Bet ~Jean x Reader AU~

Chapter 21: Bruise

"Remember! You all are focusing on movement," Professor Ral announced, the heels of her boots tapping at the floor with each step she took. "Not physical movement. Think of how the body moves when still -from one line and to the other. Observe how Lucinda's body curves in this posture. That's what we're going for, folks."

I just kept my eyes averted down, my concentration focused on my piece. We were working with our first model that day. Lucinda Prinewood was an older woman in her late fifties who had decided to donate some of her free time in modeling for us. What did that entail? That she would strike whatever pose she was comfortable with while bare ass naked in front of a room full of college students. And that was just what Lucinda was doing. Laying on her side on a cushioned cot, proudly letting her voluptuous bust droop down as she gazed up at the ceiling.

Honestly, I wasn't really fazed by any of it. I mean, I was a woman. I too had breasts and a vagina...my breasts were just more...perky...and my body less...used. See, Lucinda was a mother. Her body had been through the ringer back in the day, so she was no sprite twenty-something-year-old anymore. But still, I applauded her. There she was, flaunting everything she had with no remorse. Secretly, I envied that. I could only wish to obtain such confidence.

"Springer," Professor Ral snapped. "What in the hell are you drawing? Look at the reference! She's right there!"

"Y-yes, Pro-professor R-Ral," Connie stuttered. "S-s-sorry."

I just rolled my eyes. Guessing he's never seen a naked woman before. I kept working, occasionally glimpsing up to see what I needed to fix. I won't lie. It was a little difficult to draw some parts of Lucinda. Like the dimples on her thighs. Capturing such small details could demolish a piece if done incorrectly, but it could also enhance art if done correctly. It was a learned skill.

Professor Ral continued to circle the room, her eyes scanning us as we sketched, the sound of lead scratching paper and her heels knocking at the floor filling my ears. I didn't enjoy feeling like she was watching me, but I just figured that was anyone. I mean, who enjoys feeling watched? Then again, she was doing that to everyone. We were all being observed.

"That's very good, Y/N," Professor Ral smiled. "I just suggest doing more shadows in the hair."

I nodded, "Thank you, Professor."

She just patted my back gingerly and went on to the next student. I sighed in relief. I was about to add the shadows Professor Ral had recommended when her timer buzzed, telling us class was over.

She made it to the front of the room and clapped her hands together, sighing, "Alright. No homework tonight. Just remember that tomorrow we'll be doing critiques, so please be here! Class dismissed."

The sound of shuffling paper and backpack zippers zipping filled the room as quiet hums of chatter accompanied it. Everyone had somewhere they wanted to be. After all, it was Friday. It was Friday, and everyone had somewhere to be...everyone, but me.

I just shrugged any thoughts of the night way and finished bagging my things before making my way out of the room, leaving behind those who happily chatted. All I wanted was to go to my room and stay in for the night...the only thing I ever wanted to do. Not that that bothered me. It was just the way things were.

I pushed out of the doors, the cold winter air greeting me with its icy touch and shoved my hands into my pockets as I listened to my peers conversing amongst themselves. Most talked about hitting up the local bar while others discussed going to a club that evening. Both of which was definitely not my scene. My bed and pajamas were calling my name with a sweet song.

I continued on marching, the keen breeze encouraging me to pick up the pace when my dumb luck caught up to me...and after it had been such a nice week, too. Just as I took a step, my sole made contact with a patch of ice that had been missed during salting, leading me to lose my balance and slip. Much like my previous falls, time seemed to slow, everything around me moving at a pace that could only be described as snapshots. One minute I was standing upright and the next I was on the hard cement, my gaze meeting the sky.

Out of all my spills, that one brought forth more pain. I didn't know if it was due to all my previous falls or if it was becquse I went down with more force, slamming down on my bum and slightly grazing my arm. My body throbbed, and my hands stung from smacking the pavement. All in all, I hurt, and I hurt bad.

I managed to pull myself up to a sitting position and rubbed the side of my head. I know I'm clumsy, but this is getting ridiculous. I squeezed my eyes shut and inhaled sharply before releasing my breath and opening my eyes once again. Slowly, I began to hike back up to my feet and brushed myself off. Well, the good news is no one is around, so I doubt anyone saw that.

I was just about to continue on my merry way when a sharp pain darted through my foot, almost causing me to tumble down once more, though I managed to catch myself against a nearby rail. I leaned against the icy iron and lifted my injured foot, gritting my teeth as the pain darted through my foot. Son of a bitch! I pulled somethin'. I glanced around, my eyes finding my dorm building. I knew I could get to it, but it was going to be an utter pain...metaphorically and literally.

After a few moments of a pep talk, I gingerly lowered my foot back to the ground and ignored the dulling ache that clawed at me. I wanted to get to my room and turn in for the night. That was all. So, I began to limp along, each step bringing forth a new wave of agony when I just couldn't go any further.

"Damn it," I huffed, the frustration consuming me. "I just wanna...I just wanna go to bed. Ugh. This week fucking sucks!"

Defeated, I lowered myself back down to the ground, not caring that the cement chilled my buttocks. I was so annoyed with myself and feeling the heft of everything going on around me. I was still stressing about my sketchbook, about YM/N coming to Trost, about the pervert lurking around campus, and just overly exhausted. That fall was the final little break that put the cherry on top. I had no control as warm tears began to roll down my cheeks, my eyes stinging from the cold breeze blowing against my face.

I hadn't felt like that in a while -like I was small; like I was defenseless. I felt like a child who couldn't do anything on their own. I was vulnerable, and I couldn't even tell you why. I just was. But above all that, I was experiencing another feeling -one I wasn't as accustomed to...at least, that was what I told myself. Why? Why now? Why here? Why do I have to feel so -

"Ice girl?" a familiar voice asked, their tone curious. "What are you doing down there? Isn't it a bit too cold to be chilling on the ground?"

A lump formed in my throat, my pulse suddenly becoming a deafening pitch. N-no. Not now! Fuck. Pull it together, L/N! I swallowed the agony I was fighting back and lifted my head, my stare meeting that of Jean Kirstein's.

He was standing there, clothed in the usual pair of jeans and oversized hoody, a scarf wrapped loosely around his neck as his knitted cap remained on his head. He was holding onto one of the straps of his backpack, keeping it flung over his shoulder as his free hand remained hidden in his hoody's pocket. And, of course, his eyes were locked on me, watching me.

"Uh...you okay there, ice girl?" he questioned, lifting a brow.

Fuck. Here goes nothin'.

I faked a smile, "Oh, I'm fine. I'm all good."

And at that, a stray tear rolled down my cheek.

**Ello my sweet lovelies! I'm sorry that the chapters are getting longer. I really just don't feel like splitting them all up each time. I hope y'all understand. But, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Remember, you all are the real MVPs! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross

P.S. "Run" by Adam Lambert