A/N: Okay, this is my first foray into Pretty Little Liars fanfiction, as well as Jaria, so please don't hate me if I get anything wrong. I'm going to try and keep away from any of the theories of the show of who the A Team is, and the mythology of the show, and instead focus on Jason and Aria. This is AU, and takes place after 3x19 and my version on how Jaria are endgame. Also, for this story's purpose, Jason never left his hospital bed. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask! Enjoy!
P.S.: For all Jaria shippers, Give Me Love is their anthem. Or maybe that's just me :)
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, just the storyline.
"Have you ever denied your feelings for someone because your fear of rejection is too hard to handle? We tell lies when we are afraid…"
Chapter 1
Autumn Leaves
He was sitting on the park bench, alleviating his leg of its pain. It had been a couple months since his elevator accident with Emily, but the doctors said it was possible that his leg would never be the same.
Another day another life
Passes by just like mine
It's not complicated
It was a cool autumn day, Jason's favorite kind of day. The wind lazily blew against his brown long sleeve t-shirt. Running a hand through his long blond hair, Jason saw her before she saw him.
Another mind
Another soul
She looked beautiful in her little outfit, and Jason always appreciated how she dressed differently that anyone. Aria had her own style and it was one of the things that attracted him to her.
Another body to grow old
It's not complicated
Limping over to her with his cane in his hand, Jason walked up to her. "Aria," he asked her and she looked up at him, as if she had been in deep thought. "Jason, what are you doing here," Aria asked him, surprised to see him.
Do you ever wonder if the stars shine out for you?
Float down
After all, they hadn't been close in awhile. "It is a public park," he informed her with a small smile on his face. Aria tenderly looked up at him, seeing that he was in pain as he hobbled alongside her.
Like autumn leaves
Hush now
"Is your leg still bothering you," Aria asked him and he looked down at her to see that she was concerned. "I'm getting better everyday," he replied. Aria nodded her head and they walked beside each other in silence.
Close your eyes before the sleep
And you're miles away
And yesterday you were here with me
"I know it's been a couple months since we've seen each other, but I wanted to thank you for saving Emily's life," Aria confessed. Jason kept his eyes straight ahead, it was almost painful to look at her and know that she couldn't be with him.
Another tear
Another cry
"I would have done it for anyone," Jason whispered. Aria nodded her head, knowing that's just how he was. Jason looked up at the trees, seeing how the leaves were turning from a luscious green to russet browns and burnt oranges.
Another place for us to die
It's not complicated
"This is my favorite season," Jason mused and Aria smiled up at him. "t's mine too," she admitted. Jason smiled at her, a real genuine Jason DiLaurentis smile. Aria didn't notice they had stopped walking until she felt a blush creep onto her cheeks when he intently gazed at her.
Another life that's gone to waste
Another light lost from your face
It's complicated
"How's Fitz," he asked as they started walking again. He didn't really like the older man, but he knew how Aria felt about him and he respected her enough to ask. She didn't answer him and Jason caught the flash of pain in her eyes.
Is it that it's over or do birds still sing for you?
Float down
"I'm sorry. It's not any of my business to ask about your private life. If anyone understands that, it's me," Jason apologizes. "We broke up a couple months ago," Aria mumbled and Jason saw that she was still struggling with it.
Like autumn leaves
Hush now
"I knew about his son and I had kept it a secret for months," she explained. "It's hard to keep secrets from the ones you love," Jason contemplated. Aria looked up at him, catching the double meaning in his words.
Close your eyes before the sleep
And you're miles away
And yesterday you were here with me
"I let Ezra go. He wanted to be with me, but I knew that would grow to resent me for keeping him away from his son. It would have never worked anyway; I broke our trust in each other," Aria confessed with sadness and regret in her voice.
Oh how I miss you
My symphony played the song that carried you out
"I wish I could fix it for you," Jason honestly admitted. "What's done is done. I can't take anything back and I just have to move on," Aria said. They moved over to a bench and sat down on the table part.
Oh how I miss you
And I, I miss you and I wish you'd stay
"It takes a strong, brave and mature person to come to that conclusion," Jason commented. Aria shrugged her shoulders, "That's life. You either overcome it or be consumed by it."
Do you ever wonder if the stars shine out for you?
Float down
Jason darkly chuckled, "I usually do the latter." Aria looked over at him, "You were brave enough to help Emily get out the elevator first, even if it meant that you could get hurt or…"
Like autumn leaves
Hush now
She let the sentence trail off, not wanting to finish it. Jason knew what she was going to say, but appreciated that she didn't say it out loud. He had enough nightmares about it at night. Almost every night, that night would visit his dreams and in every dream, he died. He would wake up, sweating and out of breath.
Close your eyes before the sleep
And you're miles away
And yesterday you were here with me
"Jason, are you okay," Aria gently asked and Jason realized that she had asked him a question and he hadn't answered. "I wasn't really thinking, just living in the moment."
Float down
Like autumn leaves
"Well, that still takes bravery," Aria said and Jason nodded his head. Aria got off the bench, knowing there was a pile of homework at home just waiting for her.
Hush now
Close your eyes before the sleep
"Thank you for the talk," Aria said. "Anytime," Jason replied. He watched her walk away, and got off the bench.
And you're miles away
And yesterday you were here with me
"Aria," he yelled after her and she turned around. "If you ever need to talk, about anything, find me, okay?" Aria smiled and nodded her head. He smiled back and watched as she walked away from him.
Touch down
Like a seven four seven
Stay out and we'll live forever now
It was the most they had talked in months and Jason realized that he had missed their friendship, the way he could trust her with anything.
A/N: I hope you guys liked this chapter. It will start to pick up soon, but I just needed to establish their friendship again. Lyrics to 'Autumn Leaves' by Ed Sheeran. Let me know what you thought in a review, and what you would like to happen. Until next time!