Page 109 of Knot My Wonderland

"I'm not afraid of connecting with him," I protested, though the silver and gold patterns beneath my skin betrayed my uncertainty with their flickering rhythm. "I'm afraid of what it might mean for everyone else."

Vee's silver monocle flashed as he caught the half-truth in my words. "Fear wears many masks," he observed quietly. "Even to ourselves."

"Especially to ourselves," Dee added, his opalescent robes shifting through shades of knowing blue. "The heart fears what it most desires."

I moved away from the timeline threads, uncomfortable with how accurately they'd read my conflicted feelings about Seth. The silver and gold patterns beneath my skin pulsed with agitation, responding to emotions I wasn't ready to examine too closely.

"You said water and earth bonds can't be rushed either," I said, deliberately changing the subject. "Is that why you haven't been around me much?”

Dee gave a small hum, “Not exactly. You feel a bit uncomfortable around us. Which with how we are is understandable.” He spoke much more clearly to me, no riddles which I really appreciated.

Vee spoke next, voice light but there was a note of longing, “We know we aren’t the easiest to get along with.”

Vee shifted restlessly from one foot to the other as he gave a sigh, "Our perception of time makes conventional interaction... challenging."

"Most find our speech patterns disorienting," Dee added with a gentle smile. "We experience conversations that haven't happened alongside those that have."

I nodded, appreciating their directness. "Thank you for speaking more clearly with me. It helps."

"We can moderate our temporal perspective when needed," Vee explained, his voice carrying a warmth I hadn't noticed before. "Though it requires concentration."

I studied them both, seeing beyond their cryptic exteriors to the genuine beings beneath. The silver patterns beneath my skin stirred with interest, reaching toward them with tentative recognition.

"I'd like to understand you better," I admitted. "Both as potential anchors and just... as yourselves."

The twins exchanged another look, something like pleased surprise passing between them.

"Few have shown interest in knowing us beyond our functions," Dee said softly, his opalescent robes shimmering with emotion. "Most value our calculations without caring about the minds that create them."

Vee adjusted his monocle, but the gesture seemed more nervous than practical. "We exist between moments, observing patterns others cannot see. It creates... distance."

I moved closer to them, feeling drawn by the quiet loneliness beneath their enigmatic exterior. "Is that why you finish each other's thoughts? Because you're the only ones who understand how you experience the world?"

"Yes," they answered in unison, their voices harmonizing perfectly.

"Dee perceives emotional currents," Vee explained, gesturing to his twin with something like reverence. "The ebb and flow of feelings across timelines."

"While Vee tracks the mathematical certainties," Dee continued, his dreamy expression warming with affection. "The calculations that underpin reality itself."

"Together, we see what neither could perceive alone," they finished simultaneously.

I felt the silver patterns beneath my skin respond to their explanation, reaching toward them with newfound understanding. There was something beautiful in their complementary existence—water and earth working in perfect harmony, each enhancing the other's natural strengths.

"That's remarkable," I said sincerely. "Not just useful for predictions, but... a profound way of experiencing existence."

Vee's normally serious expression softened, his silver monocle dimming slightly as he allowed himself a small smile. "Most find us unsettling rather than remarkable."

"Different frightens people," I replied, thinking of my own experiences feeling out of place. "But, difference isn't wrong—it's just...different."

Dee moved closer, his dreamy eyes focusing with unusual clarity. "You understand more than most, Little Dreamer. The pattern recognizes kindred spirits."

I felt the silver patterns beneath my skin brighten at Dee's words, responding to the genuine connection forming between us. For the first time since meeting them, I felt completely comfortable in their presence—as if some invisible barrier had dissolved.

"Would you show me more about how you see the world?" I asked, gesturing to the timeline threads that surrounded us. "Not just predictions about bonds or danger, but... anything you find beautiful or interesting."

The twins exchanged another look, but this one carried surprised delight rather than their usual mysterious communication. Without speaking, they each extended a hand toward me—Vee on my left, Dee on my right.

"We can show you directly," Vee offered, his silver monocle gleaming with quiet excitement. "If you're willing to open your mind.”

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