The Academy of S.I.D.E.

No. 9: Prince Perfect

"Dang," Nox said, grinning. "These guys are good."

"What... what..." Virgil stammered. "What was that?"

"I'm what is usually referred to as a technopath," the tallest guy explained. "I also have a considerably higher IQ than what's considered the norm. Hence, the name Brainwave." He stuck out his hand. "Virgil Hayashi, is it? I'm Logan Jacobi. Pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Uh, nice to meet you... I guess." Virgil shook his hand. "When you say 'high IQ,' what exactly do you---"

"It's, like, 190 or something!" the blonde guy chirped, a thick Southern accent laced through his words. "He's the smartest guy on the planet!"

"Only 183, Patton," Logan said, sounding slightly embarrassed. "And I'm sure that there are people out there who are smarter than me. Forgive my teammate, he tends to exaggerate," he added to Virgil.

"Thanks for coming, boys," Dr. Picani told them, smiling.

"No problem, Dr. Picani!" the blonde guy sang. "I love meeting new people, 'specially when I get to work with 'em." He held out his hand, beaming. "Hi, there! I'm Patton McLain, but folks call me 'Heartbeat' on the field. Nice to meet ya."

Virgil smiled. "Right back atcha. You who I'm gonna be rooming with?"

"No, I'm rooming with Logan," Patton said. "You're probably going to be rooming with---"

"Me!" The guy in the sports jacket elbowed his way in and gave him a sweeping bow. "Allow me to introduce myself---Roman Sanchez, aka Prince Renaissance. I believe you've already been acquainted with my... ah, twin." He grimaced slightly.

Twin?

The realization hit him like a ton of bricks. Roman's hair was carefully tousled, while Remus's hair was curly. Roman was elegantly put together, while Remus was a mess. Roman's style was a combination of athlete and theater nerd, while Remus's style was pure punk rocker with a hint of grunge. And of course, Roman was clean-shaven, while Remus had a mustache.

Other than that? The two were identical.

"It was kinda hard to see," he commented, keeping it cool. "I mean, Remus is a lot better looking than you, but other than that, you're kinda similar, I guess."

Roman's face flushed with indignancy. "Excuse me? I'm clearly the prettier twin---"

"You have a datefriend?"

"Well, no, but---"

"Then Remus is the prettier twin. He's got a boyfriend, and they're... weird, but cute nonetheless."

Roman rolled his eyes. "Puh-lease. That little psychopath has horrible taste in guys if he has any interest in my brother."

"I'm going to have to agree with that," Logan said. "Your brother is, ah---" He took out a little flashcard from his pocket--- "A trash gremlin, I believe is the term."

Virgil paused. "Wait, wait, wait, wait. Roman is my roommate?"

"Yes, I just told you that," Roman said snippily.

He turned around. "Hey, Doc, is it too late to switch crews?"

Dr. Picani nodded. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll get along with them in Scooby-dooby-Doo time. Prince Renaissance, could you show Virgil to his new room?"

Roman rolled his eyes dramatically. "Fine, but don't expect me to like him. Come on, Emo Nightmare."

"If I had a nickel for every time I heard that," Virgil muttered, following Roman out the door.