hacked title number 6

"What if helping you is what would make him happy?" Lex pointed out.  

Shuni shook his head, sniffling.  "No one wants me."

Ashton looked even more guilty now. He rubbed his face and sighed in frustration.

Layla shushed him and gently tidied his hair. "Now, what on earth would make you think that, Shuni?" She asked, keeping the gentle and caring tone, and it was a genuine one too.

"Go make up," Lex said flatly.  "I'm fine.  I'm going to sleep."

Shuni sniffled and snuggled into Layla.  "They won't let me help.  No one wants me to help.  If they cared, they'd let me help.  That's what siblings do, isn't it?  They help!"

Ashton blinked a moment and nodded, swallowing. He started the search through his personal hell to find his brother.

Layla held Shuni close and rubbed his back. "Shuni, I'm sure that isn't true. Sometimes, the best way you can help is give someone space to fight on their own. I can't say which would have been better, but I know that isn't the truth. I appreciated your help a lot this morning helping me get everything gathered up."

Shuni looked up through his dewy lashes at Layla.  "You're welcome.  I liked helping you," he said softly.  "But... They won't even let me be near.  They won't let me be with them or try.  Just push push push."

"Sometimes people want to be left alone." Layla said gently. She gave Shuni a kind smile and wiped his eyes lightly with her sleeve. "But from what I've seen, anyone would be lucky to have you as a brother, Shuni. Even if they don't realize it."

Shuni managed a slight smile and sniffed.  "You are good person.  Good sister person to have."  He hugged Layla gently, calming down.

Layla smiled and continued to rub Shuni's back and just hold him.

Eventually, Ashton found the stairwell. "Shuni?" He called out, not seeing him or Layla yet. "Shuni, can we talk, please?"

Shuni jumped as Ashton's voice echoed up the stairwell.  He moved away from Layla slowly and looked down.  He hesitated a moment longer before slowly walking down the stairs.  His tears had left streaks on his face, but his puffy eyes were dry now.

Layla gave Shuni an encouraging smile and stayed where she was, waiting.

Ashton looked relieved when he saw Shuni. "Hey."

Shuni tried a tentative smile.  "Hi, Ashton."  He shifted a little, rubbing his leg with the back of one foot.

Ashton sighed and looked down. "Hey.... I'm sorry, okay? This place.... it's hard for me to think straight, and in truth, I hate it here, and don't want to be here at all."

Shuni inched forward but didn't touch Ashton.  "I can help you," he repeated softly.  "Maybe it works.  If it doesn't, then is no worse.  You help Lex cause he hates it here.  I want to help you."

Ashton sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, hesitating. "All right." He agreed. "What do I need to do?"

"Will you lay down and get comfy?" Shuni asked, looking hopeful.  "Layla stays with Lex and looks after him.  I will look after you.  Everyone happiness!"  He held out his hand for Lex to take.

(I thought Lex was sleeping XD)

Ashton took Shuni's hand, and Layla followed so she could get back to Lex. Layla herself was tired, but wanted to make it back to Lex's room first in case he needed anything.

(Who's to say he's going to Stay asleep?)

Shuni took Ashton to the room next to Lex's and had him lay down on the bed.  Once Ashton was comfortable, Shuni stood at his head and opened his hand.  He blew on his palm, and a soft glittering gold mist puffed out and fell over Ashton's face.  It was Shuni's sleeping dust.  He hadn't used his ability since the night Proditer had forced him to use it on Gaster.

(Fair point..... and I forgot that was Shuni's ability, to be honest XD)

Ashton definitely was a lot more tense when told to lie down in a lab, but he couldn't overcome Shuni's magic, and fell asleep easily.

Layla slipped silently into Lex's room and quietly sat down in her chair, watching his face.

(I figured you had.  )

Shuni climbed up onto the end of the bed and watched Ashton sleep.  Ashton would wake when he was ready, but in the meantime, he would enjoy a deep and dreamless sleep.

Lex had tried to fall asleep as he had told Ashton was his plan, but now he frowned in his sleep, stirring restlessly as he dreamed.

Layla sighed softly. She wanted to help him sleep more. She hesitated and ever so lightly kissed Lex's head, praying the touch didn't wake him. "It's all right." She murmured. "I won't let anything happen to you, Lex."

Lex's movements stilled though he still didn't fully relax.  He responded to Layla's voice and touch, their familiarity reaching out to him even after such a short time of them being together.

Layla smiled softly as she saw him relax, and she gently moved his hair out of his face. "Lex..." She said softly to his sleeping form, "one of these days, I'll tell you. I promise. But for now, you and I both should sleep, but don't worry. I'll be right here waiting for you."

Lex sighed softly, still looking troubled, but still now.  He mumbled something incoherently.

Layla smiled softly as she leaned back in her chair and slowly nodded off, sleeping dreamlessly.

Some time later, Lex started awake, gasping as he struggled and failed to breathe.  He couldn't breathe!