DT Serum, Primary Testing In Progress

"Oh."  True paused then winced.  "Please tell me my first thought is wrong."

Ashton paused. "Like I said, I don't know what exactly happened. Primus I think knows more than me." Ashton paused as he thought for a moment. "Do you want me to check and see if he's home yet?"

True hesitated then nodded.  "Um, if he is, could I ask a favor?  Could you get me into my chair and get me to him, please?"

Ashton nodded and helped True into his chair. He was a little awkward about it, not having much experience, but Ashton did his best to not cause True any pain.

As gentle as Ashton was, the move still hurt, but True did his best to bite it down.  Once he was settled, the pain eased into a dull ache.  "Okay.  Let's get this show on the road!" he said with a strained smile.

"You sure about this?" Ashton asked. The last thing he wanted was for True to strain himself, get himself hurt, and have Gaster and Primus at his throat for letting it happen.

True gave a sharp nod.  "I'm sure.  I've done this before.  I know how far I can push myself before pain turns to damage.  That's why I'm asking you to push and not even attempting it myself.  Arm muscles pulling on the back and all that."

Ashton nodded. "Gaster's room, I'm guessing?" He asked as he stepped behind the wheelchair.

"Yeah.  I'll bet he'll be in his office," True said.

Ashton nodded. He pushed True to Gaster's office, opening the doors along the way. Gaster hadn't moved from his desk since he got there. He didn't even look up when True and Ashton came it. "What is it?" He asked softly and hollowly.

True indicated for Ashton to push him right up next to Gaster.  "Could you give us a minute, Ashton?"

Ashton nodded. He did as he was told and left to go find Shuni or Primus.

Gaster hadn't moved still. He felt utterly broken once more.

True winced as he carefully leaned over and gathered Gaster in his arms, pulling him in close for a hug.  "It's going to be okay," he said softly, cradling his father as best he could.  "It's going to be okay.  I've got you."

Gaster clung to True and wept, clearly heartbroken. He had dared hope he could live again, and dared to give his heart again, but instead, it was broken once more.

True rubbed Gaster's back, murmuring softly.  His heart ached for Gaster.  "Dad, it's going to be okay.  Eventually.  Not right now, not tomorrow, but it will be.  Just hang on, Dad."

"Why did I let this happen again?" He asked True brokenly. Gaster was a man of science, but also a man of heart.

"Because you are a very loving man with a big heart," True answered calmly.  "You love.  Love opens you up to hurt.  Sometimes it's worth it.  Look at the family you gathered, all your kids, and only two of them from your flesh and blood.  Maybe Geena's hurting, too.  Maybe she just needs some time to heal, just like you, and she'll come back.  Maybe she's scared."

Gaster nodded, but he still felt empty and broken. It had taken him a long time to heal from his last heartbreak, and this one would be no better. Gaster felt worn out and sat straight. "I.... I am going to shower and then go to bed. I'm not hungry." He added on the end when he realized it still wasn't quite dinnertime.

True nodded slightly.  "Do you want me to come hang out with you?"

Gaster shook his head. He didn't know. He felt like he didn't know anything anymore.

"I'll see you in your room.  Go take a shower," True urged gently.

Gaster nodded a little and got up. His muscles felt stiff, but the warm water relaxed him, and the common ritual of bathing did help slightly.

True waited until Gaster was in the shower to call, "Hey!  Ashton?  Primus?  Can someone please give me a hand here?"

Ashton was still downstairs, and returned to True. "Where to now, captain?"

"To Father's room, my good man!" True said with as much pep as he could muster.  "Right next to the bed, please."