A cute little story to tide you over until I figure out what the hell I've done to All's Fair.

"Jeremie?" Aelita pushed the young Einstein's door open, hoping he was still awake. She had had another nightmare, and wanted someone to talk to. Jeremie lay sleeping at his desk, his glasses askew. Aelita smiled at the sight of him, but gasped when she realized he was waking up.

"Aelita…"

"Yeah?"

A small smile spread across his face at her reply, and he opened an eye. When he realized she was standing there, he almost fell out of his chair. "Aelita! What…What are you doing here?" he glanced over at the clock. "Why are you up so late?"

"I had a nightmare," Aelita answered timidly.

"Oh…" He got to his feet, and Aelita giggled at the sight of the keyboard markings on his cheek.

"Jeremie?"

"Hmm?"

"What's a family like?" Aelita asked. She had only been on Earth for a week, and had heard everyone talking about families. Jeremie sat down on his bed, resting his chin on his hands, and Aelita sat on the floor in front of him, listening as if she were a child hearing him tell a story.

"It's kind of like friends, only with similar genetic make-ups. They're blood related, and generally closer." He smiled at her. "Usually a mother- and father-figure, maybe some siblings—"

"Siblings?" Aelita had heard the word, but wasn't sure what it meant.

"Brothers and sisters."

"Oh. Do families fight like friends do?"

"Of course," Jeremie said with a laugh. "Ulrich and his dad fight all the time. Parents can have arguments, and siblings are notorious for fighting."

"I wish I had a family," Aelita muttered sadly.

"You'll get one someday," Jeremie smiled. "You're what the country would call an orphan Aelita. You don't have a family. But that doesn't mean it will always be like that. When you get older, you'll fall in love and get married and have children."

"Do you think I could have kids?" Aelita squealed. "I mean, since I'm not real."

Jeremie thought about this. "I don't see why not. You're about as human as anyone else here, I'm sure you have all the…erm…requirements."

Aelita tilted her head to the side in confusion, but Jeremie shook his head. "That's another story for another day."

Aelita was puzzled by the amount of redness in Jeremie's face, but didn't question his statement. "So will I really have a family one day?"

"Sure," Jeremie smiled. "I'd like to think that you will."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, Aelita, I'd like to be part your family one day."

"Can friends be family too?"

Jeremie was shocked at the question. Was he getting friend-zoned during such a casual conversation? "Sure Aelita. Besides, in a way you already have a family. We aren't blood related like normal families, but I guess you could say we're all adopted brothers and sisters. Ulrich and Odd, Yumi and me, we're your family Aelita." He smiled at her.

"What's adopted?" Aelita looked at him with wide green eyes and Jeremie couldn't help but laugh.

"It when parents take in a child that isn't theirs. A child that doesn't have parents or a home."

Aelita's eyes grew larger. "I'm not going to get adopted, am I?" Jeremie could see she was afraid.

"No, Aelita! You aren't in the system."

Aelita sighed with relief. "Good. I don't want to go to another family. I like it here."

Jeremie lay back on his bed, laying on his side so he could look at her. She got up and lay down next to him, cuddling close. "Aelita, where did that question come from? About what a family is?"

"I don't know. I hear people talking about how I don't have a family, I was just wondering why it was such a big deal."

"It shouldn't be to you," Jeremie wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer. "We're your family."

"Yeah." Aelita looked up at him. "Jeremie, why do I keep having nightmares?"

Jeremie shrugged. "Probably just a movie you saw, your subconscious is playing it back while you sleep."

"Yeah." Aelita looked at the clock. "I should probably get back to my room. Class starts in a couple of hours."

Jeremie hated that she had to leave, but knew if any of the guys saw her leaving the room, they'd both be in trouble. "You know, why don't you go get dressed and we can go for a walk before breakfast."

"But Jeremie, it's snowing!" Aelita looked towards the window. "It's too cold for a walk."

"No, it'll be okay," Jeremie answered, smiling. "I promise, you'll enjoy it. Just dress warmly."

"Okay," Aelita nodded, getting up. "I'll meet you downstairs?"

"Sure."

Aelita left and Jeremie couldn't help but smile.

This isn't going to be a major story, just something cute for you guys to enjoy (and to prove that I can in fact write a Jerlita).