Caring Hands
Rating: PG-13? not sure
Disclaimer: The A-Team characters belong to Stephen J. Cannell.
Archive: Persuaders
Feedback: Always appreciated! virginia_mer@hotmail.com
Thanks: to Allison & Pepper for their excellent suggestions
Summary: Face accepts discipline from one of the Team members
"Do we have to tell Hannibal?" Face complained, knowing he was
whining and knowing how much Baracus hated it when he did that. The
words were already out of his mouth, so he waited for the inevitable
eruption as they drove along the rural highway.
True to form, BA turned an angry frown on him. "What you did was
foolish, an' you deserve whatever Hannibal has to say about it."
"Yeah, I know," Face sighed. He definitely knew -- he'd been the
recipient of several of Hannibal Smith's lectures over the past few
weeks. He didn't really know why; it just seemed that every time
Face turned around, he'd made a hasty decision to act that put him in
harm's way. So far he'd been charmed enough to escape every time
with his hide intact. Maybe if he could soften up the big Sergeant a
little, things would go a bit more smoothly when Face and BA made
their report to the Colonel. If the big man felt that Peck didn't
necessarily need to be subjected to Hannibal's wrath, that he was
sufficiently contrite, then just maybe....
With that hope in mind, Face tried for his most humble tone. "You're
right, BA. I deserve to be disciplined for it. I guess I let myself
get carried away with the adrenaline, but I never should have pushed
my luck with those guys."
BA shook his head. "You acted just like some o' the kids at the
Center."
When Face turned to glare at him for the crack, his ire evaporated at
the thunderous look on BA's face. Looking down at his hands in his
lap, Face answered, "Yeah, I guess it was a childish reaction, but
BA -- that guy was so smug about it, I had to do something...."
The sudden plea for understanding fell on deaf ears. "That's yo'
excuse this time. An' you had one last time you pulled a stunt like
that, and the time before."
Well, there wasn't much he could say to that because it was true, so
the con man kept quiet.
The silence between them in the van stretched out for several miles.
Face was surprised when BA spoke again.
"They's a 10-year-old at the Center, Jeffrey, an' he's always pullin'
stunts befo' he thinks out the consequences."
Face grimaced. Looked like he was going to get two lectures for his
lapse in judgment that day. Three, if Murdock took a mind to light
into him.
"Ten years old, huh?" he asked, resigned, consciously deciding not to
fight it. The Sergeant was right, after all.
"Yeah. Gets his self into scrape after scrape, 'n doesn't seem to
realize it's fo' his own good when he gets punished."
"Mm. What happens to him? When he gets punished, I mean." He was
contributing to keep the conversation going so he wouldn't have to
endure either the ominous silence or more of BA's accusations.
Besides that, it wasn't too often the big man took a mind to talk,
especially to Face, unless it was directly related to the job.
BA shrugged. "Sometimes he winds up cleanin' part o' the Center.
Other times he has to help out with the staff."
"Oh."
"What about when you was ten?" BA asked, minutes later.
Face looked over warily; it wasn't often any of the Team prodded him
for details from his past. Rarely if ever had BA done so.
"You mean... did I get into trouble?" He felt the other man's question
out with a question of his own.
BA gave a single decisive nod, gold and feather earrings jouncing.
Face laughed. That was an easy one to answer. "All the time, BA."
"You get punished?"
That one was easy, too, but it made Face a little
uncomfortable. "Well, yeah, some of the time. When I got caught,"
he added with a bright smile.
It didn't lighten BA's countenance. That fact only served to remind
Face he was still in deep shit when they got back to Hannibal and
Murdock.
"Who punished you?"
"Uh... the nuns, usually. Sometimes the priest."
Face looked down again at his hands. He didn't have to answer the
question, but the position he was in at the moment made him feel he
didn't really have much leeway to refuse. It wasn't that he feared
Hannibal Smith, not really. True, he hated being the object of the
older man's disapproval, for psychological reasons Face thought were
best left unexplored. But with all the 'scrapes' he'd been in
lately, he had a bad feeling this last one would be the
proverbial 'last straw' with the Colonel.
Another minute passed. They rolled along on the secondary highway,
passing picturesque scenery and few cars.
"What'd they do?"
"What'd they do?" Face repeated, hoping BA wasn't asking what he
thought he was asking.
"When you was punished, at that age."
'Last straw, Faceman,' Face reminded himself. He could ill afford to
alienate Baracus right now. "Well," he sighed, "it really depended
on who did the punishing, and what I'd done wrong. Sometimes, I
scrubbed parts of the orphanage that were reserved for just those
kinds of punishments. You know, the baseboards, showers, toilets....
Especially if I'd been caught defacing anything. Which was hardly
ever," he felt compelled to add when a dark look of disapproval was
cast his way. "Sometimes detention, writing sentences, if I'd done
something in school."
Another stretch of silence. That more than anything was driving him
crazy, he realized. It was as if BA wanted him to reflect on his
sins at each opportunity. The black man remained quiet, his eyes on
the road as if he was waiting for more. Face could feel it as
clearly as if the Sergeant had told him so. Why he opened his mouth
then and actually said it, he had no idea -- but once again his mouth
was running with a mind of its own.
"And when I really did something major, that involved danger or risk
to me or somebody else, well, that called for the most serious
punishments."
"Who did it?"
"Father Perez. He, uh, believed in making a lasting impression."
"You got spanked, then," BA guessed.
Face shifted uncomfortably as memories came forth, and he felt
himself flush. He'd been called to the Father's study on numerous
occasions, always knowing what would happen before he walked back out
again. "Well, yeah, I did."
"Was he fair about it? Or excessive?"
"He was... well, he never hurt me. I mean it hurt, yes, but... It was
never more than I deserved." He ran a hand nervously through his
sandy-colored hair. "Does that make sense?"
"Yeah."
That was all BA said. Face waited, wondering first of all how they
had talked that much, quite a feat for the two of them; then how
they'd gotten so far on this particular topic. The big man just
wouldn't let it drop.
Finally the older man spoke again, this time giving Face a long, hard
look. "What you did today, Faceman, you acted like a 10-year-old."
"I--" He stopped, considering what they'd just talked about. What
was BA saying? "Well-- You're right." God, how many times was he
going to say that out loud today? But he didn't know what else to
say.
And he would know even less, when he was under Hannibal's microscope,
answering for his actions. As part of his mind wondered where the
hell he was going with this, he said, "I almost wish Father Perez was
here to take care of things. I mean, right now I'd rather bend over
his desk than sit down while Hannibal takes a verbal piece out of my
hide."
BA turned his head just enough to study Face out of the corner of his
narrowed eyes. "Would it do you any good?" he demanded.
Face licked dry lips and spoke the truth. "I wouldn't like it, but I
guess it would serve me right and make me think twice, next time."
"An' spare you from Hannibal's disapproval."
How did BA know him this well? Was he that transparent to the
others? Again, honesty was the easiest way to answer. "Yeah," he
admitted in a small voice.
"Well you cain't go without answerin' fo' it, one way or th' other,"
Baracus said decisively.
Face looked up, a flash of panic running through him. "What do you...
I mean, what are you saying?"
BA was silent for a few moments. Finally, "Faceman, I think you and
I both know there's times you need a good whippin' to remind you how
to behave."
"I--" Words failed him and Face swallowed hard. He felt his face
grow hot.
"Don't you?"
BA's words challenged him. He usually had no problems avoiding the
truth, but for some reason... Face had the awful feeling the big man
had put his finger right on the answer.
"Yeah," he croaked, cleared his voice and tried again. "Yeah, I
guess maybe you're right." His words hedged, but with a sinking
heart he realized he knew the truth: he sometimes desperately needed
what BA was suggesting.
BA shook his head. "I kept thinkin' for sure the Colonel was gonna
finally make good on his threats, all these years, an' take a belt to
yo' behind."
"He threatened that?!"
Baracus shot him a hard look. "He's said it lots o' times, jus'
never followed through." BA's grimace showed exactly what he thought
of the Colonel's lapse.
"Well, what-- What exactly has he said?" Face asked, alarmed.
"I'll put it this way: if I had a dollar fo' every time he's
said 'That kid needs his ass paddled,' it would buy more gold than I
already own."
"Oh," Face said meekly.
"He said it on the last case, too -- that the next time you got
yo'self in trouble, he'll teach you a lesson by givin' you a very red
backside." BA shrugged. "But it never happens.
It took Face a few moments to remember to close his mouth. He
couldn't believe it. Just couldn't picture the Colonel... Well...
Okay. He actually could picture it, now that he thought about it.
But the whole thing was surreal, especially the fact of BA sitting
there telling him these things so blatantly....
"So, was you serious?"
"What?" Face was startled out of his thoughts.
"That you'd rather bend over to be punished, than go through one of
Hannibal's lectures."
"I, uh, well, yeah -- in theory. But what does it matter?"
"Look, Faceman, I know what would do you the most good right now.
You know it too. If you want it taken care of before we get back to
the others, then we'll take care of it."
"Would you, uh," he flushed even redder. "Would you use something?
On me?"
"Face, this is all I need right here." BA held up one massive hand.
Face nodded. "Well..." He hesitated, feeling his heart beat heavily
in his chest. He needed to clarify one point. "Are you saying that
if you... That if I let you, you know, 'take care of it,' that things
are settled? And you won't tell Hannibal about the con?"
Another, longer silence followed and Face squirmed, wishing he could
take back what he'd just said so he could think it over some more.
"If I punish you, Faceman, then that's the end of it. It's over and
forgiven. But you need to know... If I stop this van, I guarantee
when you get back in it you won't sit too easy."
With a very dry swallow, Face pushed the words out: "Hey, it's gotta
be better than sitting through one of Hannibal's lectures, right?" he
joked, then took another breath and took the plunge: "Okay, BA, I
agree. You can... punish me as you see fit."
Besides, he thought, there was always that small chance that Hannibal
would actually carry through on his threats. Face had been the
recipient of many lectures and disciplinary actions under Colonel
Smith's command, all suitable to a soldier and his commanding
officer. But the thought of the older man punishing him like a
little child.... He'd take his chances with BA. The guy was huge and
powerful, but surely a few swats even from him couldn't be all that
bad? Face could endure it; and at the same time, he'd escape more of
Hannibal's ire.
Face waited and forced himself not to fidget as BA brought the van
out of a sharp curve, showing no sign he'd listened to the con man
when he said he accepted BA's terms. Face had about decided that the
conversation was over and things would go no further, when BA
abruptly turned the van off the highway.
His heart really thundering in his chest now, the younger man sat
quietly as BA steered down a side road then off the pavement, onto a
little-used dirt road. He never even looked at Face, as the van
bounced over the increasingly rough and overgrown road.
He finally pulled to a stop, bringing the vehicle to rest under a
stand of trees. There was no civilization in sight -- just a quiet
afternoon out in the rural landscape.
Face looked at the other man, eyes wide. When BA cut the engine and
turned slowly to face him, the seriousness in the dark eyes made Face
briefly think he might wet himself. He forced himself to hold the
gaze, wondering if he was about to be punched for pushing his luck.
"You got one more chance to back out, Faceman. But you did behave
like a kid today -- and you deserve to have your behind warmed up
good fo' it. Like I said, if I take care of it, then all of it stays
between you 'n me."
Peck felt the heat rise up in his face again, deeper this time. He
couldn't believe this was really happening, that BA was really
serious....
But he was. Face watched the big, jeweled fingers flex on the
steering wheel as the older man waited. Jesus, but he had big and
powerful hands. Face had known that, but looking at them now and
knowing what BA proposed to do with those hands brought about a new
awareness.
BA's gaze was still on him, waiting, unwavering. He was deadly
serious.
"I-- Uh--" Face swallowed and tried again. "I think--"
"Yes or no," the black man nearly barked at him. "If it's Yes, then
step out of the van."
This can't be happening, Face thought, even as his right hand reached
out and grasped the door handle, and pushed it up, his eyes still on
BA.
BA nodded, accepting Face's decision, and opened his own door.
Face stepped out onto the hard dirt, balancing on weak knees. He
wiped his damp palms down the thighs of his pants and straightened,
waiting and wondering if he was going to wake up any time soon.
He heard BA open one of the rear doors. The big man then came around
to the side door and pulled it open. "Get in the back."
Face started to protest but one scowl from the bigger man and he
climbed back into the van, going between the two seats he and Murdock
usually occupied. BA came in behind him, pulling the side door shut.
The van's interior was dim, even with the one rear door standing
partly open. They had the rear seat installed at the moment -- a
bench seat that set in against the back doors. It made for a
convenient post when one of them had to shoot out the back for any
extended period of time.
"Kneel up on the seat, facin' the doors," BA said from right behind
him.
Okay, he thought, he could do this. He could see what BA had in
mind: Face could lean forward over the seat back, with BA behind him
to take care of business... and Face able to see if anyone came down
the dirt road. It was unlikely; it looked like they were out in the
middle of nowhere.
At least, Face thought as he assumed the position, this really and
truly would be between the two of them. Not even a stranger
happening on them would get an eyeful, only a view of a young man
peering out the back door.
"Take down yo' pants, Face."
"What?!" He would've turned and been back off the seat and out of
the van, except for the steel grip that suddenly held him there, an
iron hand to the back of his neck.
"Do it, Faceman, an' we'll get this over with. Unfasten 'em an'
push 'em down off yo' behind."
"But BA, you can't--"
"What'd I tell you, 'bout when you get back in the van to sit down?"
That he wouldn't be sitting too easy, Face remembered. And still, in
spite of the warning, he'd pushed the issue further -- to this.
He reached with numb fingers and unfastened belt and top button, then
lowered the zipper. Finally with a deep breath he pushed the slacks
down to his thighs; they pooled just over his knees, where he was
kneeling on the white vinyl seat. He'd sat on this bench so many
times, he and Murdock together; he'd had knelt here much like this,
firing out the back door at their pursuers. Now he was kneeling here
to answer for his behavior in a very real, very vivid way.
He heard several chinks and glanced back to see BA had removed the
rings from his right hand. He caught the dark eyes briefly and
turned back towards the door, locking his hands together and resting
his elbows along the seat back. He tried to ignore how naked and
vulnerable he felt with only his cotton briefs covering his rear. So
undignified. So humiliating. Just as BA intended; Face wouldn't
soon forget this particular punishment.
Placing one huge knee on the seat next to Face, BA pushed up the con
man's shirt and braced his arm across Face's shoulders. Face felt
the Sergeant's right hand rest for a moment at the small of his back,
just above the waistband of his briefs. "Faceman," he warned, "don't
you move or I'll make this last three times as long."
When those fingers hooked themselves into the elastic waistband, Face
knew why BA had warned him. He gasped aloud as his briefs were
pulled down off his bottom, exposing him fully to the big man.
He somehow managed to keep from fighting it, telling himself it
wasn't so bad. So his backside was bared for a few swats. Father
Perez had certainly demanded the same circumstances. He had survived
it then; he could live through it now. He closed his eyes, held his
breath and waited.
Face hadn't been wrong about the strength in those hands and arms.
When BA's big open hand cracked square across his bottom, the searing
sting robbed him of any voice. He was also surprised -- Baracus was
going through with the spanking for real, and Face knew he was in for
it.
These thoughts disappeared when the second smack landed on top of the
first. This time Face did let out a groan, and clasped his hands
harder.
Third, fourth, fifth smacks fell over the first two. Face knew he
wouldn't sit on anything hard for a while -- and he had no idea how
much more was to come. Still he didn't protest.
A few more smacks took in other areas of his buttocks, spreading the
fire evenly to either side. Then focused attention to first one
cheek, then the other until each was red hot. Then nothing.
Face realized he'd been snatching a breath and holding it, for as
long as he could each time. He now drew in a deep breath with relief
as his ass went from flames down to a throbbing pain.
BA pushed slightly on his shoulders. "Bend down more."
Face did. He had little choice; a slight push from BA was like being
plowed over by a heavyweight. One big arm then slid beneath him and
lifted up across his abdomen. Face realized what was happening; his
bottom was being raised for further punishment. "BA--" he started,
panicked.
"Quiet, Face," came the gruff order. "That spankin' was fo' today.
This is fo' all th' other times lately, when you jus' don't think
before you act."
The next smack burned fire low across his buttocks. Many more
followed, all targeting the lower curve and tops of his thighs. Face
groaned loudly with each one. Long before BA was finished, he was
vowing to himself he'd never be reckless again.
With two final, hard swats that lifted him off the seat, BA finally
pulled back. "That's it, Faceman."
'That's it,' Face thought, not yet moving out of position. The smart
mouth in him thought briefly of answering, 'Are you sure you don't
have a few more for me?' He wisely kept his mouth shut; he didn't
want to know what sassing BA right now would get him.
He finally pushed himself up. The movement lit the fire again and he
moaned, not caring that Baracus was right there to hear it. The big
man knew intimately what Face had just received, so there was no
point bothering to pretend otherwise.
"Let's get goin', soon as you can." The gruff, commanding tone was
gone. BA's voice was gentle. "We'll get th' others and then get
some rooms for the night. You'll do better once we get to a motel."
Face somehow doubted it. He sighed. His behind hurt like hell, his
pride was badly dented, and he still had to sit through the drive
back. This was just definitely not his day.
He heard the side door open and close again. BA had left him alone
to redress. He was grateful for the privacy; he knew it couldn't be
a pretty sight as he got himself ready to leave.
Pulling up his pants was as painful as he'd excepted. With a lot of
hissing and moaning, he got the briefs, then the form-fitting slacks
back up and fastened. Stepping out of the van was a trial too, as
the fabric rubbed across his tender behind and thighs. Face had
always been a very physical person, reveling in the sensation of
touch; normally he appreciated how his clothing hugged his body,
especially in the more intimate places. At the moment however, he
focused on the fact that he could eventually undress and lay down.
After the drive back to the rest of the Team, and after the drive to
the motel.
When he opened the passenger side door to get in, BA handed him a
soft cushion. Face had no idea where it had come from; had to've
been stowed in the back.
"Thanks, BA," Face mumbled, accepting the cushion.
"It'll help," BA said simply. Once Face was situated as best he
could manage in the seat, BA leaned toward him before starting the
van. "Faceman, you need to know that if you pull those kinds of
stunts agin, I'm gonna make sure you don't sit fo' a week, every
time. You understand?"
Face looked at him and swallowed, considering BA's prediction. He
nodded. "Yeah, I do."
"Good."
With that BA got the van started and they left the rural hiding
spot. It was a quiet ride the rest of the way, with BA focusing on
his driving and doing his best not to hit potholes, and Face trying
vainly to find a more comfortable way to sit.
They finally pulled up to the place where they were to pick up
Hannibal and Murdock.
His voice low and earnest, BA advised, "Get some ice on it at the
motel, Face. It'll feel better a lot faster that way."
"I thought the effect was meant to last?" Face quipped.
BA shrugged. "You paid for yo' behavior today. You paid but good.
You jus' need to know that I won't have you takin' foolish chances
like that. You gonna answer for 'em."
"I know," Face answered. They could see Hannibal and Murdock had
spotted the van, and were crossing the parking lot toward
them. "Thanks, BA."
BA nodded.
Hannibal wondered what had taken them so long, and looked hard at
Face. BA assured him it had just taken longer than they'd expected.
Hannibal took the Sergeant's word for it with a nod. "Let's get our
rooms for the night, then." The Colonel turned back around in his
seat and lit a cigar.
Face let out a relieved sigh and resisted the urge yet again to shift
in his seat. The cushion had helped some on the drive into town, but
he had refused to use it in front of the other guys. BA had just
shrugged and stowed it behind his seat just before Hannibal and
Murdock got in the van.
Murdock now looked over at him and Face realized the pilot's eyes had
been on that cushion. He cocked his head to one side and studied
Face with a kind of dawning awareness. Face smiled and nervously
looked away. All he needed was for everybody to know BA had spanked
him. He could just imagine the ribbing he'd get over it. He avoided
looking at Murdock the rest of the way until they finally turned off
the highway.
Face waved off getting any dinner, and sent the other three on their
way. His backside was still extremely tender, and he wanted nothing
but to get undressed and maybe even have a shower. That might help
him to feel better.
He inspected himself in the bathroom mirror. He expected some
evidence of BA's hand on his bottom, but the solid, angry red took
him by surprise. The big Sergeant had left no inch
untouched. "Well, you won't pull that stunt again, will you?" Face
asked his reflection. The handsome face only pouted in response.
The shower didn't help; it only made the sting far worse. Face got
out quickly and dried off. He thought about getting into bed naked,
but instead put on the thin cotton pajamas he always packed, since he
was sharing the room with Murdock.
He'd only just gotten situated in one of the twin beds, face down,
when Murdock returned to the room. "I brought ya some dinner, Face.
You might not want it now, but it'll keep til you do."
"Thanks, Murdock. I'm just tired, okay?"
Murdock studied him for a moment, before he seemed to reach a
decision and sat down beside Face. He speculated
hesitantly, "Somethin' must've happened out there that really upset
the big guy. Made him feel like he had to teach you a lesson...."
Face felt his neck and face grow as hot as his backside still
was. "Murdock, what did BA tell you?" he demanded.
"Face, it's okay. He didn't tell me anything. In fact he hardly
talked at all through dinner."
"Then what are you saying?"
"Face--" Murdock hesitated, then met his friend's blue eyes and
admitted, "I've been the chastened recipient of BA's punishing hand a
few times, myself."
The revelation made Face forget to be angry about Murdock guessing
what had happened. "You mean you...? He...?"
Shocked, Face could only look at the pilot, who turned a little pink
and shrugged. "Hey, even I need to be brought back inline sometimes,
Facey."
"But... how did it start? I mean--"
He stopped as Murdock laughed. When Face pulled a sour look and
turned his head away, Murdock was leaning down beside him instantly,
hands on his shoulders. "Hey, c'mon Faceguy. I'm not laughin' at
you -- believe me. I feel for you right now. But I know he
wouldn't 've resorted to this if you hadn't done something to really,
really deserve it. Am I right?"
The younger man slowly turned back to face him. "Yeah," he admitted
finally. There were those words again: "You're right."
Murdock nodded. He got up off the bed to go into the bathroom, and
returned moments later with several items. When Face started to
protest, Murdock stopped him, exasperated. "Look, Face, I know how
you're feelin' right now -- I know from experience that he probably
blistered you good...."
"Real good," Face admitted.
Murdock smiled. "I also know you've gotta be feelin' a little
embarrassed that I know about it... But we're best friends, right?
Brothers. We can trust each other with anything, can't we?"
Face couldn't help smiling; it was something he needed to hear more
than he would ever admit. But somehow, Murdock always knew
anyway. "Yeah," he agreed.
"Our big brother punished you for somethin' you did and deserved to
be disciplined for. That's the only time he'd ever do somethin' like
that, Face. Otherwise, he's really just a pussy cat."
"A pussy cat with huge hands," Face put in ruefully.
He knew from the look in the compassionate brown eyes that Murdock
agreed with that assessment. "So just let me help you out, okay?
Let me see how bad it is, what you need most and I guarantee, you'll
sleep easier tonight, muchacho. Okay?"
"Okay." Face knew he was opening himself up to a new level of
intimacy with the other man, but he needed the reassurance, and the
attention. And Murdock was right; he was the best and closest friend
Face had ever had. With those thoughts, Face held still while
Murdock pulled back the blanket and very gently eased down his pajama
bottoms. After a few seconds of assessing the damage, Murdock
said, "Face, you were a pretty bad boy today."
"Yeah, Murdock, I was."
A moment later Face felt a wet cloth lowered gently onto his rear.
He hissed as it heightened the sting.
"I know. But it'll help take the heat out." Murdock carefully
pressed the cool cloth to his cheeks. "Yep, I can feel the waves of
heat lifting right off your bottom, Faceman."
Not all the heat, unfortunately, Face thought; he was sure he'd have
plenty of it for days, a good reminder of what reckless behavior
would get him. But he was grateful for Murdock's soothing hands. It
did help.
This was followed up with the application of some hand cream Murdock
had found in the bathroom. Face closed his eyes and moaned as
Murdock's long fingers gently massaged the cold gel into his
backside. The pilot was thorough; he patiently got to every bit of
punished flesh, especially low on Face's buttocks and on his upper
thighs. Once he was satisfied he'd covered everywhere it was needed,
Murdock started over again. The second round felt even better,
though the sting was still very much present.
"There, I'll bet that's helpin' to take the sting out," Murdock said
in a soft voice.
"Yeah," Face agreed. He was marveling at the mixture of feelings,
the pain as he still felt the sting and heat of the spanking, and the
pleasure as the soothing ministrations helped to ease the hurt.
"When did it start, with you?" Face mumbled, curious to know.
Keeping up the gentle and slow massage, Murdock pursed his lips and
thought about it. "Actually, it was several years ago. We were up
in the north woods and you 'n Hannibal had gone into town for
supplies. I'd gotten carried away over something, I don't know -- I
think I was chasin' Billy, and I fell down into a big ol' hole. He
snatched me right up out of there, made sure I was all right, then
sat himself down and hauled me over his knee and let me have it.
When he finished, he stood me up, put his finger in my face, and said
I'd be over his knee again in an instant if I ever did anything that
foolish again. I was too stunned to say anything. I just stood
there 'n nodded, rubbin' my bottom and startin' to cry." He laughed
at the memory. "That really got to him. He said 'Aw Murdock, you
crazy fool,' and scowled like he does, you know? But I knew he had
only done it 'cause he was lookin' out for me. He's still lookin'
out for me, in that way."
"How, um, how often?"
"Not very. Only a few times, total. Just three or four months ago,
I got my behind warmed good for trying a stunt with a helicopter. I
still say I knew what I was doin', but I guess it didn't sit well
with the rest of you."
"I remember that. You scared us to death. You mean he..."
"Yep, he most certainly did. Just as soon as you 'n Hannibal left in
the vette. We were supposed to be right behind you in the van, but
we were a good half-hour or more leaving. That was the longest time
I'd spent over those big thighs of his -- and before he was done I
assure you I was singin' a different tune!"
Face turned to look at Murdock. The other man didn't seem upset or
even embarrassed to be sharing all this. "He said it'd happen again,
next time I needed it," he admitted.
"Well, you yourself agreed you deserved it today. Do you think it
helped any?"
"Yeah," Face sighed, not wanting to admit it but knowing it was the
truth.
"Then I for one am grateful he's there to set you straight. Don't
take this the wrong way, Facey, but I'd be willin' to bet you get
more lap time with the big mudsucker than I ever will."
"Gee, thanks Murdock. That makes me feel good."
"It's not so bad, really. 'Course, that's not what I'm thinking when
it's happenin'. But you get it over with, and you feel like you've
made up for whatever you did wrong. The discomfort fades away in a
few days, and all is right again."
"Wonder what Hannibal would say, if he knew his Sergeant spanked his
Lieutenant and Captain."
"Are you kiddin'? He'd probably go cut a switch for BA to use."
"Ow." Just the idea made Face's backside throb anew. His eyes
widened with a sudden thought. "He doesn't know, does he? BA said
it'd be just between us...."
"I-- Well, I'll be honest with you. He's never said word one about
it, but I'd be willing to bet you he has his suspicions."
"Great," Face groaned.
"Don't lose any sleep over it, Facey. He obviously approves, or he'd
have put a stop to it a long time ago. If he really knows about it,
that is."
Face was sure he did. Not much escaped Hannibal Smith's notice.
"There. That should help you to sleep tonight. We'll see how it is
in the morning, and I can put on some more cream for you. Why don't
you leave your pajama bottoms down? The air'll feel good back here,
keep you cool."
"Okay. Thanks, Murdock."
Murdock went on to say something about his eating dinner, but Face
drifted and soon found sleep. He felt he'd atoned for his behavior
and was grateful for the caring hands -- both Murdock's and BA's.
END