And now for something completely different. I think you can see why this part needed to be separated from the last. Though both are so short. But hey, two updates at once! I promise that not all the chapters are going to be this short.

Steps

Aya + Aki

By: L 0 K I

Threshold

A motel room, somewhere between where they were and where they wanted to be. Moonlight mixes with streetlight, and both edge the drawn drapes, casting strange shadows on the floor.

Inside the room are two blonde children, both fair, both quiet, both staring across at each other as if looking into a mirror.

The female examines the room unabashedly, walking the perimeter and opening drawers, without looking for anything in particular.

The male remains in place, standing just inside the threshold with his arms drawn around him, as if to ward off or contain. His pale eyes follow the female, visually stalking her path in the limited space, while at the same time, steadfastly ignoring the queen-size bed--made up to perfection and strategically placed in the centre of everything.

He thinks if he ignores what's right in front of him, then he won't have to deal with it. But still, his eyes follow her, and his hands tighten on his own arms--

And in this action it becomes clear that he is neither warding nor containing, but reminding himself of who he is and what he cannot reach for.

The female finally stills, hesitating in one step between light and shadow, then turns back to her brother. Her eyes catch his, and they are both sad and relieved.

I've missed you.

I cried for you.

I'm glad you're alright.

I'm glad I'm not alone anymore.

I need you.

I love you.

I love you.

The room is silent, yet cluttered with unspoken words. The male sighs and closes his eyes. Clouds pass over the moon, and for one long moment, the shadows deepen into darkness.

But then, the clouds pass.

And so does the darkness.

Threshold

n 1 : the plank, stone, or piece of timber that lies under a door : sill 2 a : gate, door b (1) : end, boundary; specif : the end of a runway (2) : the place or point of entering or beginning : outset; as, the threshold of life.the starting point for a new state or experience; 3 : the point at which a physiological or psychological affect begins to be produced of consciousness : the smallest detectable sensation

Synonyms: Doorsill. Doorstep. Entrance. Entry. Start. Commencement. Verge. Brink. Edge. Dawn. Beginning. Onset. Inception. Limit. Maximum.

TBC...