hacked title number 4

"It was over the top," Lex growled, anger in his eyes.

"Just... it isn't Tramp's fault." Ashton clarified. "I asked him for help, and he set it up. I honestly believe he never meant for it to wind up like... that."

"I'm beginning to have second thoughts about your friendship with him," Lex grumbled.  "It's your choice, but if stuff like this keeps happening..."

"Lex, I am sure it was a fluke was all." Ashton defended. "Besides.... it was Maralyn that threw food at me; not Tramp. I'll... I'll tell him how it went tomorrow, and then we can figure something out from there."

Lex huffed.  "Fine.  I still want to shave her head."

Ashton laughed softly. "I won't stop you from doing that..."

"Sweet," Lex said happily.  "What does she look like and where can I find him?"

Ashton told Lex what he could of Maralyn. "... And as far as where to find her, I don't know. I assume she's a higher paid hooker than Tramp, based on what she said, so maybe go from that?"

Lex nodded.  "I'll go with you tomorrow when you go to find Tramp.  I need to talk to Echo, anyway, so we can split from there."

Ashton nodded, the thought of Lex being with him at least part of the time making him feel better. "Okay. Thank you."

"Sure.  Now let's get you some dinner," he said, standing and heading downstairs.

Ashton nodded and followed. He was safe now. He was safe and loved and Lex would make sure that remained. He didn't put a shirt back on, so his scarred and muscular torso remained bared as he followed Lex like a puppy.

Geena was in the kitchen sipping tea when they came in.  She looked surprised at Ashton's attire as Lex half pushed him inot a chair before going to the fridge.  Geena softened as she watched Ashton.  "Things didn't go well, did they?"

Ashton looked down and didn't say anything to Geena. He didn't want to talk about it anymore.

Geena reached over and hugged him gently.  "She doesn't deserve you," she said softly before sitting back.  "What is for dinner?"

Ashton sat there still and looked at Lex. "What do we have?" He asked his friend softly.

"Looks like bacon or ham," Les said, showing him the options.

"Ham please." Ashton requested. "I had bacon this morning. Maybe tomorrow I'll get more food for me."

"Cool.  Need any cash?  I got some," Les said, sliding the plate over to him.

Ashton shook his head. "I should have enough. Thanks." He told Lex before he slowly ate. He was hungry, but the events of earlier that night made him lose his appetite.

Geena swallowed hard at the sight of Ashton eating.  His eating habits were actually easier to deal with than those who cooked their foods.  Then it was the smell on top of everything else.  The smell was the worst.
Lex sat back, watching.

Ashton noticed Geena and shifted a little uncomfortably, but didn't say anything yet. He just tried to eat in peace, but now felt self conscious again over something he couldn't really control or have a say in.

"I'm sorry," Geena apologized, noticing Ashton's unease.  "I've been feeling nauseous the last few days.  It's just the leftovers from a brief bout of the flu, it's not you.  In fact, you're the easiest to be around right now."

Ashton looked away, still feeling uneasy about it.

Geena sighed and stood.  "I'm sorry, Ashton.  You shouldn't feel uncomfortable, not here in your home.  I'm sorry."  She walked away slowly.