Assistance Required

Movie Night

TW yelling, abuse, homophobic language, cursing

Virgil threw his bag and his work clothes in his car before leaving. He wanted to sell the idea that he was working on a project before work, but if he had time after leaving he might try to get some of his schoolwork done. He found a space to park and checked his phone. It was almost one. His hands were shaking as he grabbed the chips sitting in the back seat and walked towards the student center. Why was he so nervous? He walked inside and found Patton, Roman, Thomas, and Joan sitting in the usual spot.

"You came!" Patton said throwing his arms around Virgil.

"Y-yeah."

"What's that?" Roman asked gesturing to the bag in Virgil's hand.

"Chips."

"You didn't have to bring anything!" Thomas said.

"I-I know. It just... it wouldn't feel right if I didn't and I was in the store earlier anyway and they were on sale so I just got them. I probably would have gotten them anyway. I like snacking while I'm doing my homework."

Patton placed a hand on each of Virgil's shoulders.

"Is everything okay? You're shaking."

"S-s-sorry."

"You're fine!" Thomas said.

"I think you misunderstand the point of the exercise. We're trying to relax," Joan said.

"Let's get upstairs. Janus and Remus should be back with the pizzas any minute now. Hopefully, the movie will help you relax," Roman said.

Virgil nodded. Patton frowned looking between Virgil and the others.

"Why don't you guys go on ahead. I want to talk to Virgil for a second," Patton said.

They walked hesitated for a moment before Joan led the other two away. Once they were out of sight Patton led Virgil to a seat and sat down with him.

"What's going on?" Patton asked.

"It's nothing," Virgil said.

"You're shaking, Kiddo. I wanted you to have fun with us, but I never wanted you to feel forced to come."

"N-no. I wanted to come. It's just... I've never... This is..."

Virgil rubbed the back of his neck. Patton sat patiently waiting for Virgil to continue.

"I've never been invited to things before," Virgil blurted out instantly regretting it.

Patton nodded in understanding before giving him a sympathetic smile.

"It's okay if you're nervous. Just let me know if it ever gets too much for you. You can leave at any time. But right now, why don't you just take a deep breath and we'll join the others when you're ready."

Virgil nodded as he took a couple of deep breaths. After a couple of minutes, he smiled. Once he was ready, Patton led him to the dorms where the others were waiting. Janus and Remus had apparently arrived while Patton and Virgil were downstairs. Roman ran down the hall and knocked on a door.

A minute later the door opened but Virgil couldn't see who had opened it.

"What do you need, Roman?" he heard Logan ask.

"You're the only one not participating! Virgil showed up!"

Virgil saw Logan poke his head out of the door to look at them. He gave Logan a small smile and a wave.

"It appears so," Logan said. "I already told you, Roman, I have to study."

"You said that last week!"