#borrower!roman

Roman ran through the rain, trying to get to the community house before the mud would begin flooding. He did not want to almost drown again. Luckily he made it just in time as he jumped onto the wooden floor, the mud where he had once stood caved into mush as the water flooded out of the dirt making a huge muddy lake. As Roman looked around he spotted the Prime Path and suddenly wondered why he hadn't just walked on it….. until the water continued to flood up and cover it. Right. That's why. If he'd been standing on the path when that happened he would've been dragged away with a current- not exactly a good thing.

Either way, he'd made it. Now all he had to do was grab some stuff from a chest and wait out the storm. Roman made his way over to one of the many huge by comparison, chests in the Community House. He didn't even bother to get out his hook, already having a small hidden door in the side of it for him to enter at the bottom. It was something he'd worked with some other Borrowers to make a while back so they could always have access to the extra resources the Beings of this server didn't need. Most of the time Borrowers came here for food, small pieces of wool, or string- but today Ran had a different goal in mind.

Weapons. It wasn't a surprize that any of his fellow Borrowers found it difficult to move around the server, there weren't enough torches in some places to keep the huge mobs from spawning, and it was difficult for Borrowers to get the supplies to make torches (as Beings seemed to have a tendency to burn up coal quickly or leave it in dangerous smealters), it was made even more difficult as they could only move during the night unless they wanted to be seen. So Roman had decided to come to the community to gather supplies for weapons- because even if not all the Borrowers he knew could fight, at least those who did would now have the proper weapons to protect those Borrowers with. What Roman had not accounted for, however, was the thunderstorm that had started halfway to the Community House. Which is how he found himself stuck for the time being- but at least he would be able to make weapons.

There was another problem though that Roman hadn't planned for that he quickly discovered through the all too familiar booming footsteps now accompanied with a loud splash each step. "Shit…" the Borrower hybrid muttered to himself as he looked out of the Community House door to see a human wearing a smiling mask running through the rain right in his direction. In a split second decision, Roman climbed into the chest and sealed the door behind him, but not before spotting a bottle. For once he was glad that his poncho was a dark purple instead of black as he climbed inside and curled up, hoping to look like a potion.

The roaring thunder almost seemed to pause as Roman listened to the footsteps get closer and closer, until they stopped in front of his chest. The world was silent for a minute as the loud creaking of a chest opening rang out around Roman, in a deafening silence that didn't even exist. The Borrower covered his mouth instinctively, as if he needed to stop the Being from hearing his breathing. He listened to the items around him being shuffled around by a huge hand that he could almost see if he looked up just enough- but he couldn't less he be caught, he didn't want to see it anyways.

Time froze when it finally happened. In slow motion, Roman watched as huge fingers wrapped around the glass holding him and began to lift it out of the chest… taking the Borrower with it. As Roman was raised to be face to face with that emotionless white mask, he felt a scream get caught in his throat. This was every Borrower's worst nightmare, and it was now happening to Roman. What was even worse was that he recognised that mask from rumors- he had been caught by none other than the infamous Dream.

"Well, isn't this interesting?" Roman could practically hear Dream's smile as they spoke. It was terrifying, but he forced a glare onto his face as he looked into the green eyes of the masked man. "A brave thing then?" Dream shook the bottle, eliciting a yelp from the Borrower. "Or not." The Being tipped the bottle, shaking it a little more as Roman tried to hold the walls, forcing the tiny hybrid to fall right into their hand.

Roman shivered at the uncomfortable warmth of the hand and tried to scoot away from the Being, but was quickly stopped by a wall of fingers behind him. Dream chuckled, pulling Roman out of his frightened state enough to go back to glaring at them.

"I assume you're here for items?" It was a simple statement, pointed by Dream tilting their head to the chest Roman had previously been hiding in.

"Y- yeah… a- and why's it matter to- to you?" Roman spoke, cringing at his own stutter. He knew it was dumb to try and talk his way out of this, but what else could he do? Even if he followed the rules he'd more than likely be killed by this person.

"Well…" It only took a millisecond for the Being's grip to change, so fast that Roman didn't even process it, before he was being squeezed Inna fist. "I can give you them- for a price" Roman barely listened as he squirmed in the fist wanting nothing more than to be let go and mlg to safety.

"H- how the fuck wo- would I even pay you back?" Roman glared up into the mask, continuing to writhe in a fist that had an unloosening grip.

"Quite easily actually, you don't even have to do anything you don't already- I just need you to listen" Dream shrugged, as if he hadn't just spat nonsense that confused the Borrower even more.

"What's… what's that supposed to mean?" He looked into those ominous eyes with confusion.

"It's your size- I need it for information, I know that you and your little friends hear a lot in those walls of your's" Finally, the Being set Roman down, as if they knew he wouldn't run… and he didn't, he was far too shocked to.

"Y- you… you know-"

"Of course I know! It's my server you think I'm not going to notice a bunch of tiny… THINGS running around?" He laughed a little. "No, I've known for a while… I could've asked any of you for this…" The Being bent over and leaned their face in close to Roman, making the Borrower stumble back. "The problem was catching you. And look! You've practically given yourself to me!!" They stood up straight again, spreading their arms, proving a point… and sending a shiver down Roman's spine.

"S- so…. You… you want information?" Dream nodded. "Information that I overhear… l- like… like a spy?" Roman hugged himself, needing the small bit of comfort as he priced it together.

"Exactly! I knew you things were smart!!" As Dream cackled in victory, the Borrower backed up, a horrible feeling of dread taking over.

"Can't- wouldn't it be better to just have a Bei- a big person- do it?" Roman fidgeted with his poncho nervously. What was he about to get himself into.

"Oh, I already do… but people can't always be around to hear everything… like when someone's alone- which is why using you would be so great!" Roman could hear their smile and hated it. "Now, of course, you'll be payed in whatever items you need"

"...What kind of items?" Roman couldn't stop his curiosity. Of course it was dumb to even be considering this but… it's not exactly easy to borrow.

"Anything you need at the time- not want, need. Food, wool, weapons-"

"Weapons!!" Roman shouted, and immediately raised his arms up in defense as he realized he'd city of what Dream had been saying…. But nothing happened.

"Yes, weapons" Dream said it slowly, a curiosity playing at his words. "Do you need weapons?" Roman hesitated with an answer, but began to nod. He doubted he would have even been able to find stone here anyways. "Then get me the information I want."

"I…." Roman paused. Would this really be worth it? Working with a human- not just a human but one that everyone seemed to hate? If he didn't they'd probably kill him anyways- but if he did…. He could help so many of his friends, and family. Besides, it's not like the events in the Beings' lives would affect Borrowers too much. What'd they even do that'd be bad, blow up all of L'manburg? Nobody would do that again after Wilbur died. "... I can do that. I'll get your information."

"Good. Then it's a deal." The Being gave his finger to the Borrower, who quickly shook it.

Roman was good at fighting. At least, from his perspective. He could his swing his needle and beat any pests. He considered himself the hero and protector of this bean's house, even if he wouldn't get any credit. So when one fateful day, he heard the chittering of a rat, it was common sense for him to go after it, needle sharpened and ready. He hadn't fought too many rats, but he was so good with those ants the other day he was sure he could handle it.

In fact, when he finally found the rat in the passage onto the kitchen counter, he was so confident he decided he did not need the element of surprise. "En Guarde!" He said, poised and ready to fight. Unfortunately, so was the rat. It launched itself at him at a speed hard to counter with just a needle. He dodged, only barely missing the claws aimed at him. Not only that, but it had caught his shoulder, ripping into his favorite outfit.

"Fine. We duel without honor." Roman spat at the rat, dropping his needle in favor of the smaller and handier makeshift knife. The rat lunged again, but he was ready this time.  With a quick jump and flash of his knife, he wasn't the only one bleeding. He took the spot between the rat and the outside kitchen with a sneer.

"You will not plague this house any longer!" Roman hit first this time. The rat was just as fast as he was, making it a struggle to keep the upper hand. If he could just get an opening...

There.

He straddled the rat and held the knife to its furry throat. "Adieu, my foul fiend." He said and pulled the knife back for maximum power. However, the rat had decided that this fight was in fact, not over. It ran as fast as it could towards the kitchen counter while shaking Roman off.

It succeeded just near the edge, and although Roman hit the ground hard, he got up as fast as possible. He grabbed his knife from where it had fallen. Roman and the rat stared each other down. Roman was tense and ready to spring at a moment's notice. And just as he was about to, the lights in the kitchen turned on.  The rat sprinted off into the wall again. Out of surprise, Roman's battered legs gave out, making him trip backward. His foot felt the edge of the counter, and suddenly, he was falling. He closed his eyes and tried to hold back tears as he readied himself for impact.

“I wasn’t.” Roman let out a choked laugh. “That’s the dumbest part, isn’t it? What finally got me wasn’t even an escape attempt.”

 Virgil blinked. “Wait, then...what were you trying to do?”

“I was just trying to have some fun!” Roman groaned. “And I shouldn’t have been so careless, and I tried to turn back, and… and….”

 “Hey, it’s okay. It...It was an accident. You did what you could and you shouldn’t fault yourself for trying to have...fun.” Virgil said, trying his best to be comforting.

“Being a borrower isn’t about having fun.” Roman hissed, hating he had lost sight of what’s really important.

 Virgil frowned, confused. “Well...what’s being a borrower about then?”

“Surviving.” Roman grumbled bitterly. “And preserving our way of life.”

 Virgil sighed. “Roman...I hate to be the one to point it out. I really do. But...I don’t think that’s really possible anymore. I know I said I would give you the decision if you wanted to leave and I still stand behind that...although it might be a bit longer now with your legs like this...but I think the old way borrowers used to live, your old way of living...I’m not so sure it exists anymore.”

Roman bit his lip, opening his eyes to stare up at the ceiling. They were watery, like Roman was trying to hold back a river of tears.

“...I know.” Roman’s voice was shaky. “I think… I think I’ve known that for a long time now, actually.”

 “I’m sorry, Roman.” Virgil said, feeling so bad not only for him but for all borrowers. “It’s our fault. Humans fault that that’s the case.” He was quiet for a moment, thinking. “Despite knowing that...do you still want to leave?”

“What?” Roman turned to Virgil with a slightly betrayed expression. “I’m in the middle of a breakdown and you’re still trying to get a roommate headcount?”

 Virgil blinked and then looked sheepish. “I...no, you’re right. Now's not the time for that, gah, I’m sorry.” He shook his head. “There I go, messing things up again.” He muttered.

Roman sniffed, rubbing at his nose. “Well, at least you’re not the only one.”

 “Roman, the car thing wasn’t your fault. It was an accident.” Virgil repeated himself. Yeah, Roman probably could have slowed down but he was doing exactly what he was supposed to do with a car. More or less.

“It was my fault there was an accident.” Roman corrected. “You… you told me to slow down, to stop, to go back. You knew best. And I didn’t listen.”

 “Okay...yes.” Virgil finally agreed. “Yes, maybe you were going a little too fast. But I also understand why you didn’t listen to me. You’ve spent your whole life listening to humans. Doing whatever you wanted. You saw this as a chance to have a bit of freedom. Which is good because that’s why I got it for you. Though it...kind of backfired.” Virgil explained.

Yes, in a way where Roman would never have the same limited freedom as before. “It… it was sort of sweet.” Roman admitted. “That you trusted it with me at all.”

 “Roman, of course. I...you know I was serious, about before, right?” Virgil asked, eyebrows furrowed. “About...giving you more freedom? Making your own decisions? Letting you…letting you leave if you wanted to?” Virgil paused. “...Right?”

Roman looked away from him. “Well… you didn’t want me to leave. And you were right, about all that stuff about the outside world being unsafe. I mean I didn’t even get down the street.”

 Virgil felt himself deflate, seeing how Roman really felt for what seemed like the first time. “It’s true, I didn’t want you to leave. I thought it was too dangerous and this only proved my point.” Virgil said but then continued. “But I was never, for one second, going to stop you if that’s where you wanted to go. I may think it’s a stupid decision,” He gave Roman a smile at that. “But it would be yours. And I wasn’t going to take that away from you.”

“Oh, well good.” Roman gave a dry laugh, trying to diffuse his discomfort. “Because I beat you to the punch.”

 “Roman, seriously, why would you think I wasn’t serious about this? I mean, I know your track record with humans. And just...humans in general are jerks to your kind, but still! And Roman, this...this isn’t the end. Your legs are...hurt now but they’ll get better. They-They should get better.” According to the doctor, at least. He was hopeful.

“I’m sorry, I just have trust issues!” Roman threw his arms up in exasperation. “It’s a character flaw, sue me. I knew you cared, and- and you’re honestly the best human I’ve met, but I thought you cared so much that… that it didn’t matter what I wanted.”

 Virgil looked down at Roman sadly. “...I’m sorry you thought that. If I had known I would have...reassured you more? Though...I guess it didn’t really help when I said you could decide in a week, huh? I put limitations on your own decision, didn’t I? I...I shouldn’t have done that.” Virgil realized, looking ashamed of himself.

Roman looked at Virgil consideringly. “Thanks Virgil.” Roman gave him a small smile. “I’m glad you’ve come around.”

 Virgil gave a small smile back. “I’m...I’m glad too. Thank you for opening my eyes to how much of a jerk I was being.” Virgil chuckled.

“You can always count on me for that, Emo Nightmare.” Roman playfully winked. “And I mean… it wasn’t so bad. If I had left when I wanted, I never would have gotten the chance to take Specs under my wing. ‘Course, I also would have access to both my legs right now… unless another cat found me.”

 Virgil winced. “How about we not think about that right now.” Virgil asked, not wanting to think of Roman even worse off then he already was. “You have gotten pretty close with Logan though. Which is good, I think that’s what Logan needed.”

“The shop ones are always lonely.” Roman looked a bit forlorn. “They get broken. I’m glad they didn’t get to Logan.”

 Virgil winced at the thought. “Do I...even want to ask what being broken entails?” He was curious but he also didn’t want to know.

“Obedient, which I guess Logan is, in a way.” Roman frowned slightly. “But the good thing is Logan’s loud, when needed, and he speaks his mind. And he’s curious about the world around him, how it works and all that. He wants to learn. I admire that, truly. Usually the curiosity gets snuffed right out of them.”

 “That sounds awful.” Virgil said, but then frowned as he thought back to when Patton first got Logan. “Wait a second...when Patton brought Logan home, he was already wearing a collar. You-You don’t think…?” Maybe there was a reason Patton had taken it off of him.

“What, the shock collar?” Roman raised an eyebrow.

 Virgil blinked. “The...shock collar? Wait, it was a shock collar?!” Virgil exclaimed, more than a little shocked.

Roman gave Virgil a bewildered glance. “You- you didn’t know?! That thing was huge, bulkier than a bison! And the little guy was twitchier than a flea, you could practically see the sparks.”

 “I-I didn’t know what a shock collar looked like, and I never paid much attention I just...I just thought the pet shop gave it to him for some other reason I didn’t know it was hurting him!” Patton must have figured it out, that’s why Logan had stopped wearing it. Why hadn’t he been told? Why hadn’t he figured it out?

“I mean, knowing Logan now, he was probably getting in trouble for talking back.” Roman gave a chuckle. “Can you imagine Logan’s actually the rebel of this household?”

 Virgil couldn’t help but chuckle as well. “I guess it’s the teenage rebellion.” Virgil joked but then paused. “I...still can’t believe he’s so young. And...he’s already had to go through so much. Including having a freaking shock collar on him.”

Roman gave a sad nod. “It’s terrible, growing up in a world like this.”

 “I never knew...no, I mean, I guess I never cared enough to think about it.” Virgil sighed at that, hating that that was the truth. “Humans are awful, aren’t they?” Virgil chuckled humorlessly.

“Yeah, pretty much.” Roman agreed. He sent Virgil a glance. “Most of them, anyways.”

 Virgil smiled. “Heh, yeah…” He cleared his throat. “It’s going to be a rough couple of months though.” Virgil said, changing the subject. “I know you still want to leave but I think we might have to postpone it until...after you’re all healed.”

Roman gave an awkward cough. “I mean...so, I might have sort of...changed my mind?”

 Virgil froze. “I...what?”

“I mean, there really is nothing out there.” Roman grimaced at that painful truth. “I’ve been in and out of the shelter enough to know better by now, and honestly? This isn’t so bad.”

 “Yeah but...I don’t want you to just settle either.” Virgil said, shifting awkwardly. “I mean, I’m thrilled! I just...want to make sure this really is what you want.”

“No, I- I think it is.” Roman decided. “I mean, it’s a big turn around, but- well you and Patton are really nice, heck you let me ram myself across the yard in a car, so I know you’re not going to be overbearing. And there’s Logan, so it’s not like I’m alone in this either, we can totally talk behind your backs about how annoying you’re both being.”

 Virgil snorted at that before smiling. “Well...I’m glad then. I’m glad that Patton and I make you feel listened to enough that...that you actually want to stay.”

“I’m glad, too.” Roman admitted. “I think it’ll be fun, bossing a human around.”

 Virgil laughed. “I’m sure you’ll have a blast.” He let his laughter trail off though. “Roman, I will do everything I can to make sure you are your own boss but...Patton and I might mess up along the way. I’m not going to lie and say we won’t. So...tell me when I’m being a jerk, yeah?” Virgil chuckled, though more nervously.

“It’s cute that you think I wouldn’t.” Roman teased. “But...yeah, sure thing. I appreciate your honesty.”

 Virgil relaxed laughing. “Right, I should have known.” He smiled down at Roman. “Welp, I think it’s about time we head to bed then. That medicine should have kicked in by now too, how are you feeling?”

“Good.” Roman closed his eyes a bit blissfully. “Really, really good.”

 Virgil smiled as he stood up. “Well, I’m happy to hear that.” Virgil looked between the bed and the desk. “I know you said you didn’t care before but...do you want to stay on my bed or do you want me to make you something on my desk?” Virgil asked, wanting to make sure he got Roman’s input on this.

“I don’t think I ever want to move from this spot.” Roman mumbled sleepily.

 Virgil chuckled. “My bed it is then.” Thankfully, Roman was already off to the side enough that Virgil still had plenty of space on his own side. He got into bed, being mindful of Roman and reached over to turn off the light. “Need anything else before lights out?” Virgil asked.

“Nope.” Roman shook his head, giving Virgil a smile. “Thanks for asking, though.”

 “Of course.” Virgil gave a smile back. He shut off the light. “Goodnight, Roman. I’m...glad this all worked out.”

“Me too.” Roman said, pleased to believe his own words.

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 “Happy actual Birthday, Logan!” Patton shouted as they finished singing. They didn’t go with candles this time, so Virgil simply went into slicing up the cake to pass out. The whole thing was vanilla, since Logan seemed to prefer that one last time.

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“Thank you, Patton.” Logan gave him a grin, so used to the human’s volume now that he felt no need to cover his ears.

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 Patton grinned and Virgil came over with a slice of cake. “Alright, first slice goes to the birthday boy.” He set it down in front of him. “Can’t believe you’re eighteen already.” Virgil laughed, although it was more like, he still couldn't believe Logan was only eighteen.

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“It feels as though it has taken a lifetime.” Logan admitted, eagerly digging in to his portion.

“Don’t worry.” Roman teased, prodding Logan in the side. “You’ll always be our lil’ baby calculator.”

Logan groaned. “That is the exact opposite of what I want and you know it.”

“I do?” Roman pretended to look innocent. “Because I thought just last night you were informing me I knew nothing.”

“Nothing about air travel, which is why the prospect of launching yourself in a paper airplane is dangerous-!” Logan began to rant again.

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 Virgil frowned as he came back with another piece of cake. “I’m sorry, what was that about a paper airplane?” He raised an eyebrow in Roman’s direction.

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“I would never.” Roman was quick to not meet anyone’s eye.

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 “Roman, I thought we agreed on no dangerous stunts until your legs are fully healed.” Virgil said, motioning to the borrowers legs, still in casts.

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Roman let out a loud groan. “Spoil sport!”

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 Virgil rolled his eyes, placing the piece of cake down for Roman to eat. Patton then came over, having cut a slice for Virgil and handed it to him. “Thanks, Pat.” Virgil said.

 “No problemo, kiddo! Oh! Virgil, you have something on your face!” Patton exclaimed. Virgil blinked, hand going up there.

 “I do?” He asked, feeling around for it.

 “Yep! Right...there!” He placed some frosting on the tip of Virgil’s nose. Virgil blinked going cross-eyes to stare at it. Virgil smirked, getting a nice dollop of frosting on his finger.

 “Oh, it’s on.” Patton squeaked and started running as Virgil chased him around the kitchen with the frosting.

“I thought I was supposed to be the youngest.” Logan rolled his eyes. “They’re so childish.”

“Surprise, we’re raising children.” Roman joked. 

“Oh, as if you’re not also a disaster.” Logan huffed.

“But we’re your disasters.” Roman reminded him.

“Yes, you are.” Logan looked off into the kitchen, gazing fondly at the way Patton was still trying to dodge Virgil’s frosting attacks. “I’m glad we stayed.” He said suddenly.

Roman blinked, and now both his eyes were half open. The crippled borrower frowned, taking note of the way Logan trembled.

“Hey.” Roman said softly, his arm sluggish as he tried to move it in Logan’s direction. “It’s okay.”

Logan gave a slightly hysterical laugh at the absurdity of Roman comforting him, and yet quickly clung to grab Roman’s offered hand in his own. Logan clutched it like he would never let go.

“Shhhh.” Roman stage whispered, trying to tug Logan down as if sharing a secret. Logan obliged him by leaning in. “I have no idea what’s going on.”

 Virgil smiled sadly at the two of them. He hated that this had to happen but at least Roman was actually okay. He wasn’t sure how the borrower would react to everything that happened though. “We’ll tell you when we get back home, alright?” Virgil said softly.

 Patton hopped into the drivers side and started the car, heading for the pharmacy.

“Are we home yet?” Roman joked, the chuckle that came from him clearly an after effect of his sedatives. 

“We have only just left.” Logan informed him. “If you will be asking that the entire journey this shall be a long car ride.”

Roman blinked, seeming to recognize something in Logan’s words. 

 “We gotta stop by somewhere first but we should be home in twenty minutes.” Patton said, glancing over at the two borrowers before focusing back on the road.

“Why?” Roman asked, sounding for a moment like Logan.

“Yes, why are we not going home?” Logan seconded the inquiry.

 “We have to pick up...ah...something for Roman. But it shouldn’t take longer than a minute.” Virgil promised.

“What something?” Logan pressed.

 “Roman’s medication, remember?” Patton said and Virgil closed his eyes and silently groaned.

 “Paaaaaaat.” He was avoiding saying it for a reason. At least Patton looked sheepish.

“Why does he need medication?” Logan asked hesitantly. “I- I thought the veterinarians had finished with him.”

“The vet?” A flash of alarm appeared in Roman’s features.

 Crap. “It’s just pain meds, to help with any pain Roman will have in the future. Now let’s finish this conversation once we get home, okay? No need to start panicking.” Virgil directed that last statement to Roman.

“No one is panicking.” Logan said, but he watched Roman’s expressions carefully as the borrower seemed to be piecing things together.

“I...was I at the vet?” Roman murmured, trying to remember. “Why was I at the vet?” It had been ages since he needed a checkup.

 “Virgil maybe we just need to tell them.” Patton said as he pulled into the parking lot of the pharmacy. “I’m gonna grab the medicine, just tell him, okay?” And the Patton left. Virgil groaned.

 “Alright, Roman, please don’t freak out but...you were in an accident. The car I got you crashed and you...you broke both of your legs.”

Roman gave a long, slow blink, likely assisted by the wearing off sedatives. “...what.”

 Virgil sighed. “You broke both of your legs.” He said, a little slower. “The vet put them in casts already, so you’re going to be fine.”

“My legs?” Roman finally looked down, where Logan had originally been blocking his view. “...my legs.” He repeated in a daze, staring down at the bulky plastic surrounding him. Entrapping him.

 “Roman, please don’t panic. Everything is fine now. It’s fine.” Virgil said, biting his lip. Despite his hopes, he was bracing himself for Roman panicking.

“I think you and I have a different definition of the word ‘fine’.” Logan noted, a sort of sharpness to his tone that was often absent.

“I remember driving.” Roman said softly, ignoring them both as he was lost in his own world. “And...and it was great, but then something happened, I lost control, the acorns-”

 “The acorns caused you to crash and threw you out of the car.” Virgil finished for him sadly. Virgil glanced out the window, seeing Patton coming back holding the small white bag that held Roman’s medicine.

“My legs.” Roman repeated dimly, his eyes trailing over the cast again. He remembered the pain, the searing pain, like it was nothing but a bad dream. “Why can’t I feel them?”

 “You’re still under heavy sedatives, so it’s going to be a bit before you can feel anything.” Virgil explained as Patton got into the car and started to pull back onto the road. 

 “Roman, how are you doing?” Patton asked, after a few moments. Wondering how telling him went.

“I-” Roman’s head felt fuzzy, as though he could hardly grasp onto a coherent thought at once. “I can’t feel my legs.”

 Virgil winced. “Yep, he’s panicking.” He muttered. Maybe not outwardly, yet, but certainly inside he was all kinds of freaked out.

 “Roman, everything is going to be okay. It’s probably good you can’t feel your legs yet. They were giving you quite a lot of pain before.” Patton said.

 “Patton.” Virgil cried. He knew Patton was just trying to help but that was not the way to do it.

“No, yeah, I- I remember that. Sorta.” Roman took a deep breath, feeling the way the air scratched his dry throat. “Was I screaming? I feel like I was screaming.”

 Virgil winced. “Yeah, you were definitely screaming.” Virgil could still hear his screams of pain, actually. Which was not fun.

“I would suggest not doing it again.” Logan commented, rubbing circles in the back of Roman’s hand in what he hoped was a soothing manner. 

“Don’t think I had a choice about the screaming, Lo.” Roman’s laugh was bordering on crazed.

 “I think he meant the driving part, which I agree with.” Patton said, glancing at the two.

 “Well, we don’t have to worry about that. I didn’t bother grabbing the car so it’s probably long gone by now.” Virgil said, shifting in his seat. There was no way he could take it back home knowing how much Roman had gotten hurt in it.

“Hope it ran over that cat.” Roman joked dryly. The one which attacked him several nights prior.

 “I’m...sure it did.” Virgil said, despite the fact that he knew it hadn’t.

 Patton pulled into the driveway and they all got out of the car and headed inside. Patton set up a small pillow on the couch and Virgil carefully set Roman and Logan on top it. “Alright, there we go. Any difference in how you’re feeling, Roman?”

“Nope!” Roman gave a hysterical laugh, staring straight up at the ceiling with a strained smile. “Nope, everything’s just- peachy.” He spat.

 Virgil winced and he turned to Patton. “I think he might be losing it.”

 Patton sighed and shook his head. “He’s probably still under the sedatives a bit. But also, pain and shock will do that to you.” Patton explained. He turned back to Roman. “Roman, I know everything seems...not great. But please try and focus for us okay? Is your leg starting to hurt again?”

“Of course it’s hurting!” Roman threw his fists down, frustrated when they didn’t make an audible thud against the pillow. “I got tossed around like a ragdoll! And I’m such an idiot, and now I’m going to pay the price, and I’ll have to grow dependent, and, and-”

 “Roman, Roman, calm down.” Virgil said, kneeling down and using his hands to surround Roman in what he hoped was a comforting way. He made sure he wasn’t actually touching him though. “Just breath, okay? In and out, like I’m doing.” Virgil breathed slowly, hoping Roman would follow his lead.

“What good does breathing do?” Roman huffed, but having nothing better to do he tried to follow Virgil’s pattern. It didn’t matter either way- nothing mattered anymore. Roman had screwed everything up because he couldn’t lay low for one. Week. That’s all it would have taken, and then Roman could have convinced Logan to run away and go… where? 

Where would Roman have gone? It was impossible to find a spot left in the world that was safe for his kind. The world was overrun with human beans, and Roman was a fool if he still believed otherwise.

 “There we go.” Virgil encouraged.

 Patton watched the scene with a worried frown, before looking down at the bag of medicine he still had in his hands. “I think we should probably give him his medicine now.” Patton commented and Virgil nodded.

 “Right…could you-?”

 “Already on it.” Patton went to the kitchen to fetch some water for Roman.

“What will the medicine do?” Logan asked hesitantly.

 “It’ll help with Roman’s pain.” Virgil answered as Patton came back with a cap of water and the tiniest pills Virgil had ever seen. Geez, they would have to be careful to make sure they didn’t lose those. Virgil took his hands back as Patton handed the stuff to him. “Thanks Pat.”

 Patton hummed and nodded and Virgil focused his attention back on Roman. “Okay Roman, go ahead and take these with the water.” He said, holding his hand out so Roman could easily reach.

Roman grimaced, taking the medicine and swallowing it down.

 “There we go and that should kick in pretty soon.” Virgil said, handing the cap back to Patton.

 “Roman should probably get some rest now but...I think it might be a good idea for him to sleep in your room, Virgil.” Patton said, fidgeting with the empty cap.

“What? Why?” Logan frowned.

 “It’s just so we can watch over him and be there if he needs us or something only we can get. Like more medicine. I’m sorry, I know you guys just got your own room but...I think this might be for the best. At least for a little while.” Patton said with a sad frown. He really did feel for the poor borrowers.

 “Yeah, I agree.” Virgil said. “Roman? Is that okay?” Virgil asked, still wanting the borrower’s input.

“Sure.” Roman shrugged. Nothing mattered, anyways.

 “Alright, then I think we should head up there.” Virgil carefully scooped Roman up, before standing up himself. He turned to Patton. “I’ll keep you updated. Night.” Virgil headed up the stairs.

 “Night kiddo.” Patton said back, watching Virgil leave before turning back towards Logan. “Logan? What do you want to do? I could take you back to your room or...I mean, my room is always open if you didn’t want to be alone.” Patton offered.

Logan looked down the hall, where Roman and Virgil had just disappeared. “...I do not want to be alone.” Logan decided softly.

 Patton nodded. “And you won’t be.” Patton offered his hand to him.

Gratefully Logan accepted his offer, climbing on.

 Patton cupped his hand against his chest and slowly made his way into his room. He set Logan down on the desk and then frowned when he realized he no longer had Logan’s room in there with him. “Oh, hmm...are you okay with me setting up a little makeshift bed for you?” He asked.

“Yes, that’s alright.” Logan agreed. “But how do you plan to fashion it?”

 “Well, uhh…” Patton looked around his room, before grabbing a clean shirt from his closet and folding it up almost like a nest. “How’s that?” Patton paused. “Heh...it kinda reminds me of when you first got here. Before we got your bed…and stuff.” Patton rubbed his arm sheepishly.

“Oh yes.” Logan’s face lit up in recognition. “How far things have come, in only a matter of days.”

 “Yeah…” Patton shook his head, trying not to think about it. He had other things to focus on, after all. “Hey, Logan? Is...I mean, I know a lot happened today. Was there...anything you wanted to talk about? Just...anything?”

“Yes.” Logan took a deep breath, uncertain why his anger felt so directed at Patton suddenly. “Why did you both gift Roman that vehicle?”

 Patton winced. “Right, I guess that is a valid question.” Patton rubbed the back of his neck. “To be honest, I wasn’t too thrilled about it either. But...Virgil thought it was cool. He thought Roman would like it and though he didn’t say it out loud I think...I think he got it so Roman could feel more free.” Patton explained with a sigh. “The reasoning behind getting it had good intentions but…”

“But it was reckless.” Logan spat. “And dangerous, and selfish, and- and it’s Virgil’s fault Roman is hurt.”

 Patton let out a sigh. “Logan, I know you’re upset. And so am I. And I know it feels good to point blame at someone but it doesn’t really fit here. Sure, we could say it was Virgil’s fault for getting Roman the car. But we could also say it was Roman’s fault for taking the car too far. Or we could even say it was my fault, for not talking Virgil out of buying the car. Or even your fault, for not talking Roman out of riding the car. But...that doesn’t make much sense, does it?”

“It makes perfect sense.” Logan’s eyes widened. “We’re all to blame.”

 Patton winced. “Okay...not really what I meant. Look, Logan, none of us could have guessed what would happen. Sure, we could have done this or that but in the end, we didn’t know that it even mattered. All we can do now is say that it happened and try to fix it in the present. And that also means we learn from it, so we know what to do if something similar happens again.”

“How can you be so rational about this!” Logan protested. “Roman is grievously injured and possibly handicapped for life, yet you write it off as a common mistake!” It was just the kind of flippant attitude Logan should have expected from a human.

 Patton blinked. Once, twice, tears filling his eyes. He chuckled humorlessly. “You think I’m not upset or anything? That I don’t actually blame Virgil or even myself? Especially myself?” Patton asked softly. He looked down. “I’ve made so many mistakes. This is just...at the top. I’m trying to convince myself as much as I am you but...heh, it isn’t really working.”

“...what?” Logan frowned. 

 Patton laughed, but it felt empty. “Wanna play the blame game? Let’s play the blame game. Virgil never would have even thought about getting Roman a car if I hadn’t suggested we throw you both parties. But that’s not all. How about we go all the way to the beginning. Because none of this would have happened if I hadn’t convinced Virgil to get a pet. If I decided to not get a pet. And then I wouldn’t have to hate myself for how I treated you or for Roman getting into this mess and wondering if you actually hate me and just aren’t showing it because you’re still scared of me.” Patton was crying now. “...I wouldn’t blame you though. If that’s how you felt.”

“What?” Logan repeated, trying to figuratively unpack everything Patton had just said. “Patton, this instance aside, what are you talking about? Why do you assume I am frightened of you?” Logan shifted on his feet, uncertain what to do. “Patton, please. Stop being upset.”

 Patton wiped his eyes. “I-I’m sorry but why wouldn’t you be. I’m so big and only a few days ago I saw you as a pet! And then all this happens and it-it just, it makes...sense.” Patton said quietly, sniffling.

“Patton, I’ve dealt with humans all my life.” Logan reminded him, his chest aching. “I’m not frightened of your size. I am often frightened of the unknown, such as when you first purchased me; or now, when we have yet to know what will happen to Roman. But you treat me with more respect than I have ever received.”

 Patton fidgeted with his hands. “I...I’m still sorry. For everything. For...For this. For...Roman.”

“Patton, I… you have no need to apologize.” Logan sighed. “Like you stated, Roman’s injuries are a fault that was not caused by one individual. We all should have taken precautionary measures.”

 Patton looked away. “I know.” He said softly. “I...know. But a part of me...a part of me still blames myself.” He chuckled. “I’m sorry, Logan. I was trying to help you feel better but I just ended up putting all my baggage onto you.”

“What baggage?” Logan looked around for any goods that may have been placed on him.

 Patton laughed. “Not physical baggage, Lo. It’s an expression. I meant my, uh, my emotional baggage. My...inner problems and such.”

“Oh.” Logan nodded slowly. “It...seems this incorporeal luggage has been weighing on you quite heavily.”

 “Yeah...I guess it is nice to finally talk to someone about it.” Patton said, smiling a little at Logan. “It’s still there but...a little lighter now.”

“...may I relieve some emotional belongings as well?” Logan shifted, wondering if it was his place to share.

 Patton blinked for sitting up straighter. “Oh! Oh, of course!”

“Roman wanted to leave at the end of his week.” Logan revealed. He hoped Roman would forgive him; Logan couldn’t keep this knowledge to himself any longer, he needed to talk out this issue with a third party. “He requested that I accompany him.”

 “...Okay.” Patton looked back down. Honestly, he should have expected something like this. “And...what did you say?”

“I believe I said yes, but I am uncertain again.” Logan scuffed his shoe. “I want to say no. Roman is the first borrower with which I’ve had the chance to properly connect. He means a lot to me and I do not wish to be separated. But the outside world… it’s not made for borrowers. I’m frightened of what might occur. What has occurred, even just past the driveway.”

 “You...want to say no?” Patton asked, surprised. “I mean...I’ll admit I’ve always been hesitant of the idea of either of you leaving because of the dangers. But I wasn’t going to keep the two of you here. It’s your decision, after all. Because you deserve to make your own decisions after so long without being able to.”

“I know.” Logan paused. “I’m not used to making decisions.”

 “I know.” Patton chuckled. “Which is...sad, admittedly, but everyone has to start somewhere. If you don’t want to go with Roman, then you don’t have to go. You’re always welcome to stay here.”

“But then Roman will leave me!” Logan looked quite distressed by this fact. “I do not wish to be left behind simply because I am a less adequate borrower.”

 Patton frowned. “Logan…” He bit his lip. “For one, stop putting yourself down like that. And two, then you need to talk to him about this. Tell him how you feel, just like you told me.” Patton said with a soft smile.

Logan fiddled with the cuff of his sleeve. “Roman will be upset with me.” He explained. “Or rather, no, I think- I do not think Roman would care what path I chose. He was already prepared to leave me behind on his first attempt.”

 “But that was a while ago. If he didn’t grow to care for you, he wouldn’t have asked you in the first place.” Patton said. “I’m just saying to talk to him, okay? All of this is speculation until you do.”

“I suppose.” Logan agreed, seeing Patton’s reasoning. “I do not wish to upset him in his current state, though.”

 “Right...yeah, it might be a good idea to wait a little bit. You have time, at least. Roman, uh...he can’t really go anywhere like this.” Patton said with a wince.

“...right.” Logan nodded thoughtfully.

 “I think it might be time to hit the hay. Unless there’s anything else you want to talk about?” Patton asked.

“No, I… it’s just a lot to process.” Logan sighed, sinking into his nest.

 “I know. I...I still can’t believe it happened.” Patton shook his head. “Let’s get some rest, okay? Can’t help Roman when we’re exhausted.”

“I can attempt to rest.” Logan agreed, not certain of his success rate as he laid down.

 Patton nodded, knowing he was going to try as well. He laid down, turning off the light. “Goodnight, Logan.”

Roman seemed unable to form words, he just kept on screaming and screaming, his eyes darting around rapidly and looking like he recognized nothing. The borrowers legs were placed at an unnatural angle, having served as Roman’s landing point.

 Crap. Virgil bit his lip, looking around as if that would give him an answer of what to do. He knew he had to pick Roman up and take him to the vet now. It would probably hurt Roman but there wasn’t any other choice. Even if Roman was coherent, he wouldn’t be able to walk on his legs as they were now. They...They were probably broken.

 “I’m sorry about this, Roman.” Virgil said softly, before scooping Roman up as carefully as he could.

Of course, Roman’s reaction was to scream again, the sound now interrupted by a strangled sobbing as Roman attempted to curl in on himself but everything hurt. It felt as though someone had snapped him like a twig and then ran him over sandpaper ‘til he was raw. His- his legs… he couldn’t feel his legs…

 “I-I know, I’m sorry, just hold on, Ro. Please hold on.” Virgil pulled his phone out to give Patton a call.

 “Hello? Virgil? What happened? We lost sight of you guys.” Patton asked through the phone and Virgil bit his lip.

 “He-He crashed, I think both his legs are broken, I-” Virgil’s voice cracked and he took in a breath. “I need you to pick me up and take us to the vet, we’re on uh…” He looked around for a sign. “Thomas Street.”

 “Wha-what? Y-yeah, of course, we’ll be right there. Oh no…” Patton hung up and Virgil put his phone away as he waited for Patton to come, anxiously watching Roman.

 Patton put his phone away turning to Logan. “We have to go, Roman got hurt.” He said as he took Logan into the car with him.

“What happened?” Logan asked, fear creeping into his tone. Even if he expected Roman to take some form of injury, the way Patton was acting worried him.

 “Are you okay going in my pocket?” Patton asked first, wanting to get going already.

“I- yes, but what is going on?” Logan pressed, growing ever anxious.

 Patton placed Logan in his pocket and then started the car, pulling out of the driveway. “Roman crashed. He...Virgil said it looked like both his legs were broken. He’s in a lot of pain. We’re going to pick them up and bring Roman to the vet.”

“What? The vet?!” Now Logan was truly alarmed, having only been told horror tales of the borrowers taken to be ‘put down’.

 Patton nodded sadly, but realized Logan couldn’t see him. “Y-Yeah, it must have been a really bad crash.” He hoped Roman would be okay.

“NO!” Logan shrieked. “No, surely it cannot have been so- so-” Virgil and Patton wouldn’t do that, would they? Logan assumed they cared enough to keep them safe. 

“We have to take him home.” Logan insisted, tugging himself up in the pocket. “He needs to heal, we can still save him.”

 “What? Logan we can’t take him home. We don’t have the ability to help him! Only the vet can.” Patton said. He supposed he could understand Logan’s fear of the vet, some adults feared the doctors after all. “It’s going to be okay,”

“No, I will not allow you to harm Roman!” Logan protested again, passionately emotional despite the fact his threat could hold no weight.

 Patton blinked. “Logan, what are you-” He cut himself off when he saw Virgil. “Nevermind, we’ll talk later.” He pulled to a stop and Virgil wasted no time in jumping in. 

 “We need to hurry.” Was all Virgil said and Patton nodded, moving the car again and heading for the vet. And if he was going a bit over the speed limit well then he didn’t care.

Roman’s screams had dulled to a pathetic set of whimperings, his voice too hoarse to produce much sound for the moment as he trembled.

“Virgil, cease this!” Logan cried out, attempting to prop himself up to be seen. He froze, his skin turning unnaturally pale at the sight of his friend lying so…. Broken.

 “Huh? Logan what?” What was Logan talking about?

 “He’s scared of the vet, I think.” Patton explained. “But Logan, I told you it was fine. Roman needs to go there.”

“No, he- he doesn’t.” Logan’s voice cracked, refusing to acknowledge the fact that Logan had no idea if Roman was truly salvageable at this point. The thought that the humans could be correct about putting Roman down was too savage to bear, however, and their flippancy about the matter made Logan want to scream until his own voice was gone. 

“Please don’t do this.” Logan pleaded, and tears came to his eyes at the sight of Roman’s limp form but he couldn’t tear his gaze away. “Please, Roman can still be okay, he has to be okay, Roman you’re okay-”

 Patton and Virgil’s eyes widened and they shared a confused look. “Logan, he’s going to be okay. It’s-it’s alright. The vet will help, we promise.” Virgil said softly.

 Patton pulled into the parking lot and Virgil got out. “I’m going to check Roman in, meet me in the waiting room?” Patton nodded and Virgil took off into the emergency part of the building as Patton actually found a parking spot.

“No!” Logan cried out, reaching desperately as though he could have grabbed hold of Virgil himself. For the first time since removing his collar, ‘No’ was no longer pleasing to say, because what did it matter what he said if no one would listen?

 Patton got out of the car after he parked and took Logan out of his pocket. “Logan, you need to calm down. Roman is going to be fine. You don’t need to be scared of the vet. They just want to help.” Patton tried, rubbing Logan’s back to help calm him down as he headed towards the entrance.

“That is a dastardly way of putting it.” Logan seethed, rubbing furiously at his eyes and refusing to look in Patton’s direction. Vets were inclined to help humans, the ones who paid their bills, not the borrowers brought in to suffer.

 Patton took a seat in the waiting room and looked down at Logan. “Logan, what are you so worried and scared about?” Patton asked, wanting to get to the bottom of Logan’s behavior.

“I- “ Logan looked at his own hands, finding them to be trembling. And blurred, why were they blurred? Ah, yes. Tears. “I do not want to lose Roman.”

 Patton’s heart went out to Logan. “Logan, we-we aren’t going to lose him. These guys are professionals. They’ll save him.”

“You seem to possess a vastly different understanding of the veterinary field than I.” Logan gave a forced chuckle that came out quite strained. “That- back at the shop, they spoke of it often, and I saw it happen, the weak ones who couldn’t survive on their own, packed up in boxes and shipped to the vet and-” Logan drew in a shuddering breath. “-and they never, never came back.”

 Patton was confused for only a moment before his eyes widened. “No! No, Logan, oh my gosh honey, no.” He held Logan close to his chest. “We would never do that to either of you. No matter the situation. We’re at the vet to help patch his legs up and get better. He will be coming home with us alive.”

“What? But- how could you possibly know that?” Logan murmured, but Patton’s sudden shift in demeanor convinced Logan it was alright to cautiously lean into Patton’s embrace.

 “Cause we’re going to do everything we can to make sure he does.” Patton said, face and tone determined. “I’m so sorry you thought that Logan. That you had to witness that before.”

Logan buried himself into Patton’s shirt, trying to rapidly process this new line of thinking. “...what if it’s not enough?” Came Logan’s muffled question.

 Patton shook his head. “We can’t think like that.” He said quietly. “We can’t. We just have to keep believing he’ll be fine. Keep...hoping. He’ll be fine.”

“That isn’t enough!” Logan tugged on Patton’s front, feeling the fabric grow wet as it was pressed against his face. “Someone- we need to go back there! We have to save Roman! He- he needs us.”

 Patton gently shushed him, continuing to rub Logan’s back. “Virgil’s back there and Virgil won’t leave him. We’ll be let in once everything goes through, okay? The vet will do all they can to save him.”

Logan tried to picture Virgil watching over Roman, scaring off any vets that might try to harm Roman in any fatal manner.

“I’m frightened for him.” Logan cried out, allowing himself to be comforted. He must look a mess, but he did not care.

 “I know…” Patton said, closing his eyes as he held continued to hold Logan close. “So am I.”

------------------------------------------

 Virgil bit his lip as he watched Roman just lay there on the small cushioned bed, waiting for the veterinarian to come in and actually do something to help Roman. “Come on, where are they.” He glanced from the door then back to Roman. “Roman?” He asked, hoping something might have changed.

Roman gave a whine, physically unable to force words out of his mouth without screaming again or possibly biting his tongue in half.

 Virgil turned his attention back to the door when it opened, revealing someone wearing a white coat. The doctor, finally. “Alright...Virgil Storm?” The doctor asked and Virgil nodded. “And this must be Roman.” Again, Virgil nodded. “Can you explain to me what happened?”

 “I...I got him a small car as he present and...he lost control. Crashed and flew out of the car. I-I think both his legs are broken…” The doctor wrote everything down, nodding. 

 “Alright, well, let me check him over but it looks like he’ll need x-rays.” The doctor knelt down next to Roman and looked him over, gently touching his side.

Roman gave a high-pitched noise of displeasure, fresh tears sprouting in his eyes.

 The doctor hummed, writing something down. “He may have a broken rib as well...yes, we’ll need x-rays for sure. I’ll get everything set up and a nurse will be here shortly to sedate him.” He turned to leave but Virgil’s voice stopped him. 

 “W-Wait, sedate?” Virgil asked. The doctor nodded.

 “Yes, just to make sure he isn’t in anymore pain. Better to give it to him early since he’s in so much right now as is.” The doctor said. “No need to worry though, it’s perfectly safe.” And with that, the doctor left. Virgil sighed and he went back to watching Roman.

 A few moments later, the nurse came in. “Alright, I heard someone needs a sedative?” The nurse asked, heading over to Roman. “Oh, poor thing. Don’t worry hun, we’ll fix you right up.” She administered the sedative and Roman fell into a deep sleep.

 “There we go, now if you could pick him up carefully and come with me to the x-ray room.” Virgil nodded and did so, following the nurse out of the room and into another. The doctor was there already and smiled when Virgil came in.

 “Ah, Virgil. Go ahead and put Roman down behind this screen and we’ll get started.” Virgil did as told, backing up a few steps and watching Roman carefully just in case. The doctor and nurse did their thing, setting up the machine and pressing buttons. There was a low hum as the machine turned on and both the doctor and the nurse watched the screen carefully.

 “Hmm, it’s slightly worse than I thought…” The doctor murmured, making Virgil’s eyes widen and panic set in. The doctor noticed and was quick to reassure. “Sorry, it is worse than I thought but it is still just a break all the same. It appears as though both of Roman’s legs are broken in about three places, however he doesn’t have a broken rib, just a bruised side, so that makes things a bit easier.”

 Virgil bit his lip. The information didn’t really put him much at ease but he trusted the doctor. He watched as they shut the machines down. “It seemed the breaks can be fixed with a cast, which is easy. However, just in case, you will need to come semi-weekly for check-ups and updates.” Virgil nodded, not caring about that. He would come in as many times as he needed to as long as it helped Roman get better. 

 “So, you’ll be putting him in casts now?” Virgil asked and the doctor nodded. 

 “Yes, we’ll go ahead and do that now...did you want to stay in the room or wait out in the waiting room?” The doctor asked and Virgil’s lips pressed into a thin line. 

 “I’ll stay, thanks.” He said and the doctor just nodded, starting to instruct the nurse on everything they would need. Virgil hung back near Roman, looking down at him sadly. Was this his fault? It sure felt like it. If he never would have given Roman that car this wouldn’t have happened.

 At least he was going to be okay. Although something told Virgil he wouldn’t be happy about not being able to walk for a while.

 He texted Patton a few times, tried to make him go home for dinner but Patton refused to leave. As did Logan, apparently. Both too worried about Roman. Virgil made sure to give them updates as the casts were placed on Roman and the doctor did a few other things to make sure the breaks healed correctly.

 Finally, after two hours, they were done. Virgil scooped Roman up and the doctor handed him a prescription. “This will help with any pain he’s having. And I’ve already booked an appointment for you for the end of next week. One of my assistants will call to give you the details on that.” Virgil nodded.

 “Thank you for your help.” Virgil said and the doctor smiled and nodded and bid them farewell as Virgil finally came out into the waiting room. As soon as Patton saw him, he flew out of his chair. 

 “Virgil! How is Roman doing?” Patton asked, looking down at the little borrower in his friend’s hands.

 “He’ll be fine. And he should wake up soon, according to the doctor. We have to stop by the pharmacy to pick up some medication for him too.” Virgil explained and Patton nodded.

Logan looked longingly at Roman from his own position, reaching out a tentative hand. “May I…?”

 Patton looked down at Logan and smiled a little before gently transferring the borrower onto Virgil’s hands for a moment.

Logan crawled up next to Roman, watching the stuttered way Roman’s chest rose and fell. He chose not to look down at Roman’s legs, the bulky foriegn object being too much to handle as instead Logan focused on Roman’s face. Logan brushed at the hairs in Roman’s face carefully, pausing when his action received a groan.

“L’n?” Roman’s one eye blinked blearily open, his slurred words unable to pronounce Logan’s full name.