips to accept the soapy bar. Vic worked it in between Ben’s lips and nudged it between his teeth. Ben felt the soap scraping against his teeth and opened wider to keep from dislodging any more of the soap than necessary. Vic wiggled it around enough to get a decent coating then told Ben to bite down before he released it. Ben’s lips were wrapped tightly against the new bar of soap and it filled his mouth. Ben tried not to concentrate on the bitter taste and he felt another tear trickle down his face. He tried hard not to cry but several minutes later, the tears were flowing easily. His nose was stopping up and he struggled to breath around the soap and tears. Vic finally removed the bar, laying it on the back of the sink. “Rinse,” Vic said.
Ben jumped up from the toilet and grabbed at a Dixie cup from the dispenser on the cabinet, spitting and rinsing as best he could, refilling the little cup several times. “That’s enough,” Vic said after the fourth refill. “Bedroom.”
Vic might have thought it was enough, but it was far from plenty in Ben’s opinion. The bitter aftertaste of the soap clung in his mouth as he preceded Vic to the bedroom. As he crossed the threshold, he noticed the paddle lying on the bed where Vic had obviously deposited it before heading to the bathroom behind Ben earlier. He felt Vic’s hand in the small of his back guiding him toward the bed and the paddle lying there, then Vic crossed in front of him and took a seat.
He held his hand out to Ben who reluctantly took it, allowing Vic to guide him around to his right. "We do NOT lie to each other. I won't have it," Vic was saying as he unbuttoned Ben's jeans.
Ben looked away as he heard his fly being unzipped and his stomach tightened as Vic pulled his jeans down. He felt Vic's fingers as they found the waistband of his shorts under his shirt-tail then felt them clear his bottom when Vic slid them down to meet his jeans. As soon as his pants were out of the way, Vic took his arm and guided Ben across his knee. Ben found himself eye to eye with the comforter, and he grabbed a handful of it tightly, trying to prepare for what was to come. Vic pushed Ben's shirt up away from his bottom fully exposing the target area.
Ben was tense with anticipation as he waited for the inevitable. He felt Vic shift under him as he picked up the paddle and quickly brought it down against Ben's white bottom, easily covering both cheeks. Ben lost his breath as he felt the first stinging impact of the paddle. Vic didn't even start with a hand spanking; it was going to be bad.
The sting was exquisite as he expected it would be. Vic wasted no time in bringing the paddle down over and over covering every inch of Ben's bottom. The Board of Education wielded by Vic's expert hand was teaching Ben a clear lesson in the importance of honesty and the definition of the word "no". It meant no, and Ben totally understood that now, and lying was definitely, immensely wrong. Period.
Ben openly cried harder and after awhile, no longer had the breath to both cry and beg Vic to stop. He finally just stuck to the tears. He was worn out when Vic finally stopped, his butt on fire. Vic let him continue to lie across his lap as he rubbed Ben's back. After the worst of Ben's crying began to taper off, Vic gathered him up and propped himself against the pillows holding Ben close in his lap. Ben continued to cry hard not only from the paddling but also because he had lied to Vic. He hated knowing Vic was disappointed in him.
Vic stroked Ben's hair, damp with sweat. His crying had finally tapered off to where Vic felt he could talk to him. "Why don't we lie to each other, Benji?"
Ben shifted against Vic and spoke into his neck, "Because we have to be able to trust each other, and we can't have a relationship without trust."
Vic felt Ben's breath against his neck. "That's right. You can't lie to me to get your way and not be punished. I will not tolerate it, Ben, and you know that."
"I really am sorry, Vic. Can you still trust me?" he asked around another sob. Ben wouldn't be able to stand it if he thought Vic didn't trust him.
Vic smiled over the top of Ben's head. Ben couldn't see the smile but he could hear it in Vic's response. "I think your wants outweighed your better judgment in this case. I don't think that means I can't trust you, sweetheart."
Relief flooded through Ben at Vic's words. "How did you know I was working there?"
"I didn't know. Oddly enough, I had gone in there to see what was so special about the recorder you wanted. I was just as surprised as you were."
Finally, Vic pulled him to his feet. His pants were still bunched up around his legs. "Get yourself cleaned up and come down for dinner. I want you to try to eat something then you’re going to bed." Vic kissed his forehead firmly, giving him a push toward the bathroom when Ben refused to let him go. “Go on. Get your pants up and get cleaned up.”
Eating was the last thing on Ben’s mind as he had already eaten an appetizer of soap and his butt was throbbing. The only thing he wanted to do was hide under the covers and make the night go away. But, he was in no mood to argue and decided the best thing would be to obey at that point in time. He eased his pants up over his ruby red bottom without fastening them and shuffled to the bathroom as Vic left the room. He lowered his pants enough to check out the damage saw as much red there as he had seen in Vic’s face when he found him working at Best Buy. “Shit,” he muttered. He’d have a reminder of how wrong lying and disobedience was for a couple of days, he was sure.
He readjusted his pants carefully and washed away the tears, splashing cool water on his face. He blew his nose and followed Vic downstairs. Ben sat gingerly on the chair cushion at the kitchen table and managed to choke down some dinner between the sniffles. It was hard to swallow after a crying fit. Dinner was fairly quiet with Vic trying to make small-talk to comfort Ben and let him know everything was all right. Once he had eaten enough to satisfy Vic, Vic led him back upstairs and tucked him in bed.
He brushed Ben's hair off his forehead and kissed the exposed skin. "Goodnight, brat," Vic said gently to his lover through a smile.
“Come to bed with me?” Ben asked meekly.
Vic looked at the man he loved and wanted nothing more than to hold him. “Let me get the kitchen cleaned and I’ll come up and lay down with you.”
“Hurry?”
“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Vic caressed Ben’s back gently; his now soft touch and kiss reassuring Ben all was well. Ben knew this lesson was far from over as he still had lines to write and was grounded, but Vic still loved him, so he could live with that.
The End
