DT Serum, Primary Testing In Progress

Layla was patient and seemed content just talking and listening to Lex.

"So, yeah, that's all I got so far," Lex finished lamely.

Layla smiled. "Sounds kinda interesting. Do you like it so far?"

"Yeah, so far so good," Lex nodded. Then he sobered. "Lays, be straight with me. What are your thoughts on the Tramp being here? With Doctor Dad gone, it's up to me to keep this fam safe."

"Tramp? Hmmm..." Layla considered that a moment. "From what I have seen, he is willing to go through the hell of sobering up for Ashton. To me, that says a lot, especially with what happened the last time he was here. I am thinking he realized how much he wants to be with Ashton, and vice versa, and wants to try and keep it and make it good. I feel he might need to be retaught some manners around some people and children, but this I think will be all right."

"Alright," Lex said after thinking in silence for several minutes. "We'll give him a chance. One chance. I expect he'll mess up some, but as long as he's trying he can stay. He hurts the kids... He's gone."

Layla nodded. "I'll help keep an eye on him. I think he feels more comfortable around me and Ashton than anyone else at the moment."

"Good," Lex said shortly and stood. "We need to get this place cleaned up a bit or we'll have a mountain of work to do when Mum and Dad get home. Where are the munchkins?"

"I think they were all playing with Paul in his room." Layla mused with a smile. "Let me know if I can help, all right?"

"You've earned your break. Check on Tramp now and again, but otherwise kick back," Lex told her, heading for Paul's room to roust them into working.

Layla chuckled. "As long as you don't overwork yourself." She promised.

Paul was happily playing with Sam and Bitty Kitty (and Shuni if you want them all together) in his room.

Shuni was watching quietly, not really in a playful mood but not wanting to be alone, either.
Bitty Kitty was having an absolute blast!

Paul kept trying to include Shuni and make him feel welcome. His face lit up when Lex came in. "Lex! Lex, do you want to play with us?!" he asked excitedly.

Lex looked around. "What are you playing?"

Paul went on to describe some kind of game involving super powers and magic and beating bad guys.

Lex listened a bit blankly.  "Right.  Okay, I'll play with you guys, but after we get this place cleaned up.  Deal?"

"Okay!" Paul agreed happily.
Sam laughed some. "What all needs done?"

"Vacuuming, a few dishes, general picking up, things like that," Lex told them.

"I'll pick up stuff!" Paul volunteered.
"I'll get the vacuuming." Sam offered.

"Good," Lex said simply, watching Shuni drag himself out to follow Paul. He'd help pick up and clean the kitchen. Once he was certain everyone was settled into cleaning, Lex went upstairs to check on Ashton and Tramp.

Ashton was still awake, and looked towards the door when Lex poked his head in. He still had a secure arm around Tramp.

Tramp was pale, sweaty, and shivering in his sleep as he clung to Ashton like his life depended on it.
"How's it going?" Lex asked quietly.

"Withdrawal is a b---ch." Ashton said bluntly. "Otherwise, I think we're okay?"

"Need anything?" Lex asked.

"Not right now, thank you." Ashton hesitated. "How's Shuni? Tramp had a fit, and Shuni ran off while I was trying to calm him down."