Thank you again for the great comments. I hope you like the final chapter. I've had a blast writing this.

Scott borrowed Virgil's key the following morning and - as his brother predicated - did a circuit of the entire campus before returning to the halls. They were still quiet; the students weren't awake. But while Virgil had been asleep when Scott had left, he was in the shower when he returned, much to Scott's surprise.

He stretched and grabbed some water while waiting for Virgil. He rolled his eyes when his brother appeared.

"That's also my sweater."

Virgil grinned at him. "Not," he said, smug, "it's John's."

Scott shook his head. "Where do you think John got it?"

Virgil's satisfied smirk faded and Scott chuckled, moving past him to the bathroom.

"You're up early," he said.

"I'm going to the lab," Virgil said. "There's something I want to get sorted before class."

Scott nodded. He had dropped by unexpected on his brother; he couldn't expect Virgil to put everything on hold. They arranged for Scott to meet him after class; he could keep hold of the key and explore rather than being stuck in Virgil's room all morning.

By the time he had showered, Virgil was gone. Scott pocketed the key and went to find some food before having a more thorough explore of the campus. He found the gym and organised getting a pass for later that day, intending to make good on his promise to see what Virgil was capable of.

Unlike John, he was certain Virgil wouldn't surprise him. He had spoken to his brother enough during Virgil's time here to know his brother worked hard and played harder. Exercise and gyms had never been mentioned.

There wasn't a lot for Scott to do after that. He passed the time by calling home – he was still on leave, after all, and felt guilty he had abandoned Gordon and Alan without a second thought to spend time with Virgil. By then, it was time to meet his brother.

Scott was looking forward to the afternoon. Once he knew Virgil's capabilities, he could start planning for the future. He wasn't an engineer like Virgil, or a computer genius like John. He couldn't study and plan for this dream; he would play his part once it was operational. This was the only thing he could do and he intended to make the most of it.

He got lost finding the right building, but Virgil wasn't waiting for him. Scott leant against the same fence as the day before and waited.

And waited…

…and waited.

Over an hour passed and Virgil still didn't appear. Several students passed him but not his brother.

Scott eventually pulled out his cell. He had to call twice before Virgil picked up.

"Sorry," Virgil said, "something's come up. Go and grab some lunch and give me a couple of hours?"

Scott agreed – what else could he do? – and wandered off. He explored a little more and saw Hayley and her friends. The same girl as before noticed him and Scott spent a pleasant half an hour talking to her, promising that he would be at this party tonight.

At nearly three in the afternoon, Scott was leaning back on the fence again, bored. He should have thought through what might happen if he surprised Virgil with a spontaneous visit. Just as he was starting to consider calling his brother again, two figures came into view.

Virgil was talking to a girl – a different one to anyone Scott had met yet. He rolled his eyes, unimpressed. Virgil had left him hanging all day just so he could chat up someone else? He jogged towards them but his brother didn't notice.

Scott slowed to a walk. She was pretty, but her long hair was twisted into a messy knot at the back of her head and her clothes were worn. She was unlike any of the other girls Virgil had introduced him to, but his brother hadn't looked away from her. As he drew closer, he realised they were deep in conversation. Catching a few words, Scott figured this was someone from Virgil's course.

Clearing his throat, he watched in amusement as Virgil had to blink himself back to reality.

"Scott!"

Scott stuck his hands in his pockets. "Am I interrupting?"

Virgil looked at the girl and for a wild second, Scott thought he was going to say yes and tell him to go away. Then he shook his head.

"We're done," the girl said. "Sorry to have kept him."

"We're coming your way," Virgil said, "I'll walk you back."

Scott snorted. He didn't realise chivalry was one of Virgil's flirting techniques. His brother glared at him.

"Are you sure the cogs won't seize though?"

"No," Virgil said, "but the strain on the lifting arm will be too great if it is a sealed joint."

Scott dutifully following his brother back across the campus, not understanding a word. To his surprise, they were heading straight towards Virgil's halls. He wondered if his brother had forgotten he was there again.

They didn't enter though. Another boy came out to meet them.

"Thanks, Virg," he said, "I got caught up."

"No problem." Virgil grinned at both his friends and Scott realised he had it wrong.

"We're going to get lunch," the girl said, "do you want to join us?"

"Nah," Virgil grinned over his shoulder at Scott. "I promised my brother we'd do something this afternoon."

"See you tomorrow then."

The pair walked off, hand in hand.

"What just happened?" Scott was bemused, to say the least. Virgil looked at him.

"Karen's a genius," he said, "best engineering mind I've ever met. Well, apart from… you know. She forgets to leave the lab though. Lee worries about her."

"They're together?" Scott waited until Virgil nodded. "So you've been working all morning?"

"What else would I be doing?"

Scott stared at him. He suddenly realised why Virgil looked so pale and tired. He might be having fun, but his brother was spending hours in a lab, trying to fix problems before they had been created. Even now, he was still blinking in the sunlight as if trying to adjust.

"Come on," Scott said, "I'll buy you lunch. Dinner. Whatever you want to call it at this time."

"What about-?"

"You haven't eaten, kid. I'm not having you pass out on me."

There was no way he could put Virgil through his paces right now. Instead, he let his brother lead him towards whatever diner he fancied and dutifully bought him more food.

"We can still-,"

"We'll do it tomorrow, Virg," Scott said. "You said we were going to this thing tonight?"

"We don't have to."

"No." Scott wasn't about to admit he had already given his word to someone he wouldn't mind getting to know better. "You already had plans. I'll just tag along."

They spent what remained of the afternoon just hanging out. Scott realised how much he missed the chance to just talk to Virgil about anything and everything – inconsequential little things he didn't bother telling anyone else but knew Virgil wouldn't dismiss. His brother told him more about his course, and the types of things he hoped to achieve in the future with his new skills. They could speak openly in Virgil's room – there was no fear of anyone entering the room or younger brothers overhearing things they shouldn't. How they had managed to keep it from Alan for this long, Scott had no idea.

The time passed quickly and Virgil took an age in the bathroom getting ready for the evening's party. Scott frowned when he emerged: his brother was wearing a fitted black t-shirt and Scott realised it was the first time he had seen Virgil in something that fitted. It made him look more defined than Scott had been expecting, but then Virgil threw on a jacket and motioned for him to hurry up.

Scott thought nothing more of it. It had been a while since he had had a night out and it wasn't something he had ever done with Virgil; their ages hadn't allowed it until now. He would focus on their future tomorrow – right now, he just intended to have fun.

The music was loud and Scott truly felt he had left his college days behind him. He was bored.

His brother, however, looked to be having a great time. Virgil hadn't left the dance floor since they arrived and every time Scott looked over, his brother had a different girl with him. Taking a swig of his beer, Scott leant casually against the wall and just watched.

"Hey!"

The voice came from next to him and he grinned to see the same girl again.

"Hi. Drink?" He bought her one – hoping she was overage – but conversation was limited by the loud music and when she tried to draw him onto the dance floor, he shook his head. She eventually gave up, joining Virgil and his friends.

Virgil came over to get a drink and, to Scott's surprise, scowled at him.

"Why did I tell them you were in the military?"

Scott shrugged, not knowing who Virgil was referring to. His brother didn't leave him waiting long.

"I've been trying to get her number for weeks," he grouched, gesturing with his bottle towards someone in the crowd. "And the only thing she has asked me so far is if I have a uniform like my brother."

Scott attempted to hide his grin. He failed and Virgil's scowl deepened.

"You could at least pretend to not be enjoying the attention so much."

"You have no idea how easy you have it," Scott said. "You can't even flirt on the base without getting hauled up for it."

Virgil looked astonished. "Seriously?"

"They think we'll get distracted."

"Well." Virgil sighed dramatically and passed Scott his beer. "It's my duty to keep you on the straight and narrow then. Hold this, don't move, and you'll be just fine."

Scott only realised his brother was being serious when Virgil disappeared back onto the dance floor without a backwards look. He shook his head, finished his drink and watched for a little longer. Eventually though, he moved forward, tapping Virgil on the shoulder. The girls looked hopeful and he winked at one before Virgil could turn around.

"I'm going to get some air," he yelled in his brother's ear. Virgil nodded and Scott slipped out of the crowd. He looked back at the door to see the girl he had winked at was following him out. He didn't notice Virgil also turn to look, frowning.

If his brother thought he wasn't going to take this chance to have some fun, then he was mistaken.

He moved away from the smokers and only had to wait a minute before she found him.

"So," she said, sidling up to him. "You're Virgil's brother?"

"Guilty as charged," Scott said, completely at ease. "You are?"

"Megan." She stepped closer, one hand resting on his arm. "Virgil will be here for hours," she murmured, "and won't go home alone."

Scott wasn't certain what he was supposed to say to that. But she wasn't finished.

"You could always come back to mine."

"It would give Virg some peace," he muttered. She grinned, leaning in closer, and Scott's cell rang. She didn't draw back though and he was somewhat distracted as he fumbled blindly for his phone. A name flashed on the screen in the darkness and he reluctantly pulled away to answer it.

"Gords? What's wrong?"

His brother knew where he was and knew how much Scott wanted the time with Virgil. He wouldn't have rung unless it was important. There was a long pause on the other end and Scott was just wondering whether he should start panicking when Gordon spoke.

"Sorry," he muttered, "I didn't get much of a choice."

"About what?"

"This."

Gordon wasn't being very forthcoming. Scott looked around and cursed when he realised Megan had disappeared. He had a sinking feeling he knew what was coming.

"Gordon? Why have you called me?"

"He's…persuasive."

"Virgil," Scott growled. He hung up on his brother and took the stairs two at a time as he disappeared back into the club. He used his elbows to create a path to his brother.

"Can I borrow your cell?"

Virgil nodded, handed it over without thinking. Then his eyes went wide and he turned, lunging for it.

"Give it back!"

Scott held it out his brother's reach and thumbed through to the latest messages. It came as no surprise Virgil had sent one to Gordon not ten minutes ago. Scott opened it.

Give it five and call Scott. I know about Vegas.

"Vegas?" Scott muttered, "when did Gordon go to Vegas?"

"Give it back!" Virgil snatched it back, stuffing it into his pocket and glaring at Scott.

"Why?"

"Danielle's busy tonight," Virgil mumbled. His voice was barely audible over the music. "You're not scoring when I can't."

Scott stared at him, then started laughing. Virgil might have been a flirt but he was an honest one. After a moment, his brother joined in.

"Come on," Virgil said. He led the way across the room and grabbed their jackets. "Let's go somewhere else."

"But…I thought…"

"Not my kind of scene," Virgil shrugged. Scott lifted an eyebrow and his brother relented. "At least, not with my big brother as my wing-man."

They left but Virgil didn't head towards the halls. Instead, he led Scott down a few winding streets before they reached a bar. It was quiet compared to the club but there were still a few students milling around. Scott recognised Karen and Lee in one corner and realised by the greetings his brother was getting that most of the engineering department appeared to be here.

Scott expected to spend the rest of the evening not understanding a word. He was pleasantly surprised when Virgil challenged him to a game of pool and several of his friends joined in. His brother surprised him with a few trick shots and Virgil flushed when Scott stared at him.

"John stayed a few days in my first year." It was the only explanation Scott needed – he wouldn't put anything past John right now.

That didn't mean Scott couldn't hold his own though. When the group started arguing over angles and mechanics of getting the best shot, Scott picked up the cue and cleared the table in a few goes. He shrugged when they all just gaped.

"Don't overthink everything," he told them, "instinct works just as well."

Virgil grinned at him and Scott smiled back. He still had some advice to offer his brother, after all.

It led to a new debate and Scott chuckled when they started grabbing napkins and pens to trace new designs. He rested back against the bar, a drink in one hand and a smile on his face. Virgil was relaxed and happy here. Regardless of what his physical results might show, Scott would never push his brother any harder than Virgil pushed himself.

He wasn't so sure about that the following morning. Trying to get his brother out of bed was hard on a good day. When it was something Virgil didn't want to do, however, it was impossible.

"But I'm dying," Virgil moaned, pathetically putting the pillow over his head. Scott put a glass of water and a couple of aspirin next to him.

"Sweat it out," he said, unsympathetically. Virgil hadn't drunk anymore than him but Scott had learnt quickly in the Air Force how to hide a hangover.

"Come on, Virg." Scott sat down on the edge of the bed, pretending not to feel Virgil's attempts to kick him off. "My leave doesn't last forever."

"Should have planned it better then," Virgil's muffled voice said, "other than turning up wanting to test me."

"Well…" Scott grinned, standing up and reaching for his shoes. He knew precisely how to get Virgil up.

"If you're not up to it," he said, loudly, "I'll let Gordon know it's only John he needs to worry about beating then."

Virgil sat up, glaring at him. "Gordon's in the military," he grumbled, "he's supposed to beat us both."

"John's in the lead," Scott said, "are you going to let that go?"

It took a few more taunts before Virgil was up and dressed within half an hour. They had a light breakfast and took a slow walk to the gym. Scott wanted them to be ready when they arrived.

He was going to have his work cut out for him. Virgil would no doubt try and push himself beyond what he was capable of doing. He also knew once his brother realised he was out of shape, he would grow frustrated and angry, and Scott was going to have to manage the situation to turn it to his advantage before his brother became too annoyed.

"You're early."

It was the same young man Scott had spoken to the day before about getting a guest pass. Virgil grunted in response and flashed his ID. The doors opened but Scott frowned at the back of his brother's head as he followed Virgil in. He guessed Virgil was friends with the guy and his reputation for not wanting to get up proceeded him.

Scott whistled as he looked at the state-of-the-art machines. Yale hadn't had anything this impressive. Virgil didn't appear to notice though; he was too busy glaring at his brother.

"What's the plan then?"

"We'll start off on the treadmills," Scott said, "and go from there."

Virgil made a non-committal noise in the back of his throat but followed Scott.

Ten minutes later and Scott was wincing, wondering what he had let himself in for. Virgil couldn't find his rhythm and it was obvious he was struggling to keep up. He had wanted to motivate his brother, not embarrass him. He turned the machine off.

"Your pick," he said.

Virgil led the way to the rowing machines. They weren't Scott's favourite but he could handle them. They got into position.

"Don't-,"

Scott stared. He glanced around, expecting a trick. Then stared a little more.

"What?" he gaped.

Scott could do nothing but stare even when Virgil looked at him. His brother didn't falter, didn't slow down. His speed was impressive and when Scott glanced at his resistance level, he almost fell off his own machine in surprise.

"You okay?" There was a knowing grin on Virgil's face now.

Scott's voice failed him. Virgil's technique was perfect and his body moved in a constant fluid motion. He didn't look like he was trying.

"How-?"

"I can slow down if you want," Virgil said, "pace you?"

Scott turned up his own resistance, trying to match Virgil.

He couldn't.

After a few moments, he stopped. Virgil was going strong and when Scott paid proper attention to what his brother was doing, he knew he could keep it up. His form was spot on.

Grinning, Scott turned sideways on his machine and watched his brother, trying to truly get the feel of what Virgil was capable of.

In the end, he left him to it. Virgil wasn't slowing down and he certainly wasn't stopping. Scott returned to the treadmill and came back twenty minutes later. Virgil noticed him and gradually started to reduce his speed. He was breathing heavy but evenly and Scott knew he could have kept going.

Swinging himself off the machine, Virgil lead the way to a free weights corner. Scott didn't even try – he had a feeling he knew what was coming and, sure enough, he had to fight to hide how impressed he was as Virgil set to work casually.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Scott demanded. "You looked really sheepish when I mentioned this."

"And ruin the surprise?" Virgil laughed. "You had already decided I was going to be your project. The look on your face, Scotty."

"But… the lose clothes?"

"Accident to start with – you're the one who surprised me, remember? Then I figured why not. You already said John had caught you out, but you must have known he was training?"

"You've never mentioned it."

"You do this stuff every day," Virgil shrugged, putting the weights down and starting to stretch. "Figured I would talk to you about different stuff."

"But-,"

It wasn't often his little brothers left him lost for words. Scott could do nothing but gape at Virgil though. His brother eventually took pity on him.

"You're not the only one who has been thinking about our future," he said quietly, "and I know it's not just going to be the machines out there. I wasn't going to let Gordon show me up."

He shrugged, then grinned. "Danielle doesn't complain either."

Scott rolled his eyes, picking up his own weights.

"I've spent all morning thinking how I was going to convince you to go along with a training routine," he said. "You played me there, Virg."

"Nah. You just saw what you wanted to see. You wanted me to need you, admit it."

Scott refused. He had no intention of telling Virgil he was right. He couldn't help but feel a little put-out. He had been looking forward to working with Virgil.

His brother read his expression and nudged him. "I'm not here forever," he said, "we can still train together. Besides, I can pretty much guarantee Al is as bad as we think he is. You'll still have a project."

Scott grimaced and looked around.

"Next challenge," he said, nodding towards the cross-trainers. He hated them, but he had also seen the way Virgil had skirted around them. His brother wasn't a fan either. If Virgil wanted to show him up, then they were going to try it on something where they had equal footing to start with.

Virgil's answering grin revealed he knew exactly what Scott was doing. But neither of them backed down.

Neither of them ever backed down.