- Shiloh, surprisingly, liked the rain.
It was a collective rule that he didn’t like water. He couldn’t stand baths, and showers were only okay if the water never touched his face. It didn't matter how much or how less, because he always felt like he was drowning. Shiloh Beaumont had, in fact, never learned how to swim, and he had no real interest in learning either.
“It’s like,” he was sitting at the window, watching the water droplets, “Obviously it’s highly unlikely, but y’know how everyone has dumb pathological fears?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
Shiloh divided his attention for a second, looking to his twin. Oliver sat at the other end of the room, attention occupied by a book in his hands and a lamp at the desk. Sans that, the room was dark. “I mean, I think I get it anyway.” He continued after a moment, obviously having to think between the conversation and the material he was trying to study.
“Right, so, I guess mine is drowning.”
“Seems like a pretty unpleasant way to go.”
Shiloh nodded, turning towards the window during a rumble of thunder. “I mean, not that dying sounds great either way, but drowning is definitely the worse.”
Ollie seemed to consider this. “I dunno, burning in a fire sounds worse.”
“Alright, that’s a close second.
“Or falling?”
“I think I’d make peace with myself half way down.” Shiloh joked with a laugh, “Anyway, s’not the point.”
Oliver hummed in response, but otherwise fell silent. After a moment he closed his book, joining his brother by the window. “So why bring it up?”
“I just hate water.” Shiloh murmured, “but I kinda like rain.”
“Hm.”
“That’s all.”
“I mean, I guess I like it too.” Oliver ventured, “It’s soothing to listen to? H-Hey why are you laughing at me?”
“Just, I was kinda thinkin’ more…” he pursed his lips before they broke into a grin, “I like it better ‘cause it’s fun to play in.”
“You are such a kid.” Shiloh was met with an exasperated sigh and a roll of the eyes as Oliver hoisted himself back up to his feet. “I’m gonna get some sleep. Don’t stay up all goddamn night for once, would you?”
“Sure, sure.” Shiloh agreed nonchalantly, which meant it probably wouldn’t happen. Smirking away from the glare he caught from his twin, his expression twisted into something a little more somber. “I mean, I’ll try. Sleep good Ollie.”
“You too, idiot. I mean it.” He shoved at his brother playfully with his foot before departing, grabbing his book in the process.
Shiloh held his breath, listening to his heart tick against the gentle thrum of the rain. Mentally he counted out the seconds, let the minutes drag past slowly—then, in a hurry, he stood up and pressed his palms to the glass pane, fingers fumbling with the lock. Never mind that he was on the second story; he’d climbed the tree outside his window countless times; though admittedly, he didn’t do it often when it was slick and raining.
Oh well, he’d be fine.
More than fine.
