Ian never sat down on chairs. Chairs were boring. Radiators, counters or piles of books weren t.

He also never ate using anything other than his hands since he always ate pizzas or tacos but that didn t really matter, since it was another thing, together with the fact that he always drank coffee; now, huddled up and sitting down on the counter, he scowled at his brother, who was pacing in front of him. For the first time in his entire sixteen years of life, he wanted to be recognized for his originality, but obviously, his only sibling and relative alive was barely acknowledging him. They were identical from head to toe: the same curly dark hair which was ruffled and tangled, falling on their foreheads in the same way which shadowed their features; the same naturally tanned skin, although it was only a shade darker than the usual one; the same way they moved, acted, dressed and furrowed their brows at each other. But even though they were identical twins, which was one of the strangest things in the area in which they lived, they had one more thing which tore them apart from the average population and forced them to bear with the fact that they would be always stared at: their eyes weren t the same to the others. The left was of a blue shadowed by flecks of dark gray and the right was of a bright hazel which shone almost green in the light. Although they were twins, they had distinguish features and personalities, only the greatest and the most careful being able to see through their identical appearance. Ian always hunched over whilst Everett always straightened his back, trying not to seem as if he was bending to the worries piling up in his mind; Ian always blew lightly over his coffee and gazed rather longingly outside the window whilst Everett drank straight from the hot coffee, burning his tongue, and ignored the view, choosing to retreat to his own thoughts; Ian always was the most altruist of the two, the typical good boy, whilst Everett was the selfish one, the typical bad boy which everyone encountered in such high schools as the one they were in. They did the same, Ian blowing over his coffee quickly, trying to make it cool down before he had to rush to the library together with his brother, and Everett paced from right to left, drinking it in large gulps, rather boring Ian. But he said nothing. He never did, no matter how annoying his brother was, because he knew that, if he was to be left to live alone without seeing his exact reflection passing by him every day, he wouldn t be sane anymore. So he bore with his brother every single day. Would you mind dropping me off at the library? I need to finish our essays, said Ian pointedly, the scowl from his face now gone, replaced by a small and seemingly annoyed raised one brow. I m also meeting up with Cameron, if you don t mind. Everett nodded, but did not elaborate his thoughts other than furrowing his brows once more. Ian allowed a small smirk to tug at his lips and took the first sip from his coffee, lost in the gray city which he saw outside the windows arranged in a row to his right. Cameron was the only friend the two had in their school, other than the fakes who liked to laugh at whatever bad happened to them when they weren t there. Cameron never did so, he always stuck to them and helped them to finish their homework if they couldn t do it, he was loyal as only a human like him could be and he never gave up on them, even if Everett was mostly rude to him. Ian was the closest to him and Cameron accepted him, 1

always hanging out with him when his brother couldn t because he worked. Deep down, Ian had feelings for him but hey, who wouldn t? He was good-looking, with big puppy-like brown eyes which always brightened when he saw the twins and blonde hair ruffled by the many attempts of him trying to tame it down, though he never managed to do it because of the fact that it always stuck to his forehead in a bowl-like fashion. Ian liked him. He really did. But he couldn t tell him because he was afraid of being called a freak or a weirdo by his only friend and often gave up doing that. Hell, not even Everett knew, but he suspected so because Ian always changed the subject whenever they were to discuss about whom they liked. Taking another gulp from his now rather cold coffee, Ian shifted on the counter so he could see the dawn better; the midnight blue died as the sun progressed over the horizon, mixing with the angry red and creamy orange which slid slowly from the directions they had been tossed to, and, in his opinion, it was a rather beautiful image. Thinking quickly, he looked to his brother and was about to make him look at the way the city shone in the dim light, but his words died on his lips as he saw Everett sit down on a chair and check his laptop. His gaze moving again to the view, he bit down his lip and threw aside all of his thoughts so he could see everything without everything being blurry because of the rushing waves of indignation. The horizon grew brighter as minutes passed and Ian found himself comparing the city he had grown in with others. On his part, he thought and knew that San Francisco was a beautiful city, especially in that season: the wind was humid and chilly, sliding through the open windows and sneaking into the warm room and the sun, even though it shone with all its power, it wasn t bright enough to make him hide his eyes under a pair of sunglasses; it was beautiful just to make a pause, to sit, relax and remember that he still could put his thoughts in place with one single glance to the dimly lit city. Even though it was Saturday, a free day, they had been awake since three in the morning, after two and a half hours of sleep. Now it was six AM and it was pretty hard not to fall asleep, or that s what Ian thought, but it was okay for them since they were used to sleeping only a couple of hours, eight hours short of how much they were supposed to spend in a bed. They didn t care, since they had always slept like that, but sometimes it was just too little and they often fell asleep in their classes or in the middle of a conversation with Cameron, who then took responsibility to bring them home. Ian s plans for the day were simple: he was going to go to the library as soon as it opened, which was at seven AM, where he was going to be helped by Cameron to make the four essays he and his brother had been assigned, while Everett was going to work for the day. Ian had always frowned upon the idea of his brother working so hard for his age and had always tried to help him, but Everett had always pushed him back and had said that it was his job to bring money in the house, and not Ian s, since he was younger . He hated to be pushed aside, but he just couldn t make his brother change his mind and to help him, he did his homework and helped him cheat in his exams. The next thirty minutes passed by uneventful; Ian finished his coffee at last and as Everett mumbled something to himself, they simultaneously placed the cups down. Ian hopped off of the counter and his

brother got up, brushing invisible dirt away from his clothes grin goofily at his expression.

their gazes met and Ian couldn t help but

What? asked Everett, allowing himself to smile the same way. His tone was rougher than his brother, yet it had the same level of musicality and he seemed as if ready to burst into song every time he talked. Running a hand through his hair, he closed the laptop with the opposite one and allowed Ian to go ahead of him through the dorm s hall and to the door. Alright, I m dropping you at the library. You sure he s waiting you there? he added as he patted his pockets, finding his keys easily. I don t want to drop you off too far from the library. Yeah, he ll be there, Ian assured him with a smile as he swung the door inwards. He promised. They were in Everett s car after a couple of minutes and then driving through the city as fast as Everett managed to without breaking the law. Impatient, Ian kept tugging at the strap of his laptop bag, bouncing his legs even so slightly he hated being in a car because he had an unnatural fear of those and he just hated how it smelled, but he could say that for how much his brother had paid for the black car, it was better than he had expected. He was still surprised every time he got into the vehicle, but now his shock passed faster than before. Leaning back in the seat, he moved slightly so he wouldn t be crushing his laptop and bit down on his lip, worried that someone besides his brother could see him sitting on something which resembled so much a chair. You okay? Ian, jumpy as always, nearly had a heart attack when his brother turned his head to look at him and he nodded slightly. He blinked in surprise when he saw a glimpse of color on his brother s fingers and he reached out for his hand, taking it and looking down at his nails, his lips parting into another goofy grin. Painted your nails rainbow again? he managed to ask, giggling even so slightly. I guess we fit now, he added and placed his hand next ho his brother: even the coloring on their nails was the same and Ian couldn t help but burst out laughing at Everett s embarrassed expression. I-It was a dare It wasn t, Ian cut him mid-sentence, another devilish grin creeping on his face. You just like the colors and the fact that there s pink in the rainbow. Okay, okay, you caught me Stop laughing! Everett snapped to his twin and Ian breathed in sharply, managing to stop himself from his fit of giggles, watching him snatch his hand away. You don t need to be so angry, sheesh, retorted Ian with a frown, pulling his hand back as well. It fits nicely. Yeah. Makes me feel like a child again and it kind of helps, said Everett, pulling the car into a parking lot in front of the library before turning to his twin and frowning. Take care and make sure he ll bring you home, okay?

Relax, I will, replied Ian and got out of the car, slamming the door behind him and bending over to peer through the window into the car only to add, See you tonight. Don t crash, don t die, don t do anything reckless or I ll kill you. Earning a laugh from his brother, he straightened his back and waved as the car raced away, a small smile on his face; he kept his hand raised until the car ducked around the corner and grinned to nobody in particular. He hated seeing his brother worry and making him happy made him feel good, as if he did something very important. And so it was, at least for him: it was important to see that his brother felt cared about once in a while. His hand fell besides him and he dragged down his cardigan for it had crumpled upwards, arranged his laptop bag and headed straight for the library, more like jogging than walking. Shouldering the door open and not even bothering to greet the librarian, his eyes shifted to the lack of natural light and he shuddered at the warmness which clung to him after the chilly wind had engulfed him outside; but he managed to get accustomed to it and he motioned to an empty table, noticing that Cameron hadn t arrived yet. He was okay with that everyone was late at least once in their lives and hey, Cameron had to eat and live, not like the twins so he settled carefully and silently, bringing out his laptop, which he opened. The door swung open again and his gaze shot up right as he typed in his password and he found himself staring. Staring and breathless. Staring, breathless and his heart racing. Staring and oh come on, he thought as he breathed in once, he ll see that you re staring. Feeling his ears grow warmer, he gazed down at his now freezing fingers and shakily typed in the password, not even glancing up again as the other boy approached his table. Only when he sat down across him he dared to look up and smiled as Cameron greeted him with the same usual soft tone: Hey. He had the same big brown eyes as always and his hair was sticking to his forehead again in an odd, yet adorable manner as he tried to bat it away. He seemed excited and he was just taking out his laptop when he caught Ian s glanced and grinned at him, a curious glint in his eyes whilst he set the computer down and opened it hastily. Hey, Ian replied, before he cleared his throat and looked down again at his laptop. He didn t know what his fingers were doing, but acknowledged the fact that he was typing something. We should be starting. As Cameron said nothing but took out his own laptop, he tilted his head to the side and glanced upwards at him again. So, I have to make two essays on what we did when we were little and you can help me to make the History essay about the Medieval Era. Medieval Era? asked the blonde boy, seeming confused, and stopped with his fingers inches away from the keyboard. You mean dragons? he added excitedly and Ian grinned back to him. You look even more excited than my brother when we went to a dinosaur museum. But yes, dragons.

The expression on Cameron s face made Ian chuckle slightly and he nodded once, the few curls on his forehead brushing against it even so slightly as he did so; he tried to seem as convincing as he could and, probably, it worked Cameron s grin never left him as he rummaged through the internet to find things related to Medieval Era and Ian soon found himself staring at his friend rather than typing and making up stuff about a family he and his twin never had. He looked down at his laptop and blinked once or twice and, as he began typing, there was a sound which resembled his name being called and he turned at once, looking around. What? asked Cameron, seeming worried. Something wrong? I thought I Ian had turned to his best friend to say the three words before he heard his name again, closer and louder this time and as he shifted again to try and see whoever was calling him and making him feel mental, he saw only a glimpse of dark and silver; and then, everything went blank for a couple of seconds and he found himself staring ahead to nothing, confused and not knowing why he was staring at a couple who was kissing rather soundly above their open laptops the least romantic thing he had ever seen. Ian? What happened? What? You just turned to see something and you said it was calling your name, said Cameron truthfully, eyebrows raised. What happened? I have I have no idea, stuttered Ian as he faced his best friend again, his mismatched eyes wide. I have no damn idea. You sure? You looked confused and scared. Cameron s worried tone make Ian smile, but slightly, before frowning. Seriously, I have no idea. Maybe a mouse or a cat. Or I heard a dog barking, he said, casually running a hand through his curly hair, giving up as he felt the tangled curls cling to his fingers. We should We should write. I thought we were, replied Cameron with a reassuring smile. They both began typing at the same slow pace, seeming calm yet Ian was still confused and felt that there were questions beginning to rise from his friend, who tried to hold them back. Although he noticed that, he said nothing at Cameron s questioning expression, trying to remember what had happened; he had no idea what he had heard, but the library made him feel insecure so he hunched over his laptop and kept writing the essays, hoping to finish them quick enough so he could go back home and eat some ice cream while watching his favorite Disney movies. 5

But then, he heard it again. The voice, now louder, calling his name; and even if he tried to stop himself from turning and yelling at whoever was screaming after him, yet he couldn t. Turning straight again and opening his mouth to let out a blood curling scream, he saw the shadow again, closer this time Before he knew it, the two seconds black out was slowly fading away and he was staring at Cameron, who looked this time unsurprised, rather worried. He shook his head right before he could say something and inhaled sharply, leaning his head in his hands and trying to remember what had happened: everything he could remember was he turning and then staring at Cameron, who looked as though Ian was going to die of blood loss or something similar. Though freaked out, he didn t let Cameron drag him outside the library and only two hours and a half later which had passed easily and uneventfully they both left the building, rushing through the unusually cold air and saying nothing to each other. Ian was confused about whatever had happened, since he sincerely had no idea, and all that he felt was mixed and strange even for him. Once more, worries and thoughts had engulfed him and he walked hunched over again, clutching the strap of his bag and occasionally running a hand through his hair or running his finger over his lips or glancing to his best friend, who was unusually silent as well. I don t think that you re okay, Cam, said Ian after a while, stopping dead in his tracks. His best friend walked a couple more steps before halting as well, and he slowly turned to the curly-headed. You seem freaked out. I m not, lied Cameron with a rather fake grin. I m just thinking. You are. I m not. There was a short pause and Ian cocked one eyebrow. We bicker like an old, married couple, mumbled Cameron, shifting his position. We wouldn t if you d tell me the truth. Ian s tone was harsh, but there was still a smile on his face which he couldn t hide and which had appeared at his best friend s words. He shook his head and furrowed his brows once more, before adding, Did I do something wrong in the library? You seemed confused when I asked what happened and I got worried. You said you were okay, but I m still worried, yet I m not going to press it as you do, said Cameron with a scowl, his brown eyes shadowed by his hair. I m just worried, he added quietly, still frowning. Ian said nothing for a while, blinking. He didn t know that he had made such an impact on his best friend and he ran a hand through his hair once more, failing to tame it down as he stepped forward and they both started walking again, Cameron following his movements without questioning him at all. But

Ian stopped once more and he did too, and the curly-headed had to look up to meet him in the eyes and make sure he wasn t lying. It s okay, seriously. I m fine, Cam, I was just a bit I didn t sleep well last night. He was lying and it ached him to see Cameron grin, happy like that, but at least he could reassure himself that whatever bad had happened, his best friend wasn t going to know. Why?his mind asked, making him bite down his lip before answering quick enough to drive him crazy. Because neither Ian knew what had happened, because he couldn t remember anything but turning and then turning again and nothing else. Nothing, he bolded in his mind, absolutely nothing. He knew that there was a fine line between being insane and being a twin, coping every day with seeing his own reflection doing the same things as he did and he really hoped he hadn t crossed it. Though he knew he did. One step, two steps or maybe even three but he had crossed the line and was heading directly to insanity; or, at least, that s what his mind kept repeating over and over again. Ian had no idea why he freaked out on the inside perhaps he was forgetting something and now, as he tried grasping it and catching it, it kept slipping away. Turning his thoughts away from the frustrating problem he had, he rushed to catch up with Cameron and they silently continued walking towards the apartment of the twins. His phone rang right as he wanted to tell his best friend something. Scowling, he patted his pockets just as his brother had done so many times before, took out the cheap, half-smashed, yet still functioning phone without even checking the number and answered it as he caught Cameron casting him yet another curious glance. Cameron texted me, said Everett before Ian could say anything himself. He seemed worried and was mostly whispering as if he was afraid someone could hear him. Are you okay? And the too little sleep crap isn t working on me. I m okay. No, scratch that. I m not okay because you re so worried all of a sudden. Everett s breath hitched and then he mumbled something which resembled a cuss, before speaking loud enough so his brother could hear: I m just trying to make sure nothing happens to you. I m okay, lied Ian. I was always okay. I m just tired. Everett mumbled again. I heard that! Fine, snapped his brother, seeming annoyed. I ll be home at about eight. Pizza? What?

Although Ian was slightly surprised by the sudden change of the subject, he considered for a second what he was going to eat that night and furrowed his brows, disapproving once more of his brother s food choosing skills. No, tacos. Spicy? Red sauce and buy some soda, we don t have anymore. Um Pepsi for me. Okay, see you at eight, said Everett and before Ian could answer, he ended the call. Ian managed to prevent himself from yelling at Cameron as he put his phone back into his pocket and crossed his arms over his chest, scowling again to his best friend. The blonde backed away slowly, hands raised as if he was protecting himself from Ian s rage, which seemed to rise in his chest, making him look unusually pale, though he tried to contain it. Why d you text him? Did you think I was going to have a seizure? snapped Ian, advancing a few steps. I wasn t going to die or go all monkey on you. Everett told me to! Another pause, a longer one this time, and then Ian exhaled in frustration and exasperation, his hands falling at his sides once more before they moved up to clutch the strap of his bag menacingly. Don t listen to him again. He s just an over-protective idiot. You do know that you just called yourself an idiot, right? laughed Cameron, this time approaching Ian, who could see the fact that his friend felt safe and thought that he wasn t going to get attacked. I mean, you re twins, and if you call him an idiot, you call yourself one And then, Ian smacked him. Hard. Across the head. With a yell of pain, Cameron jumped to the side, rubbing the place where he had been whacked and staring at Ian with wide, puppy-like and angry eyes, as if he couldn t believe that the much shorter and skinnier teenager could have such power and then frowned at him. You could have warned me, you know, he snapped to Ian, who couldn t help but laugh a little. What the hell, do you use to pounce like that on your brother or what? I m just very experienced in being amazing, said Ian, a grin etched on his face as he allowed his friend to come closer without whacking him again.