Archive of Our Own ^beta

Jamie squirmed in the waiting area outside the office of the head of the orphanage. He was supposed to be going to a new foster home today, and had made a pretty decent attempt at running away. Homes were all the same; sixteen year olds were only taken in for the money, anyone who actually cared would want younger kids. One of the other boys was clearly 'seeing' the head already - echoing cracks of a strap against bare skin and cries of distress doing little for his nerves. It wasn't the first time he'd been sat here, not by a long shot - wouldn't even be his first spanking this week, though he expected it'd be the cane he met today. Running away was strongly discouraged. A young auburn haired woman with a friendly, freckled ivory face across the room smiled encouragingly at him; he hadn't seen her before but by her smart dress and leather briefcase she looked to be from the Local Authority or something. He tried to smile back - she probably thought he was younger than he was, people tended to. She opened her mouth to speak, but at that moment the door swung open, one of the other boys about his age fleeing out grasping his buttocks, tears streaming down his face. It was Harry - a nasty bully, but Jamie didn't wish that strap on anyone.

"Miss Dale? Sorry about that, just dealing with a bit of discipline. Please, come in."

~☆~

Charlotte entered the office, taking a seat as indicated. It was a force of will not to scowl at the array of implements hanging from nails across the side wall; canes of varying thickness, straps and a tawse. If the orphanage had to use those to keep control, they weren't in control at all. 

"So, James Telford, eh? Can't say I'll be sorry to see him go. You've read the file?"

"Of course Mister Kelly, seems like a relatively well behaved young man by the looks of things."

The tall grey haired man frowned. "You know he's been... interfering with other boys, don't you?"

"Kissing another boy is hardly 'interfering', you make him sound like a molester or something."

Kelly's frown deepened. "It's the kind of thing I don't want in an all boys institution. You can take him as soon as I'm done punishing him for trying to run away."

"Is that really necessary? I mean, he's leaving today."

"There are standards to maintain Miss Dale. Runaways are thrashed, every time."

"I see. What if I were to discipline the boy before we leave, would that be acceptable? After all, he's going to be the responsibility of my brother and I now."

The head nodded thoughtfully. "Start the way you mean to go on, I like it. I'll have his things brought to the front desk, leave you to deal with him. Help yourself to whatever you need."

Opening the door, he sharply addressed the boy outside. "In there now Telford. Miss Dale works at the foster home you're off to, she'll be giving you your beating."

Charlotte watched the diminutive boy shuffle in nervously. His light blond hair was cut severely like all the other boys she'd seen on her way in. Deep blue eyes regarded her nervously as a finger pulled at the collar of the white shirt he wore, the uniform conspiring with the haircut to strip the kid of almost all individuality. As the door shut, she smiled supportively.

"Sit down James. My name is Charlotte Dale, I help my brother Michael run Dale House, about two hours outside the city. I was hoping you might consider coming to stay with us."

"I don't really have a choice ma'am."

She gave him a compassionate look. "No, I don't suppose you do, do you? I certainly never did."

"You?"

"My parents died when I was ten dear. I might not know what your life has been like, but I understand loss."

"Are you going to thrash me first?"

"Well, Mister Kelly won't let us leave unless you're punished, but I'm not using those things," she waved dismissively at the canes, "I don't really agree with being that harsh, my hand will do fine. It is quite dangerous to go off alone like that dear. There are some pretty nasty folk out there who would happily hurt you."

Jamie stared at his hands. "You know why foster homes keep sending me back, right?"

"Yes, my girlfriend and I were utterly appalled when we saw that."

She watched, amused as the blue eyes met hers, shock on the boy's face. "Girlfriend?"

"That going to be a problem?"

"N-no, of course not!"

"Well, shall we get the unpleasant bit over?"

The boy blushed. "You'll think I'm disgusting..."

"Pretty sure I won't, but go on, why?"

"They make us drink milk every morning. I'm..."

"Lactose intolerant, your file said. They make you drink milk anyway? Now that's disgusting dear. Don't worry, I'll be judging them, not you. Come here."

Jamie knew the process well, though he hadn't had just a hand spanking since he was little. Dropping his trousers, he nervously fumbled with the waistband of his underwear.

"Over my lap first dear, we'll spare your modesty as much as we can." The blond lay over her knee, swallowing. She lowered his underwear, noting the marks he was so embarrassed by. Forcing the kid to drink milk was barbaric; it must be constantly battering the poor boy's self esteem to be in this kind of state. She laid her hand on the pale little bottom, the other sliding up to the small of his back, keeping contact with his bare skin. "Now, do you understand why you need to be disciplined young man? You put yourself in danger. Rule number one - no hurting yourself or others. I won't be shifting on that and you'll find yourself back in this position if you break that one, I promise you. Don't think that just because I'm against canes and straps I won't have a slipper or hairbrush waiting for you. Understand me?"

"Yes Miss." Jamie stared at the floor, fingers spread on the thin carpet. This was... odd. It honestly seemed she actually cared why he'd broken the rules. Punishment usually felt like revenge in his experience, but the warm hand on his back was comforting. The lack of anger was refreshing too; she hadn't shouted once, never even raised her voice. The hand lifted from his bottom and he held his breath...

Charlotte began to spank the boy firmly but far from as hard as she could. There was an important lesson for the young man in here about obedience, but she still felt a touch guilty. She was more than familiar with the belt and cane herself, and didn't exactly blame the boy for trying to get away, but given the horrific possible places the teen could have ended up...

Warmth spread across Jamie's rear, delivered in stinging parcels. He scrunched his face; it hurt, but being over Charlotte's lap like this made him feel closer to the redhead than he'd felt to anyone in a long time. "I hope this will get through to you young man. We can't have you getting hurt, so let's make this memorable, 'kay?" The smacks increased in intensity and speed, making his eyes water.

"P-please... OW! I'm sorry!"

There was no response except for the continued burn on his backside, and Jamie began to sob. It really did hurt, but he couldn't help but feel grateful that it wasn't that hateful cane or wicked strap. This stranger had saved him - a stranger who could have easily been expected to be furious given his behaviour. He was stunned as the spanking stopped - he'd expected to be smacked until he totally broke down, but it seemed she judged his tears sufficient. His embarrassingly gross (in his mind, at least) underwear were pulled back up to spare his shame as she righted him, then added to his surprise by sitting him on her lap and holding him close. That was... simply too much. He embraced her tightly, dissolving into far more tears than the spanking itself ever could have drawn out. She sat holding him for what seemed like forever, shushing him and telling him he had a fresh start, stroking his short hair and promising all was forgiven. 

The teen gradually managed to get a grip on his emotions. Charlotte kissed the top of his head and stood him up. "Trousers up sweetheart, let's get you home."

As they left, Mr Kelly smirked at his red face and teary eyes. Jamie couldn't help himself, and baffled the old bastard with a triumphant grin.