Review(s):

Funkita - Oh yes! I love how she's so nervous of him, like Medusa in this story specifically, will mouth off or act up to anyone but the moment she's in front of Barkley Wolf she's intimidated. xD I mean I would probably be too with a fiercely protective werewolf in front of me!

Onward roll!


Clawd jumped as his cellular phone started vibrating in the pocket of his dark denim jeans. Who'd be calling him after first period just started? He pulled it out, 'Pops' was the name across the screen. He slid it over right away. "Dad?"

"Clawd?"

The younger wolf concentrated hard to hear him, he could hear his father but barely. He discreetly got up and slid out of the classroom and walked down the hall a bit. "Dad… what's up?"

"Where are you?"

"I'm at school… what's going on?" Clawd shifted his eyes to the row of lockers.

"Clawd I… uh, I'm at work but I feel like total shit. Is there any way you can come get me?"

Clawd blinked. What? His father was asking him to come get him? From work? "Of course I can, sure."

"Good, I'm not okay to drive right now."

The younger wolf was very worried. "I'll be there in like, 20 minutes okay?"

"That's fine, thanks bud."

"No problem… I love you dad."

"I love you too, Clawd." The call was ended before they could even say goodbye.

He hurried back into the classroom and gathered his things. It earned him a couple stares from his fellow classmates but he didn't care in the slightest. He grabbed his books and rushed out of the classroom. His locker was just down the hall, he had enough time to ditch them and grab his varsity jacket, his keys were tucked in the pocket. He had no time to lose.

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Clawd opened the passenger side door for his father, whom got in and had to catch his breath it seemed. "Thanks, I didn't mean to pull you away from school."

The younger wolf really didn't care. "No, it's cool." He noticed that his father looked quite pale, he kept swallowing every few seconds and after fastening his seatbelt he held his head up with his hand… not daring to let go. "What's wrong, dad? Do we have to go to the emergency?"

Barkley shook his head and regretted it instantly, he felt dizzy since he'd woken up earlier but the quick movement made it way worse for him. He wasn't even sure how he made it to work safely in all honesty. "N-no, just home. I'll feel much better once we get home. Please?"

Clawd nodded and moved the gearshift, gently leaving the parking lot. He concentrated on taking only the smoothest roads possible home. Whenever he was stopped by an intersection he took a moment to glance at his father and check on him. He did not look well.

"Pull over." Barkley asked him suddenly.

Clawd signaled and did exactly what he was told. As soon as the car stopped, the passenger door swung open and Barkley heaved up everything he ate for breakfast onto the side of the road.

He put the 4-ways on, notifying other drivers that he'd probably be sat here for awhile. Clawd then unfastened his seatbelt and rubbed his dad's back. It wasn't very often that Clawd was able to return the many favors his parents did for not just him, but all of his siblings too. "You'll be okay dad, this is just some stomach bug. You'll be back to yourself in no time."

'Oh buddy, I don't know about that…' Barkley heaved again. After a few minutes he finally stopped. He pulled the car door shut and he rested his head against the seat. Beads of sweat were pouring off him as he had his eyes shut tightly. "I… think I'm okay."

Clawd gave Barkley's shoulder a light squeeze and he changed his signal yet again to notify the on-coming cars that he'd like to get back into the lane. "We're almost home, pops."

He gave a single nod. The less movement he made, the better off he seemed to be. "My head's pounding…" he trailed off lightly.

Clawd bit down on his lip. He was on the fence as to whether he should call his mother or not. She was at work too. They tried to work roughly the same hours so they could both be home together. He supposed getting Barkley home and in the door would be a good idea first.

After he smoothly backed into the driveway, he cursed when he saw his father dozing off to sleep. He looked comfortable. "Hey, dad."

The older wolf opened his eyes and realized they arrived home. He opened the passenger door and unfastened his seatbelt. It took a lot to muster up the strength to pull himself out of the car.

Barkley went to head straight for the sectional sofa when Clawd stopped him. He whined slightly. "What?"

"Pops, maybe you should head upstairs to bed?" He was surprised when his father disagreed.

"Clawd, I won't make it that far… trust me." He felt unsteady enough that he knew not to challenge the unmerciful staircase. Barkley shakily sat down and took a moment to stay there. He kicked off his shoes which Clawd picked up right away and put them in the front closet where all the other shoes were kept.

"I'll be right back, okay?" Clawd took off upstairs quickly and made a direct beeline to his parent's bedroom where he grabbed his father's pillow, his mother's pillow and their blanket. If Barkley wasn't going to head upstairs any time soon, he'd make him as comfortable as possible downstairs.

He also managed to grab a shirt and a pair of pajama pants for his father too, he'd rather him not fall asleep still dressed in his outerwear if he could help it.

Clawd managed to balance all of these things on his way down the stairs and back into the living room. He saw his father attempting to swallow again. "Dad? What do you need?"

Barkley lightly shook his head this time, the affect wasn't so bad right now. "Water, maybe? I feel kinda dry."

"Sure… please try and change, it'll be way more comfortable guaranteed." Clawd set the blanket and both pillows down on the sofa as he headed off to the kitchen. He grabbed a tall glass and set it under the ice-dispensing option on the door of the refrigerator. He shifted it over and held the water-dispensing button. He brought the cold water out and set it on a coaster upon the coffee table.

He was glad to see that his father and the change of clothes were missing, but he frowned hearing the sound of more vomit. 'Oh no…' he thought sadly.

Once the toilet flushed, Barkley emerged from the bathroom donned in his pajamas. The short walk from bathroom back to sectional seemed to require a lot of effort. The older wolf reached for the glass of water and nearly drank half right away. He set it down and took a few breaths. He hadn't felt this sick in… well, he truthfully couldn't remember the last time. He wasn't counting the hospital visit a couple days ago.

He was very thankful that Clawd set one pillow behind him and the other on the arm of the sectional. A nap would probably do him some good. He slowly stretched out and curled up on the pillows. He pulled the blanket up over himself, though Clawd fixed it a bit better than he had it. "I'll be here if you need me dad, I'm not going anywhere…"

"You should probably go back to school…" Barkley would argue it further if he wasn't so damn tired. "I'll be alright-"

Clawd shook his head. "No way, I'm not leaving you alone like this. Get some rest, I'll be right over there." He pointed to the other end of the sectional.

Barkley gave a nod and let his eyes close… boy did that feel good to do.

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"Well I hate to say I told you so Barks, but… I told ya so. We figured back in the day you'd end up with high blood pressure. I know you're really not impressed with the medication that doc started you on but seriously… as much as I love you and you're my bestest bud… I don't want you joining me here on the other side, man. Not yet. I'd give anything to be with you guys and my kid again. I'm the reason Medusa turned so cold… and why my boy's messed up. I'm so thankful that you're there for him to lean on. Trust me, this ain't what it's cracked up to be… I miss you. Please take care of yourself… Give my love to Scar and the pups. Later."

Barkley woke up suddenly. The jolt triggered the same pounding sensation in his head that he fell asleep with. "Fuck." He cursed to himself, settling back down into the pillow beneath him.

"Hey, how are you feeling?" Clawd asked him as he sat down with a delicious looking sandwich and a glass of orange juice. It was approximately around lunch time at school and he was a bit peck-ish.

Barkley glanced at that sandwich and closed his eyes quickly, his stomach wasn't having that. "I feel like I might hurl again but… I think I'm okay for now."

Clawd's ears flattened when he looked down at his sandwich. Is that what was making his father feel ill? "Did you want me to go with this?"

"No, no… I'll just turn over, don't worry." Barkley did just that and snuggled into the comfort of his wife's pillow… the scent of her shampoo on it lulled him back to sleep with a little extra comfort this time.

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Howldon, Howlmilton and Clawnor all raced toward the front door as they got out of the minivan. Scarlet looked in the driveway and out to the street. If Barkley's car wasn't here… where was it? Where was he? She quickly headed to the front door and let the pups in as she reached back to grab her purse. She took note of Clawd playing the Slaystation. "Hi sweetie." she greeted, taking note that her 3 youngest pups were approaching the sectional slowly.

"Hey mom," Clawd greeted, pausing the game. "dad wasn't feeling well and he had me come get him at work. I didn't wanna leave him home by himself so I stayed here."

She came around and noticed her husband fast asleep… the color drained from him. "Barkley… what's wrong baby?" Scarlet caressed his cheek gently however he didn't budge. She frowned and turned her attention back to Clawd. "His car's still at work, then?"

Clawd nodded. "Yeah, Max is out with Clawdia so I asked if they'd mind going to get dad's car. They didn't mind at all."

"Perfect," she brushed the hair out of Barkley's face and kissed his cheek. "I thought something was off with him when we got up."

Clawnor waited until Scarlet headed to the kitchen before he nuzzled his father's arm. "Dad?" He whispered. "Dad."

"Clawnor!" Clawd gave his youngest brother a warning growl, though the younger did as he pleased regardless.

Barkley rubbed his eyes and sat up a bit. "Oh hey buddy," he greeted his youngest boy and pat the space beside him. "come here."

Clawnor crawled up beside Barkley, careful not to hurt him anymore than he may have been hurt already. He nestled into his father, on-top of the blanket. His ears were flat as he lay there very still, he watched the older doze off again. Barkley looked very ill and it scared the young pup.

Clawd had picked a couple scabs within his fur and possibly created new ones. He wished Deuce would get back here soon to comfort him, didn't he get any of his texts?

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Deuce had been kicking himself all day, Mr. Hack had taken his phone away during second period. He had been caught texting Clawd, so as punishment his phone was confiscated until the end of the day.

The gorgon was more so annoyed because normally he could at least see Clawd at lunch, but the wolf wasn't there. Maybe Clawd said something to him about doing something during the lunch period? It was quite possible, the wolf was focusing on his studies. Heck he had friends outside their circle too so for all the gorgon knew Clawd could have been with them.

Deuce bit his lower lip as he watched, what looked like freshmen, crawl out of the classroom. Once he was sure he could enter the classroom safely, the gorgon entered. He noticed Mr. Hack cleaning his chalkboards, most likely doing it so he wouldn't have to rush in the morning.

"Mr. Hack, can I please have my phone?" The gorgon inquired.

The mad science teacher jumped a little, not expecting the gorgon kid to be there so soon. Deuce heard the teacher mumble something about 'kids and their damn phones', after giving the phone back to the gorgon. He warned him next time caught with the phone, a detention would be his punishment. Tucking his phone into his pocket, the gorgon promised it wouldn't happen again and headed for the exit.

He pulled the phone out of his pocket to boot it back up, he took a mental note to get the screen fixed as soon as possible. It bothered him that Clawd's phone looked to be in better shape.

Deuce noticed all his texts came through at once, there was a few from Jackson, a couple from Heath. Even one from Simon confirming practice tomorrow morning. Deuce nearly dropped his phone when Clawd's messages came through.

Deuce, dad called me to pick him up from work, he's pretty sick - Furball

We're home now… - Furball

Deuce? - Furball

Sorry to bother you, xo - Furball

He opened the thread of messages and reread them. Feeling slightly guilty for not being there for Clawd or Pops.

Babe, I'm so, so sorry. Done school now. Do you guys need anything? Ginger ale or something? Again I'm sorry Clawd, I had my phone taken from me by Hack.

The gorgon was slightly cursing himself, he should have had his phone with him. The gorgon figured he could gather his things and be ready in case Clawd needed him to go to the store or come straight home.

Babe! Hi, I probably text you way too much so I'm sure it was my fault. Maybe pick up some stuff for a stew of some sort? Ma mentioned it'd be a good idea but she doesn't wanna leave. As much as I want you here right now, I know you won't be long xo – Furball

No worries, my furball. I will see you soon.

Deuce then slid his phone back into his pocket, making sure he had his car keys and everything else for that evening. The gorgon figured he give Ma a break and cook dinner today. Quickly pulling out he phone he began texting Clawd once more as he headed in the direction of the student parking lot.

Clawd. Tell Ma to get herself a nice glass of wine and possibly a bubble bath. I'll cook dinner.

Okay, she uh… took the bottle with her. The twins and I are playing on the Slaystation, Clawnor's loafed on the sofa with dad… no matter how much I growl at him to leave Pops alone... and the ghouls haven't gotten home yet. If you're not too mad at Clawdeen, can you give her and Howleen a lift home? - Furball

Aww, Clawnor loaf.

Deuce thought about it for a few moments, he was still angry at Clawdeen but he didn't need Clawd worrying that she was walking home.

Sure thing babe, I'll grab the ghouls.

Just then he went hunting for the she-wolves – pretty hard to drive them home if he left them at school.

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Deuce found himself tackle hugged by Clawdeen when he rounded the corner. "I'm so sorry Deuce, I didn't realize how much of a selfish bitch I was being and I had no idea that anything happened to them on the way home. I'm so glad they're okay and I totally understand if you never ever, ever wanna speak to me again." The she-wolf was half-crying, half-panicking as she buried her face in the gorgon's shoulder.

He was completely stunned.

Howleen turned the corner and froze upon seeing her sister close to hyperventilating in Deuce's arms. "Is it too late to warn you about Furricane Clawdeen?" She cheekily smiled.

Deuce wanted to stay angry at the she-wolf but it broke his heart seeing her like this. "Calm down, it's all good." Deuce began to wonder when he became a softie. It must have something to do with hanging around the fluffs 24/7 lately. "I'm sorry I yelled the way I did." The gorgon rubbed Clawdeen's back. "C'mon, we gotta grab a few things, then we can go home."

Howleen had her school bag all set and slung over her shoulder. "I call shot-gun! Deuce can I please? Please, please? Your car is so cool! I'll never own anything cool like that."

"Might as well enjoy your last ride to the pound, there's way too many of you on this earth. Euthanasia needed, much?" Cleo de Nile commented as she walked by.

Howleen's ears flattened. She wanted to growl but Clawdeen was already doing enough of that for the both of them.

"Your lip's looking better Cleo." Deuce said as he could feel Clawdeen's fur stand on end.

"I'm sure that's not all of me that's looking good, right Deuce?" She winked and 'fixed' her cleavage so he would catch a glimpse of it. She did just buy herself this new push-up bra the other day.

Clawdeen frowned. "I'll make your top lip match, don't test me."

Howleen stood just behind Deuce and her sister, she heard that Clawdeen decked Cleo in the mouth earlier in the week but she hadn't seen it for herself. She didn't even think Clawdeen could punch.

"Sorry Cleo, I got better things to look at." Deuce said running his fingers through the she-wolf's hair. A bit surprised when his fingers didn't get tangled in it.

Clawdeen was certainly glad she deep conditioned last night before bed. It would be embarrassing if his fingers got caught. "And that's not you, in case you couldn't catch a hint." Howleen told the princess from behind her sister and gorgon-brother.

"Like hell you have someone better to look at," she crossed her arms over her chest. "lowering your standards is a secret cry for help. I'll be here when you come to your senses, Deuce." With that she walked away from the pathetic lot.

Howleen growled a bit louder as Cleo's back was turned.

"C'mon, ghouls." Deuce said letting go of Clawdeen. "Quicker we get outta here, quicker we can go home." Deuce kept glaring the direction Cleo went. Part of him wished she would tripped and break an ankle, then he wouldn't have to deal with her for a while.