Work Text:
It wasn’t an easy request but it was request no less from Daddy. He should have obeyed.
But he refused.
“NO NO NO!!!!” Eric yelled, practically leaping out of the kitchen chair. They had just finished dinner and the boy was eager to play. They had a long day but the evening was still new. They could make time to play if Daddy would just listen.
“Enough, Eric. Sit down and be quiet.”
Eric screamed and threw the nearby plastic cup on the floor. He was angry. He wanted to play, why couldn’t Daddy understand that?
Horatio walked up to the upset boy, grabbing his elbow and pulling him into the corner of the room. Thankfully the cup was empty or else Horatio would have more ammo to discipline him.
“Stay there and be quiet. I meant it.”
Eric whined but didn’t dare move. He didn’t have a death wish. Death in the form of a sore behind that is.
After 15 minutes Horatio came back to the corner and looked at the boy who was now standing quietly staring at the wall.
“Better?”
“Yes, Daddy.”
“Cmon, let’s go on the couch and talk.”
Eric turned and reached out his hand eager to have the Dom guide him. The twosome made their way on the couch and after a few seconds Horatio started.
“Tell me why you had a tantrum earlier. What upset you?”
“I-I don’t know. I wanted to play and you said no and I know I’m not supposed to be upset but that made me mad! I wanted to play. “
“Do you think there was a reason I had asked you to stop and start washing dishes instead?”
“Because .. I need to be responsible and do my chores?”
“Mhm, what else?”
“Because daddy says so.”
“Because…?” Horatio leaned back on the couch.
“Because Daddy knows what’s best and how I should do things?”
“That’s right.”
“I’m sorry Daddy. I wasn’t thinking. I was too upset to think. Everything was fuzzy and hot.”
“I bet it was. That’s what tantrums feel like.” Horatio looked over at the boy, studying his hunched over appearance. The boy was practically caving in on himself.
“I don’t mean to be bad.” Eric frowned.
“I know honey. Do you miss playtime that much? We played yesterday.” Horatio reached out a hand rubbing the palm of the boys hand.
“I know we did. I guess I like spending time with you more.” Eric looked up from his lap, hopeful eyes meeting Horatio’s calm blue ones.
“I like spending time with you too, sweetheart.” He stopped his ministrations, placing the hand back on the boys lap to kiss his temple.
“Am I going to be punished?” Eric mumbled.
Horatio contemplated the forlorn look on the boys face. He thought about proceeding with a spanking or maybe having the boy clean the kitchen floor by hand but changed his mind. The big brown eyes he fell in love with had a somber tinge to them that clenched at his heartstrings.
His boy just wanted his attention and didn’t know how to say it.
“No, not this time. But if you do this again, you’ll definitely be getting punished. Do you understand?
“Yes, Daddy. I understand.”
“Good. Now C’mere, I know how much you love cuddles.”