For some the divide between those who have not passed the wall and those who have is simply a matter of time, luck, or encouragement. Outside of the SmallPonds it is rare to run into someone who never manages to find their way forward.

  For others the wall is a sign of success. It doesn't matter whether you're too young to have made it that far, it doesn't matter that you can't find your answer. If you haven't crossed the wall you aren't important, you don't matter.

  The wall does matter, the challenge is represents is a defining moment in an Awakened's life. The sooner you cross it the sooner you learn to see yourself for who you are, or at least who you believe yourself to be.

  ~ * ~

  Anya stared across the hallway at Fay's closed door. The night was finally over, and despite the disaster dinner had been, it had ended with laughter and smiles.

  Sighing she leaned back, nearly slumping into Seb right as he came up behind her. She knew he'd catch her, knew he would be there the same way she knew where her own body would be. It was easier when fighting, to know where the other was, where they were moving, what they were doing, but more and more she found herself aware of him in that same way without the urgency of combat.

  Stop worrying about her, he sent as his arms wrapped around her.

  I'm not, she lied, not even trying to pretend otherwise. That was rough.

  He pulled her the rest of the way into their room, her steps matching his so she could stay nestled against him. A flick of her foot swung the door shut before she finally straightened to look at him.

  What did she see in Claire? she asked.

  I don't know, Seb answered. I'm not going to start guessing, so don't ask.

  I wouldn't- she began. I would. But I'm not going to. I promise.

  He kissed her, the simple gesture enough to nearly distract her despite how brief it was. She started to lean in, to find true distraction from thoughts about the night only for him to interrupt.

  I love that you worry about her, he sent. That you care about her. I love that you want to be involved.

  But? she knew him well enough by now to know that tone.

  But no digging. Not unless she asks your opinion.

  I love you too Seb, she answered. But if you don't want me digging…

  He took a slight step back and looked her up and down. She felt herself nearly blush before returning his gaze with a grin on her lips. Nothing more had to be said, they'd danced this dance before and would dance it again. They knew the other's mind, could recognize the tone of their thoughts as easily as they understood their own.

  Nothing had to be said, but one word still bounced between them, the only word that might mean more than 'I love you'.

  Wow

  ~ * ~

  Anya was surprised to find Fay already in the kitchen when they came down the next morning. Coffee was poured and set on the counter as they came into sight and she could smell-

  "Fay," she asked. "Is that bacon?"

  "And eggs!"

  "Do you want help?" Seb asked as he picked up his coffee.

  "No," Fay answered. "You've shown me how this stove works. I think I can cook breakfast on my own."

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  "About last night-" she began.

  "Drink your coffee," Fay answered.

  "I know-" she tried again after taking a sip.

  "Food first." Fay interrupted and started plating eggs.

  "Fay," she said.

  "Anya," Fay answered then put a plate in front of her and pointed to it. "Food first."

  Anya froze, this wasn't what she'd expected. Fay was many things but never this. She could see Seb trying to hide a grin in his coffee and turned her attention to him.

  Seb.

  He glanced down at the plate that had appeared in front of him in those few seconds and picked up his fork with a shrug.

  She said food first, he sent as he started to eat.

  Seb!

  "Eat!" Fay said.

  "Fine!" she said and picked up her fork.

  The next several minutes were spent in near silence, every attempt she made to say something being met with a pointed glare. By the time they had all finished eating she was glaring right back at Fay.

  "Done," she said.

  "Anya," Fay said. "I'm fine. Last night was bad, but I needed it."

  "Fay, it was-"

  "I'm not a child. I might not have what you two have, I might not have experience, I might not have expected what happened. But I'm fine."

  Anya nodded. She knew Fay wasn't a child, didn't need her problems fixed for her. She knew she'd be fine and that it would all work out. But she still felt bad, she still wanted to help, to be there.

  Fay seemed to deflate. One moment she was matching Anya glare for glare, the next pain and vulnerability that Anya had expected to see this morning filling her eyes.

  "It hurts," Fay said as tears started to fill her eyes. "It hurts and I feel horrible. I wanted it to go well, I wanted her to be nice."

  "Fay…" Anya said as she stepped around the counter.

  Fay looked at her then stepped into her arms. A couple days ago Anya had felt how tense Fay had gotten when she had hugged her, today she leaned in by choice. Anya just stood there, holding her friend as the emotions poured out. Words didn't matter, she could hear Fay mumbling without making out the details.

  She's right, Seb sent. She is fine.

  This is fine?

  She felt Fay still then pull away slowly. Her eyes were puffy, but it almost looked as though she were smiling again.

  "Thank you," she said. "I- I needed that."

  "Fay." Anya said. "I wish last night had been better for you."

  "I do too," she answered. "But it wasn't and I'm still here, I'm still me, you're both still here too."

  "We're not going anywhere," Seb said.

  "Why didn't you tell him to eat?" Anya asked, finally letting her own frustration out. "Why did you keep interrupting me?"

  "He listened the first time."

  ~ * ~

  By the time they had finished catching up Anya had mostly let go of the irritation at how Fay had initially treated her at breakfast. It wasn't fair, Seb was just as worried as she was, she knew he was. Just because he'd sat there and drank his coffee in silence, had eaten his food without complaint and hadn't said anything didn't meant he hadn't been thinking the same things she had.

  He'd even had the nerve to find reasons to let the two of them spend most of the time socializing. He got the coffee when it ran out, he tidied up the kitchen while she got to brag about their experiments with their bond. He'd still joined in to explain his contributions but it felt like most of the morning was her sitting across from Fay trying to focus on the discussion.

  It was infuriating! She just wanted to be helpful, to express herself and instead got told to sit and eat. Then when she finally did listen she ended up with Fay sobbing in her arms over the situation. Only to cheer back up and start grilling her about their progress.

  That- She-

  Fay? Seb asked.

  Yes! She- Why did she. How could she.

  I saw the two of you laughing, he answered. I thought it was all better.

  She told a joke! she fumed. She was crying, hurt, and then she was joking about the weird dish names last night.

  So were you.

  I wasn't hurt. I wasn't upset, she argued.

  You were upset.

  For her!

  She paused as she looked around the house. Almost everything was tidied up and ready for their departure.

  She didn't have to tease me about mispronouncing my order, she sent after a moment.

  You didn't have to tease her about how long she spent staring when we first sat down.

  Anya spun to look at him, trying to keep from blushing despite the heat flowing through the bond. You heard that?

  You weren't being quiet, he answered. I didn't catch her reaction though.

  None of your business either, she sent with a playful huff.

  They made their way down into the Holding and said their goodbyes to Fay, thankfully without any further teasing. Stepping through the Staging Point Portal a few minutes later they were on their back back down into the Depths, ready for a new level and new challenges.

  It wasn't fair, she sent. She left you alone.

  I listened.

  Don't you dare start with that.

  She heard him chuckle behind her, the sound echoing through the twisting tunnels.

  Hey!

  I didn't have siblings growing up, he sent as an answer.

  What?

  I had friends who did though.

  Seb? she asked. He didn't talk about his family, not really. And he still wasn't she supposed.But what did siblings have to do with anything.

  Oh, nothing. Just a stray memory, he answered. She could feel his amusement over the bond, she knew he was trying to say something. What did siblings have to do with anything? She missed her sister, even if she was the most annoying little- oh.

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