Believer ~Jean x Reader AU~

Chapter 7: Mannequin

I stared at my closet, examining my clothes. I scanned each article, unable to find a piece that 'popped'. In fact, my wardrobe consisted of rather plain clothes; simple jeans, simple shirts, simple leggings, one or two simple dresses, and a few simple skirts. It was all...simple. I was simple. All I gathered from studying my closet was that I was a simple plain Jane.

Annoyed, I sighed heavily, "Ugh! I have this date tomorrow and I have nothing to wear." I plopped down on my bed, listening to the springs moan as I massaged my temple. "I mean, what am I even supposed to wear, anyway? Does it really matter?"

I thought about Kellen, my imagination picturing him in a nice pair of well-fitted jeans and a wrinkle-free button-down dress shirt, a smoothly pressed blazer pulling it all together. My thoughts then painted his features -his honey locks styled, his bangs combed back to give full view of his face. To be honest, my imagination did too good of a job sculpting an image of him, causing my face to flush red.

"Ugh," I groaned, flinging my body back, the mattress bouncing from the force. "I'm gonna feel like a jackass if I show up looking like shit and he shows up looking like..." I once again imagined him all dressed up, causing my features and ears to burn. "Looking like that. Uhh! What the hell am I supposed to do?"

I had never really been on a date before, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Was I supposed to dress up and show up with a full face of makeup or was I supposed to show up as simply me? I didn't know and that annoyed me. I didn't want to make a fool of myself either way.

"Should I go to the mall and get a new outfit?" I asked, chewing my bottom lip. I shook my head. "No. No, that's stupid. A whole outfit for just one date? That's stupid...right?"

I laid there, contemplating what to do when I reached a decision.

I pushed myself up off my bed and scattered for my wallet and dorm key. I shoved what I needed into my purse and hopped into my shoes and then made my leave. I hurried down the corridor to the staircase and jogged down the steps. I moved quickly through the main lobby before exiting through the doors.

The cool breeze welcomed me once I made my way outside, causing me to shiver. To be honest, I couldn't quite explain why I was even bothering with getting a whole new outfit for just one date. The odds of my first official date going smoothly was unlikely. I mean, I was awkward and timid and just...me. Who could possibly want that?

I wrapped my arms around myself and continued walking. I wanted to get to the mall before it closed which meant I had to get straight there and back. After all, it was already getting to the point where the sun would be setting soon, and I couldn't avoid being out too late. The creeper who was responsible for Marianne's death was still at large.

So, I shuffled along, the soles of my shoes scuffing the ground. I was contemplating what type of outfit to purchase when I heard a familiar voice call, "Hey! Y/N! Where are you off to?"

I stopped in my tracks and turned, my eyes colliding with a set of warm orbs. His lips were drawn up into a gentle smile, his dark locks parted to frame his masculine face. Innocent freckles were sprinkled across his nose and cheeks, his appearance setting me at ease. Marco...Marco Bodt.

"Hey," he repeated, jogging over to me. "Long time no see."

I shifted my weight from one leg and to the other, nodding, "O-oh, yeah. Yeah, it's been awhile. How have you been?"

"Pretty good," he shrugged, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Busy, but good." He motioned at the school's gate. "Are you going somewhere?"

"Yeah," I answered. "I need to go to the mall to get some new clothes for...for something."

I could feel him examining me, but there wasn't much to search for. It's not like we were friends or anything. He wouldn't find anything, anyway. Even if we were friends it wasn't like he knew how to read me. Besides...I didn't even know how to read myself.

He stepped closer to me and smiled, "Well, it's going to be dark soon, so you shouldn't be going alone. If you'd like, I could accompany you."

"I-I don't know," I chuckled halfheartedly. "That might be a little extreme."

He scratched the back of his head and grinned, "Maybe so, but it's better safe than sorry. I mean, the whole campus still knows about the whole...lurking dude ordeal."

I bit down on my bottom lip and sighed, "Fine...fine. I'll try to be quick so that way I'm not keeping you too long."

"Great," he beamed

***

"I won't lie, it feels weird having a guy here with me while I shop for clothes," I giggled, glancing up at Marco.

He was standing close to me, his eyes darting all around. He seemed to be taking in the store's interior. I didn't blame him. Women's stores could be a little overwhelming for anyone with all our fashion choices and patterns. And, just by my observation, it seemed Marco had either never been into a lady's store or had very rarely ventured into one. Regardless, he seemed out of his element.

He turned to me and laughed nervously, "Oh. Yeah, I could see that. Sorry if I make this all uncomfortable. I just didn't like the idea of a lady being out on the streets alone with all that's been going on." He flashed a shy smile. "Hope that's okay."

I glimpsed down at a dress that was in front of me and shrugged, "It's okay. I appreciate your concern."

I ran my fingers along the material of the dress, taking in how the lace and cotton felt beneath my fingertips. It was a gorgeous dress that most likely fell at about midthigh length. The skirt was a soft cotton that was formfitting while a floral lace pattern covered over the chest and created the short sleeves. It was beautiful and came in two color choices; black or red.

"That's a nice dress," Marco complimented, motioning at the article of clothing. "If you don't mind me asking, what kind of clothes are you looking for? Like, something for a wedding or a fundraiser or what?"

I dropped my hands and answered, "Well...I'm looking for something to wear for...for a date." I glanced up at him and shrugged, "This may sound stupid, but I've actually never been on a real one, so I want to make a good impression. I just...I just don't really know how to do that."

A gentle smile lifted the corners of his lips as he sighed, "The best way to impress a guy is just to be yourself. That said, I won't lie and say guys aren't visual creatures." He rested one of his arms on the rack. "I'm not saying you should dress completely unlike yourself but pushing your comfort zone a bit never hurts."

"So...are you saying I should buy one of these dresses?" I asked, meeting his stare.

He shrugged, "That's completely up to you. Either way, whatever you decide to wear is bound to knock his socks off."

I giggled in response to his words and glimpsed back at the dress. It was just so beautiful and definitely up my alley. It was elegant yet simplistic enough for my comfort. On top of that, I could wear it for other events or just regular daily life. Which made my decision.

I began to reach for the black version but paused before turning to the red one. That was the one that would push me out of my comfort zone. And that was the one I picked.

"Nice choice," Marco approved. "That guy's going to be blown out of the water." He examined me quickly before shifting his tone to one of curiosity. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but who is the lucky guy, anyway?"

I beamed up at him. "Kellen Haas."

**Ello my lovelies! Sorry for the long chapter, but I didn't really want to split it up. That said, I hope y'all enjoyed this installment! Now, real quick. I have an announcement! At the end of this project, I will have a fun facts section. This means that you, the reader, can ask questions. I will collect them and answer them in that segment. So, if ya want, feel free to ask questions about the story or whatever! Now, as always, thank you soooo much for everything! Y'all are the bee's knees! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross