Definition of Love


She's been through so many things, so many trials.

He has too.

She has such an image to uphold

He had such a reputation holding him down.

Jesse's parents were never there. Because of that she realized after awhile, that the concept of love, the romantic kind, was a mystery to her.

Aiden's mom wasn't good to his dad. She messed around, again, again, and again. Till finally she just left. Aiden never cheated, no, but his concept of love was twisted. He never truly got deeply involved; because he knew it wouldn't matter in the end. Because soon it would be over, for some reason or another.

They were so alike in many ways, and so different in others. But it was this lack of understanding, which made Jesse and Aiden different when together.

A tiny bit of curiosity and a small space was all it took...

A mission gone wrong, Aiden and Jesse stuck in a trap. A small tight room, not lethal, just very very uncomfortable. The others are trying to dig them out, but they are a long way down, and that's a lot of obsidian.

His heart his fluttering, he's nervous she can feel it. Jesse looks up, smiling, "Hey Aiden it's cool we'll be fine."

"I know we will."

"Then why is your heart pounding?"

"Cause we're close..."

"So?"

"Very close."

Jesse flushes, "Oh." she winks, because if she is good at anything, it's playing the awkward away, or increasing it, depending on which way other goes, "Curious?" she teases.

Aiden raises an eyebrow, because yeah, who wouldn't be curious about Jesse. It's Jesse. He's familiar with the game she has initiated, and is pretty sure she isn't familiar with how intense he plays. "Yeah..."

This was the first time.

He kisses her, determined to win round one of this game right out the gate. Her lips are soft, and she actually kisses back and-

Oh. Oh.

Oh shit.

The ceiling is broken open, and Jesse and Aiden have already gone their separate ways. The best they can, six inches apart. "Bout time you got here!" Aiden snaps.

The second time, Jesse was leaving town to check another door, "Bye Aiden!" she says, kissing him on the cheek.

Oooops.

She goes scarlet, covering her mouth in embarrassment. "I-I'm sorry. I just got so comfortable being here that-"

"It's cool."

The third time, it happens again. "Bye Aiden, aw crap! I'm sorry I did it-"

He kisses her forehead, "Bye, be safe."

It's official now.

Jesse finds home eventually. She visits often, and everytime is a little weird because they are both still trying to figure out exactly what they have going on. She spends a weekend, and then leaves. Aiden is used to the leaving; he is just not used to the coming back part. She comes back everytime.

They get older, things change, and they see other people. It's just not right though, there is no click.

Jesse always comes back. Aiden always lets her in.

"I missed you," he says, he knows it's her before the door is even fully open.

Jesse is weary and tired. Some big important mission for the New Order of the Stone no doubt. Aiden's house is her safe haven.

"How did you know?" she mumbles, tired.

"I just do."

She sits down on his lap, head nestling into his neck. She kisses his jaw, "How are you?"

"Better than you." he says, kissing her back. He can be this way around Jesse, snarky and somewhat rougher. He tries not to, but that's the difference between Jesse and everyone else. Jesse gets he is trying.

Jesse can relax, because she knows that Aiden knows she needs a break. He didn't see her as Jesse the hero, he saw her as Jesse, the little girl he used to pick at a building competition so very long ago. He understood that she needs to have someone see her as her, not a poster version. It took her a long time to realize that romance wasn't fairytale perfect. Understanding...was a very important key.

"Aiden?"

"Hmmm?"

"Can I stay?"

"You always do?" he answers slowly.

"No I mean-" she yawns, "Can we make it official with me moving in?"

He's stunned, "Why would you want to move here?"

"Because I love you."

It's so blunt the first time she's actually said it, and yet...

He holds her closer, "If you want to."

"I do, I'm really tired of leaving. I want to stay." she holds onto him, "I love you." she said it again, and oh it feels so right.

She's done leaving, he's done with distance, she's done with the mystery, and he is done with the twisted lie he has grown so used to. It's far from perfect, and most people would never understand how two very unique people, with such a vivid history could be together. But they do, because they can, and because they now want it.

"I love you too."


A-Problematic-Writer requested :

Ah well, I'll suggest it anyway. AidenXF!Jesse; anything will suit me.

Word from the Author:

*Whispers* This is not a trash ship, I have so many pairings in this fandom I have an Armada people.

I will let you know if the pairing is beyond my comfort zone. All I request is you do not suggest an Adult/ Minor pairing. No Ivor and Jesse or whatever guys. Also I do not do non-con.

These are the only rules thus far that I will press heavily on. Other that that, hit me with your best shots and 'trashy' wants ;)