love.

it was a familiar concept.

a feeling of attachment and affection, defined by legal terms.

an abstract ideal in which you value something over yourself.

you hurt those that you love.

these were facts, facts i had learned and known over and over again.

facts that i was certain of.

until i met them.

it was love, the relationship they held, but it spawned past the barriers of love i had created and known.

they were often away from each other, despite knowing that distance breaks ties.

it was not a factor of love.

they argued and fought, and left the other.

it was not a factor of love.

they stood on opposing sides of a battle, and apathy wore on their faces.

it was not a factor of love.

and they did not hurt one another.

protection is a factor of love, and pain is a form of protection and care.

they did not hurt one another.

i did not understand why.

their bond held firm even when harm was a stranger to them.

pain was an ingredient of love.

how could they experience love without hurting each other?

pain strengthens bonds.

i was sure of these facts, but i see them, and i see what they are.

and suddenly, i was not so sure.