DT Serum, Primary Testing In Progress

"Go for it," Lex told him.  "I'll get stuff set up while you're gone."

"Thanks, Dad," True smiled.  "One more thing?  Lean down so I can hug you?"

Ashton nods. "All right. We will return after we take the shortest shortstack to school."

Gaster smiled and happily obliged. "Of course, True."

"What's a short stack?" Shuni asked then ran off before Ashton could answer.  "Paul!  Ashton and I are going to walk with you today!"

True smiled and hugged his dad tightly.  "Enjoy the walk, yeah?  I should be able to join you soon, even if it's in my chair, right?"

Ashton shook his head. "How does he always have so much energy?" He asked, baffled.

Paul cheered happily when he heard Shuni's news. He was trying to get his sock from Bitty Kitty.

Gaster smiled. "Probably tomorrow, depending on how you're feeling."

"I think he sucks it from the walls," Lex grumbled, heading for the attic.

Shuni giggled and scooped up Bitty Kitty, kissing the top of her head as the kitten swatted for the sock.  "Not your toy, Bitty.  Paul's fur."

"Really?"  True brightened at that.  "Awesome!"

Ashton shook his head and waiting near the door. He leaned against the wall and thought.

Paul giggled and snatched his sock, tugging it on. "Thanks, Shuni!"

Gaster smiled. He was happy for his son. "Rest today, and recover as much as possible. We will tackle tomorrow when tomorrow comes. Deal?"

"You're welcome!" Shuni cried then ran to join Ashton.  "Paul is almost ready.  Whatcha thinking about?"

"I will, thanks, Dad," True agreed.

"Huh?" Ashton asked Shuni as his train of thought was broken.

Gaster smiled and collected Sam and Paul as he headed to the door. "Everyone ready?"

Shuni reached up and tried to poke Ashton's temple bout could only reach as high as his cheek.  "Up there in your brain.  What are you thinking?"

"Things." Ashton said vaguely before he followed behind Gaster, Sam, and Paul. He preferred to follow people. Let you keep an eye on them easier.

"Okay."  Shuni walked next to Gaster, holding his hand and humming softly.  It was a nice day despite the fact that it was getting colder.

Gaster was glad Shuni and Sam and Paul all seemed very happy. Once at the usual tree, Gaster said goodbye to Paul, who hugged him, Sam, and True before he raced off into the building.

(Replacing Shuni with True...)

"Bye!" Shuni called after Paul, waving.  Then hid behind Gaster when a group of older boys snickered.  He still hadn't gotten over that fear.

(Shh... that's what I meant... XD)

Ashton noticed Shuni's agitation and motioned for Shuni to come over to him.

Shuni hesitated, not sure he wanted to leave Gaster, but he obeyed and shifted over to Ashton, looking up at him.

Ashton crouched to his height. "What's up with those boys? Did they pick on you?"

Shuni dropped his gaze, feeling ashamed.  Ashton would never let anyone pick on him, but Shuni wasn't as strong as Ashton.  "Yes," he admitted softly.  "Not no more.  Daddy is always nearby.  They know not to pick on me now."

Ashton still didn't look convinced. "That doesn't mean they won't when he's not around. Shuni, I want to hear if they so much as look at you funny, okay? If need be, I'll... persuade them to stop it."

Shuni looked up at Ashton and smiled timidly.  "You mean that?  I will tell.  Promise.". He didn't think to deep into how Ashton would persuade the boys.  He only focused on how Ashton wanted to protect him. Him!

Ashton nodded and righted himself. "Shall we head back now?"

"It's time to work!" Shuni said cheerfully.  "Sam, are you going to the lab again?"

Sam smiled and nodded. "Yup. Ally is going to show me how to maintain the machines there."

Ashton patiently waited for Shuni to say his goodbyes. He also kept an eye on those boys who picked on his brother, memorizing every detail about them. One of the boys, he recognized, was probably the younger brother of a guy Ashton used to sort of hang out with.

"Tell Ally hi for me?  I'm going to help my brother," Shuni said proudly, hugging Sam goodbye then Gaster.  "Bye, Daddy!"

Gaster smiled. "Have fun, Shuni." He said. Sam promised to tell Ally hi for him.

Shuni ran to join Ashton.  "Ready!"