Better ~Jean x Reader AU~

Chapter 10: The Conversation

The warm water rolled down my body, the steam engulfing me. The beads of water strummed against my skin and massaged the sleepiness away, though I was still exhausted. I stood beneath the wailing currant, watching as the suds swirled down the drain in their dance. I was in a trance, the circling motion of the bubbling water keeping my gaze trained on it. I was so tired, but despite that, a faint grin lifted the corners of my lips.

Because I saw her.

I had seen Nala in those early hours of the morning. She had been there in the clearing, her large eyes searching in the darkness. She had been just as extraordinary as the first time I'd seen her. In those late hours, in the silence of those precious moments, I could tell. She was searching for something...or someone. It didn't register at the time, but I figured she had been searching for the photographer.

I lifted my stare up, meeting the ceiling. It had been a long time since I thought about the photographer. I was still as emptyhanded as I had been when I first saw him. I knew nothing about him; not his identity, not his name, not his age, nothing. The only thing I was aware of was his relationship with Nala. She trusted him. Not only had she allowed him the privilege of photographing her, but she had also given him permission to pet her. He could touch her with no worries of her dashing away which was amazing. It was as if she truly trusted him wholeheartedly.

I wonder who he is. I pondered. I wonder if he could teach me how to earn her trust. I shook my head. That's ridiculous. I doubt I'll ever stumble across him again. I gathered my thoughts and shut the water off, pulling the curtain back. I dried myself and moseyed into my room, getting dressed. I followed the same old routine of dancing into my undergarments, hopping into a pair of jean capris, and shrugging on a band tee. It was a warm spring day that did not require jeans and hoodies, so I thought I'd take advantage of that.

I ran a comb through my hair to detangle my damp locks and breathed out a haggard breath. My lack of sleep was definitely catching up with me. I felt like I could tip over and fall asleep at any moment, but I shoved that away and gathered my things. Regardless of how I felt I still needed to continue with my day. My final art assignment wasn't going to do itself...sadly.

I swung my bag over my shoulder and grabbed my cell and keycard, finally able to make for my departure. I took my time walking to the staircase, avoiding any interactions at all cost. Luckily, I managed my way outside with no unwanted conversations, taking some weight off my shoulders. The soles of my shoes scuffed the pavement with each step I took and the warm breeze ran its fingers through my hair, making me feel alive.

It really was a beautiful morning. The sun had painted the sky with dull brassy hues that would later burn away into the azure that I knew so well. A few birds soared through the welkin, their silhouettes gliding through the gale as I watched with eager eyes. Campus was quiet, just a few hums of low chatter being all I heard, but that was about it. In all, it was an enjoyable atmosphere.

I made my way through the SU (student union) doors and jogged up the steps to the second floor. I found a table that overlooked the main floor and took a seat. I began to arrange my things and found myself lost in thought. Despite being sleep deprived, I was in a rather chipper mood. I even hummed a bit to myself as I went about setting up my station. Maybe it was the spring weather or maybe it was because the SU was rather empty besides a few wandering students, but regardless. I was in a good mood.

I was falling deep into concentration after about five minutes when I was interrupted by someone asking, "Mind if I join ya?"

I perked up and glimpsed at my visitor. I never expected to see who I saw staring back at. The strap of her bag was locked in her clutch, her hazel eyes trained on me. To say she didn't seem excited to see me was a bit of an understatement; she appeared very displeased. The vibe I read from her was a tad intimidating, and that set me on edge.

Still, I faked a smile and shrugged, "U-uh...no, I don't mind."

"Thanks," she replied, pulling the empty chair across from me out.

I watched as she slid into it, dropping her bag next to her. Honestly, I couldn't tell if what I was observing was real because I was in awe of how beautiful she was, or if it was because I was almost scared. Sure, she was stunning. Her beautiful long honeyed locks were braided and draped over her shoulder and she was wearing an adorable yellow dress with floral print, but despite all that, she didn't appear happy. Then again, I didn't know Alexandra that well.

"You're Y/N, right?" she questioned, though it seemed more like a statement as she brought her gaze to me.

I shakily replied, "Y-yes. And you're Alexandra Pierce?"

"Oh, you've heard of me?" she pressed, resting one of her cheeks on her balled fist.

"Yeah. You're the SOA president," I answered.

She scanned me quickly before sighing, "Seems you really do know who I am. Guess my reputation perceives me."

That wasn't how I would have phrased it. The only reason I knew anything about her was because of Jean, but I couldn't say that. There was no telling how she'd react if she heard me say that. So, I just kept that to myself.

"I see," she said dryly, those eyes of hers never once leaving me. "Ya know, I'm just gonna cut the bullshit. How do you know my boyfriend?"

And the truth came out.

I blinked. "What?"

Alexandra rolled her eyes and huffed, "Y/N, listen, I think you're a sweet girl and I really ship you and Kellen, but I want to know how you know my boyfriend."

I just sat there, fiddling with my pencil in my hands. Never in a million years did I expect that conversation. Then again, it wasn't like she had anything to worry about. In the end, Jean was her boyfriend. He chose her as his partner. I was just some girl. Still, she wanted an answer and I had to deliver one.

"Some ADA guys are in my art class and I kinda met him through them," I answered. "But nothing's going on between us. I can promise you that."

She observed me, her stare telling me that she was weighing my answer. Though it wasn't entirely the truth, it also wasn't a complete lie. I had known Eren and Connie first, but I could only hope she bought what I said. I didn't want any conflict with another girl over a guy.

"I'll believe you, but I'd appreciate if you stayed away from him," she finally said, her tone low. "You understand, right?" She leaned forward, shooting me a crooked grin. "I mean, you wouldn't like it if I just randomly showed up somewhere with Kellen, now would you?"

Chills darted the length of my spine at that. I read her loud and clear. I knew exactly what she was getting at and I couldn't blame her.

I dropped my eyes on my lap and swallowed, "I understand. I'm sorry if I may have overstepped any boundaries. Consider it done."

"You're a champ," she beamed. "Well, I should be shuttling off, but thanks for understanding, Y/N. You're a peach."

"No problem," I mumbled.

I listened as Alexandra grabbed her bag and took off, leaving me once again in my solitude. The quiet hums of the SU surrounded me, the hushed conversations acting as mere background music to my bellowing thoughts. I couldn't shake what had just happened from my mind. That confrontation...that could have gone far worse. Things could have turned ugly, but thankfully Alexandra kept her cool.

I tightened my hold on my pencil and bit my lips. I can't see Jean anymore. I can't see him anymore.

**Bello my wonderfully sweet lovelies. So, whatcha think about that? Alexandra seemed pretty clear about her wishes, huh? Can't blame her though...or do you think otherwise? Let me know! Thank you so much for everything! You guys rock!! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross

P.S. Today is my siblings' birthday!