A Brat and His Toys


by Nelson <Storiesbynelson@aol.com>

Vic and Benji were enjoying a lazy Sunday morning having just finished their breakfast. As usual, Ben was devouring the sales flyers 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.

"What?" Vic asked mildly, totally used to Ben reacting to something he liked in that particular flyer. Ben was definitely an electronics junkie. Vic only mildly indulged him, not allowing Ben to buy everything he would like.

"The DVD recorders are only $599.00 now!"

"ONLY?!!"

"Vic! These things were $1000.00 only a year ago. They're finally affordable!"

"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. 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.

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, 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? That's not fair!" He finished with an effective stamp under the table, his bare foot slapping the linoleum.

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. He took Ben by the upper arm and 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. He arched his back involuntarily with each swat. It seemed 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! I should be able to buy what I want," he complained to the wall.

"ONE more word and you'll be talking to the floor from my lap, young man! I'll pull your pants down and do it right. Now, rein it in!"

Ben clamped his mouth shut in a distinct pout. After about 15 minutes, Vic called to him, "Are you finished with your tantrum, Benjamin?"

Still fuming 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 this morning.

Maybe he should try charming Vic since this tantrum was getting him nothing but trouble. He was just too angry to be charming. He had to think of a way to change Vic's mind. He had wanted one of those recorders for a long time. 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?"

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.

"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. Am l crystal clear, mister?"

"Yes, sir."

"Get yourself dressed. We need to go grocery shopping."

Ben 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.

Meanwhile, Vic was hoping Ben's ill temper would improve as well. The day was not starting out good. He had already taken his shower and was busying himself dressing while Ben showered. He finally emerged, looking quite handsome, towel wrapped loosely around his waist. His eyes reflected he was not much happier.

"Come here gorgeous," Vic said pulling his lover over. "Is that a pout I see on your lips?"

"No."

"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 miffed.

"Get dressed, brat," Vic playfully swatted the towel clad bottom then sat on the bed to put on his shoes.

Once ready, they headed out for the grocery store. Ever anal, Vic pulled out the grocery list and told Ben to grab a buggy. Ben complied and sourly pushed the cart along as they shopped.

Aside from Ben's mood, the shopping trip was occurring uneventfully, until they passed a display of Little Debbie's and Ben tossed a box into the cart.

"Put that back. You don't need it," Vic instructed.

"What! Now, I can't even have a snack cake?" he asked defiantly.

"You know I don't keep that kind of junk in the house. It's pure sugar."

"Oh, my God," he said rolling his eyes, "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, "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, but of course, 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's 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...

"Vic, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it."

"Not another word, young man. You've been asking for this all day. You were warned both this morning and then seconds ago about your tantrums."

"But, Vic..."

"I said not another word."

And he didn't say another word. Ben kept quiet 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, please..."

"Benjamin David. You were warned. Get the bags."

Ben mutely grabbed as many bags as he could and slowly made 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, 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. 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. He took his time to give Ben time to reflect on his behavior. Satisfied that he had waited long enough, he made his way up the stairs. Ben started shifting involuntarily from foot to foot getting more nervous as he heard Vic approach.

"Come here, Ben."

Ben turned around and was thankful Vic didn't have a paddle in his hands. 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 really 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 tell you I would do the next time you threw a tantrum?"

Oh, please don't make me say it, please, Ben thought but said nothing.

"Benjamin! What did I say?"

Ben jumped at the tone. "You, you said...you um..." he just couldn't say it. A spanking, that's what you said, he thought.

"Benjamin, answer the question! I know you heard me this morning."

"A...sp...a spanking," Ben finally managed, face crimson.

"Did that not matter to you?"

"Yes! I don't want a spanking," he said earnestly.

"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..."

"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.

"Ben, that's hardly true. 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. I told you this morning you wouldn't get off easily the next time you threw a tantrum and I clearly warned you of what I would do, didn't I?"

"Yes, sir," the tears started again, Ben's throat constricting in an attempt to hold back the tears.

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 them. 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. He leaned down and bent over Vic's lap. He felt Vic's arm as it clamped around his waist anchoring him firmly.

"I'll never talk to you like that again, Vic, I swear...please don't...don't spank me...please" Ben blubbered in a last stitch effort to change Vic's mind.

"I'm glad to hear it, Benjamin. But, you aren't being spanked for what you may do later, but for what you did today."

With that, he 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 and ended the spanking. When Ben was significantly calmed down, Vic gathered 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 sorrryyy," 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. Is that clear?"

"Yes, sir. It won't happen again."

"If you can't control your temper for yourself, I hope you'll control it to avoid a paddling. We've had this discussion one time too many."

"Yes, sir," Ben was quite sure he could keep from throwing another tantrum any time soon, probably for at least a week or so.

Ben was mostly quiet the rest of the day. Vic chalked it up to pouting, but it was really plotting. The morning spanking may have taught Ben not to throw tantrums, but it did nothing to change the fact he still wanted that recorder. An idea firmly in place, Ben was more congenial by dinner time. Ben made his move while they finished the dishes.

"I'm sorry I was so rotten this morning. I've just really wanted one of those recorders for a long time. Even before they started selling them commercially."

"Thank you," Vic answered. "Why do you want one so badly?" he asked, curious.

"Because DVDs don't wear out like video tapes, they last longer, have better quality, take up less space..."

"Those 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. Competition is good for electronics prices," Vic explained, elbow deep in dishwater.

"I know. I just don't want to wait any more. How much WOULD you be willing to pay for one?"

"I don't know. I guess $300 or so would be fair."

"You know, if I got a job 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." There. It was out. The glorious plan.

"No."

_f_u_c_k_! 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 toward the drawer where they kept the paddle.

"NO! But, can't you at least think about it?" he asked more mildly trying hard to control his tongue.

"I don't need to. 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."

"I promise I'll keep up with my homework," Ben said. "You won't even have to ask me to, I swear, Vic."

Vic 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, face red with anger, hands balled into fists at his side.

Nearly 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 today. 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 butt soundly. Again and again the paddle fell. 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 stopped after 10 licks, then rested his right hand against the red marks on Ben's bare bottom.

"DO you talk to me like that, young man?"

"N..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'?"

"No."

"That's right. And you don't throw tantrums when I tell you no to get your way." Vic landed another five swats to Ben's buttocks to further make his point before stopping.

Ben lay across his lap sobbing, tears streaming down his face. He helped Ben up and pulled him into a hug for the second time today.

"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.

"It's over. Calm down."

"I couldn't help it. I just got so mad."

"I know. That's why I have to remind you to control your temper. One day you'll learn. Go upstairs and get your face cleaned up then get ready for bed."

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 yesterday.

Vic couldn't understand why Ben had been so upset and was puzzled over how strongly he felt over the recorder. He rarely threw tantrums like the ones yesterday, and over something so unimportant. He had a temper for sure, but Vic had never had to spank him twice in one day for it.

Ben 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 theatre 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 yesterday when it wasn't such a "sore" subject. Ben got ready for class without a word more about the recorder or getting a job, for which Vic was grateful.

"See you tonight, sweetheart," Vic said as he kissed Ben goodbye.

"Bye," Benji said as he left for his first class. He was still trying to think of a way to get that recorder without costing him his ass. Why couldn't he keep his _d_a_m_n_ mouth shut? It seemed like his brain couldn't control his mouth nearly as well as a sore tail could, unfortunately.

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?! Are you nuts? Why couldn't you let it go? Did he kill you?" the questions flowed from Zach's shocked lips.

"He wasn't 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."

Zach grinned back, "Oh, you're gonna 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? Just listen would you?"

Ben proceeded to tell Zach the new and improved plan. He would try to get a part-time job at Best Buy working after school until he had to be home to beat Vic there. He used to work there before he moved in with Vic so he knew he would have no trouble getting hired back. The manager offered him a job every time he was in there.

"That should give me 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, "Dude, put down the pipe and step away. What ARE you smoking? That will NEVER work. You'll have to work weekends, idiot. You don't think Vic might notice?"

"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."

Zach just looked at his friend and shook his head. "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 cuz Vic's gonna turn your butt to shredded wheat," Zach concluded as he got up to leave.

Sometimes, Ben really hated Zach's wit. He would worry about the consequences later. 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. Now he could buy the recorder and pay for it in 18 months, same as cash. Vic didn't need to know about that either.

Ben 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 10 grand when he met Vic.

His first purchase with his new Best Buy card was none other than the coveted recorder. He found out he could use the discount right away since he had worked there before. The only down side 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 that 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. Ben had been able to hide his part-time job all week and this would give him a little more cushion to get home ahead of Vic. Hed need a different kind of cushion if Vic got home first.

"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 tonight. 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.

"Sure, sounds great," he said tiredly.

Vic eyed him suspiciously, "Are you OK?"

Ben squirmed slightly under the scrutiny, "Yeah, I'm just a little tired," he managed easily since it was true.

"I hope you're not getting sick. What time did you say your study group meets tomorrow?"

He shook his head. "At 9:00," he answered with a pang of guilt.

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. 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 didn't complain which further raised Vic's radar. Vic had expected the usual pushback when he suggested early bedtime, on a Friday night no less. Perhaps Ben was simply tired as he said, he thought. He really hoped he was not getting sick.

Ben headed directly to work after school looking forward to Sunday when he would get a break. After only a few days, he was beginning to see Vic was right. It was tough trying to keep up with school and work.

Vic had continued to think about how insistent Benji had been about wanting the DVD recorder. He had decided he would look into it without a word to Benji. His evening errand entailed 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 the HELL 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..."

"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 was red letting his physiological state communicate how very unhappy he was at the moment. He didn't wait for an answer, simply turned on his heel and disappeared as quickly as he appeared.

Ben breathed for the first time since he turned to find Vic standing there. He looked around to see if anyone had heard and was relieved to see no one within earshot.

How had he 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.

Against Ben's will, the clock continued to click ever closer to six o'clock. Finally, around ten 'til the six o'clock hour, he changed back into his school clothes in the employee bathroom. He knew he wouldn't be wearing the pants much longer.

He located the manager giving him his resignation - and the shirt - then stepped outside. Vic was waiting as promised.

"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 bedroom 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 turned dinner down on the stove and made his way purposely up the stairs. 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.

Zach was sitting beside Nelson on the sofa, his ears perking up at hearing Nelson's last comment. Vic must have found out. Benji was going to be sitting uncomfortably the next few days.

Nelson finished his conversation and hung up the phone. "Looks like we're on our own for dinner tonight, sweet pea."

"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."

Zach gave up after that comment and the look.

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 _d_a_m_n_ hermit crab Zach insisted on buying. Vic had apparently gotten the joke the maker had intended and he 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 distastefully decorated 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, tears continuing to fall.

"BENJAMIN DAVID MONROE! LOOK AT ME AND ANSWER THE QUESTION!"

Ben jumped at Vic's obvious displeasure. He couldn't remember having seen him so angry. 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."

"Did you buy the recorder after I told you not to?"

_s_h_i_t_. That looks and smells like issue number two.

"Um, yes, sir, but I never even opened it. I've been feeling really bad about it..."

"So badly you continued to work there, lying to me on a daily basis while you kept what you were told several times not to buy."

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 this 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 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.

"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 knocked off any banks or done anything else remotely illegal? 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'll take the recorder back."

"You'd better believe you will, first thing tomorrow. After that, you will come home where you will be grounded for the next two weeks 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, knowing you are NOT allowed to have one. I will tell you what and how many tomorrow. You know full well you are not have another credit card until you can prove 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 am going to put you across my knees, pull your pants down, and paddle your bottom raw."

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. He felt like he was no more than 10 years old.

"And since you lied to me four days running," Vic continued, "we will repeat the process for the next three days."

Four spankings - four PADDLINGS - four days in a row? Ben didn't want to think about it. He knew there was nothing that would change Vic's mind once his decision was made. It didn't stop Ben from trying.

"Vic, please...it's too much...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, tonight and the next three days."

"I'm sorrryy..."

"Get up. Let's get this done."

Ben moved from the bed as Vic instructed. Vic took a seat in his place. There was more he wanted to say, but Ben was getting too worked up. He was focused on nothing but his guilt and his upcoming punishment. Vic knew he would have a hard time getting his message through with Ben in such a state and knew he needed to get the spanking over with. 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. His stomach tightened as Vic pulled his jeans down. He felt Vic's fingers find the waistband of his shorts under his shirttail then felt them clear his bottom as Vic slid them down to meet his jeans. His shirt offered little cover. Vic took his arm and guided Ben across his knee. Ben found himself eye to eye with the comforter and grabbed a handful of it tightly. Vic pushed Ben's shirt up away from his bottom fully exposing the target area.

Vic picked up the paddle and brought it screaming down on Ben's white bottom. It easily covered both cheeks. Ben lost his breath as he felt the impact of the paddle. Vic didn't even start with a hand spanking. This 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 a while 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. Ben's butt was on fire. Vic let him lay 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 against the pillows holding Ben close. Ben continued to cry hard not only from the paddling but also because he had lied to Vic. He didn't want Vic to be 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 that 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 are going to bed."

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. Once he ate 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.

His now soft touch and kiss reassured Ben all was well. He knew he had three spankings to go before this lesson would be over, but all was right as rain with Vic. He turned over and went soundly to sleep with a full stomach, a clear conscience and a well-spanked bottom.

The End


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