Ren let out three sneezes as he shivered underneath the covers of his bed.  After the third sneeze he took a deep, strained inhale to try to clear his running nose.  He groaned as he readjusted himself on his bed.  The extra layers of blanket made it uncomfortable for him.  His entire body felt like it was roasting under the covers, but without them his body would feel cold.  The incident at the lake the other day had left his body with an unwanted sickness it wasn't used to.

“Here…" Tom said as he offered Ren a box of tissues.  Ren slowly crept his left arm from underneath the heavy covers and graciously pulled out a few sheets.  Tom set the tissue box on the night stand next to the bed as Ren blew his nose. 

“Thanks…" Ren said weakly with another sniff as he let the tissue slowly fall to the ground where a small pile of tissues was starting to form.  His head felt heavy as he let it sink back into his pillow.  Ren let out a soft cough.

“No problem" Tom said as he gazed at the clock.  He only had a few minutes before he had to leave.  “Try not to have too much fun while I'm at school" Tom said as he grabbed and slipped on his coat.

“Uh huh…" Ren said as he watched Tom grab his coat from the chair.  “Shame you couldn't get called in sick as well…"

Tom shrugged his shoulders as he slipped his arms through the sleeves.  “Beats being grounded."  Tom zipped up his jacket and grabbed his bag at the foot of his bed.  “Besides, I don't mind going to school alone."

“No…" Ren chuckled.  “You just mind going to school in general."  Ren attempted to laugh softly, but instead released a few coughs.

“You know me so well" Tom laughed as he approached Ren's bed.  “Now get some rest" Tom said as he reached down and ruffled Ren's messy bed fur.  “The sooner you get better the less tempted I'll be to play hooky."

“Tom…" Ren groaned.

“Oh come on, Ren" Tom said as he pulled his hand back.  “I'm only joking."

“I know" Ren said with a sniffle.  “But you're going to miss the bus…" Ren motioned his head to the clock.

“Ah crap…" Tom said as he started walking backwards towards the door.  “See you later, Ren!" Tom said as he turned around and dashed out the door.  Ren remained silent as he heard Tom running down the stairs and out the door before there was only silence.  Ren let out a sigh as he rotated his head until his entire muzzle was lying on the pillow.  His eyes closed as his body tried to sleep off the sickness.

--------------------------------------------------

The atmosphere at school was a bit depressing to Tom as he walked through the halls.  Everyone, including the teachers, were experiencing a sense of holiday hangover after the two week vacation.  It wasn't as bad as it was after summer break, but it was still noticeable.  All the students seemed to walk with less urgency, almost dragging their hind paws against the floor as they tried to delay their return to each class.

When Tom arrived to his second class of the day he was surprised to find himself the only one there.  The only time he'd ever been first to class was when he rushed so he could rest his eyes for a few minutes.  Today wasn't one of those days; class was due to start in two minutes.  Tom began to wonder if perhaps the other students were just loitering in hallways, waiting for the warning bell.  Tom chuckled when he realized how chaotic the one minute derby was going to be today.

Tom took his seat and leaned back in his chair.  As he stared blankly at the ceiling he felt a sudden rush in his head.  Suddenly his vision shifted to the point where he thought he was falling backwards in his chair.  Tom frantically reached forward and grabbed hold of the edge of his desk and pulled himself forward.  He let out a gasp as he rested his head in his hands as his vision realigned itself.  Tom remembered this feeling from the trip a few days ago.  He paused to see if the feeling had passed.  When nothing happened he looked forward and took a few deep breathes.  He didn't know what had happened but hoped this was only temporary.

Tom's attention turned to the clock on the wall when the warning bell echoed.  The noise coming from the hallway suddenly got louder as students were rushing in every direction.  Eventually the class door opened and in came student after student.  Tom smiled when he saw a friendly face enter.  He gave Irena a quick wave as she approached.  She gave Tom a smile in return as she took her seat.

As the rest of their classmates funneled into the room Tom leaned over to Irena and whispered “Can we talk during lunch today?  Just the two of us."

Irena gave Tom a surprised look.  “Uh… sure.  But I thought you said…"  Irena was cut off as the bell rang again.

“I'll explain later" Tom whispered as their teacher entered the room to officially start class.

-------------------------------------------------- 

“So… how was your break?" Tom asked Irena as she sat across from him.

“It was fine" Irena said with a smile as she rested her arms onto the table.  “Wasn't anything exciting."

“Oh?" Tom chimed.  “You didn't do anything with your parents?"

Irena gazed down at the table blankly for a few seconds before she finally answered, “My parents were too busy to really spend any time with me."  Irena gazed away from Tom for a brief moment before shrugging her shoulders slightly.  “I wasn't really expecting much…" she let a soft sigh before turning to face Tom with a smile again.  “What about you?  Did you and your family do anything?" 

“We spent a few days at a hotel in the mountains" Tom said as his attention was caught by some white collars taking a seat at a table beyond Irena.  He focused on Irena again.  “For the most part it was a very good trip."

“I've never been up on a mountain before" Irena said as she began to casually rub her paws together.  “I was always accustomed to the plains before moving here.  I would imagine there was a lot of snow though."

Tom chuckled.  “Everything was covered with it."

“I can imagine what that's like" Irena said as she let out a sigh of nostalgia.  “Last year it snowed so hard where I lived that schools were closed for three days."

“Your school was closed for three days… because of snow!?" Tom was dumbfounded by the idea.

Irena flinched back slightly from Tom's reaction.  “Yeah… when there's too much of it.  Too much snow and ice can be dangerous."

“You're telling me…" Tom said with a groan.

“Huh?" Irena asked with confusion.

“Ah… nothing" Tom said as he briefly gazed back at the white collars.  He could see a few of them were staring in his direction.  “You think if had brought back some snow from the mountains and just placed on the street everyone would start freaking out?"

Irena let out a laugh as she watched Tom smirk.  “They might even close the school for an entire week for it."

“I'll remember it for next year then…"  Tom said as he again gazed at the white collars.  He could see them smirking in a way he was all too familiar with.

“So… um…" Irena said nervously as she gazed around the cafeteria.  “Is your brother around?"

“Nah." Tom sighed.  “He fell into a lake during the trip."

“Oh my goodness!" Irena said with a gasp, her ears standing upright in shock.  “Is he okay?"

“Ren's fine" Tom said.  “He'll need a few days rest, but I'm sure he'll get better in no time."  Tom watched as Irena's posture relaxed.  He couldn't help but smile from the fact she was concerned for Ren.  “So what did you do during break while your parents were busy?"

“Like I said, it was nothing exciting" Irena sighed.

“I'd still like to hear about it" Tom smiled. 

Irena's ears straightened in surprise.  “Well… my aunt and uncle were visiting… so I mostly just spent time with them during the break."

“Well that's not boring" Tom chuckled.  “It must be fun to meet members of your family you don't see very often."

Irena let out a sigh.   “Yeah…  Do you have any aunts or uncles?"

Tom rubbed the back of his head.  “I think I have some on my father's side, but I've never met them before.  Actually the only other family member I've met is my grandmother on my mom's side.  I have a feeling she doesn't really like me though."  Tom chuckled.

“What makes you think that?" Irena asked, her voice filled with curiosity and concern.

“Well... she's a white collar…" Tom's attention focused in on a white collar who was now approaching from behind Irena.  “Let's just say I'm familiar with the look white collars give me…"  Tom made eye contact with the white collar, who smirked in response.  “Pretty sure all of them hate my guts."

Irena sighed.  “Look, Tom... I'm sorry you've had bad experiences with white collars; I've had bad experiences with them too, but I can't bring myself to speak ill of them."

“Why not?" Tom asked. 

“Well…" Irena started twiddling her digits together.  She closed her eyes and thought for a second.  “You love your sister, despite her being a white collar, right?"

“Yeah…"  Tom's ears may have been focused on what Irena was saying, but his eyes were focused on the white collar standing right behind her.  He glared at the Hund with short reddish-brown fur, who returned the glare.  He looked down at Irena who was continuing to talk. 

“Stop talking…" the white collar said.

“Well I have family who are white collars as well…"  Tom watched with surprise as Irena continued to speak.  The white collar glared at her with confusion.  “So I just can't bring myself to hate-"

“Shut your damned muzzle!" the white collar said with more force.

Irena's eyes shot open with fear, her mouth clenching shut.  Her body seemed to be trembling as she blankly stared forward. 

The white collar smiled.  “I hope I'm not interrupting your little date."

“Well, we were having a nice time before your ugly mug decided to butt in" Tom said as he crossed his arms.  “Is it that time of month already where all of you white collars become even bitchier?"  He only received a huff from the white collar.

“The disease thinks it's clever…" he gazed down at Irena.  “Why don't you tell him that he's pathetic…"

Tom rolled his eyes.  “Irena, you don't need to-"

“You're pathetic, Tom…" Irena said plainly.

“Good…" the white collar's smile was wide enough to show his teeth.  “Now tell him how much better the world would be if he was dead."

“Irena" Tom said with urgency.  “Don't listen to him…"

“This world would be so much better if you were dead..."

Tom's eyes widened.  A shiver went down his spine.  He was aware she was only saying what she was told to say, but it still hurt to hear her say it.  Tom clenched his fists.  Why weren't his words having any effect?

The white collar started laughing when he noticed the frustration growing inside of Tom.  “Aw… I think you hurt his feelings…  Why don't you leave and just avoid this pest altogether…" he said as he placed his paw on Irena's shoulder.  Tom watched as Irena's gaze moved uneasily to the paw on her left shoulder.  Her eyes narrowed slightly, glaring at the touch.  A second later she stood up and walked away nonchalantly. 

Tom just stared with confusion as Irena walked off.  His mind didn't even register what the white collar was saying now.  A twinge of fear filled his mind.  Did he somehow lose his ability to cancel out their orders?  If that was the case, what was he going to do when Ren returned to school?

--------------------------------------------------

As Sera opened the front door she let out a small sigh of relief.  Outside from a rough day at work she was thankful that Luna's class was in the middle of practicing for a play.  For Sera, it meant an hour and half for her to unwind before Todd picked Luna up.

Sera's ears perked when she heard something shifting around in the living room.  She peeked in.  Her eyes were drawn to the couch where she could see someone's sock-covered feet hanging off the edge.  Sera smiled as she slowly approached the back of the couch.  She rested her arms on top and looked down to see Tom lying on his back, eyes closed.  She wasn't sure if Tom was asleep or not.  “Tom?" Sera said softy.

Tom's eyes flew open in surprise.  He found himself staring up at his mother who gave him an amused smile.  Tom rubbed the corner of his eye.  He wasn't sure if he had fallen asleep or if he had just been deep in thought.  Either way, only the recollection of what happened at school earlier had occupied his mind.  Tom let out a soft groan as he slowly got up from the couch and stretched towards the ceiling.

“Rough day at school?" Sera asked.

“Yeah…" Tom said as he lowered his arms to his side.

“Want to talk about it?" Sera asked.

“Nah…" Tom sighed.

Sera frowned as she watched Tom stare off into space.  Normally Tom would be very vocal about something that was bothering him.  “Alright…" Sera said, hiding her disappointment.  She didn't want to pry, but she also didn't want Tom to remain upset.  “Well… I was just thinking…" Sera smiled as a thought came to mind.  “I've got some spare time so I'm going to bake some cookies.  Want to help?"  Sera didn't give Tom the chance to answer as she wrapped her arm around Tom's back and led him to the kitchen.  She managed to sneak in a quick hug along the way.

Minutes later Tom was scooping a large dollop of peanut butter into a mixing bowl as his mother added sugar to a separate bowl.  Sera's favorite cookies to make for the family were cinnamon-sugar or butterscotch cookies.  Today she was making the former.  She gazed with curiosity at Tom as he started mixing the ingredients.  “I had no idea you liked peanut butter cookies."

Tom smiled as he grabbed a nearby bag of chocolate chips and poured a generous amount into the mixture.  “Just trying something new…"

“I see…" Sera said as she started stirring her own ingredients.  “What gave you the idea?"

“From school" Tom said as he realized it was getting harder to stir the thick dough.  “The day before the break the cafeteria had made a variety of cookies.  Ren and I got this and sugar cookies."

Sera chuckled.  “I'm guessing you enjoyed the cookie then?"

“Yeah… but yours are still the best" Tom said as he reached in and pulled apart some of the dough."

“Aww…" Sera said with a huge smile as leaned over and gave Tom a quick kiss on his cheek as he started placing small clumps of dough onto the cookie sheet.  Sera was not far behind as she started balling up the sugar dough onto a separate cookie sheet.  After a dozen dough balls were placed on either tray Sera open the oven door and placed the cookie sheets next to each other.  Sera let out a small triumphant sigh as she closed the oven door and set the timer to twelve minutes. 

Tom ran his hands briefly under some warm water to clear away the excess dough and grease as his mother placed the cookies in the oven. 

“So…" Sera said as walked up besides Tom and cleaned her own paws.

“How was work today?" Tom interjected as he dried his hands.

Sera laughed as she dried off.  “Oh I've had better days."

“Want to talk about it?" Tom asked.

Sera folded her arms and smirked as she peered down at Tom.  Tom shrugged his shoulders in response, feigning naivety.  He knew his mother would want to bring the subject of what happened at school.

Sera chuckled as she witnessed Tom trying to avoid the subject.  He must really not wanted to talk about his day.  Sera closed her eyes, relenting, and decided to drop the subject.  “Well… it was a little chaotic today.  There's been ongoing talks in the council about convincing a red collar into moving to our city."

“A red collar?" Tom asked.  He'd never seen one before, but heard of them.  “Why would you want one to move to Luzuna?" 

“Economic benefits" Sera said plainly.  The federal government pays a stipend to any city or town that houses a red collar."

“So it's just for the money?" Tom asked, surprised.  “You think it'll be worth it?"

Sera smiled.  “We'll be able to use the money to improve our infrastructure, our school system, our clinics and hospitals…" Sera gazed at Tom.  “Among others.  So yes, I believe it would be worth it."

“Alright…" Tom said with a shrug.  “I don't understand why red collars get so much special treatment anyways."

“Because they are so rare…" Sera said matter-of-factly.

“So are black collars" Tom retorted.  “I don't see any special treatment for Ren."

Sera laughed weakly.  “Well… who do you think Hunds fear more?  You've seen what white collars are capable of doing when they're upset, dissatisfied or even just bored.  Imagine what a red collar would do in same circumstance."

“Oh sheesh…" Tom groaned.  “Now I'm getting a headache just thinking about it."

“Exactly…" Sera smiled weakly.  Her ears perked up when the timer on the oven beeped and the minute counter turned to seconds.  She took a quick sniff.  The aroma of cinnamon and peanut butter filled the room.  “First batch's almost done…" Sera stood up and straightened herself.  Could you grab the cooling racks from the cupboard for me please?"  Tom nodded.

A minute or two after the cookies were taken out of the oven Sera placed the last cookie on the cooling rack.  On one side was a batch of whitish-yellow cookies with a shiny brown glaze sprinkled over it while the other side was a batch of golden brown with melted chocolate poking out at parts.  “Just have to let the baking sheets cool a bit, wipe them off then we can start the next batch."  Sera said as she bent over and took a close sniff.  “They sure do smell good, huh?"

“Yeah" Tom said as he grabbed a napkin.  He waited for his mother to walk away before he quickly stepped up and grabbed two of the chocolate peanut butter cookies and placed them on the napkin.  “Be back in a moment" Tom said as he clutched them close to his chest as he rushed out of the kitchen.

Sera couldn't help but let out a soft giggle as she peered over her shoulder.  “Guess he couldn't wait to try them..."

Tom slowly opened his door.  He could see Ren lying on his side underneath all the covers.  “Ren?" Tom said softly as he approached the nightstand; careful to avoid the mountain of tissues that had grown since that morning.

Ren groaned as he shifted around.  He sniffled as his groggy eyes opened slowly.  It took a moment before they focused on Tom.  “Hey…" Ren smiled.  “How was school?"

Tom chuckled.  “Same old, same old."

“That's good…" Ren said weakly as he took another deep inhale through his nose.  His ears flickered slightly as he smelt something new.  “What's that smell?"

“Mom and I are baking cookies…" Tom said as he set the napkin with the cookies on the nightstand near Ren.  “I remembered how much you enjoyed these so I made some for you."

“Oh…" Ren said as he rolled his head to its side to get a better look at them.  “Thanks…"

“No problem…" Tom said as he looked back to the door briefly.  “I figured mom won't let you have any while you're sick so…" Tom shrugged his shoulders.  “Hey, they're there if you want them."    Tom watched as Ren just stared at the cookies weakly, letting out another one of his sniffles.  “Well I'm going to head back downstairs to make another batch" Tom said as he walked back to the door.  “Don't want mom getting suspicious" Tom chuckled as he slowly shut the door behind him. 

Ren reached out to grab the edge of one of the cookies and pulled back.  Ren let out a slight whine when he only managed to tear off a piece due to the cookie still being warm and unsettled.  Ren brought the piece of cookie to his muzzle and dropped it in.  In his current state all of his senses were weak, including his sense of taste.  However, when the cookie made contact with his tongue he could taste the sweetness.  Ren smiled weakly as he chewed.

After three more batches had gone in and out of the oven Tom and Sera started cleaning up.  “How long do you think all these will last us?" Tom asked as he filled the mixing bowls with soap and hot water.

“Well we made nearly a hundred cookies..." Sera mused.  “Given how much this family loves sweets… I'd say it'd be a miracle if any survive until the weekend."  Tom chuckled in response as he continued rinsing the dishes.  He suddenly felt his body tense up as he felt two arms wrap around his chest from behind.  He felt something weighing down on his head.  Tom glanced upwards and saw the tip of his mother's muzzle.

“Mom?"

Sera let out a sigh.  “Don't mind me…" She tightened her embrace around Tom before slowly easing away.  “It's just nice being able to something like this together."

“It was fun…" Tom smiled.

“Let me take care of the rest" Sera said as she approached the sink.

“You sure?" Tom asked.  “I can finish."

“No" Sera said with a smile.  “You just go relax."

“Alright" Tom said as he dried off his hands.  “Thanks mom."  As Tom started leaving the kitchen he quickly grabbed one of his mother's cinnamon cookies from the rack and quickly placed it in his mouth.

“Three is your limit until after dinner" Sera said as she continued to keep her focus on the sink.  “And don't think I don't know about the two you snuck out earlier…" Sera said playfully.

Tom just stood there, surprised.  He just couldn't seem to get anything past his mother.  A smirk soon formed across his face, however, when he realized his mother believed the first two cookies were for him.

Tom slowly nibbled on the cookie as he walked up to his room.  He couldn't help but smile from how good his mother's cookies were.  He had finished half the cookie by the time he entered his room.  At first glance he could see Ren had fallen back asleep.  He decided to tread quietly through his room.  He made his way to his bed and slowly lay down.  Normally he'd just listen to sound of the waves crashing in the distance as a breeze circulated in the room.  However, the window had to be kept shut for now.

As Tom finished up the rest of his cookie he gazed over at the nightstand and noticed the cookies on the napkin had been replaced with a few scattered crumbs.  Tom chuckled.  “Glad you liked them…" Tom said as he decided to take a little nap himself. 

No more than twenty minutes passed before a familiar voice echoed throughout the house.  Tom let out a small yawn as he heard a familiar pitter-patter rushing up the stairs.  “Tommy!" Luna said with excitement as she entered the room.

Tom quickly raised his index finger to his lips “Shh…"  He motioned to their sleeping brother.  Luna quickly covered her muzzle, giggling slightly.  The deed had been done, however, as Ren started tossing and turning with a groan before slowly sitting himself up in bed.  He rubbed his left eyes as he slowly rotated his neck.  A few audible pops could be heard by Tom and Luna.

“Eww…" Luna said with a shiver.  “Stop doing that Renny!"

Ren's eyes widened, his arm dropping to his side as he kept his neck completely still.  “Don't listen to her, Ren…" Tom sighed.  “Do whatever you need to get comfortable."

“Thank you…" Ren said weakly as he rotated his neck one more time before he lay back down on his back.

Tom just stared silently for a moment before he let out a huge smile.  He snapped Ren out of the order.  He hadn't lost it.  “Come on, Luna…" Tom said as he jumped out of bed and quickly picked his sister up, eliciting an excited giggle from her.  “How about a cookie?"

“Yeah!" Luna shouted.

--------------------------------------------------

The next day the students walked with more pace than they had the prior day.  This was clear to Tom when he realized many of his second period classmates had already taken their seats; Irena included.  “Hey…" Tom said as he took his seat.  He glanced over at Irena.  She averted her gaze from his.  “Is this about yesterday?" Tom asked, concerned.  He noticed Irena's shoulders slump in response.  Tom chuckled.  “Don't worry about it; it wasn't your fault."

Irena let out a soft groan, her eyes still avoiding Tom's.  “But…"

“Forget about it" Tom smiled.  “It's not the first time I've heard those things."

“Really…?" Irena said as she glanced over at Tom briefly.

“Oh yeah" Tom nodded.  “But enough about that.  Are you free after school?"

This caught Irena's attention as her ears went straight up, her eyes focused on Tom.  “What?  Why?"

“Well…" Tom rubbed the back of his head, almost embarrassingly.  “I'm having a bit of trouble with some school work.  Normally I'd ask Ren to help me, but since he's sick…"

“But why me?" Irena asked.

“Well… besides the fact that you're intelligent, you are the only other Hund who doesn't mind being around me."

“Oh…" Irena said as she stared down at her desk.  “Alright… wait for me outside the northwest exit.

“Sure" Tom smiled.  He watched as a slight smile formed at the corners of Irena's muzzle.

About six hours later Tom stood waiting outside the exit that he and Irena had agreed on.  He looked around and noticed that not many students used this exit; it was mainly used for those who were heading to the track and field.   

As the minutes passed Tom was starting to wonder if Irena had changed her mind.  He knew it was far too late to try to catch his bus back home now.  He'd have to wait an hour or so before his mother would be able to pick him up.  Not having many options Tom decided to continue waiting.

 Another three minutes passed before the doors opened and out walked Irena carrying her bag.  “I didn't keep you waiting long, did I?"  She asked, concerned.

“Nah" Tom said with a slight shake of his head.  “I didn't even notice" he chuckled.

“That's good" Irena smiled.  “So…

“So…" Tom, repeated playfully.  “How about we head to your house?"

“What!?" Irena said with shock.

“Yeah.  I remember you saying you walk home from school, right?  It should be close by then, huh?"

“Well… yes, but…" Irena let out a whimper.  “I don't know…"

“What's wrong?" Tom asked.

“I don't know if… if my parents would be alright with you coming over since you're…"

“A human?" Tom asked with a sigh.

“A boy" Irena corrected. 

Tom gave Irena a dumbfounded look before he started laughing.  “Seriously?"  He only received a slight nod from Irena in response.  “Well…" Tom did his best to contain his laughter.  “I'm sure they won't mind since I'm not a Hund boy."  Tom closed his eyes.  “At least not a collared one anyways."  Tom started laughing again. 

Irena couldn't help but shake her head amusedly as Tom continued to do a back-and-forth with himself.

“Are they home right now?" Tom asked, now calm and composed.  Irena shook her head.  “Will either of them be back in an hour or so?"  Irena shook her head again.  “Alright" Tom smiled.  “How about this- We head to your house and in an hour I'll have my mom pick me up.  Your parents will never know.  Sound good?"

Irena let out a deep sigh, resigning herself.  “Okay" she nodded.  “Just this once, alright."  Irena walked past Tom.

“Sure" Tom said as he gave her a gratuitous smile as she passed him.  He was soon following behind her. 

After a twenty minute walk Tom found himself entering another house for the first time.  He could tell right away that the house was much larger than his own.  “Wow…" Tom said as he dropped his bag to the ground and absent-mindedly began to look around.  “Your parents must be rich…" Tom mused as he found himself walking into the living room.

“They're both doctors" Irena said as she followed closely Tom.  “So yeah… they do make quite a lot."

Tom gawked at the fancy furniture, the huge television with various electronic devices connected to it, and what appeared to be a fireplace made of marble.  He noticed a few picture frames on the mantle and approached.  There were four photos.  The first was of a pair of blue collar Hunds.  The female with light brown fur was leaning back into the chest of a brown and gold furred Hund who had his arms wrapped around her abdomen.  Both of them had soft smiles on their faces.

The second was a picture of Irena.  It appeared to be a fairly recent picture.  She was sitting at the edge of a small stone fountain, her smile beaming.  There seemed to be many Hunds in the background and what appeared to be concession stands and game booths.   Perhaps it was some type of amusement park or fair?  Tom chuckled, thinking it must have been fun to get Irena to smile like that.

The third was a picture of four Hunds.  He recognized two of them from the first photo while the other two were a pair of white collars.  All four seemed to be close.  “Who are they?" Tom asked Irena as he pointed at the photo. 

Irena stood beside Tom and gazed at the photo.  “My parents, my aunt and my uncle."

Tom took a closer look at the four.  He noticed that both of the Hund men shared the same fur coloring, along with Irena.  “I'm guessing your father and uncle are brothers?"

“Yep" Irena said plainly.

“That's odd…" Tom said as he started to remember some stories he'd heard in the past.  “I was under the impression that Hunds tend to give up children who aren't the same collar color as them…"

“Well…" Irena said as she pointed to the fourth picture.  “Grandma was a white collar, grandpa was a blue."  Irena chuckled.  “Lucky, huh?"

“I'll say…" Tom said as he gazed at the elderly pair, both of their fur showed signs of greying.  He was surprised to actually see Hunds of two different colors, especially blue and white, as couples.  Tom backed away from the mantle.

“So… how about we go over what you've been having trouble with?"  Irena suggested as she turned around to face Tom.

Tom let out a sigh as he looked down at the floor.  “About that…" Tom chuckled.  “I don't actually need any help." 

“What…?" Irena said with disbelief as her ears flattened against her head.

“I actually want to discuss what happened yesterday…"

“But…" Irena's body started to shake slightly.  “I thought you said it wasn't a big deal…"

“I know…" Tom said, he felt a twinge of guilt.  “But I haven't been able to stop thinking about it."

“Tom I swear I didn't mean anything I said yesterday!" Irena said with a gulp.

“I know, I know!" Tom said as he gently grabbed ahold of Irena's arm.  “Let's take a seat."  Tom gently led her to the large sofa.

“Why here, Tom!?" Irena asked as she slowly took a seat.  “Why couldn't we have talked about this at school?"

Tom took a seat next to her.  “Because I wanted you to be someplace you're comfortable; away from other Hunds."

“What?  Why?"

Tom took a deep breath.  “Irena…" he stared straight into her eyes.  “I know you were faking it yesterday."

Irena's ears jumped up, her body straightened and almost appeared as though she was holding her breath.  “W-what are you t-talking about?" Irena stuttered.

“I know his words weren't having an effect on you.  If they did, I should have been able to block them out for you.  I've done it so many times for other Hunds, especially my brother.  You were putting on an act to convince him that his words were having an effect…"  Tom watched as Irena's body started convulsing, her breathing became irregular.  “Irena… tell me the truth… please."

“No…" Irena said shaking her head.  “No." she said louder as she shifted herself away from Tom.  “No!" Irena screamed, her voice cracking as she held her head between her paws as she stood up.  “I can't go through this again!" Irena wailed as tears started rolling down her face.

“Irena!" Tom shouted as he stood up, trying to get through her screaming.  “There's nothing to worry about!"

“Yes there is!" Irena shouted as she glared at him.  “You're going to go tell someone about this and they'll tell someone, and they'll tell someone…" Irena's knees gave way as she repeated the same thing over and over again.  “And soon I'll be ostracized by everyone and be forced to transfer to another school just like last time!"  Irena let out another wail as she remained on her knees, staring blankly at the ceiling as she continued to cry.  “Why me…?" she said with a cracked voice as she closed her eyes, letting out a high-pitched whine.

Irena's eyes shot open when she suddenly felt her arms constricted to the sides of her body.  She looked down and realized Tom was on his knees as well, his arms wrapped around.  “Let me go!" Irena shouted as she struggled to escape.

“I won't…" Tom's words barely registered to Irena over her own objections.

“Please…" Irena pleaded as she tilted her head forward and just resigned herself to crying silently.

“I said I won't tell anyone…" Tom repeated as he slightly loosened his grip around Irena.

“Yes you will…" Irena laughed pathetically.  “You'll tell your brother and-"

“I won't even tell Ren…" Tom said as he loosed his grip further.  “Promise."  Tom slowly backed away from Irena, giving her some space.  He watched as her tears slowed, her body stopped shaking, and her breathing became steady.  “There's nothing to worry about" Tom said with a comforting smile.

Irena started to chuckle as she started wiping her eyes.  “You can be a real jerk sometimes, you know that?" Irena tried her best to smile as her mind tried to calm down.

“Yeah… I get that from Ren a lot…" Tom chuckled. 

Irena let out a small laugh before taking a few deep breaths.  After four or so she stared at Tom, her expression still filled with some fear.  “I don't know if I trust you now…"

“Irena…" Tom said weakly, his shoulders slumping in disappointment.

Irena closed her eyes, and took another breath.  “Have you ever heard of a Verund?"

“Nope" Tom answered plainly. 

“Well… a Verund is a Hund, generally a blue or a white collar, who is either mute or, in my case, deaf to other Hunds."

“So… commands don't have any effect on you?" Tom asked.

“None that I've encountered…" Irena responded, looking down at the ground.

“That's it?" Tom asked, dumbfounded.  Irena's ears shot up in surprise.  “What's the big deal about that?  That sounds amazing!  You could stand up to any white collar!"

“Tom…" Irena let out a sigh.  “It might not seem like a big deal to you, but Hunds are very strict about what a Hund should and should not be able to do.  You give them even a small hint of being outside the norm and they will pounce on it.  They will harass you non-stop, trying to break you."

“Yeah… I know how that feels" Tom said as he let out a slow sigh.  “It easier when you have someone to support you."  Tom huffed as he got his feet.

“Wish I had someone like that at my old school" Irena said with a weak chuckle.  Would have made things so much easier…"

“How about having one now?" Tom asked as he offered Irena his hand.  Irena's gaze shifted from Tom's face, to his outstretched hand, then back to his face.  “I mean… if you don't mind it's me." Tom chuckled.

Irena only smiled as she grabbed hold of Tom's hand and was pulled up to her feet.  “Thank you…" Irena said softly as she wiped away something in her eye.

“No problem" Tom responded as he shifted his arms to his side.  “I'm actually curious about something now."

“What's that?"

“Is it possible to teach Hunds how to become… a Verund?"

Irena slowly shook her head.  “It's something that happens naturally, Tom; you can't teach it."

“Ah, dammit." Tom groaned.  “It was worth a shot."

“What was?"

“Well…" Tom started to rub the back of his head.  “I'm trying to figure out a way to help Ren not be taken advantage of by white collars.  It'd be great if there was some way to make him 'deaf' to it, as you said."

“The only ways I've heard of a Hund being a Verund is that they're either born with it, or it's induced by trauma."

“Trauma?" Tom repeated.  “Ah… now I remember.  My mother has this ability where she can ignore the commands of white collars, to a certain extent."  Tom chuckled.  “It's quite hilarious when she uses it with my grandmother."

Irena's ear perked.  “Sounds like your mother has a lot of will power."

“Oh yeah" Tom smiled.  “I asked her if she'd be able to teach Ren how to do what she does, but she said it developed it habitually after something happened while she was in high school."

“What was it?"

Tom shrugged his shoulders.  “She never told me.  She just said it forever changed her opinion on white collars."  Tom shrugged his shoulders again.  “Anyways... you wouldn't happen to know of any other way to induce this deafness, would you?"

“No" Irena shook her head.  “I mean… I could ask my parents… see if they know of anything else."

“That'd be great…"  Tom closed his eyes.  “But now I'm doubting there's any kind of convenient method…"  Tom chuckled.  “I'd probably have more luck coming up with a method of my own…"  Tom opened his eyes and looked up.  “Why not?"

“Tom…" Irena let out a whine.  “You're talking about altering the very biology of a Hund."

“Am I?" Tom asked.  “Hmm… then I guess I'm going to need to get familiar with Hund biology…"  Tom smiled as he stared at Irena.  “Think you can help me with that?"

“What!?"

“Your parents are doctors, right?  So I'm guessing they must have quite a few medical books."  Tom chuckled.  “Not to mention I bet you're already quite knowledgeable in the subject. 

“I have learned a few things from them…" Irena said as she scratched the tip of her right ear.

“What do you say then?  Want to help me out?"  Tom waited for a response, but got none.  “If you don't want to then I'm not going to force you."

“No…" Irena smiled.  “I'll do it, but under two conditions."

“Name it."

“It has to be just the two of us; no other Hunds."

“Not even Ren?"  Irena shook her head.  “Irena, I'm sure my brother wouldn't…"

“You promised you wouldn't tell him, right?"

“Yes, but…" Tom sighed.  “I'm sure if you give him the chance he'll support you too and-"

“Tom please…" Irena took a deep breath.  “Just give me some time…" Irena exhaled.  “I'm still paranoid over what happened the last time a black collar discovered my secret."

Tom was silent for a few seconds before nodding his head.  “Alright.  Take as much time as you need.  I'm confident you'll come around eventually."

“Thank you" Irena said as she gave Tom a quick hug.  As she backed away she opened her right paw and slapped Tom's left cheek with her paw pad. 

“Ow!" Tom shouted in surprise as he quickly covered the reddening skin.  “What was that for?" Tom could feel the scars on his face start to itch as a burning sensation started to spread across the area.

“My second condition" Irena said with a smirk.  “Don't you ever stress me out like that again!"  As Irena watched Tom continue to clutch his face her smirk faded and was replaced with a look of concern.  “Does it hurt that much?"  Irena's ears went limp.  “I… I didn't mean to hit you that hard…"  She approached Tom carefully, a small whine echoing from her throat.

Tom shook his head.  “It just brought back a few memories…" Tom said as he lifted his hand away.  Irena gazed at the four scars that had become more obvious due to the reddened skin. 

“Want me to grab something for it?"

“It's fine" Tom said as he lightly scratched the scars.  “Maybe I did deserve that…"  Tom chuckled with a smile.  “We even now?"  He watched Irena just stare at him, at a loss for words.  “Or do you think I deserve another?" Tom smirked

Irena's ears straightened.  “Oh no, no!" Irena shook her head furiously.  “No more."   

“Well that's a relief" Tom laughed as he started to walk out of the living and back towards the entryway of the house.  “So is everything good between us now?" Tom said over his shoulder, watching Irena following behind.

“Yes…" Irena said as she once again gazed at her handiwork on Tom's cheek.  “I'm sorry for taking it too far, though…"

“Don't worry about it, Irena" Tom said as he knelt down by his backpack.  “If I ever put you through something stressful again, feel free to hit me as hard as you want."  Irena remained silent, letting out a soft sigh.  “In the meantime, though…"  Tom pulled out a plastic container from his bag.  “Want to have some homemade cookies?"

Irena gazed at the container which had half a dozen cookies stacked inside.  A smile began to form on her muzzle.  “Did you have all of this planned out?"

“Of course not…" Tom smirked.  “I actually wanted to eat them all…" Tom shrugged his shoulders.  “It's just such a shame I had craving while at your house.  Now I'll feel bad if don't share with my host."  Tom opened the container and offered it to Irena.  He gave her an expectant smile.      

Irena grabbed a cinnamon sugar cookie.  She took a small bite.  Her tail started to wag slightly.

“Good, right?" Tom said as he grabbed one for himself. 

Irena nodded her head.  “You know, Tom…" Irena paused as she took another bite.  “You're free to come over again… if you want."

“You just want more cookies, don't you?" Tom asked with a smirk.

“Was it that obvious?" Irena said, rolling her eyes and eliciting laughter from both of them.

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Sorry for the long delay

This chapter was more difficult to write out than I had planned

It's also one I had a lot of fun writing

Please, feel free to comment and/or critique