DT Serum, Primary Testing In Progress

"More like freak him out," Lex grumbled, turning away.  "You need anything?"

Ashton thought. "Actually, can you watch over him for me tonight? I have some things I need to do."

Lax gave Ashton a look.  "What kind of things?"

"Errands." Ashton said innocently.

"Bull," Lex said shortly.  "What are you up to?"  The what didn't matter to Lex so much as why Ashton was hiding something from him.

"I was going to try and rough up the guys who beat up Tramp." Ashton admitted.

"Do you even know who they are?" Lex asked.

"Not who," Ashton admitted, "But I have a where, and I know who I can ask to find out."

Lex's eyes narrowed.  "And you're doing this without me because...?"

"Figured you'd tell me no.... or yell at me.... or do it yourself and get hurt...." Ashton shook his head. "I want to do this because of Tramp, and I feel it's something I should try and do alone."

Lex huffed.  "Ashton.  You've always been there helping me with anything and everything.  I'll help you however I can, but you can have the shitbags."

Ashton smiled a little. "Thanks." He hesitated. "Actually... I could probably use some help tracking them. Maybe Layla could stay with Tramp? I did promise him I wouldn't leave him alone while he recovered...."

"I'll ask then head out," Lex said, turning to find Layla.

Ashton smiled a little thoughtfully. Lex really was one in a million, and the best friend a guy like him could hope to have.

Layla was wearing the necklace Geena had got for her, curled up on a couch reading Call of the Wild on Sam's recommendation.

Lex sat next to Layla quietly.  "That's new," he commented, indicating the necklace.

Layla smiled. "Do you like it? Geena got it for me today while we got stuff for desserts today."

"It's pretty," Lex agreed.  He reached out and touched it lightly before drawing back.  "I have a favor to ask of you."

Layla nodded. "Sure. What is it?"

"Will you hang out with Tramp?  Ashton and I need to take care of some things," Lex said.  If she asked, he would tell her, but he'd rather not get her worried about this stuff.

Layla knew better than to ask, and figured whatever it was the duo felt was important. She nodded. "Of course. Just be as safe as you can, okay?"

"We'll be back before he has time to hit on you."  Lex paused.  "Maybe not that fast. You get the idea."

Layla giggled. "Lex, most of my life has been dedicated to practicing looking appealing to the guys I want, and turning down the ones I didn't. I don't think there's much he can do or say that could really have effect on me. Don't worry your cute little red head about me."

"I'll worry my pretty little head if I want,' Lex grumbled.  "You're my girl now.  If a guy touches you, he loses that hand."

Layla giggled and kissed his cheek. "You're hot when you talk like that."

Lex glanced at her, serious.  "I don't want to keep you in a cage.  I don't want to parade you around like a prize.  Same time, when you're on my arm... You are the best prize I could ever win.  I don't want anyone to ever touch you.  I don't even want them looking.  I mean like extra looks.  Beyond the brief, 'she's hot,' looks."