hacked title number 6

Lex looked up at Gaster, looking more confused then ever then sad.  He dropped his head and played with his fork.  "Sucks.  That sucks.  I just... I'm... tired.  Of being fixed all the time.  That's what he used to call it.  Fixing."

Gaster shook his head. "That monster was never satisfied with anything. He was always doing that with one thing or another. I don't know what made him think of that, nor do I want to. His methods hurt and destroyed. I try to make my own as helpful and good as possible." Gaster sighed. "Never mind him though. I apologize if I made you feel less than human; less than someone as strong as you should be. My motives were solely to try and make you happy." He told Lex honestly.

Lex looked up at him, trying to look at him in the eye.  "I think I understand.  I'm just... What's a father and son really supposed to be like?  I mean, you've got a crew now.  How are you supposed to pay attention to me and all of them with none of us getting left out?"

Gaster smiled a little. "It's like a balancing act, really. I'm lucky all of you get along so well, and so I can focus more on trying to give time to all of you rather than keep two in specific out of each other."

Lex nodded a little then winced at the strain on his neck.  "Sorry I worried you.  Needed out.  Needed away."  He glanced up.  "Hey... Doc?"

"yes, Lex?" Gaster asked, sipping his now cold coffee.

"Can I ask a favor?" Lex asked slowly.

Gaster nodded. "What is it?" he asked kindly.

Lex shifted uncertainly.  "There's a girl.  She calls herself Echo.  She's a good girl.  I was wondering if maybe we could maybe get her a job or something?  So she doesn't have to be criming on the street."

Gaster considered. "I can see what I can do, but I would prefer to meet her and get a better grasp on her talents first. I do not want to find a place and a job for her, only to have her not be happy there."

"I'll try to get a meeting arranged," Lex said, carefully setting aside the plates.

Geena stopped Layla in the lobby of the lab and fussed with her gently before leading the way to the elevator.  "There.  You are presentable.  Always look your best when meeting your man."

Layla squirmed a little as Geena fussed over her. She just wanted to see Lex, and know for herself that he was all right. "I look fine!" She whined a little before limping after Geena to the elevator.

"You look like you got beat up yesterday," Geena said dryly.  Once in the elevator, she straightened Layla's collar.  "There.  Perfect.  I won't touch you anymore."

"But I did!" Layla said. Once they reached the lab floor, Layla went straight to Gaster's office. Seeing Lex, she immediately hugged him, and her eyes watered without meaning to. "Please don't scare me like that again!"

Lex's muscles tensed.  He pushed her away, showing more life than he had since leaving the lab.  He scowled as he looked her over.  "Who did this?" he asked, his voice soft.  His hand gently cupped her cheek.

Layla hesitated. "Th-the gang that control from West to 3rd, and down to Kingswood. It was a group I hadn't met before, but that whole group doesn't like me much..."

"I'll kill them," Lex said, his voice emotionless.  Hesitantly, almost fearfully, he pulled Layla to him and wrapped his arms around her.

Layla was a little surprised by Lex's reaction, but soon enough relaxed and even nestled into Lex's strong hold. This felt... safe.

Lex eased back slowly so he reclined along the couch and held Layla to him, closing his eyes.  He was mad.  That wasn't unusual, anytime someone laid a hand on someone he considered under his care it made him furious, but this was more than that.  It hurt to see her this way.  He wasn't sure what to do about that.  For now, he held her.  That would be enough.

Layla merely enjoyed the moment of being in Lex's arms. She felt safe there, and in truth, Lex was a surprisingly comfortable person to snuggle. Did this... did this mean he cared for her too? Even if according to True, he may not know what it meant?

Lex didn't move, too tired and worn to care about anything outside this moment.

Geena caught Gaster's eye and indicated for him to step out into the hallway with her.

Gaster nodded and quietly followed Geena. He felt those two deserved a quiet moment anyway. "Thank you for looking after her." He told Geena after they were in the hall.

"Of course," Geena said simply.  "She is free to stay with me as long as she needs to or wants to when she isn't home with you.  Have you alerted the others of the family?"

Gaster groaned and facepalmed. "I forgot to call True! I texted him last night to update him on matters here, but haven't called him yet to update him again. I'll do that now before I forget again..." The doctor swiftly pulled out his phone and dialed True's number.

Geena smiled faintly and shook her head before going to check in on Ashton.

True picked up on the first ring.  "Hello?  You find him?"