DT Serum, Primary Testing In Progress

"Thank you for talking about it," True said as he moved to get the bacon out of the fridge.  "You don't have to, but it good to know."

Layla nodded. "I did admittedly try to coax Tramp into trying to find a reason to quit." She sighed.

"What did he say?" True asked curiously.

"That he had nothing to fight for." She said softly.

True paused in his work to look at her.  "That is one of the saddest things I've ever heard," he admitted.

Layla nodded in agreement, frowning. "I just hope Tramp realizes that Ashton's feelings are genuine, and care enough to try and be with him."

"What if even after he realizes Ashton's feelings and decides to go straight, he still doesn't return Ashton's feelings?" True asked.

"Then.... I don't know." Layla admitted. "He does feel something for Ashton, but if he feels affection for him or not..." She shrugged.

True cocked his head curiously.  "How can you tell he feels anything?"

"Body language." Layla winked. "Subtle hints someone does unconsciously, like how you lean towards someone, or how you smile and react. Once you learn how to read that, you can learn how to subtly make yourself speak the language. Most good, ah, people in my former profession can do that. Also how I know Lex does indeed care for me, even if he isn't vocal or incredibly demonstrative."

"You mean you've met bricks more demonstrative than he is," True grinned.  "I'm glad you can see that.  I can, but I've known him for a long time."

Layla smiled and giggled. "He cares, and as long as those close to him can tell, that's all that matters, yes?"

"Very true," he chuckled.  "Breakfast ready?"

Layla nodded and got plates out. "So... when are you going to ask Kat the big question?" She asked in a low tone.

"That is for me to know and everyone else to find out," True smirked at her.  "I'm certainly not going to ask her around Dad and Mom's wedding!"

Layla giggled. "All right. Do you have a ring in mind?" She asked as she placed plates around the table.

"I already have the ring," True admitted, getting out the juice, "and why does everyone keep asking me that?  I'm not exactly in a position to ask her to marry me yet.  I'm still living in my father's house."

Layla giggled. "Just don't keep her waiting forever." She warned with a wink. She knew something True didn't, but it wasn't exactly bad.

True eyed her suspiciously.  "What are you hiding?"

"Nothing you need to be worrying about." Layla chuckled.

"Which makes me worry all the more," True told her.  "Hey, everyone!  Breakfast!"

Layla walked down the hall to get Paul up. Sam yawned and slowly woke.

Gaster looked at the clock, startled. He had worked through the night!

Ashton woke with a start, but sighed and showed no desire to get out of bed.

Shuni came scampering out and climbed into his chair.  A flood of cats followed, eager to pick up scraps.

Geena poked her head into Gaster's office.  "Are you ready to face the day?" she asked with a faint smile.

Lex felt Ashton stir, but he didn't move.  He waited patiently, willing to stay until Ashton was ready.

Gaster nodded and stood. "I should make some coffee, but otherwise yes. Sorry for not going to bed. I was distracted."

Layla wound up picking a sleepy Paul up and carrying the little guy to the table.

Ashton stayed in bed still, not making a move to get up. He lacked all motivation.

"I understand," Geena said simply.  "I'll get the coffee started."

True laughed when he saw it.  "Hey, sleepyhead.  Sam still asleep, too?"