Why don’t you guys just ask Patton if he feels ready to go borrowing on his own?
“Alright.” Logan cleared his throat, trying to gain everyone’s attention. “If you could all please gather here, there is an announcement that must be made.”
Virgil raised an eyebrow, glancing at the small semi-circle already sitting in front of Logan. Their living space wasn’t exactly large. “Logan, you have our attention.”
“Ah, yes.” Logan put his arms behind his back, sending a glance to Roman who was almost pouting next to him, a sour expression on his features. “Roman and I believe both of you have performed adequately in your training.”
“Thanks, it’s like I’ve done this before.” Virgil joked, knowing full well that his first attempts at borrowing were a chaotic disaster. He shuddered a bit in memory.
Patton was practically beaming with pride, squirming eagerly in his seat. “So...does that mean we’re ready?”
“Not quite.” Logan explained. “We believe a test is in order to prove yourselves worthy to go out on your own. An examination, if you will.”
“Test and examination are the same thing.” Roman huffed. “We get it, you know big words.”
“Wait...alone?” Virgil seemed to tense slightly. “I thought with all four of us borrowing, we’d just go in pairs. Safety in numbers and all that.”
Logan and Roman shared a glance. “Ah, no Virgil.” Logan corrected gently, carefully gauging Virgil’s reaction. “While that can certainly be the case some of the time, there are tasks besides borrowing that need to be completed. Besides, it is vital that you each hone your individual assets because even when working as a team there will be instances when you are alone.”
“Patton?” Roman asked, gauging the youngest’s reaction to this news. “Do you think you’re ready for that sort of thing?”
Patton had gone more still then before, his eager squirming turning to a small nervous shift. “Um...”
“No way!” Virgil protested. “We can’t send Patton out on his own!”
“And why is that?” Logan prompted.
“Because...” Virgil floundered for a reason. “Because he’s Patton!”
“I am well aware who he is.” Logan assured his brother. “But Patton is well past borrowing age, and has performed phenomenally in the practice group sessions. We believe he is capable of this.” Roman hid his disagreement well. “Just because you were delayed by fear does not mean Patton possesses the same disabilities.”
Virgil flinched back as though struck. That one hurt, even if it was true and Logan could have worded it kinder. Well, maybe he couldn’t; kind words had never been Logan’s strong suit.
“Patton?” Roman asked again. “Still waiting on an answer there, kiddo. We were thinking it might be best for you to go; after all, Virgil has already had a chance. Only fair you get your first one before he gets a second.”
Patton glanced to the side, at the way Virgil was now hunched over. He felt bad, watching his brother get so depressed like this. Would Virgil be mad at him if he took the first trial? Patton didn’t want Virgil to feel like he was being passed, or that Patton was somehow better than him. Patton knew he was bad at lots of things that Virgil was great at, like telling people what he actually thought. Virgil was strong, Virgil was brave, and Virgil deserved a second chance.
“Actually...” Patton did his best to appear nervous, pulling on the hem of his shirt. “Is it okay if Virgil goes first?”
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