So, if you remember, this has been in progress for a very long time. I started working on this Jia fic a while ago and it was well over 4K words(not even finished yet) and I was so proud of it...when my account crashed and the whole thing got deleted. You can imagine how frustrating that was. It took me a while to get the inspiration again for this story and to figure out a new angle because obviously, I don't remember exactly what I wrote. So hopefully this is good and I hope you guys like it. This is a bit AU so bear with me guys. So without further ado, here is, Tell Me You Love Me.

**Italics are flashbacks**

MIA

I've never been a fan of movie theaters. I don't know, I just don't get the point of them. Sitting in the dark for two-plus hours in a room full of random people that are too loud and obnoxious while you stare at a bright screen showing people who are making way more money than you are acting out the most ridiculous scenes. So yeah, when everyone at school was talking about the new Johnny Depp movie that came out over break, you can bet I was not a part of that conversation.

But apparently, I wasn't the only one.

"Okay, but just tell me why you won't go with me." I heard an accented voice say and I froze.

"It's in the title, Dead Men Tell No Tales? You're kidding me, right? What makes you think I would ever see a movie that's guaranteed to creep me out?" Another voice responded and I rolled my eyes.

Emma Alonso was such a baby.

"Because I would be there with you?" Her boyfriend, Jax Novoa, tried.

Okay, barf. Time for me to exit.

I shut my locker door just as the bell rang, heading in the opposite direction of the couple, but Jax still managed to spot me.

"We'll talk later alright?" He said before I felt a hand on my shoulder.

I knew it was him and I shrugged his hand off. "No," I said, without even looking at him.

"Mia, c'mon." He grabbed my arm.

I turned around to face him, pulling my arm from his grasp. "No, Jax. I told you, after the break, we don't talk to each other again."

"I don't remember agreeing to any of that," He stated with a raised brow.

"Well, you're still dating Emma aren't you?" I crossed my arms.

He faltered. "Wh-"

I sighed, cutting him off. "I'm sorry, that wasn't...I just mean that we had an agreement. And it's over, so you can leave me alone now."

The late bell rang and I walked off to my class without looking back.

"I want you to close your eyes and remember. Remember what they looked like, how much they loved you, and most importantly, remember how proud they were of you."

I closed my eyes and tried to do just that. But every time I saw my mom's eyes-

My eyes sprang open. "I can't do it. It hurts too much."

Dr. Springer looked at me with kind eyes. "I know it hurts, but if you don't remember them, who will? Despite the pain you have to remember the love, you know that your parents would've wanted it this way."

I sighed, feeling tears well up in my eyes. "Yeah, I know."

"It's fresh, I understand. But you have to think about them. Don't let their death be the only thing you remember about them." I nodded. "That's what I want you to work on for next time. Come in with a story about you and your parents, something good."

"I will."

"Now, is there anything else you wanted to talk about before you left today?" My therapist put down her pad and took off her glasses.

I shook my head. "Since I am off from school the next three weeks, hopefully, these will be less stressful sessions."

Dr. Springer gave me a smile. "Alright, I'll see you Thursday then, Mia. Have a good day."

"You too, Dr. Springer." I got up from the chair and left her office, and taking a quick glance at her clock, noticing that we went over more than she usually allows.

I headed out into the waiting room, taking a candy from the bowl before leaving. I pushed open the door to exit the building, accidentally knocking into someone on the way out. "Oh, I am so sorry!"

I looked up. "Jax?"

JAX

"I messed up Diego, big time," I told my friend as we sat at our lunch table.

He looked over at me. "Oh, dot worry about it. Sure, the school's meatloaf isn't the best, but-"

I gave him an incredulous look. "What the hell, man? I'm talking about Mia!"

"Oh! Ohh." He became serious. "Have you told Emma?"

I scoffed. "Have I told Emma that I spent most of the winter break hanging out with the one person she can't stand the most? Of course not! At least not yet."

"Maybe you don't have to tell her." I gave him a look. "Just hear me out, it's not really a big deal okay? You just hung out, it's not like you guys did anything."

I poked at my lunch with a fork.

Diego shook my elbow. "Right?"

"Of course we didn't do anything. But I still feel weird keeping this from her."

"Look, if she asks you what you did over break, you just tell her the truth. That you hung out with Mia, as friends. If she doesn't, well then I don't see the purpose in causing her any extra stress." He reasoned.

I sighed. "I guess you're right."

"Of course I am, when have I ever not been?"

I opened my mouth to answer and he shoved a forkful of meatloaf into my mouth. "Rhetorical question."

I laughed as I tried to chew the food simultaneously.

"So how long have you been going to therapy?" Mia asked me as we were sat on a park bench.

"Since I was a kid." I ate another spoonful of ice cream. "You?"

"Just a month now."

After our first run in outside of Dr. Springer's office, Mia and I had begun to talk more. During this past week, she would stay a little later at the clinic after appointment and I would show up a little earlier for mine so we could talk. I think she did it mainly because she wanted to make sure I wouldn't tell anyone she was in therapy. But today, I walked out of my appointment, surprised to see Mia waiting out in the lobby on her phone. She looked up when she saw I had exited the office and smiled.

"I figured we spend so much time talking in a place where that's pretty much all we do, maybe we could head out for once." She explained, which is how we found ourselves with cups of Coldstone ice cream at the park.

"If you don't mind me asking, why'd you start going?" I questioned.

"Um..." She was playing with her ice cream. "Both my parents died in a car accident in October. My aunt thought it would be a good idea for me to see a therapist to help me through it. I mean, I absolutely refused at first, but she's actually really helped me."

"Yeah, Springer is probably the best at what she does." I looked over at her. "I'm sorry about your parents."

She was looking down at her cup. "Yeah. Me too." She said quietly and breathed in. "But life goes on, you know?" She wiped at her eyes. "How about you? How come you've been in therapy for so long?"

I let out a sigh. "Well, when I was ten, I saw my dad kill my mum."

"Oh, my God." Mia breathed.

"And then, when he saw that I saw...he tried to kill me too." I heard Mia gasp, but I didn't look in her direction. I wasn't even sure why I was telling her this, considering I've never told anyone, except for my therapist. Not even Emma knows. "The only thing I can remember after that was this bright flash of magic coming my way and then...I woke up in the hospital."

"The Council told me I was safe and that my dad wouldn't be coming near me ever again and they offered me a memory wiping potion so that I wouldn't remember what had happened. And I refused. I decided from that day forward, that no one was going to take anything away from me again. So, I took my younger sister, and we left Australia with the Council protecting us."

"Jax, that's...I don't know what to say." Mia said.

"I've never actually told anyone this. Your reaction is the reason why."

"Hey," The sternness in her voice made me look up at her. "I don't think any less of you if that's what you're thinking. If anything, your past makes you so much stronger than anyone could imagine."

I knew there was a reason I trusted her with this.

MIA

I got out of that school as fast as humanly possible as soon as the last bell rang. When I stepped outside I took a breath of the fresh air and smiled, not being able to help thinking of something my mom used to say, "There isn't anything that can't be solved by taking a breath of fresh air."

Right again, Mom, I thought as my sour mood from today melted away.

I began walking home when someone called out from behind me.

"Mia! Wait up!" I turned around and saw Daniel Miller catching up with me.

I stopped walking and let him catch up, greeting him with a smile. "Hey, Daniel."

"Hey," He took a breath and we began walking again. "So, um, how are you?"

"Could be better. The first day after the break and I already have a bunch of homework to do." I replied.

"Yeah, that sucks." He let out a little laugh. "Speaking of, I couldn't really get a hold of you over winter break, I was hoping we could hang out or something."

I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and turned to face him. "Listen, Daniel. About what happened...I know that we kissed, but I don't think it's the best idea for us to date right now."

His face flushed red. "Yeah, of course! No, I meant...as friends. Definitely. I agree completely."

"I'm sorry, it's just complicated."

"It's fine, really. Guess I should have thought it through before kissed you, huh?" He said, a joking smile on his face, but I could tell he was hurt.

"You weren't wrong to kiss me. Things have just changed since then." Checking to make sure there were no cars, we crossed the street. "You're a really nice guy Daniel. And I honestly could be making a big mistake by turning you down and waiting on," I scoffed. "who knows what. But I do know that you don't deserve to be led on. That's why I'm telling you this."

"Well, I appreciate you being truthful." He glanced at me. "But I could have dealt with being strung along."

We both laughed at that.

"So we're good?" I asked him.

Daniel nodded. "Yeah, we're good." We arrived at my apartment building and I started to head inside when Daniel stopped me. "Hey, Mia. With whatever this other thing is, just be careful, okay?"

I just smiled and turned away.

Too late, I thought as I walked inside into building.

"So why are we at the beach now? It's dark." I pointed out.

"Exactly. Which means there's no one else to bother us." Jax countered.

"It's the best time to go." His little sister Jessie spoke up.

I gave her a smile and she grinned back.

Jax and I had been hanging out more often these past two weeks that you could almost call us friends. And when Jax told Jessie where we were going tonight she refused to be left out, and just by the way he looks at her, I could tell he wouldn't say no.

"But the water is probably freezing," I whined.

"Alright, you can watch us have fun and see if you don't regret it from your sad little spot on the sand." He challenged me.

I glared at him, my hair in my eyes from the wind. I pushed it out of the way and marched over to where the water met the sand and plopped myself down, sticking my tongue out at him.

"And I thought you were the eight-year-old." I heard him mutter to Jessie.

She giggled into her hand and I rolled my eyes at Jax. He just winked at me in return then turned to Jessie.

"Alright, time to get your bathing suit on." He lifted his hand, to cast a spell no doubt, but she shook her head.

"I can do it myself." She stated with confidence.

Jax smiled widely. "Be my guest." He said, taking a step back.

With a wave of her hand, Jessie was suddenly wearing the cutest Merida swimsuit, a matching towel wrapped around her shoulders. The little girl was so proud of herself but it was obvious that she was even happier that her big brother was proud of her as well. It was then that I realized that hardly anyone knows this side of Jax.

Emma really was the luckiest girl.

JAX

Jessie and I ended up putting in a movie that night, which I found myself invested in until three knocks came at the door.

"I wanna get it!" Jessie sprang off the couch. "Maybe it's Mia!"

I pushed myself up, pausing the screen. "Yeah, I doubt it."

"Who is it?" Jessie asked, standing at the door.

A familiar laugh came from the other side. "It's me, Emma."

I unlocked the door and Jessie pulled it open, greeting Emma with a smile. "Hi!"

Emma grinned down at her. "Hi, sweetie! I just need to borrow your brother for a second." She looked up at me. "Can I talk to you?"

"Sure." I ruffled Jessie's hair. "It's time for you to get to bed anyway."

She looked up at me with puppy dog eyes. "Can we at least finish the movie first?"

"Go, Jessie," I said with a smile. "I'll be there soon."

This seemed to satisfy her and she skipped back to her room. I turned back to Emma. "Come on in."

She made her way over to the couch while I shut the door. She looked at me, an amused expression on her face. "Despicable Me?"

I sat beside her. "Yup, it's not so bad. So what's up?"

"Nothing really, it's just with me being gone over break, we haven't really seen each other in a while." She said with a small smile.

"How was the Caribbean?" I say.

"It was fun, I actually met a few witches and wizards on the cruise. It was kind of cool. But I missed you." She placed a hand over mine. "What did you do over break?"

"Well it was no cruise I'll tell you that." That made her laugh. "Not much. Most people were away so I mainly hung out with Mia." I looked at her carefully.

"Oh. That's cool." She ran a hand through her hair, which is how I knew she was upset.

"Emma..." I took her hand and pulled her closer to me. "We're just friends." I thought back to today. "Or not anymore I guess. You don't have to worry about that, trust me."

Emma nodded. "Okay." She whispered before bringing her lips to mine.

"Despicable Me? Really?" Mia laughed as I handed her the bowl of popcorn.

"Hey, I'm raising a kid, these are the kind of movies I have, alright?" I defended my movie choice.

"I'm just teasing." Another laugh escaped her mouth as she burrowed further underneath the large blanket. "Press play."

"Nice to know that you've made yourself comfortable on my couch." I emphasized 'my' with a tug at the blanket she was hogging. "And don't hog the blanket, jeez."

I turned to get the remote and then laughed. "I know you're making a face at me right now."

"Shut up and put the movie in already." She responded, emphasizing her point by throwing a pillow at my head. "Now!"

"Be quiet, you're going to wake up Jessie." I shook my head, holding back another laugh and hit play.

An hour and a half later the movie had ended and it was completely silent. I figured Mia had fallen asleep.

"Mia?" I said softly, looking over at the opposite end of the couch.

"I miss my mom." Was her response, followed by a sniffle. "And my dad. I just want my parents back."

I sat up and turned off the television, moving closer to her. "Hey..."

She had sat up too and was wiping her eyes. I reached over and turned on the lamp beside her. "I'm sorry, I don't know why I just said that."

"You miss your parents, don't apologize. In case you've forgotten, I've been where you are. It's okay." I reassured her.

She looked at me. "I just don't know what to do."

I just put my arm around her and let her cry. Because in moments like these, there's nothing more you can say.

MIA

"How are you today, Mia?" Dr. Springer asked me.

"Better," I responded.

She gave me a sly smile. "Something's on your mind. Talk to me."

I squeezed the little stress ball she keeps in her office. "Is it stupid to turn down a guy because you think you have a crush on another guy who has a girlfriend?"

"Ah, real teen drama." She adjusted herself in her seat. "Well, that depends. Is it really just a crush or do you actually have something with this other guy?"

"It doesn't matter, cause he has a girlfriend." She gave me a look. "I think we do. I mean, we spent some time together and it was nice. And he understands me and I understand him. It's different from anything else."

"That sounds to me like there's something there. And that's always worth going after."

"It's a nice sentiment, but I don't think it'll work out. His girlfriend is practically perfect, there's no way-"

Dr. Springer held a hand up. "I'm going to stop you right there. No one on this Earth is perfect. Everyone is unique in their own way, you can never compare one person to another equally. And from what you've told me, you and this boy obviously have feelings for each other. I do not condone cheating, all I'm saying is that all you can do now is act on that and see where it takes you."

I left my session that day feeling a little bit lighter but at the same time with more questions than when I walked in. Was I really contemplating going out with Jax Novoa? Why didn't I find this totally crazy? And most importantly: What did he think?

I walked to the park and sat down at one of the benches, looking at the kids on the playground. I smiled, watching them run around and have fun with each other, wishing that I could be a kid again. The weight shifted on the bench as someone sat next to me and I didn't need to look to see who it was. I pretended I didn't notice and kept my gaze forward.

"Mia, are you really just going to ignore me?" Jax said and I didn't answer.

He sighed. "I just came here to say that I miss you." I bit my tongue. "Honestly, I've never had as much fun with someone as did with you over those few weeks. And then you just stopped talking to me and-"

I whipped my head around to face him. "You know exactly why I stopped talking to you. It was getting dangerous and I wasn't ready to deal with those repercussions. And neither were you."

"Okay, okay, I know." He looked me in the eyes. "But why can't we just be friends?" Well, now I knew what he thought.

"Are you kidding me? Because I don't want to be just friends, Jax! You know that. And just like how I'm not expecting you to do anything, you can't possibly expect me to just be okay with this. I'm done, okay? I'm done." I said, then I got up and left the park, despite Jax's protests.

The sound of music came from all around as we headed up the street. I smiled, admiring the way the Christmas lights decorated the little shops along Main Street, making the dark night shine.

"It's official, The Holiday Walk is my new favorite thing about Miami. Although it is kind of ironic that they're doing this after Christmas." I announced as I took another bite of funnel cake.

"Yeah, it is pretty cool. Free food, Christmas music, free food..." Jax replied, his eyes on the funnel cake.

I laughed. "You said that already."

"That's because I like to prioritize." He said before he ate the last piece in an enormous bite.

I gasped, looking down at the empty plate. "Great. I'll go get another one." I threw out the paper plate before walking to the booth that sold the sugary snack.

"Ah ah ah." Jax put an arm around my shoulders. "I'm paying."

"No complaints here," I said before we made our way over there.

After devouring a second funnel cake and checking out every booth for free items, we figured it was time to head home.

"Do you want to come over for a bit before you go home? Jessie's staying at a friend's house and I know I'll be bored there alone." Jax said as we walked away from the street fair.

"As if I'd ever pass up a chance to eat your food and hog your couch." I joked.

He brought us out of eyesight and then took my hand, tele-transporting us to his apartment. I immediately put my purse down on the coffee table and started fanning myself.

"Why on Earth is it so hot in here?" I pulled my hair up into a ponytail.

Jax turned on the air conditioning. "Hey, it saves money when you turn the air off when you're not home."

"Right, of course." I made my way into the kitchen. "Do you have anything to eat?"

"You just ate two funnel cakes, Mia." His voice followed me into the room until he appeared in the kitchen doorway.

I popped my head out from behind the open fridge door. "Correction, you ate more than half of both of them so I think you can understand why I may still be hungry."

"What can I say, I love funnel cake." He leaned against the counter with a small smile on his face. "Whenever we were at a fair my mum would always buy me a whole funnel cake for myself, no matter what. Truthfully, it may not have been the best judgment, but I couldn't care less."

"That's sweet. And you are officially forgiven for eating most of the funnel cake." I said.

"How kind of you."

I pulled out a bag of chips from the cabinet and grinned, sitting atop the counter. Then I turned back to Jax. "Can you..." I imitated casting a spell with my hand. "And make some guacamole appear?"

He chuckled at my gesturing, but regardless a second later a bowl of my favorite dip appeared beside me. I dipped a chip in and ate it, savoring the taste. "I'm kind of bummed that break ends next week and we'll be back in school."

"I agree 100%. I'm dreading it." He groaned.

"At least you'll get to see your girlfriend again, right?" My focus was on the bag when I said this, not really anticipating his answer.

"Yeah, I guess." I glanced up to see that he was looking at me.

He walked towards me. "Mia."

I released a breath I didn't realize I was holding. "Yes?"

He didn't answer, only leaned closer and closer until...

I jumped at the sound of Jax's phone vibrating next to me, the name Em flashing on the screen. I looked at it for a few moments before it really registered.

"You should get that." I didn't look at him.

"Mia-"

I pushed past him so I could get off the counter, still avoiding eye contact. "No, you should answer it. I should go home anyway."

I rushed out the front door and was already out of the building before I realized I left my purse there but I kept walking. There was no way I could go back up there.

JAX

"So did she freak?" Diego asked me.

I pulled open my locker with a sigh. "No Diego, she didn't freak. She was a little shocked at first, but she was fine with it."

"Huh." He leaned against the locker doors next to mine. "Good thing you didn't tell her about that almost-kiss then, huh?"

"Would you shut up?" I shook my head. "Why did I tell you about that?"

"Cause I'm your best friend, that's why. I'm here to help."

"You're doing great at that so far," I said, sarcastically.

"Hey, I'm doing my best here," Diego replied.

"I know. I'm sorry. I just don't know what to do." I leaned my head back against the locker and closed my eyes.

"Well if you want my input, I think you do. I think you do know what to do but you're just scared to do it." I opened my eyes and looked at Diego.

"When did you become so philosophical?"

He placed a hand on my shoulder. "When I realized what a shitstorm you'd gotten yourself into."

"I think you're right," I told him, ignoring that last comment.

And as I thought about it more, it made even more sense. "I know what I want." I turned to face him. "Do you know what class Emma is in right now?"

I screwed up so bad.

What was I thinking? Was I really about to kiss Mia? I must be crazy. I'm dating Emma. I'm in love with Emma. ...Right? Lately, I haven't been so sure. Even before Mia and I started hanging out. But I don't get why. She's the perfect girl, the poster girl for perfect girls even. So what was wrong with me?

But I pushed those thoughts away for now. One problem at a time.

I called Mia over and over again, but she wouldn't pick up. I guess it was kind of a good thing since I had no idea what I would say to her if she did, except for "Hey, I have your purse!", which didn't really seem like the best conversation starter after what had happened.

But I did want to talk to her. And since she wasn't answering my phone calls, I figured I'd just go see her.

I showed up outside her door, her bag in hand, and blew out a stream of air, preparing myself before I knocked on her door.

"I got it!" Came her voice from inside.

The door opened and Mia stood in front of me. Her face fell when she saw it was me and she visibly stood a little straighter.

"Who is it?" A woman, who I presumed was her aunt, asked.

"No one," Mia said, eyes still on me. Ouch. "Give me a second."

She stepped outside, closing the door behind her and crossed her arms. "What do you want?"

"Um..." I held up her purse. "I brought this for you."

She eyed it before taking it from me. "Thanks, but we both know if this was the real reason for the visit, you would've just sent it here by magic. So what are you doing here?"

She was so perceptive it was scary sometimes. "Look, I just wanted to talk about-"

"No, we don't have to. I get it, you were caught up in the moment. People do stupid things sometimes without thinking." She took a deep breath. "You're in a relationship. I'm okay with that."

Well, that was a lot easier than I thought it would be. "So, we're still friends?"

Mia gave me a sad smile. "Bye, Jax." And she disappeared back into her home.

So I had settled this...whatever it was with Mia. But why didn't I feel any better? And when I was back in my apartment it hit me. Because I didn't want to have to settle it. Because now, she thinks that I was toying with her or something.

And now I've lost her.

MIA

No homework and I've got the apartment to myself for the afternoon. This would be any other teenage girl's dream, but unlike them, I have no one to invite over to hang out with. So I did what anyone would do in this situation: I turned on the television.

I flipped through the channels until I landed on something familiar. Despicable Me was playing on FXM and I couldn't help but think of the night that Jax and I watched this together. In fact, I couldn't do anything without Jax creeping into my mind. It was kind of annoying, really. I just wanted to move on. But apparently, my brain didn't get the memo.

I was about halfway through the movie when there was a slash of magic and Jax appeared in front of me. I jumped, startled, and then quickly turned off the TV.

"What are you doing? Why are you here?" I didn't move from my spot on the couch.

It was obvious he didn't really know either, as he stumbled on his answer. "Well, Jessie's at a friend's house and I didn't feel like being home all day."

I stood up, rolling my eyes. "That's why you're not there. Why. Are you. Here?"

Then he grinned. "Cause there's something I've been meaning to do."

Before I could blink, Jax had cupped my face both his hands and kissed me. My lips parted on their own accord, my hands going up to grip his arms. It was pure bliss until I realized what I was doing and I slowly pulled away.

I bit my lip, the tingling sensation from the kiss still there. "You have a girlfriend." I all but whispered.

He shook his head. "I broke up with Emma."

My head lifted up to meet his eyes in shock. "What?"

"There was always something off about our relationship, en before you came into the picture. I don't know how to explain it but, the fact that someone like me could ever end up with the Chosen One was just unrealistic to me. And I thought that that was what made me special. But I think that I was in love with the idea of having this perfect relationship, until I realized, that it didn't need to be perfect."

I tilted my head. "Wow, thanks."

"That's not what I mean. I just mean that it doesn't have to be a perfect relationship, just perfect for me." He took my hands in his. "And that's what this is. And I'm sorry it took me so long to realize that."

"Well, I didn't exactly make it easy for you." A smile crept across my face.

"Can't say that I blame you. But I'm here now." His eyes searched mine.

"Yeah. You are." I smiled fully before pressing my lips against his again.

I felt his own smile against mine as his arms slipped around my waist, pulling me into him. Fireworks exploded behind my eyelids and I don't care how cliche it sounds, because things finally felt right. One hand snaked its way up into his hair, while the other rested on his neck. I couldn't help the laugh that bubbled up out of my throat, I just couldn't believe that this was happening. That I was so happy.

But I was. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

A/N: I hope you guys enjoyed this and please leave a review with what you thought!