The Multiverse
Working Alone

Summary: Erik is reminded he doesn't have to do things alone any longer.
Warning(s): AU; disciplinary spanking of an adult; threats of violence.

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"That's typical?" Dane asked. "For family members to stay in each others’ rooms when they've been injured?"

"It is when the one injured is the kid of the person who they are staying with..." Matt said, with a quirky grin. He could hear the slightest bit of uncertain hope in Dane's voice. Was his newest cousin looking for evidence he was like everyone else?

A few more people had wandered in while the story was being told. "Sometimes siblings stay together if one is hurt..." Everett mentioned. "Sometimes even if they haven't been hurt."

"Actually, sharing rooms with family members doesn't really have any hard and fast rules about when and who shares," Scott added, thinking of some of the combinations he'd witnessed and for what reasons.

T'Challa had followed his brother into the room, hearing the comments made. "Parents and children will share rooms...will share beds. As will siblings." He shrugged. "There are other affectionate behaviours, too. Being cuddled on a parent's lap, for instance. And some of those who are younger mentally, if not physically, gain comfort in being controlled by the person they trust. Even if it is as simple as being fed at a meal time."

Dane flushed faintly and fidgeted slightly, still having a difficult time reconciling his newly found need to be controlled and taken care of with his ideas of who he was as a man and how he had always felt before (and thought he still should).

Kate wasn't blind by any means and had sensed the subtle shift in her friend when Ikaris stepped in and adopted them. "Some act younger than they are? And that's okay?" she asked nonchalantly, as if she hadn't witnessed that behavior yet.

"It's okay," Sam confirmed. "It's accepted and those who need it are encouraged to seek out their needs. If you haven't witnessed that behaviour already, it'll only be a matter of time before you do."

"And nobody comments on any of this? The sharing rooms, beds, young behavior, whatever it is?" Kate pushed.

Erik came in and sat next to T'Challa. "What's being discussed?" he whispered.

"The sometimes childish behaviour exhibited by family members," T'Challa murmured back, before nodding to Kate's comment. "It is a normal part of this family here. Much the same as spanking being used as a family punishment. Loving discipline and affection are two very big reasons behind why this family works so well together."

A few more family members were wandering in by this point, having planned to watch TV. Upon realizing that family dynamics were being explained and that stories might be told as a result, they found empty seats so they could listen. Everett noticed and couldn't help chuckling. "It's like a dinner bell has been rung and all the children come running from all areas of the farm..." he mumbled.

Erik huffed. "How many stories did we miss before we got here?" he asked.

"There's only been the one story Sam told," Kate chirped. "Do you have one?"

"There was one thing that happened very recently," T'Challa commented, moving close enough to Erik that his arm was pressed against his brother's. "Sometimes it's difficult for family members to get used to having the help and support from others close by."

Yondu walked in at that point, leading Peter by the hand, and snorted softly upon hearing T'Challa's words. "Ain't that the truth." He walked over to one of the empty chairs and sat down, immediately pulling his son onto his lap.

Dane blinked at Yondu's actions, paying close attention to Peter's reaction.

Peter immediately squirmed and shifted until he was in a good position for his daddy to cuddle and rub without exposing him to everyone else. He was wearing a summer version of the pajamas everyone seemed so fond of.

"Oh! Where'd you get?!" Kara came up and began fingering the material of the sleeves with interest.

Erik looked at T'Challa fondly. "I lived for years alone. It's less getting used to the help and more remembering it is there."

Yondu situated Peter enough so that he could give his son attention, cuddling and rubbing, all without either exposing any of his son's body. He also made sure Kara could look at the pajamas easily. "They was specially made," he answered her. "Thinking everyone should put in their own orders for them."

T'Challa nodded in understanding to his brother's comment. "As I told you the last time...I will remind you that there is help available each and every time you need to be reminded." Noticing that everyone was looking towards him and Erik with interest, he began the story.

***

Immediately after receiving Shuri's text, T'Challa asked Friday to keep him updated on Erik's progress. He headed to the garage and retrieved one of the motorbikes himself, immediately riding in the direction his brother had taken.

Erik had chosen a motorbike for ease of maneuvering through traffic. He wasn't watching behind himself, not figuring anyone would have time to follow. He'd got information that one of the underlings who used to work under him was trying to start doing what he'd done. They were using his old contacts and throwing his name around to gain business. There were no lines in that they were unwilling to cross, however. He'd kept tight rein on them when he was a mercenary assassin. Now no one controlled them and he didn't want his name associated with them. And he couldn't leave them to operate. Not knowing that they'd accept any and every job, no matter what; even ones he would have turned down.

T'Challa could tell that his brother wasn't paying attention to anyone following him and it allowed him to keep pace with Erik. He didn't know where his brother was heading, but knowing Erik's past, he was almost certain it was dangerous. As he kept following Erik, he asked Friday to request other family members be on standby. Just in case he was following Erik into a more dangerous situation that they couldn't handle together. 

When Erik reached an area one block away from the location his informant had given him, he got off the bike and made sure he had all his weapons ready. He then began to stealthily move toward where the rendezvous was to occur. He watched closely, looking around before determining that the one trying to use his name and reputation was meeting the client alone. He walked out, cocky and sure, appearing fully in control. His once underling looked nervous.

"You know... I retired. That does not give you permission to use my name to draw my ex-clients to your business. And I'm certain they would not be happy to know you've upset me by doing so... especially if they actually hired you because they thought I approved of you..." he said calmy. His voice was as cold as ice.

"You don't vouch for him?" The once and potential client frowned, backing away. "I'm not getting mixed up in this crap. I'll find someone else to hire." He quickly left.

"C'mon, man! Why you gotta be that way?! I woulda let them know you weren't involved when it mattered!" the underling whined.

"Yeah. Somehow, I don't think you would have." Erik sighed, pulling out his gun and aiming it.

T'Challa reached the scene only moments later...long enough to hear most of what was being said. Instantly, he walked towards Erik, making sure his brother would be alerted to his presence, and reached out to place a hand on Erik's that held the gun. "This is not the way," he said calmly.

"I let him go, he'll eventually get hired... and he doesn't care what he's asked to do," Erik warned, though he did lower the gun.

"I'm not telling you to let him go." T'Challa squeezed his arm gently. "But you don't need to kill. Not anymore. I placed a call to the relevant authorities. They will be here soon."

Erik nodded. "Yeah. Okay." He glanced toward his ex-lackey. 'You owe my brother your life," he growled out.

It hadn't taken long for the authorities to arrive and with all the information Erik was able to give them, he knew it would be difficult for the other man to get out of jail time. "I'm lucky you have taken care of ensuring my crimes don't come after me..." he muttered, as they were finally free to walk back towards their vehicles.

T'Challa gently squeezed his brother's arm. "I would do anything in my power to protect you, brother. Even when you do not always make it easy for me."

Erik's grin was rueful. "Was this one of those times?" he asked rhetorically. After Shuri had attempted to stop him to no avail, he was pretty certain T'Challa would have something to say about his just taking off.

"You did not need to brush our sister off when she tried to stop you," T'Challa said. "You did not need to leave home without help or backup. I understand you have been used to handling everything alone, but you do not need to handle things alone now. You are my brother and I will work to protect you and help you. No matter what happens."

Erik nodded, then sighed. "I had planned to end him..." he admitted. "I was too angry to see an alternative, but didn't want you to witness it."

"That is exactly why you should have come to me," T'Challa said. "I would have shown you there was another way. One that did not leave more wounds and scars on your soul."

"Yes... I should have. My anger clouded my judgement..." Erik frowned in shame.

"We will handle this," T'Challa said. "Back at home." He squeezed Erik's arm gently. "Straight there. No stops along the way."

"Yes, Brother." Erik nodded in acknowledgement, before walking to the motorcycle and heading back toward home. He had time to think on the way back. Even though they weren't in NYC proper- were on the outskirts- it was still an hour away from the compound. He'd sped all the way to where the encounter was. He doubted T'Challa would be understanding if he sped back. It would be unnecessarily risky, so he followed the speed limit.

T'Challa got onto his own motorbike and kept pace with his brother as they went towards home. There was no reason to hide his presence now, after all; and he wanted to make sure his brother would be able to see him and know he was cared about, loved, supported.

***

When they'd finally reached the compound, Erik had parked the cycle and then waited for T'Challa at the elevator. "I don't need to ask what is going to happen. Should I go to your room?" he asked quietly.

T'Challa nodded. "That would be the best place to have this conversation," he agreed.

Straightening his shoulders and sighing softly, Erik walked to T'Challa's room, hoping Nakia and Shuri, at the least, were elsewhere in the compound.

T'Challa checked in with the rest of the family heads, letting them know what had occurred, and asked his siblings and Nakia to give him and Erik privacy. Then, he headed to his room, entering without bothering to knock.

Erik was staring at the floor when T'Challa entered, but he looked up to face the older man with a subdued expression.

T'Challa closed the door behind him and then turned towards Erik. "Do I need to know anything else before we deal with this?" he asked directly.

"I don't believe so, brother. You came in time to stop me and call the authorities. Is there anything you want explained?" Erik asked.

"How did you find out about it?" T'Challa asked.

"An old associate contacted me. Asked if I was back in the business and if so, he'd be a much better second than... well... than the one using my reputation to make deals. I got the information from him and immediately went after...." Erik swallowed.

T'Challa nodded slowly. "You brushed Shuri off when she was worried about you. I know you are used to acting alone, to not having any help, but that is no longer true. You have help. You have a family. You have support."

"I know. I didn't leave like I did because I didn't know. I was just so angry and didn't want to expose the family to that," Erik admitted.

"You don't need to expose the family to it," T'Challa said. "You just expose me to it. Because I can handle your anger, brother. I can handle you."

Erik swallowed again and nodded. "Understood. I was wrong. I made a mistake. I am sorry "

"I know." T'Challa reached out to gently grip his brother's arm. "I know you're sorry. I forgive you. I still love you. No matter what happens." He began to lead Erik towards the bed.

Eeik smiled crookedly. "I know, brother. Of all the things I am not certain about, your love is one thing I am certain of." He followed T'Challa.

"Then I hope you will remember that you have my support. No matter what." Reaching the bed, T'Challa sat down and gently guided Erik across his lap, securing his brother with an arm wrapped around his waist before baring him.

"If I forget, I expect that you will remind me as necessary..." Erik said solemnly, reaching down and grasping onto T'Challa's leg.

"Each and every time," T'Challa promised, rubbing his brother's back. He raised his other hand and brought it down in the first firm smack that he then repeated.

Erik shifted as the first stinging swat landed. It was never comfortable, being in this position. It was a comfort, though. It helped him feel his brother's love and concern in a tangible way.

T'Challa settled quickly into a pattern of swats, going down to Erik's thighs before starting over from the top. "You are not the same man you were when we first met. You have changed, brother. For the better. You do not want to return to who you were before."

Erik closed his eyes and swallowed hard at that. "No, brother. I don't wish to become what I once was. Thank you for stopping me...' His voice became rough.

"I will do everything within my power to keep you with me," T'Challa promised. "To keep you going along the right path. And if something goes wrong, it will change nothing of how I feel of you. Even if we have a repeat of this."

"I believe you... I'm counting on it... I... I let my anger cloud my judgement. I'm sorry... I don't want to do anything that would separate us..." Erik swallowed again, tears forming in his eyes.

"I know." T'Challa began a third circuit of swats, going a fraction harder and faster. "We'll stay together," he promised. "Stay as a family. You spent too long alone, but you are not alone any longer."

"I have my family now," Erik's voice caught and he slumped in a mixture of submission and relief. "...Not alone." By this point, he was quietly but vocally crying.

"Never alone." T'Challa delivered a final few smacks to Erik's sit spots and thighs and then stopped. He gently moved his brother onto his lap instead of over it, hugging the other man tightly.

Erik wrapped his own arms around his brother, tightly. His tears slowed, but he didn't let go or pull away. He was more than happy to relax in his brother's arms, soaking up affection.

"I'm glad I have you in my life, my brother," T'Chala murmured, holding Erik close and tight, stroking his hair and back.