DT Serum, Primary Testing In Progress

"Makes sense to me," Lex told him, kicking at a dandelion.  "Did you have a little bro?"

Ashton sighed. "If I did, I don't really remember him. One of those things that is fuzzy to start with, but I think he may have stayed out of sight a lot if I had one."

"So.... Just to get this straight, you have no idea if you actually had a brother despite living in the same house as one, and you now have a guy living again in the same house as you with your last name, but you don't recognize any familiar features," Lex said, taking his cig and putting it in his mouth.

"Well, I haven't really looked at Shuni as far as looking for similarities to me." Ashton said. "And even then, and let's say it seems we are related, what then? Tell him sorry I ran away and left him behind to deal with that sh-- and expect everything to be good?!"

Lex gave him a look.  "Dude.  I knew my father was arranging for my brother to be in an 'accident' that would permanently disable him and I didn't stop it.  Instead, I walked out.  Today, we sat and talked about music.  I'm not saying it was or will be easy, but either you can let it go and say nothing, or come clean.  Besides, the Doc's got both of your DNAs.  He's going o figure it out eventually."

Ashton looked down and nodded a little. "Yeah... I suppose you're right." He said quietly. He kicked at the ground. "Should we go back now, or not quite yet?"

"What do you want?" Lex asked, still toying with the cigarette.

"I don't know." Ashton said. "I guess the more manly part of me wants to go back and get it over with, but part f me also is scared and doesn't feel ready yet."

"Then let's take the long way back," Lex suggested.

Ashton nodded. That seemed like a good compromise. "I'm sorry you have to deal with my cr-- on top of yours." He apologized.

"Yeah.  After dealing with mine for how long now?" Lex snickered.  "Yeah, it's horrible."

Ashton laughed a little. "Yeah, guess I'm giving you a little taste of your own medicine, eh?" He joked.

"It's bearable," Lex shrugged.  "It's what we do."

"Yeah, I suppose." Ashton said. He stretched some as they walked. "Any pointers on being a big bro?" He asked.

Lex considered this.  "I guess... Just always have his back.  You're the only one allowed to pick on him.  That kind of junk.  Hug once in a while?"

Ashton frowned. "I don't think I'm a very huggable person... but I guess I can try to have his back."

"I'm not either, but he seems to be a cuddly cat thing," Lex said.  "Good luck with that."

Ashton sighed. "Lex?" He said after a bit. "Thanks for coming with me and talking me through this a bit."

"Really?  I thought for sure I was failing," Lex chuckled.

Ashton smiled and rolled his eyes. "Oh. By the way..." He tossed Lex a metal container. It was the one with the really high quality weed in it.

Lex caught it and turned it over in his hands.  "What's this for?  We haven't sung yet."

"You're still going to, I bet." Ashton said. "Besides, accept it as my thanks, unless you don't want it. I can always sell that stuff high on the black market."

Lex handed it back to him.  "I didn't do it for his.  I did it for you."

Ashton smiled a little and made no move to take it. "I know."

Lex hesitated then pocketed the tin.  "Thanks."  He nodded toward the Gater's house.  "Ready?"