Archive of Our Own ^beta

It was Wednesday, which meant it was house dinner. Grant and Laurelie didn’t put too many rules in places as house parents, but this was one of ‘em. They found it did everyone a lot of good to sit down and eat together— no phones, no homework, no TV— like a family. They learned more through these dinners than they did most of the week, and the kids seemed to love them as much as they did. Better yet, Grant and Lori made a point of cooking for everyone. They roped the kids in for help, yeah, but they made sure there was a warm meal made for everyone. Laurelie even baked every Wednesday. She baked anyway, but Wednesday nights were more than just cookies. She made pies of all sorts of flavours for their kids.

Tonight was no different. Grant stood at the counter chopping vegetables while Laurelie baked cornbread and shook nacho chips into a dish. Next would come a vibrant salad which would no doubt be met with complaints from some brat in need of a few well placed snacks. Grant was more than happy to oblige them if his wife didn’t get there first. The message seemed to be getting through now they were a month into term; most of the testing was out of the way now, but sometimes the need to check they hadn’t changed flared back up.

There was a rattle as the screen door slammed shut behind someone a minute before Danny made his way through the open plan kitchen-diner in the direction of the stairs, snagging an apple on his way. All it took was one look at his shoulders to have Grant and Laurelie exchanging a look. Neither of them were surprised that Danny’s shoulders were a half inch from his ears. It happened fairly regularly, usually when he hadn’t had his butt warmed recently enough. His rugby coach had helped arrange the space for him in his capacity as wellbeing counsellor, explaining that Danny needed a lot of hands on attention. It wasn’t even that he always wanted to be in real trouble, he just needed an inch scratched.

Grant raised his eyebrows in question, waiting for his wife to nod and wipe her hands on her apron before he was setting the spoon he’s been using to stir chilli down on the counter. “Who’s turn is it?” he asked as he glanced behind him in Danny’s direction. The senior was already almost at the doorway across the room, apparently in his own world.

Laurelie smiled. “Go on, I can handle this.”

“You haven’t spanked anyone in a while,” he reminded her with a mischievous smile, eyes twinkling.

“Oh honey, have you forgotten this weekend already?” She laughed at his blush. “Must not have done a good enough job. We can remedy that later.”

“Or you could smack his butt and give mine a break...”

Laurelie shook her head in amusement. “How about you warm him up and then hand him over to me?” she suggested. “That way we all get an itch scratched.”

Grant looked at her in surprise for a moment before he nodded. “Yes, ma’am,” he agreed easily. He set off after Danny, easily tracking him down in the recreational room. “Hi, Danny. How was your day?” he asked, perching on the arm of one of the armchairs and smiling at the younger man.

“Uh, fine. Yeah.” Danny shrugged, not looking up from his phone.

“You don’t look like it was fine. Can I help out with that?” Grant offered. “I’m here if you want to talk.”

Danny rolled his eyes. “I said I’m *fine*. I’ll be all smiles at your stupid dinner.”

Grant shifted to sit a little straighter, pinning Danny with a firmer look. “I don’t appreciate the attitude, Danny. I’m showing you respect, I’d appreciate it if you did the same.”

“You could always leave me alone. If I wanted to talk I’d have stopped to say hi…” Danny mumbled.

“How long’s it been since someone last warmed your backside for you?” Grant asked knowingly. He watched the blush creep across Danny’s face before the senior shoved his thick framed glasses up his face.

“I don’t know. I’ve been good.” The words sounded dull, almost resentful, and Grant took it as the confirmation he needed that Danny was just in desperate need of a sore backside. Luckily for him, they were in the business of handing those out when it was needed.

“Well, I think it’s been too long. Go and get your paddle please.”

“What? No way!” Danny looked at him incredulously.

“Daniel,” Laurelie called from the other room. “Did I just hear you saying no? I hope you're not throwing a tantrum, honey.”

If it was even possible, Danny’s eyes widened further and he shook his head quickly. “Um, n-no, ma’am!” he called back, offering Grant a sour look as if he were to blame for this turn of events.

Unfazed, Grant just raised his eyebrows. “I suggest you do as you’re told before we decide between us that you’re in need of a real paddling to remember to be respectful. Go on.” He waited for Danny to reluctantly push to his feet and head for the door before leaning over to swat him firmly. “Actually, don’t bother. You can hand me that ping pong paddle over there. We can take care of things right here.”

“Grant!” Danny’s jaw dropped. “Not here!”

“Danny!”

He blushed furiously at the warning from his house mom delivered in a butter-wouldn’t-melt tone, physically squirming as he looked between his house dad and the door. “I wouldn’t try it. When you inevitably came back, you’d just end up in trouble. You’re not in trouble right now, Danny. I’d prefer to keep it that way, wouldn’t you?” Grant asked calmly.

The student nodded, worrying at his lip and ducking his rosy face.

“Good boy. Go and fetch me the ping pong paddle, please, and we’ll get you fixed right up.” When Danny didn’t move immediately, he reached out to tilt his charge’s chin up so they’re eyes met. “Danny, I’m going to give you a spanking whatever you do. You don’t need to push for one, it’s happening. You have my word.”

Although Danny groaned, he did relax a fraction as he padded across the room to the ping pong table set up in the opposite corner. There was an assortment of paddles to choose from, some newer and more lightweight while others were thicker and more worn. Grant watched as he blew out a breath and stilled, picking each one up and weighing the options seriously in his hand.

A few moments later he returned, holding out one of the thicker ones and looking embarrassed. Grant just smiled. “Pretty strong itch today?”

“Uh, yeah… Sorry… I can–”

“Danny, breathe. It’s just me. This is what I’m here for, giving you what you need. No judgement, I promise.”

Danny offered him a smile for his efforts, relieved that he seemed to genuinely get it. “Thanks, Grant. Sorry I, uh…” he trailed off sheepishly, playing with his glasses again.

“Forget you could just ask?” Grant filled in, taking his time rolling his right shirt sleeve up. “Trust me, son, I get it. Sometimes you don’t know quite what you need to ask for it, just that you need something. You let me worry about what that something is, alright?”

“Alright. Thanks.” Danny’s smile was more genuine this time. “Should I…”

“Just do as you’re told, I’ll figure out the rest.” Grant shifted to the couch and took a seat, legs wide. He took the paddle from Danny and set it on the couch cushion, then reached for the button on his jeans. Danny squirmed, taking a half step back, but was pulled back between Grant’s thighs with a firm, “No,” as Grant continued to divest him off the Levi’s.

It didn’t take much work to guide the boy over his lap so his body was supported with his bottom pushed up in prime position. Grant shifted Danny closer to his stomach and patted his backside firmly in warning before he brought his hand down in a solid swat. Danny jumped a little at the sound but didn’t make a sound, just laid his forehead against his folded arms and closed his eyes.

Grant focused his attention warming Danny up properly, going until the senior was shifting and making occasional sounds of discomfort before he paused to retrieve the paddle. He shifted to rest on Danny’s back, tugging his boxers down before picking the paddle up again. “You’re doing well, son,” he praised as he brought the paddle down with a snap. Danny grunted and squirmed but Grant just wrapped his arm around the kid and brought the paddle down again.

And again.

He took his time, not in any rush. Danny bucked and twisted and kicked, obviously feeling a little regretful of his request to have his butt warmed but that was okay; they both knew he needed it, even if he wasn’t a fan at the moment. Ultimately, Danny’s well being was Grant’s priority. With that in mind, he picked up the pace a little, turning every inch of exposed skin to a deep red that would keep the heat in for the remainder of the evening and leave him tender for at least a day.

Danny was breathless, squirming and whining as the heat was stoked to the levels he needed. It wasn’t delivered with the same intensity his coach wore him out with, but it was exhausting in a different way. It took a few more minutes but then Danny’s body relaxed, the all the fight escaping him in one fell swoop. His bottom was glowing, a few patches a little darker than others. Grant set the paddle down and rubbed his back the hand that had been restraining him, the other rubbing the sore skin soothingly. “Alright,” he murmured, giving the boy a chance to catch his breath.

When Danny was breathing normally, Grant helped him up. “Step out of those jeans, son. You probably want to change before dinner. Why don’t we go and see if Laurelie’ll let you sample a cookie?”

Danny nodded eagerly, reaching out a hand to help his house dad to his feet once he’d tugged his shorts back up. They headed through to the kitchen where Danny made a beeline for Laurelie. He was a good few inches taller than she was, yet he looked the picture of a pouting little boy as he drew closer. Laurelie’s expression was indulgent as she opened her arms to him, flicking her dark hair over her shoulder. “Oh honey,” she soothed, running a hand through his hair. “Feeling better?”

“Um, I think so…” he murmured, burying his face against her shoulder. She kept him tucked against her, looking thoughtful.

“Did you tell Grant how long it’s been? I heard him ask earlier and you avoided answering.” Her tone was only mildly chiding but Danny’s neck turned pink and he visibly squirmed.

“Uh, I…” Danny trailed off, shrugging. He yelped when she swatted him and cleared her throat. “Oww, okay! Wait! Um… Two weeks? Coach has been off sick with a chest infection…” he complained, and even without seeing him Grant knew he was pouting.

“Ah,” his wife hummed. “Long time without a sore bottom, huh?”

“Yes, ma’am…” he agreed softly.

“Why didn’t you talk to us?”

Danny shrugged. “It’s stupid… No one else needs it all the time.”

“And? You aren’t anyone else, young man. You are you, and your needs are valid. More than that, you are loved and appreciated for who you are. You forget that I get just as much out of it as you do, just for different reasons. So does Grant, and so does every other top in this house.” Danny whined and pouted, leaning back to peek at her before hiding again.

“So,” Laurelie continued, fully into ‘mom’ mode now. “You are going to go and get the red punishment mat from the cupboard, honey. And then you’re going to sit your bottom down right here beside me so I can keep an eye on you, and think about why it’s a good idea to talk to use when you need a hand.”

Danny turned for the hall before her words registered. “But… The red one? Grant got me really good,” he pleaded.

His wife just raised her eyebrows at him and settled her hands on her hips. “Let’s see.”

“What? No way…”

“Oh, honey. You’re going to be sitting down on your bare bottom, no point getting embarrassed about that now. I’ve seen it before.”

Danny shot his house dad a desperate look. “I’d do as you’re told, Danny, unless you want another round with Laurelie after dinner.”

That didn’t appease the senior who looked between them in alarm. “Please?” he pleaded.

“Do you trust me?” Laurelie asked in a soothing tone, crossing the distance between them to stroke his cheek with her thumb.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Then trust me with this, it’ll get rid of the last of those knots in your stomach. Go on, don’t make me ask again.” This time he sighed, obediently crossing the kitchen to retrieve one of the portable mats and bringing it back to her. Laurelie smiled at him. “Good boy. Shorts down and take a seat,” she directed, setting a traditional pantry stepstool down in plain view of the door.

“People will see…” Danny pointed out in alarm.

“Nothing they’ve not seen before, honey. And nothing to be ashamed of.” She winked at him. “You won’t be the first in this house and you won’t be the last. Come on, I’ll give you a cookie once you’re sitting down.”

Danny perked up a little at that. “And lemonade?”

“And lemonade,” she conceded with a soft laugh. “Go on.” She swatted him to get him moving.

Danny winced, rubbing at his throbbing bottom with a groan. He looked over at Grant ruefully. “Never swap techniques with Coach, holy crap…”

Grant chuckled, waiting till he tugged his shorts down and sat on the stepladder once Laurelie had set the mat up. “Don’t give me a reason to then. Deal?”

“Yes sir. Um, thanks. For doing it and not thinking less of me.”

“Nothing to think less of, son.” Grant smiled as Laurelie got the brat the snack she’d promised him, returning to the counter to finish his family recipe chilli. Danny was so quiet and still that they had to check a couple of times that he hadn’t fallen asleep. When his roommates started to get home he began squirming but quickly abandoned that plan when he realised how much it drove the burn further into his backside.

By the time Laurelie released him from the corner to wash up for dinner, he was like a different boy. His eyes had their usual mischievous twinkle in them and he was smiling brightly. Grant rolled his eyes as he caught Danny swiping a handful of nacho chips, chuckling when his attempt to swat him met air where Danny had been standing. “Wash up and get back down here!” he called. “And put some pants on!”

“Aw man, you ruin all my fun!” Danny called back but he was laughing.

Grant shook his head and shared a smile with Laurelie, then turned his attention to getting out bowls and dishing up. As he listened to the relative chaos behind him –mostly instigated by Danny– he felt himself relax, pleased to know he’d helped the boy get back on an even footing. Hopefully they made it through dinner before things got too out of hand, but they wouldn’t hold their breath. They knew their kids.