The ruffles of leaves and chirps of birds sang in her ears. Her golden gaze focused on the target in front of her. The wind played with her golden locks as her hands began their work 'Steady and slow.' was echoed in her head. 'Grab one section and lay on top of the second, then grab the third-' gradually but certainly was surely the way to when dealing with this kind of work, in her opinion. She couldn't understand how people could swiftly get it done. The best way to ensure victory with this kind of tough opponent is a slow, precise, and complete focused state of mind-

"You realize you don't have to perfectly braid my hair, right? Lumine?" said the object of her opponent. Far too concentrated as Lumine was, she wasn't at all prepared for the, not at all true, statement and thus jumped to the other side of the giant oak tree they were sitting under, abandoning her arduously hard work.

The action made her brother laugh, 'jerk', she thought irritably. And she was so close to finishing, too! The thought must've been on her since Aether had calmed down a second later before giving her a soft smile and patting the spot next to him. Hesitantly, Lumine followed the silent request and went back to his side.

"It needs to be perfect," she said, sitting down. She glanced at the work that she left finished and took it back into her palms. It was better than last time, she supposed. Though, it was still a bit messy...

Aether sighed, shaking his head. "No, it doesn't." Lumine looked up to meet a gaze so alike yet not at all. Confused she was, she tilted her head to the side. "How so?" she asked. Why didn't need to be perfect?

Her twin looked away, opting to gaze at the clear blue sky. "Because, when the people you love are doing something for you. It doesn't at all need to be perfect. It just needs to be cherished. No matter how clean, messy, perfect, imperfect, chaotic, or order it is, you'll forever love it because it's from the people who are precious to you. That it in itself is a gift like no other." he paused, looking over the golden field they were in.

"Not to mention... Isn't perfection within the eye of the beholder? What could be perfect to one could be imperfect to another. If you think of it that way... practically everything else is the same way. It's all within a matter of perspective. Life is a matter of perspective. Everyone has different views and opinions, so what's normal and what isn't? Well, that simply depends on who you're asking. You'll get different responses every time. So instead of just worrying about how perfect you need to be, or how you'll fit in wouldn't be better to just... live the life you wish to?"

Lumine stared at her hands, her brows furrowed as she thought over what her brother ranted about. Indeed, worrying over every little thing was a bit childish if someone thought of it like that, but... "What about those who have been taught to think that? What about those who were told... that... they were not at all... worth it..." she hated how her voice broke a little at the end and how her eyes started to water as she thought of a time still scared within her but she wanted to know... about what those people who are haunted by their demons? Treated worse by others?...

Aether looked at her with a blank expression. "I... don't know... but the past is the past. You can't change it no matter how hard you try. But... I suggest you be proud of the past, even if you feel guilty, have regret, or anything. Just feel proud." his eyes held a soft yet determined glint as a smile made its way onto his face.

"After all, you still standing, aren't you? Still breathing and talking. Life is about learning, making mistakes, and learning how to not make them again. Life is a struggle, a pain, a sorrow, a teacher, an achievement, a joy, a worth. Be proud of your past because you're learning. You're learning how to create yourself." He expressed understanding and pride in his voice as he looked at her.

A sob broke through her, tears ran down her pale face. No longer able to keep her façade, she hugged him with all her might. She could vaguely feel his warm hand rubbing up and down her as she broke down.

It's hard, I know. It's so damn hard to accept.

But pain, acceptance, and healing are needed in order to move forward.

So, take your time, and enjoy life.

Because one day you won't be able to.

A/n: GAH?! What the hell!? This ending wasn't what I had in mind! Nor did I intend to make it as deep as I did. I was going to make it a little deep, with angst and hurt with no comfort, but…. It got out of my control…. I apologize if this was a little too deep for anyone or if the character were a bit occ… Please tell me what you guys think AND DON'T HOLD BACK! Please! I need feedback! I need to know what I should and shouldn't write, and what I need to get better at for future stories, so they could be more enjoyable for you guys. Please, I'll take all both good & bad.