Believer ~Jean x Reader AU~

Chapter 12: Preview of Spring

The next few weeks were some of the best weeks of my life. I spent most of my free time with Kellen. We went to museums, the movies, the aquarium, a couple sightseeing areas, and a few new restaurants only locals knew about. All in all, I was enjoying our time together. He made me feel important. I always woke up to a good morning text and couldn't go to bed without a goodnight text. On days where either of us were too busy to see each other we spent the whole day texting. It was...nice.

That day was no different. It was a beautiful day in March with the sun shining and the birds chirping. Though it wasn't quite spring just yet, the sun did allow for a preview of the coming season. Its brilliant rays trickled down, softly kissing my cheeks as a gentle breeze blew, its touch also warm. I inhaled deeply, smelling the sweet aroma of clean air as it filled my nostrils.

"You seem chipper today," Kellen chuckled, making his way to me with two soft pretzels in tow.

He passed me one and I took it, smiling, "I can't help it. It feels amazing today."

"As opposed to twenty degrees or lower, I'll have to agree," he said, taking a bite of his pretzel. "Fifty degrees does feel pretty darn good."

I nodded in agreement and began to eat my own pretzel. As I did so, I gazed out over the park. The plant life wasn't quite back to life just yet. The trees were still bare, their branches naked, though a few did look like they would bud any day. That said, the flowers were not quite on the same page. They were all still in their hibernated or decayed states, leaving the ground bare. It wasn't a horrible scene to see, but it did fuel the excitement I had for the real spring.

"So, m'lady," he smiled. "Are you enjoying the view?"

I swallowed my food and beamed, "Yes. I've never seen this part of the park before. I can only imagine what it'll look like when spring is in full swing."

"Well, we'll definitely have to come back when everything starts to bloom," he grinned, gazing down at me. "Would you like that?"

I nodded, "Very much so."

His features remained soft, the corners of his lips drawn up ever so slightly, still reaching his eyes. Those dazzling oceans gleamed in the golden light, scanning me. Him gazing at me made me feel like I was the only girl he noticed -like I was the only one who mattered. It made butterflies flutter in my stomach as a warm wave washed over me.

"You have such a beautiful smile," he complimented, still flashing that genuine smile at me.

Flustered, I stammered, "T-thank you."

I quickly glimpsed away, unsure how else to respond. Complimenting how I looked during our first date was one thing but highlighting a certain trait of mine was another story. And out of all those traits, I never imagined it to be my smile. I never found that part of me pretty...not that I ever found any part of myself pretty. Still, I didn't know what to do.

Just then, Kellen brought his free hand to my chin, gently lifting it to force our stares to meet and smiled, "You're beautiful."

I could feel my face and ears burn red, stuttering, "O-oh. T-thank you."

He continued, "You don't need to be nervous, Y/N. I speak the truth when I say that." He dropped his hand down before scratching the back of his head. "You really and truly are a beautiful woman. I feel like the luckiest man in the world to even have the privilege of talking to you."

His expression shifts from one of confidence to one that was more...anxious. It was almost strange. I had known him as a confident and outgoing guy who was certain of what he wanted, but at that moment, he seemed nervous. It was as if there was something eating at him.

"I won't lie, I was planning to make this a little bit more...romantic or special, but I don't think I can hold off much longer," he confessed, his smile now showing his nerves.

I knitted my brows and asked, "Wait for what?"

He bit his bottom lip and said, "Now's as good of a time as ever." He cleared his throat and asked, "Y/N, would you do me the honor of becoming my girlfriend?"

Astonishment washed over me as my mouth became agape. I hadn't expected that. I hadn't expected that at all. He...he just...did he? I couldn't even formulate a proper sentence. My brain had no idea how to react. All I knew was that my senses were all going through waves.

But, I still managed to squeak, "Yes."

**Bello my lovelies! I'm very interested in your all's thoughts on this chapter lol. I know some of you probably dreaded reading that. If so, I'm interested in knowing why. Feel free to tell! Until then, thank you so much for everything! Y'all are so awesome! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross