A Gem's Investment (JadeXFemReader)

Chapter 4: Vulnerability

[Y/n's PoV]

Jade sent a message alerting the higher-ups about the attack and asking them to meet at the designated rendezvous point. After that was finished, she turned her attention back to me.

"You look drained," she commented bluntly, "Did the fight earlier tire you out that much?"

"No, I'm fine." I responded dismissively.

However, she immediately stopped walking and grabbed me by the hand and guided me back to her car that caused me to flinch.

"You may be able to fool the rest, but not me," she said, "Now get in the car."

"...."

I only pulled my hand away from her and reluctantly got into the car. She walked around to the driver's seat and sat down before turning to me.

"Take off your suit."

Huh?

"Why–"

"Because I said so." She cut me off.

"I need to check you for injuries, so do as I say and take off your suit."

"I told you I'm fine. Such minor injuries are not worth someone's time." I replied.

However, Jade's expression only darkened as she turned to glare at me. Now what's with that look?

"Minor Injuries?" she repeated. "Perhaps you haven't seen the state of yourself? You've been through a fight for your life and you think those injuries are minor?"

"Don't let your ego get in the way of taking care of yourself. Now take off your suit, or I'll do it myself."

"...."

I sighed in defeat as I started undressing my top and was left with my bra and there she saw the various scars, bruises, and marks that covered my body. These... these weren't just from my recent battle with Constance, but rather... signs of abuse from my deceased parents.

"Looks like your injuries aren't as minor as you thought." she muttered.

Is it sarcasm that I heard from her? No— it was far from it. One... that I couldn't really understand.

Without saying another word, she retrieved a first-aid kit from the car's glove compartment.

Wait, is she...

She was about to tend my wounds but I immediately stopped her.

"Don't... touch me... I told you I hate physical contact..."

She just stares at me for a moment before heaving a sigh.

"You're being difficult on purpose, aren't you?" she asked, "You know your body needs tending to, and yet you refuse even the simplest touch. It's like you're trying to sabotage your own recovery."

"...Or is that exactly what you want? To let your injuries fester and get worse?"

"...."

"Your actions suggest a deep-rooted aversion to physical conta–"

"I don't... care. I'm used to this kind of pain so it's not a bother to me anymore." I interrupted her.

Jade just hummed— clearly ignoring my defiance.

"Your indifference is not a virtue, so stop pretending it is." she said sharply.

"Just because you're used to pain doesn't mean you should dismiss it entirely. Your lack of care for your well-being is not a badge of honor, it's a sign of self-neglect."