A Song Unsung (Jean x Fem Reader)

Chapter 1

Closing the clasps of your guitar case with two firm clicks, you took a hold of the handle heading for the door.

"Okay, auntie Marie, I'm heading out now!", you called out into the apartment halfway out the door. Small shuffles of heavy feet subbed their way towards you, and walking into the narrow hallway was Marie.

"Okay, hun. Be careful", she smiled so her wrinkly face became even more wrinkly.

"Always am", you reassured her, turning around to skip down the stairs leading to the street.

"You sure? You've forgotten something pretty important", you heard her say cleverly behind you and you froze. Eyeing your form and checking your attire, you furrowed your brows.

'Guitar, permit... oh-'

As you turned around in realisation, you saw your brown and golden armband clutched between her gentle, slightly shaking fingers. Letting out a gingerly laugh, you walked over to take it from her. She moved her hand before you could take it though.

"I know you usually never forget this, but the few times you do should definitely not be when you're planning to leave the Internment Zone", she lectured while tying it to your upper arm on the left hand side.

"I know, auntie, I'm sorry", you voiced timidly. She chuckled softly.

"No need. Go now"

You smiled, walking back towards the door. "I prepared some soup. It's in the cooling-cabinet. Just heat some up on the stove when you're hungry", you informed her final, before closing the door behind you with a smile.

Breathing in deeply, you skipped down the set of steps, taking in the light of the late-day sun. It wasn't quite time for sunset and its magnificent golden painting of the blue sky just yet, but the air was the freshest at this hour, despite auntie Marie's house being located a bit further into the zone, meaning the crisp air from the salty sea outside couldn't quite reach you here. The thick walls surrounding your home made sure of that.

"Permit", one of the marleyan gate-guards asked you once you arrived at the only entry and exit-spot to the Internment Zone.

"Here", you precented the piece of parchment with the oh so valuable signature and stamp decorating the bottom. It wasn't until the guard looked up at you that his lazy, bored demeanour turned more energetic.

"Hey! Should've just said it was you and I wouldn't even have to check the note", he sent you a cheeky smile handing you the permit.

"Not her fault you're too lazy to look further up than above the tip of your nose", the other guard teased, giving you a knowing look. You laughed, watching the other nudge his co-worker's chest annoyed.

"No worries. I don't want you two to get in trouble for slacking on your duties", you smiled at the two. They were truly the only kind Marleyan officers you've met so far. You felt safe knowing they were the ones to watch the entrance to your home. They would never punish any Eldians without any reason to. There are very few Marleyans who choose to act civil around Eldians and treat them like people, but it's not unheard of. Your father was proof enough of that, that's for sure...

"Yeah, I guess you have a point"

"You have a good performance now, and stay safe", they smiled with a firm nod.

"Will do! See you later!", you waved, passing the gate, just barely avoiding crashing into a group of four young kids.

"Sorry miss!", one of them, a boy with blond hair, called out to you, before following the rest.

"You're alright!", you yelled back, watching them exchange eager words with the guards. You noted the yellow armbands.

'They must be some of the kids from recent year's recruit groups for the Warrior program...'