"You're in a good mood today, my dear Frank." Andy laughed and bent over the handlebars even further to reduce the air resistance.

"I feel so alive today, dearest Andy."

After they had overtaken the two northern Europeans, Frank's facial expression became relaxed again.

"Should I take over?" the older twin brother asked, but the younger one denied and wiped the raindrops from his face. "Stay behind me until we reach the last climb. I'll let you go before the finish line."

It was always like that. Frank, the calmer one, gave his best to stay at the front, just to slow down and let Andy grab the victory in the end. 

Andy was always first, Frank second.

It was an ironclad law that Andy never dared to question. In the past he often wondered why Frank was so selfless, but after he had let him win once, Frank was devastated. That's why he let the whole thing rest. Frank did what he wanted. And Frank was happy when he could be there for Andy and see Andy winning.

"Andy?"

"Hm?"

"Could you pass me a Coke, please? I know you had one in your supply bag."

Andy handed his younger brother the desired drink.

Frank opened the can, but instead of drinking it, he poured the liquid into the roadside ditch.

A sinister smile crept up Andy's face. "My dear Frank, you're not thinking of..."

Frank turned around slightly. "Would you take over, please? The descent should begin after the next curve." His face looked as if he couldn't stain a drop of water.

"Well, if that's what my dear little brother wants!" Andy took the lead and danced up the last corner, ready for the descend and the upcoming duel with the Japanese team. 

As soon as they made it over the top of the hill, the yellow jerseys of the two escapees from Team Startory Jokers appeared.

While Andy was pedalling hard and shifted his weight forward, Frank turned the empty Coke can in his left hand. He bent over the handlebars nonchalantly and adjusted his cadence to his brother's.

The twins were the perfect tandem. They worked in unison as they rushed down the hill like Irish coloured lightning bolts. Green, white, orange. 

Daisuke yelled something in Japanese. Keisuke affirmed and tried to block the trail.

But the Irish train was unstoppable. Andy and Frank managed to outdo the two other climbers easily. The next moment they were already at the same height.

Frank made sure once more that there were only a few spectators on the sidelines and that the race control and the camera motorcycle did not have a good view on them.

Then he calmly whispered "Bye Bye" and dropped the Coke can right in front of Keisuke's front wheel.

Keisuke had no chance. The can fell down. Popped up one time, two times, then went right under his front tire.

Brakes squeaked. The can was thrown up and clattered against Keisuke's knees.

The rain had made the mountain pass slippery.

Keisuke's front wheel jammed. The Japanese tried desperately to keep his balance, but everything went too fast, so fast!

The back wheel reared up. Keisuke grabbed the handlebars, but the force of the braking power threw him forward. His cleats lost the grip of the pedals. Keisuke's dark purple eyes were widened in fright.

No, no, no, no!

But it was already too late. Daisuke heard a loud crash and clang behind him, while the Irish twins were already far far ahead of them.

Frank smiled happily. "Did you hear that, Andy? It made CRASH. A lovely sound."

Andy clicked his tongue. "But Frank, didn't they teach you to collect your garbage and then put it in our support vehicle, or at least dispose it at the feeding zone? You're such a stupid little brother!"

Frank played the indignant. "You had to give me your Coke!" He began to snort and soon they both burst out laughing.

Punyaa was right. They were an unbeatable team of summiteers. They were one soul in two bodies. Nothing and nobody had room between them. And certainly no other climbers.

"You know what I like most about climbing to the top together?" Frank took the lead again and allowed Andy to rest a little.

"What, Frank?" He did not even have to wait for the answer, because he already knew it.

When they drove to the top together, it felt like they were in elementary school again. Little innocent eight year olds who still had no idea how cruel their world would become one day.

Frank smiled softly and said it out loud. "That I can always be with you. Thank you so much for that, Andy."