Better ~Jean x Reader AU~

Chapter 19: Secure

Wow. My final grades turned out better than I thought. I thought as I scanned my phone's screen. Three A's, two B's, and one C. Not too shabby, not too shabby. I took a screenshot of my grades and composed it into a text then sent it to my dad. I'm sure Dad will be impressed with these.

I slid my phone into my pocket and began walking, my bag in tow as I began to think about how the semester was finally over. It was hard to believe. I had officially completed my first year in college and with decent grades. I had survived the first year...I was so proud of myself. Especially since I had only received all A's and B's and one lone C the entire time. That was something to be proud of.

"Now I can just relax and not stress over anything besides Dad," I told myself as I walked.

The soles of my sneakers scuffed the pavement, the warm breeze combing through the loose strands of my h/c (your hair color) hair. It felt amazing outside and the sweet gale kissed my skin so softly. The evening perfume of the freshly budding trees and plants flooded into my nostrils, the pleasant scent making me feel warm on the inside. On top of that, the sunset had just begun to paint itself across the sky, coloring the clouds with pinks and purples that were stunning to see.

I continued walking, just basking in the splendor that was spring when an all too sweet voice called, "Y/N?"

I spun to see Jean, his brilliant golden orbs locked on me. He stood tall, his long arms at his sides as his hands remained dug into his pockets. His sandy locks were styled into their usual undercut with the spiked texture gently blowing in the gale. He was dressed in a nice graphic tee that fit him well and a pair of dark denim skinny jeans that hung from his hips perfectly. Along with his tee came the view of his intricate tattoos. I could see their lines and how they wove into stunning images that popped against his skin...and oh my, how much I wanted to touch them -to run my fingers along each image inked onto his flesh. Though, I managed to keep myself composed.

But still...composed or not, one simple glimpse into those mesmerizing eyes took my breath away and caused my heart to leap from my chest to my throat. And when the wind blew, driving his scent to me, I couldn't help but feel my knees grow weak. He had such a profound and strong impact on me. So strong that I could feel myself losing hold of myself.

"Hey," he smiled softly as he reached me. "I've been wanting to talk to you."

I knitted my brows together. "You've...wanted to talk to me?"

He nodded, "Yeah. Can we go somewhere and do that? I really have some stuff I need to say."

I could feel my cheeks become warm as a red tint most likely dusted across them. I was surprised that he wanted to talk to me. I mean, it was unusual...right? A guy like him wanting to talk to a girl like me...alone. That was good, right? At least, I believed it to be until Alexandra's face flashed through my mind.

My eyes widened as I stammered, "I-I'm sorry...b-but...I c-can't." I tightened my grip on my bag's strap and backed away. "I'm...I'm so sorry...I need to go."

I hurried and turned to make for my escape when my buckling knees caught up to me. I didn't even manage one step before I began to tumble down, gravity's force pulling me to the hard pavement beneath me. I braced myself for impact when a set of hands grabbed onto my waist and arm, catching me before that harsh impact could occur.

They felt warm...the person holding me. Their body was so warm and firm against mine and their touch, though urgent, was so gentle. I felt secure and...safe. It sounded ridiculous, but I felt as if I was swaddled in a blanket of warmth that kept the dangers of the world out. In that moment of ticking seconds and fleeting daylight, I felt as if I could trust them and rely on them. I knew without a doubt that they wouldn't let me fall.

Once I was steadied on my feet I turned, lifting my gaze to my rescuer's cognac stare and whispered, "You...you...thank you." I dropped my gape to the ground and repeated, "Thank you...for that. For catching me. Thank you."

"You're welcome," Jean murmured. "Are you okay?"

I nodded, "Yeah. You caught me before I got hurt."

"I already knew that," he replied. "I meant, are you okay? You seem...out of it and like you had seen a ghost."

I glanced up, almost too afraid to meet that gaze, but I did it. I somehow, someway managed to bring my eyes to meet his. Fierce...sharp...deep with emotion. In all my life, I had never seen someone with eyes as revealing as his. And, boy, did they reveal everything. Hope...desire...longing...sorrow...pain...I saw it all. Floating at the surface of those piercing irises laid all the things he felt but couldn't say. How I prayed I wasn't as easy to read.

"Hello?" he questioned, lifting a brow. "Is there something on my face?"

I shook my head. "No. Sorry...I really do need to go. Maybe...maybe we can talk at a different time."

"When?" he asked, his voice rolling through my ears like the softest of silks.

I shrugged, "I...I don't know."

A hint of pain drifted in his eyes. "How about tomorrow?"

I couldn't tell him. I couldn't tell him the truth. I couldn't tell him what it was Alexandra had asked of me, but I also couldn't betray him with a lie. I couldn't feed into his hopes with a definite response. Maybe cruel, but I couldn't bring myself to that.

So, I faked a smile. "Maybe."

And I left, feeling his eyes burn into my back. Honestly, part of me believed he knew that it was all one lie. Part of me just knew he saw through my front. I could feel that he knew.

**Bello my wonderful lovelies! Woot! So, I'm genuinely interested. What do y'all think about that interaction? Any guesses as to what I could possibly have planned next? Feel free to let me know! Thank you so much! Y'all are the absolute bestest! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross