Believer ~Jean x Reader AU~

Chapter 16: Hero

The next day, I refused to leave my room. I remained cocooned in my comforter, its warmth making me feel safe...well, kind of. I tightened my grip on my comforter, pulling it more over myself. I kept my eyes glued on the door across from me. I had stared at it all that night because I couldn't bring myself to sleep.

I didn't want to sleep.

The images of that girl were burned into my brain. Her pale face...and the blood...the bruises...the way she gasped for air as she choked on her own blood...it was all there. I couldn't close my eyes and not see her, so I stayed awake. If I did that, then I couldn't see her pitiful and beaten self. Then I would have been safe.

But my eyes stung with exhaustion. They burned and were irritated, but I was still too stubborn to close them. How could I? Why would I? I'd take my chances with sleep deprivation over seeing her.

Who's the real pitiful one? I thought. That girl is at the hospital, most likely fighting for her life while I'm in my bed...wallowing. I wanted to kick myself for my behavior, but I didn't have the energy. I couldn't even move aside from trembling. That was all I could do. Tremble and shake. That was it.

My phone buzzed...I ignored it. It had been going off all night. I only assumed it had been Kellen trying to get ahold of me to see if I was okay. As much as I wanted to talk to him, I simultaneously also did not want to talk to him. It was a confusing time for me.

All sorts of emotions overwhelmed me. I felt tired, scared, confused, and bewildered...but above all, I felt numb. What I saw...seeing that girl in that horrendous state...it was traumatizing. I was just an average girl who had never even witnessed a school fight firsthand. So, seeing a girl in that bad of a condition really messed with my head. And the fact that I had found her right in front of the school gates...well, that made things far more complex. Far more complex, indeed.

I took a deep breath and pulled my comforter over my head. The warmth masked over my face, making it slightly difficult to breathe, but I didn't care. Even in the suffocation of my blanket, I felt safe...ish. It was better than nothing.

I remained in my cocoon, my conscious state trying to fade in and out when I heard a knock at my door. I perked up, still remaining in my blanket. My heart pounded against my ribs from the abrupt adrenaline rush pumping through my veins. A slight sheet of terror fell over me. I was too anxious to get up...to do anything, really.

Another knock followed by someone saying, "Y/N...hey...it's me. I know you're in there. Are you okay? Tell me you're okay." Another knock. "Please...just let me see that you're alright."

My heart sank, and my lips trembled, but not from fear. Relief washed over me as I recognized that voice. That voice -his voice- was almost easing. It was deep and soft, acting like velvet to my ears. All senses of dread nearly evaporated, giving me the strength to crawl out of bed.

I stood up, keeping my comforter wrapped around myself. I took slow and steady steps, feeling my knees wobble beneath my body. I felt weak but pressed on. I reached the door and unlatched the lock, turning the knob. I pulled the door open, revealing my visitor.

My gaze was low, only coming at chest height on him, but I could still feel his gaze burning into me. I felt him scanning and studying me, almost as if he was trying to read me. Honestly, I normally would have tried to hide way what I was feeling, but at that moment, I didn't care. I was drained of energy and didn't feel like fighting.

"Wow. You look like shit," he said, his tone low.

I snorted, "Jeez, thanks. Ya sure do know how to make a girl feel good."

I glimpsed up, bringing my eyes to his. My stare collided with his ember gape, the light in them adding a sense of gentleness to him. His features were soft, his jaw flexing as he swallowed. Concern painted itself across his face, but I couldn't bring myself to crack a joke about it.

"You know what I mean," he added, shoving his hands into his hoodie's pockets. "How are you holding up?"

I shrugged, "I'm hangin' in there."

"Really? 'Cause you look like you could fall over at any moment," he sighed. "Did you get any sleep last night?"

"Jean," I huffed, glimpsing around. "Is it wise for you to be here? I mean, with Alexandra and -"

"Don't worry about that," he interrupted, shaking his head. He caught my attention, forcing our eyes to meet. He asked, "Are you okay?"

Those same feelings I had felt before when I was with him...the ones from that night after Marianne's memorial...they returned. I felt at ease and comfortable. There was something that came naturally with him. I didn't feel awkward or on edge. It was all so...nice. It was refreshing. But that didn't change what was going through my mind.

I lowered my gaze and huffed, "I...I've been better."

"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked, trying to bring his head to eye level with me. "Hmm?"

My face flushed red as I stammered, "N-no. I-I'm fine." I tightened the blanket again. "There's no need to concern yourself."

I went to back up and close the door, but Jean stopped it. "Hey. You know you saved that girl's life, right? If you hadn't shown up when you did, she would've died." He lowered his tone. "You're a hero, Y/N."

That made my breath hitch. A hero? Me? I bit my bottom lip and opened the door again, meeting his stare. He was already looking at me, those golden orbs peering down into my soul. But, I almost didn't mind it.

"You...you think so?" I asked, fidgeting with my comforter.

A soft smile lifted the corners of his lips, reaching his eyes. "I know so." He leaned down and added, "So, don't be afraid to get some sleep, okay?"

My breath hitched, and I nodded in response. At that, he stood up and flashed me a gentle smile that sent my heart fluttering. My face and ears burned with...with what? What was I feeling? I didn't know and that confused me.

"If you ever need to talk about anything, just let me know," he grinned, turning to leave. "My ears are always ready to listen, and don't worry about Alexandra."

"O-okay," I stuttered.

I watched as he waved, growing further and further away. It took me back to that night. I bit my bottom lip. Thank you, Jean.

**Ello my lovelies! Won't lie, I found this chapter sorta (?) mushy. At least, that's how it came off in my head lol. Still, hope y'all liked it! How would you react to Jean showing up to your place? Let me know! As always, thank you so flippin' much for everything! Y'all rock my socks! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross

P.S. "One Call Away" by Charlie Puth. This song💗