hacked title number 6

Layla looked at him from her perch in Gaster's desk chair. "Everything okay?" She asked quietly.

"Just thinking," Lex replied.  "Not much."

Layla nodded and finished eating. She stood to return the dishes to the breakroom, wincing some at the stiffness in her leg from the cut before waiting out the pain enough to limp there and back.

Lex frowned when he saw her wince.  He adjusted himself into more of a sitting/reclining position in the corner of the couch and waited for her to return.  When she did, he gestured for her to come closer as though he needed something.

Layla did indeed come closer, curious to what Lex wanted. Was everything all right? Was he in pain and needed Gaster?

Lex took her arms and firmly yet gently turned her around and pulled her into his lap so she lounged comfortably atop, his arms wrapped around her securely.

The gesture surprised Layla at first, but realizing that was it, she smiled and even cuddled into Lex a bit. This felt... really nice. She felt so safe and comfortable in Lex's strong arms.

"I'm sorry," he said after several minutes of silence.

Layla frowned a little. "For what?"

Lex lifted a shoulder.  "A lot of things.  Hey, Lays?  I don't know much about this stuff, but I have learned one thing... Your family is who you choose as much as who you're born to."

Layla smiled faintly. "I like that idea. Perhaps... perhaps one day, I can choose a family like you have."

"I'm not selfish.  I can share," Lex said.

Layla smiled more and giggled. "I'll keep that in mind." She said. After a moment, she decided to share a thought. "And you know? For someone who claims to not know what he's doing, you are a fantastic cuddler."

Lex reddened slightly.  "Thanks.  Can I tell you a secret only one other person knows?"

Layla nods. "Of course. I'll keep any secret you want me to, and to the grave if need be." She told Lex solemnly and seriously.

Lex pulled her ear a little closer.  "When we were little kids... True and I would share a bed and snuggle like crazy."

Layla smiled. "So you had practice early on. No wonder why you're so good at it."

"It's just recalling what we used to do," Lex agreed, smirking a bit.

Layla giggled a little. "Well, i think you're doing a good job remembering."

Lex smiled a bit.  "Thanks."

Layla smiled and enjoyed being close for a moment. "You know what too? I feel very safe here too." She said softly.

"I'm glad," Lex said softly.

Layla smiled. After a while, her breathing deepened and evened out into that of sleep. Lex had made her feel that safe and comfortable, that she fell asleep in his arms.

Lex settled in and closed his eyes.  He didn't mind being used as a pillow.  That meant he could feel her and know she was safe.  He drifted off to sleep as well, but even in sleep his arms remained firm and strong around her.

Layla slept peacefully, safe and comfortable, and trusting Lex completely.
Gaster checked in on them and saw them asleep. He left a note on his desk in plain sight, saying he went home to shower and change clothes, and would be back to finish his research should they need him.