Believer ~Jean x Reader AU~

Chapter 27: Hospital

We all stared in bewilderment, each of us surprised at who we saw. She stood in the corner of the room, the light gently dancing across her honeyed locks. She was a beautiful girl with youthful features and full lips. Her build was slender with nice hips, her clothes all hugging each of her curves. A few scrapes were noticeable on her small button nose, but that did not tear my concentration from her alluring hazel stare. She was stunning.

"Alexandra," Jean gasped. "W-what happened? What do you mean?"

She shrugged, "I was attacked."

I shifted my gaze to Jean, watching as his eyes widened with astonishment and his mouth drop open. He slowly left his place next to Marco and shuffled to her. He took her hands into his. I had never noticed it before, but it was amazing how much smaller she was compared to him.

"What do you mean you were attacked? By who?" he pressed, still holding her close.

She stared up at him and answered, "B-by...by the...by the creep."

As if Jean's eyes couldn't get any wider, he breathed, "What? B-by the guy who...who killed -"

She interrupted, "Yes. He...he tried to...Marco saved me."

Jean turned to Marco, the astonishment just shifting to a greater degree. He gently pulled Alexandra with him over to the hospital bed Marco was situated in. I watched as he held her hand...causing my heart to slightly break. I knew it shouldn't have bothered me. I had no reason to feel what I did, but as I stared at Jean's firm grip, I couldn't help but to feel that sinking feeling.

"Marco...you stopped that guy?" Jean asked, staring at his friend.

Marco smiled, "I just heard Alexandra yell and ran to her."

"Don't be modest," Alexandra laughed halfheartedly. "You saved me. If it wasn't for you, then, well, I don't know what would have happened to me."

"I was just there at the right time," Marco shrugged.

"You still saved her," Jean said. He turned to Alexandra and swallowed, "Are you okay?"

She nodded, "Yeah. Just a few scrapes and bruises."

Compared to Marco, Alexandra basically got away almost unscathed. In fact, it appeared that Marco had gotten the brunt of the attack. Based off the bandages on him, it seemed he had been stabbed a few times. Of course, it was a strong possibility he had been stabbed so that way the culprit could make for his escape.

"Oh thank God," Jean sighed, the invisible weight that had been on his shoulders looking like it lifted. "Do you need to call anyone? Your parents? Any of the SOA girls?"

Alexandra replied, "Yeah. I want to gather up the girls at the house and tell them what happened."

Jean nodded, "Yeah. Makes sense." He glimpsed at Eren, adding, "Jaeger, could you walk her back? And don't leave her side until she's safely inside."

Eren did a cheesy solute and said, "Sir, yes sir."

Jean rolled his eyes and once again shifted to Alexandra. He held both of her hands and whispered, "I'd walk you back myself, but...I need -"

"It's okay," she smiled. "Stay with Marco. I'll be fine."

I watched as Jean scanned his girlfriend. For the first time, I found it difficult to read him. I couldn't tell what was going through his head and that was almost infuriating. I was so accustomed to reading him with little to no effort. Then again, I wasn't Alexandra. It was possible she knew just what was going through his head.

Jean kissed her forehead and they said their farewells. Alexandra made her way to Eren and the two made for their leave. I moved aside to give them room but froze when I felt Alexandra's gaze linger on me. I could feel her stare slice through me, time slowing as they walked. The whole time I felt my cheeks burn wildly. I knew she was definitely observing me with her cold gape.

After what felt like forever, they were out of sight, leaving Jean, Marco and myself. I shuffled into the room and closed the door behind myself, hoping that action would aid in distracting myself. I then turned, redirecting my focus back to Marco and Jean. Jean was still at Marco's bedside, the two turning to meet my stare.

"Oh, Y/N," Marco smiled. "I didn't see you there. How long have you been here?"

I opened my mouth to answer, but Jean cut me off, replying, "She came with me. She insisted on seeing if you were okay."

"Awe. Thanks, Y/N. You didn't have to do that," Marco beamed. He motioned with his hand, waving me in. "Here. Come in more. You don't need to stay by the door."

I did as he ordered, the soles of my shoes scuffing the linoleum. I reached the empty side of his bed and gazed down at him. He was more than just a mess. His inky locks were disheveled, both of his eyes bruised while a cut was seen on his bottom lip. Bandages were wrapped around his left arm and forehead. Some of the bandages on his arm were stained with blood, making me wonder if his injuries were severe enough for stitches. I also caught a glimpse of a few small bruises on his knuckles. Looks like he got a lick in too.

"So," I finally swallowed, "how are ya holdin' up?"

He smiled softly, shrugging, "I'm alive, right?"

"True," I giggled. "Good to know you're okay."

The whole time I chatted with Marco, I could feel Jean's eyes on me. It didn't feel like he was glaring at me but actually observing how I interacted with his friend. I didn't sense any jealousy radiating from him. It just felt like he was trying to get a read on me.

I continued to say a few things to Marco when Jean questioned, "Marco. The guy...did you...did you get a good look at him?"

Marco directed his attention to Jean and shook his head, sighing, "Unfortunately, no. His hood was up and he was wearing a cheap Halloween mask. But I did talk to the police about him."

"You did?" Jean pressed, crossing his arms over his chest. "What did you tell 'em?"

Marco pointed at himself with his thumb and snickered, "Just that I might have gotten the guy's right shoulder with his own blade. So, I told them to keep an eye out on the ERs to see if any guys come in with shoulder wounds."

"Nice," Jean smirked. He stood there for a few moments before shifting his expression to one of more seriousness. "Hey, thanks. For real. If it wasn't for you...Alexandra wouldn't still be here."

Marco smiled gently and waved his hand dismissively, "Don't mention it. I just did what anyone else would do." But, as quickly as the soft smile met his lips, it disappeared. His expression became serious, his brows more furrowed as he added, "Hey. The guy...isn't it suspicious that he attacked while the sun was still up? I mean, before he would strike in the night, but isn't he being ballsy by making a move that early?"

He had a point. It didn't make sense for the man to strike during any hours involving daylight. That was a dangerous move on his part and could lead to his capture, so why would he chance it? From his point of view, surely he knew how foolish that was on his part.

"You're right," Jean agreed, cuffing his chin with his hand. "Is he getting that confident or..."

"Or is there a reason he needs to attack early?" Marco finished.

**Ello, ello my wonderful lovelies. I won't lie, I've been having a few problems with my eye. I say eye because I actually can only see out of my right eye and staring at a computer screen kinda sucks at times. I'm trying to hurry this book along while still producing decent content so that way I can take a break to rest it. The sooner I finish this one the sooner I can take a break to reenergize and rest my eye before the next book. So, I hope y'all forgive me if some chapters kinda suck. That said, I hope y'all enjoyed this chapter. Your guys' support means so much to me! Y'all are coolio! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross