Vic's phone rang shrilly on his desk and he answered it on the second ring.
"Vic Tanner."
"Vic, how's it going?"
"Pretty good. How are you, Nelson?" Vic asked his friend.
"Feeling lucky, right now. My colleague just had to give up his spot at a medical convention being held next week at the beach. The convention is only for three days. I'll have a two-bedroom suite for the entire week and thought you and Benjamin might like to join Zach and me. We're going to mix a little business and pleasure. Any chance you can get away?"
Vic frowned at the timing, "Next week? No way. I have court, unfortunately. It sounds like it would be fun - I think."
"You think?"
"Well, if you're at the convention, I take it I would be brat-sitting most of the time," Vic said through a smile.
Nelson laughed, "I hadn't thought of it that way, really. But, I WOULD hate for Zachary to spend a lot of time alone while we're there. He'll likely get bored while I'm at meetings and a bored Zach is a Zach likely to find trouble." Nelson thought briefly, "Do you think Benjamin could go? He and Zach could entertain each other."
"Entertain or kill?"
"I know, I know," Nelson responded.
Their brats were best friends but Zach had a wise mouth and Ben had a temper. They could easily find trouble together or get into spats.
"But, the meetings don't last all day. Hopefully, they wouldn't get into trouble in the time I'd be gone," Nelson said.
"I'm sure they could if they tried. But if you don't mind the excitement and you're up to it, I don't see why Ben couldn't go. I'll tell him about it tonight. Thanks for the invite."
Later that night, Vic and Ben sat at dinner having light conversation. Benjamin was playing with his food more than eating it, as usual. He was trying to eat just enough so Vic didn't notice he wasn't eating. He just wasn't hungry. Who would be after just having eaten a king-sized Snickers bar?
"Benji, quit playing with your food and eat it," Vic ordered.
Crap, the rouse was up. "I AM eating. I just wasn't in the mood for meatloaf," Ben replied. He pushed the carrots around on his plate - yuck.
"Then you should have done the cooking tonight."
"Vic, you know I can't cook anything that doesn't require a microwave. 'Peel back corner to vent' is the only recipe I know."
Vic laughed, "Then, don't complain about what's in front of you. Finish up."
Somehow, Ben managed to choke down the heavy meatloaf and began to help clear the table. He left most of the carrots on his plate unharmed.
Vic calmly asked, scraping plates clean of leftovers, "Have anything special going on next week?"
"Nothing I'm looking forward to. Same old, same old. School, and more school." Benjamin was a sophomore in college, major undeclared.
"Any big tests or projects due next week that I don't know about?" Vic asked, placing plates and silverware into the dishwasher.
"When do I ever have anything due you DON'T know about?" Ben asked from the sink, working on cleaning the pots and pans.
"In that case, I guess you would be free to do some beach combing with Nelson and Zach, then?"
Benji's eyes lit up as the question sank in. He stopped rinsing the pot he just washed.
"We're going to the beach next week?! I can't believe it! Why didn't you tell me?"
"Calm down, I didn't know until today. Nelson got an invitation to go to a medical convention at the last minute."
Ben put his arms around Vic, wet hands landing solidly on the back of Vic's shirt, "When are we leaving?"
Vic pulled Ben's arms away and handed him a towel, "WE aren't leaving, babe. I can't go. You and the others will leave Sunday afternoon if you want to go."
Ben's face fell. He wanted to go, but he didn't want to leave Vic at home. "I don't want you to stay! Why can't you go?"
"I have other commitments next week, Benji. I just couldn't change my schedule that quickly. You'll have a good time. I'll miss you, though."
"You could call in sick, couldn't you?"
Vic turned from loading the dishwasher and mildly swatted Ben's rear. "You aren't suggesting I lie, are you? Knowing how I feel about it when you do it?"
"Viiiccc!" Benji whined, hand instinctively going to the swatted location. "You have to do something! I don't want to leave you here. It's your law firm, why can't you take off if you want to?"
"Ben, I have court that can't be changed. We've continued this particular hearing once already. But, there IS another option," Vic said trying to repress a smile. "You can stay home too and we can spend time together," he said as he nuzzled Ben's neck.
Ben gasped pushing Vic away, "I won't miss you THAT much!"
Vic laughed at the reaction and resumed loading the dishwasher.
Sunday finally came although Benji thought it never would. It was all he and Zach could talk about in their free time at college. Nelson had picked up a travel guide from AAA and the boys spent more time looking at it than their school books.
While waiting for Nelson and Zach, Vic went through a mental checklist of things Ben should have packed while Ben eagerly paced the floor.
"Sunscreen?"
"Yeeesss, Vic."
"I expect you to not only pack it but use it, young man."
"No kidding?" Ben mumbled under his breath as he rolled his eyes.
It was loud enough for Vic to hear and his eyebrows raised questioningly.
"Do you see me laughing? Watch your mouth," Vic warned.
"Yes, sir," Ben answered.
He looked down, embarrassed, and continued his pacing out of Vic's reach. He didn't think Vic had heard him and was lucky he didn't get his butt swatted.
Vic walked over to him and grabbed Ben's arm, stopping his pacing. Ben put a protective hand to his butt thinking maybe Vic decided to swat him after all. He didn't, but turned Ben to look at him.
"Now, I know you're excited, but I want you to be on your best behavior. Nelson didn't have to invite you and I want you to be a gracious guest."
"I WILL."
Vic made sure he had eye contact before continuing, "I mean it, Benji. I expect you to behave as though I were there. I WILL be asking Nelson for a full report. You and Zachary will be on your own long enough to get into trouble and I expect you to avoid trouble at all costs, understood?"
"I will, I will. I PROMISE, Vic. Don't worry. You know, I CAN behave when you're not around."
"I know you CAN behave, but I also know only too well how you find trouble even when I'm around."
Ben rolled his eyes again, "Vic! I'll be good."
Benji heard Nelson's SUV pull into the driveway and ran towards the door, thankfully cutting this particular conversation short. He took off in such a hurry, he forgot to grab his suitcase.
"Slow down, Benji. They aren't going to leave without you," Vic said as he snagged Ben's arm again. "Forgetting something?" Vic asked as he picked up the suitcase.
Ben grinned sheepishly and took the bag. Vic followed him to the car as Ben bounded into the backseat. Nelson stepped out to greet Vic.
"Hi, Nelson. You sure you're up to this?" Vic said warily to his longtime friend.
"I know what you mean. Three days of medical lectures? I'm not sure if I'm up to it or not," Nelson grimaced, teasing Vic. He knew that was not what Vic was referring to.
"That isn't what I meant and you know it."
"They'll be fine," he said with a grin.
Nelson and Vic had been friends for years and knew each other well. Ben often complained to Zach that Vic was definitely the stricter of the two. Zach never agreed knowing Nelson was no pushover. Nelson was a prime example of someone who spoke softly but carried a big stick - or paddle. Vic, on the other hand was more demonstrative. The truth of the matter was they were very much alike when it came to dealing with their brats.
"Just in case, I have clearly expressed to Ben how I expect him to behave. Let me know if he gives you any trouble at all," Vic continued.
"No problem. I'm sure they'll be fine," Nelson stated again. The words communicated surety but his tone was not so certain. "At any rate, I can handle them if they don't behave."
"I have no doubt."
Just then Zachary hung his head out of the SUV window and barked, "NELSON, LET'S GO ALREADY!"
Nelson gave Zach a look that promptly squelched any further outbursts. "I guess I need to get going. We'll call when we get there."
Vic followed Nelson to the car and leaned in through the back door quickly kissing Ben good-bye. "I'll miss you, Ben. Have fun and listen to Nelson."
Ben felt a pang of regret through his excitement and whispered, "I will. I'll miss you, too."
"Buckle up," Vic said, only closing the door after Benji was safely buckled in. He waived as they backed out of the drive and headed off.
The brats were basically good on the trip down. They were too excited to pick at each other, which they were prone to do when bored, irritable, or tired. They were extremely close but could get each other going quite easily at the same time. Luckily, neither young man tended to hold grudges and they always made up just as quickly as they got into it.
Once they arrived at the beach, Nelson got them checked in and they made it to their suite.
"WOW!" Zach exclaimed when he walked through the door. "This place is cool."
"You think it will do?" Nelson joked as he surveyed their temporary lodgings.
"It's great," Ben agreed.
The suite was tastefully decorated with plenty of room. Both bedrooms had a private bath. The master bedroom had a balcony overlooking the beach, as did the living room. They had a full kitchen and dining area although they did not plan on doing any cooking while there. It would prove useful in heating up leftovers or snacks.
"I've gotta call Vic!" Ben dialed his cell and started babbling into the receiver without saying hello.
"Vic, you wouldn't believe this place! It has a lazy river thing, an outdoor AND an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, exercise room...."
"Hello to you too, sweetheart," Vic answered, smiling at Ben's excitement. "So you think you'll enjoy yourself?"
"Oh, yeah!"
Just then, Zach came out of the master bedroom holding a robe. "They give you robes here!"
Nelson shook his head and grinned. "They don't GIVE you robes here, Zach. They are for your use WHILE you're here. Don't let me find it in the suitcase when we get home."
"You won't." Zach tossed the robe on a chair rather than putting it back where he found it. He ran out onto the balcony, looking out at the ocean.
He yelled at Ben from the balcony, "Hurry UP and get off the phone, Benji. We need to hit the beach."
"Don't be rude, Zachary," Nelson warned, handing him the robe to put away. "And we can walk on the beach but that's about it. It's already 8:00 and we haven't even started to unpack, which is what you can be working on while Ben finishes his conversation," he said, steering Zach toward the master bedroom.
Zach grunted under his breath, not wanting to do anything that resembled work while on vacation. "I was planning to just get my stuff out of the suitcase as I needed it, so I won't have to unpack. Efficiency, Nelson. It's all about efficiency."
"You will not. You will go right now and get your bag unpacked. Move." Nelson swatted him lightly. Zach pouted but went to begin unpacking, however unwillingly.
Having gotten settled, the three strolled on the beach for about an hour when Nelson decided it was time to go up to the room. He had an early start and it was pushing ten o'clock. The boys didn't give much resistance as the day's excitement and the long walk had worn them out.
The next morning, Nelson ordered breakfast for them from room service. He had no trouble getting the boys up, as they were in high gear ready for a day at the beach. After breakfast, Zach and Benji emerged from their rooms already in their swimsuits anxious to head out.
"You may find the indoor pool a better option this early. Until about mid-morning, it's going to be cool outside once you're wet," Nelson suggested.
"We can always come in if it's too cold," Zach responded. "Please?"
Nelson ran a hand through his hair. He had just been on the balcony and it didn't feel all that cold. He considered it for a moment then relented against his better judgment. "Alright, but do NOT stay in the water if it is at all cold. I don't need the two of you coming down sick."
"You're a doctor, you can take care of us if we do," Zach teased.
"I'll take care of you, alright. Have you both put on plenty of sunscreen?" he asked as he looked from one young man to the other. "The sun will burn you up in no time."
"Yes, sir," Zach answered.
"Yes, sir?" Ben said somewhat uncertainly.
Nelson eyed Benji picking up on the hesitation and lack of eye contact, classic signs of a brat not being entirely honest.
"Come here, Ben," he ordered as he snapped his fingers and pointed to the carpet in front of him.
Ben hesitantly stepped forward onto the spot where Nelson was pointing, not knowing what Nelson was up to. Nelson took Benji's arm and ran his fingers over the skin. The telltale signs of freshly applied sunscreen were definitely missing. He lifted Ben's arm to his nose and sniffed Ben's skin, smelling nothing but soap from his morning shower.
Nelson stood back and raised Ben's chin to look him in the eye, "Benjamin, you have not put on sunscreen, have you?"
Rather than answer the question, he skirted the issue slightly. "I need to get a good base tan. I'm too white."
"I'll help you with your tan," Nelson answered as he grabbed Ben's left arm and turned him sideways. Quickly, he delivered five or six sharp swats to Ben's behind. Ben was shocked at the sting elicited through his thin swim trunks, which offered very little protection. He was also more than a little embarrassed at having his butt smacked with Zach watching. He didn't like being corrected in front of anyone, much less by someone who wasn't his partner. Zach was grinning at Ben's demise.
"Do not lie to me, Benjamin David. Go get your sunscreen and bring it to me."
After Ben left the room, Nelson turned to Zach having seen him enjoying Ben's situation. "Something funny, young man?"
"No, sir," Zach said, the smile quickly fading.
"Have some sympathy and don't laugh at your friend unless you'd like a little for yourself," Nelson warned.
It wasn't at all funny any more with Nelson on his case so Zach's smile quickly faded.
Ben had gone slowly to his room and returned with the dreaded sunscreen. How was he supposed to get a tan with this crappy SPF 4000 or something? Vic could at least let him use an SPF 6 or even 8, but nooooooo. He had to wear the strong stuff.
Nelson took the lotion and coated every exposed inch of Ben that may get a glimpse of the sun. He made sure the only tan he would get was the one Nelson just gave him on his bottom.
Satisfied with his efforts, Nelson said, "I have to get going. I should be done around 3:00 today. I expect you both to behave and be careful. No horseplay in the water, am I understood? Lunch is NOT to consist of candy and junk. And, yes, I do expect you to stop long enough to eat lunch."
Both boys were murmuring "yes, sirs" throughout the lecture. They were shifting as though they were in trouble at Nelson's stern tone.
"I may see you during the day between sessions. I WILL spot you on the beach and I'd better not see you doing anything you wouldn't do if you knew I was watching." Nelson paused the lecture then added more gently, "Have fun and I'll see you later." He leaned over and kissed Zach goodbye.
The guys spent the entire morning on the beach in and out of the water. As promised, Nelson showed up a time or two during the day. Once, they ran into him in the room when they had returned for some bottled water. Heaven forbid they bring anything with caffeine and sugar.
"I thought maybe we could go to the movies tonight if you guys want to," Nelson suggested when he saw them. "The new Matrix movie is playing. We could grab some pizza if you don't gorge yourselves on junk today."
"I've been wanting to see that," Zach said.
"I knew you did, that's why I suggested it."
"Are we going to any bars this week?" Ben asked.
"I can't be out too late with these seminars going on. It's hard enough to stay awake in some of them as it is."
"Can me and Ben go one night if you can't?" Zach asked.
"Not even a remote chance," Nelson said definitively.
"But Nelson! You just said we can't stay late if we go with you. Who wants to go for just a little while like an old lady?" Zach whined.
"If we go, we will go for a short time or not at all. If we wait until later in the week, we won't have to leave early since I won't have any meetings."
"When can we go?" Ben asked.
"Maybe Wednesday night," Nelson answered. "I'll ask some of my colleagues who practice locally where we should go."
The guys seemed satisfied with that answer. Looking at his watch, Nelson said, "I guess I'd better head back. See you later."
Nelson went back to his meetings and the boys went about their business on the beach.
Finally, the day's meetings were over and Nelson was able to enjoy some beach time with the guys before they left for dinner and the movie. They chose a locally owned pizza parlor that was suggested by one of the locals Nelson had met.
Picking up the menu, Nelson asked, "Alright, what kind of pizza do we want?"
"A large - no, a HUGE one with lots of stuff on it," Zach replied.
"NO! I don't like a lot of stuff on my pizza," Ben complained. "I like thin crust and pepperoni."
"GOD, you are SO picky," Zach grunted, not at all kindly.
"Zachary, cut it out," Nelson said. "We can get half what you want and half what Ben wants. Everyone wins."
"I don't like thin crust," Zach complained. "So, I don't win."
"Zach, don't start," Nelson looked hard at Zach then back to the menu. "They don't have a crust choice anyway. I guess we get whatever they have."
A waitress came over to their table and took drink orders. Zach promptly ordered a Coke to which Nelson responded, "He'll have Diet Sprite."
Nelson could see the beginnings of a bad mood for Zach and didn't want to add to it with sugar and caffeine. Zach shot Nelson a look dripping venom after having been embarrassed in front of the waitress with Nelson changing his drink order. He was twenty-one, after all. He could order for himself.
After the waitress left, Nelson leaned over and said to Zach having caught the look, "Watch your step, young man. We've had a good day and there's no need to end it badly. You are getting worked up into a mood that can only mean you're tired need to go to bed. If that's what you need, we can go back to the room now. Do you want to miss the movie?"
Zach's face flushed and he looked hard at the table as he shook his head.
"Do you, Zachary?" Nelson asked again, not letting Zach off with a simple shake of the head.
"No, sir."
The pizza was ordered, half with everything and half pepperoni. Zach's mood didn't lift much after having been scolded in front of Ben, but he was able to keep from doing anything overtly wrong as they ate. They had devoured all but one piece of pepperoni and one with everything.
"You guys can finish off the pizza. I don't want any more." Nelson said as he excused himself to the restroom.
After he left, Zach said, "I'd like to try the pepperoni. Do you want that piece?"
"Yes, I want it," Ben said defensively, ready to protect his lone slice of pizza if necessary. "I'd trade but I don't like yours."
"You can pick off what you don't like! Or, would there even be anything left if you did that?" Zach asked sourly.
"Why would I do that when I have a perfectly good piece of pepperoni waiting for me, jerk?"
Zach glared at Ben then back at the pizza. Looking straight at Ben, he nonchalantly but purposefully licked the first three fingers on his right hand and rubbed the spit-covered fingers slowly over the slice of pepperoni.
Ben's face went red with anger. "You asshole! I can't eat that now!"
"That was the idea," Zach said smiling sweetly. "You don't care if I have it, do you?"
"Eat it, prick! As a matter of fact, let me get it for you," Ben barked.
Nelson was just heading back to the table as the argument became more intense. He couldn't entirely hear the exchange but he quickly deciphered the looks and knew there was trouble at his table. He quickened his pace and got there just as Ben was picking up the pepperoni slice of pizza, having it _c_o_c_k_ed and loaded to shoot across the table at Zach. Nelson grabbed his wrist just in time to stop the throw. They had been so caught up in their argument, neither man noticed Nelson approaching.
"WHAT is going on here?" Nelson asked through clenched teeth, leaning down and pinning both boys with his eyes. He looked first at Ben, then at Zach. The boys continued to glare at each other without answering Nelson.
He dropped his voice speaking quietly but loud enough for them to clearly hear him. "Do I need to make another trip to the bathroom and take the two of you? I can assure you if I do, you will both be very sorry. Won't you, Zach?"
That got Zach's attention. Zach had rarely been dragged to the bathroom that he hadn't promptly regretted it. It was not a trip he wanted to make tonight. He had been spanked more than once, although not often, in a public bathroom. Nelson always took him into a stall, which offered some privacy, but it didn't cut the sounds. He suddenly realized that fighting in a pizza parlor might be just the kind of thing to prompt Nelson to march him to the bathroom and likely spank him while in there.
"Yes, sir," he muttered as he turned his gaze to Nelson and off Ben.
Zach's reaction got Ben's attention and he, too, turned his eyes to Nelson. Having gained the younger men's rapt attention, Nelson asked again, "Tell me what this is about."
Zach was frantically trying to form the words in his head to lessen the magnitude and stupidity of their argument now that he was more concerned with protecting his butt rather than fill his stomach. His best bet was to blame his good friend.
Zach looked at the table and began to stammer, "I - I just wanted to taste the pepperoni and he wouldn't trade me."
"I TOLD you I couldn't trade because I don't LIKE the other KIND!" Ben spat back, a little too loudly. The waitress had been heading over, but turned to leave when she recognized the tense situation.
"Keep your voice down, Benjamin. If I have to speak to you again, we WILL be taking that trip to the bathroom and I'll spank you when we get there. Understand?"
Benjamin nodded his head in the affirmative. He promised himself to keep his voice down as he did NOT want a spanking here or back at the room for that matter. He didn't want to risk Nelson following through on his threat.
"Now, why were you going to throw the pizza, Ben?"
"He spit on my pizza!"
Nelson leveled a look at Zach, "Zachary Adam?"
Zach began to squirm, "I didn't EXACTLY spit on it."
"Did too!"
Nelson shushed them as their voices were rapidly rising again.
"What exactly did you do, Zachary?" Nelson asked as he continued to glare at his partner.
"I just kind of licked my fingers a little and BARELY touched them to the pizza. He still could have eaten it."
"And I suppose that was when you felt the need to throw the pizza at Zach?" he asked Ben.
"Yes, sir," Ben answered, dropping his eyes to the table.
Nelson sighed and finally returned to his chair drilling the wayward brats with his eyes. They both struggled to sit still under his glare. After what seemed like hours, Nelson said, "We'll discuss this when we get back to the hotel." He then motioned the waitress over for the check. "No movie tonight," he stated to the brats with finality.
The boys' stomachs did somersaults worthy of the circus. They both knew what "discuss" usually meant. Zach was pretty sure Nelson hadn't packed the paddle. He wasn't sure this was a paddle-worthy offence, but he was still somewhat comforted to know he hadn't seen it in the suitcase. Nelson still wore a belt, though.
They arrived back at the hotel a little too quickly for the boys. Zach was wishing against hope that he had never wanted that _d_a_m_n_ pepperoni pizza, which he still didn't get to taste. Now, he felt like he could throw up what he did eat.
The ride back was quiet. Zach was fully expecting a spanking but was hoping for a reprieve since they were on vacation. Maybe Nelson would just lecture and make them write lines. Maybe just this once "discuss" really meant to talk something out. Maybe....
The elevator to their floor seemed to move in slow motion. But then again, the elevator doors opened soon enough. Nelson sent them both into the master bedroom as soon as they stepped into the suite.
"I want you both facing a corner and thinking about your behavior tonight. Go on," he urged as Zach flashed his eyes at Nelson.
"Nelson...." Zach began.
"No, Zachary. Go. Now. I'll be in there in a minute."
That's what Zach was afraid of.
They each picked a corner and began the long wait. After about 15 minutes of facing the corner, the boys were no longer mad at each other with their impending punishment taking priority over their argument.
Zach whispered to Ben so Nelson couldn't hear him talking in the next room, "I'm really sorry, Ben. I didn't mean to get us into trouble over a stupid piece of pizza."
"Me too, Zach. I should have just shared the pizza with you or offered to split it."
"It's okay. Don't you wish we were watching Keanu Reeves kick butt rather than waiting for ours to get toasted? This _f_u_c_k_ing sucks."
Ben managed to ask what he had been wondering, "You don't think he'll spank me, too, do you?"
Ben was more than a little worried but had begun to hope maybe Nelson wouldn't spank him. Maybe he would just tell Vic and let him handle it. He had never been spanked by anyone but Vic and Nelson had never given him more than the occasional swat. He knew Nelson was more than capable of spanking Zach and did so whenever necessary, just like Vic did with him. Ben had just never been in a place that Vic wasn't around to administer his punishment, even if he and Zach had been in trouble together.
Zach turned from the corner to look at his friend with an "are you crazy?" look on his face.
He gave his two cents' worth, "Buddy, your ass is in the corner just like mine, and unless Nelson suddenly changes his stripes, I'm pretty _f_u_c_k_ing sure I'm getting spanked. I don't see why you wouldn't, too."
Nelson was just outside the door and could hear the exchange, although they were whispering. He let them continue to talk. He usually allowed no talking in the corner but he thought it was more important that they resolve their differences than stick to the rule. When he heard the subject change to whether or not Ben would be spanked, Nelson made enough noise approaching to quiet the boys.
"Alright, you two. Come here." Nelson pointed to the bed indicating they have a seat.
He waited until the boys were seated then spoke to them with his arms folded, "I really don't think I need to lecture much about how you should behave in public, do I?"
They boys muttered a "no, sir", although a shorter lecture meant their punishment would take place sooner. This was different for Nelson, as he typically liked to lecture.
Nelson continued, "Do you have anything to say for yourselves?"
Zach stammered, "Just that we're very sorry, Nelson. It won't happen again." He added hopefully, "We've made up and everything so we aren't mad at each other any more. I think we were just tired, that's all."
Zach hoped the announcement that the fight was over would possibly make whatever punishment they had coming less severe, or better yet, not happen at all.
Nelson recognized what he was trying to do and responded softly, "I'm glad you two are not fighting any more, but that doesn't change the fact you acted liked spoiled brats in a public place. You are old enough to know better than to spit on food, Zachary. And Ben, I'm sure you know throwing pizza is unacceptable. Besides that, friends don't treat each other that way."
Ending the suspense, he finished, "You both have earned a spanking and I intend on making sure you get what you deserve."
The alarms went off in Ben's head as he quickly realized his butt was toast just like Zach's. He watched in shock as Nelson took Zachary by the hand and moved him away from the bed. He pulled Ben up and settled himself on the bed. He had a hold on Ben's wrist and he was pulling away from Nelson as he realized he would not only be spanked, but he would be first.
"Nooooo," Ben protested, eyes beginning to sting. His stomach was twisting.
Nelson suspected the spanking would be harder on Ben coming from him instead of Vic, so he had decided to get it over with. Ben's eyes were already brimming with tears as he shifted from foot to foot starting to plead. He had quit pulling against Nelson finding he wasn't going anywhere with Nelson's grip on his wrist.
Nelson ignored the pleas and ordered, "Drop your jeans, Benjamin."
Unable to move willingly, Ben continued to beg, "Please, Nelson. Don't spank me. I'm really sorry...."
"Hurry up, Ben. You aren't making this any easier."
"But, Nelson....Please don't. Can't you just tell Vic when we get home?" he asked in vain.
"Oh, you can rest assured I will be telling Vic, but you are still going to be spanked here and now. Pull down your pants and don't make me ask you again."
"At least let me keep my pants on. Please, Nelson? Don't make me pull my pants down..."
"Benjamin, I said pull them down, underwear, too. Hurry up, let's go."
Realizing defeat, Ben struggled with his fly and finally pushed his jeans down to his knees. He could hardly see through the tears that had started to puddle in his eyes. He had a hard time bringing himself to push his shorts down.
As soon as they were out of the way, Nelson swiftly pulled Ben across his lap. Ben wiggled briefly trying to get somewhat comfortable. He began to openly cry more from embarrassment than the upcoming spanking.
"Why are you being spanked, Benjamin?"
_s_h_i_t_! Not twenty questions now, too. Not in this position, Ben thought. He hated this almost more than the spanking. He thought carefully before speaking, hoping to capture everything Nelson was looking for so he could get this over with. He knew Zach was watching him.
He began quickly, choking out a response around the tears, "Because of how I acted in the restaurant, and not sharing the last slice of pizza, and trying to throw it at Zach and arguing too loudly." There, he thought that was everything.
"Is that how you should act?"
God, just do it already! He could feel the heat from Nelson's hand resting on his bottom, ready to strike.
"No, sir."
"Alright then." Not wanting to drag it out longer, Nelson began the task at hand and started landing sharp swats to Ben's naked rearend. Ben soon wished he had answered more slowly as his bottom began to warm up with the steady smacks he was receiving.
Nelson and Vic must have had spanking training together. Nelson's spanking hurt as bad as Vic's. Ben struggled futilely as Nelson had a death grip around his waist. The tears continued to flow in spite of how hard he tried to hold them back in front of Zach.
Zach watched as his eyes began to sting, knowing he was next. Next is not always a good thing. Next in line at the store, good. Next to be seated at a restaurant, very good. Next for a spanking, extremely NOT good. Horrible, in fact.
Zach contemplated what was about to happen while feeling sorry for Ben. He couldn't help watching. While he had often been on the receiving end, he had never seen someone get a bare bottomed spanking. He watched Ben's behind begin to change color and knew he would have a matching set of cheeks in the very near future. He also knew that there was no chance for him to get out of this now that Ben was being spanked. Not that he could have anyway. Nelson never relented once he decided a spanking was in order.
Finally, the spanks stopped and Nelson began to speak softly to Ben, trying to calm him down. When he had stopped the worst of the crying, Nelson gently pulled his underwear back into place and helped him to stand.
Nelson stood as well and held Ben, calming him considerably. He then took Ben's hand and moved him beside Zach. Ben shuffled, trying to walk against his jeans, which were stubbornly inhibiting his steps.
"Pull your pants up, Ben. It's over, sweetheart," Nelson said as he kissed Ben's forehead. His eyes turned to Zach.
"Ok, Zachary. Your turn," he said, taking Zach's hand in his own.
Oh, no, Zach thought as Nelson led him over to the bed and sat down.
"Zachary, I'm very disappointed in you. You started this fight and you knew better," he said as he unzipped Zach's jeans and pulled them well out of his way.
Zach began to cry softly, "Please, Nelson. Please, I'm so sorry, I really am. I already apologized to Ben."
"That's good, but it doesn't excuse your behavior, now does it?"
He shook his head and answered softly, "No, sir."
Nelson began the drill again after pulling Zach's shorts down to join his pants. He helped Zach across his lap. "Why are you being spanked, Zachary?"
"Please, Nelson...."
Nelson answered with a sharp smack to Zach's right cheek.
"Answer me, Zachary Adam."
Zach's mouth opened and he blinked at the swat. His bottom stinging from the warning smack made Zach's stomach sink further, knowing it was a small sample of what was to come.
He sniffed and tried again, "Because I was rude to Ben and I spit on his food."
"I know you know how to act in public. Was that any way to act?"
"No, sir," he answered knowing it was the kiss of death as they had reached the end of the questioning.
Nelson began to spank Zach soundly. Zach began to sob then cry as Nelson's hand continued to fall relentlessly. He kicked as much as his jeans would allow trying to lessen the sting but to no avail. He finally reached his hand back to protect his stinging bottom.
"Move your hand, Zach."
"I....I....I....can't heeellpp it!" he cried.
"Move your hand before I decide to take off my belt."
That got him moving and he grabbed onto Nelson's pants tightly controlling the urge to reach back. Nelson continued the spanking until he felt Zach had learned his lesson. He then began the task of trying to calm him down.
"Do you think you can behave yourself, now?" he asked Zach, still lying across his knees. Nelson stroked his back gently.
"Yes, siiirrr," Zach cried.
Nelson helped him to his feet and helped him to pull up his jeans and underwear. He then guided Zach into his lap.
"Come here, Ben."
Ben tentatively stepped forward not knowing what to expect. Nelson pulled him onto the edge of the bed against him. Ben winced at the renewed sting in his bottom but snuggled up to Nelson. Nelson held the two brats tightly and spoke softly.
"I don't want to have to spank you two any more this week, is that understood?" Both boys nodded enthusiastically, not wanting another spanking this week either.
"I expect you both to behave yourselves and act your age. I want this to be a pleasurable trip, okay?"
The boys echoed a "yes, sir". Nelson gathered them up and led them to the living room. They settled on the sofa as Nelson selected a movie channel. They continued to calm down in Nelson's arms watching TV.
About an hour later, Nelson's cell phone began to chirp.
"Nelson Jameson."
"Nelson, how are you? Are the boys treating you well?" Vic said.
"Hang on." Nelson slipped away from the boys against moans of protest so he could speak to Vic more privately. He went out onto the balcony sliding the door closed behind him.
"They gave me a workout this evening, but otherwise, no real problems."
"Oh, no. What did they do?"
"They got into a spat over a slice of pizza that involved spit and nearly food throwing." Nelson filled in the details for Vic.
"I'll need to have a word with Ben. He knows better."
"If he didn't, he does now. They both got a spanking."
"Sounds like they deserved it. I'm sorry to hear Ben's been a problem."
"I wouldn't go that far. He's just being a brat. You have to expect them to act up sometimes."
"Well, after hearing about tonight, I'm even more glad my schedule was changed. I was calling to tell you I'll be able to come up in the morning after all. My client had a family emergency and had to reschedule the trial."
"Great. You need the vacation and I'd feel better with them having some supervision during the day. What time should we expect you?"
"I should be there by 10:00 or so. I guess I'd better speak with Ben."
Nelson returned to the living room and handed the phone to Ben. "It's Vic."
Ben's stomach sank for about the millionth time tonight realizing Nelson must have told Vic about the evening events while he was on the balcony.
"Hello?" he said cautiously.
"Benjamin, what did I tell you before you left? Did I not tell you to behave yourself?"
"I was behaving, until the end of dinner! Everything just happened so fast, I don't even know how it went so far."
"You know that you need to control your temper, which will then control your tongue and your behavior. How many times do we have to talk about that? We will be discussing this yet again in more detail when I get there. I'll be coming up in the morning."
In the morning! What did Nelson tell him?! He was sure to be in big trouble if Vic was coming down here to discuss what happened. "Vic! Nelson already spanked me! You don't have to come down!"
"Calm down, Benji. I'm not coming down to spank you for tonight. My schedule was changed so I'll be able to come down for the rest of the week."
Instant relief flooded through Ben. "Oh, I thought you were coming to....well, because of....you know, tonight."
"I'm not at all happy about tonight, but that has nothing to do with why I'm coming."
"I'm glad you're coming. I miss you."
"I miss you, too. Do you think you can behave yourself until I get there? I should see you in the morning around ten or so."
"I can behave until then, I guess."
"You had better. Love you, sweetheart."
"I love you, too."
Ben hung up the phone, a smile touching his lips. Tomorrow would be a better day.