Believer ~Jean x Reader AU~

Chapter 18: The Fire

I stared down at my sketchbook, my mind racing. A little heroine. Little. I sucked in my cheeks. Little. Sounds so...childish. I breathed out a haggard breath, tapping my pencil against my book's paper, just waiting for Professor Ral to make her grand appearance. As usual, she was running a tad tardy. Typical of her, really.

All of my class was already present. Eren and his friends were all chatting, the smile on his face almost growing into a genuine one. Almost. There was still a little fakeness to it, but as opposed to before, it was better than nothing. Still, fake or not, it felt good to see him trying to get back to normal. I could only hope the latest attack wouldn't affect him as Marianne's death did.

As I smiled at the sight of them chattering, Professor Ral made her grand appearance. She walked to the front of the room and sat her belongings down, signaling for everyone to get ready. We began situating our things, the shuffling of paper filling the air.

"Alright folks," Professor Ral chimed, glancing over us. "Good news! The model that canceled on us last time will luckily be able to join us today. So, everyone please show your respect to the young man who is donating his time."

She motioned at the door as she usually did, and our gazes all followed. The hefty sound of boots scuffing the ground was heard as the owner made their way into our room. We all watched and waited when he appeared, and my eyes widened. There, standing in front of our class was the last person I ever expected to see.

Jean Kirstein.

I could feel my breath become lodged in my throat as my soul drained from my body. My limbs went numb and my mind hazy, my throat went dry all in response to seeing him. I couldn't believe it was him. I mean, why would he have been there? Why would he ever be there? Needless to say, I didn't want to believe that he was our model.

"Oh, hell no," Connie gasped. He jumped up, raising his hand. "Professor Ral, I can't do this."

"Same," Eren joined in.

She glanced at both boys, knitting her brows in confusion. "And why is that?" She rooted her hands on her hips, adding, "Well?"

"We-we know him a little too well," Connie answered.

"Yeah," Eren nodded. "We're both members of the ADA House and Jean is the president."

I could feel the entire class turn to our instructor, all of us waiting for her response. Honestly, I was hoping she would find it was best to dismiss him from his service, but the look on her face didn't hint at that.

Instead, she turned to Jean and asked, "It's your call. Are you comfortable with still posing?"

He shrugged, "I have no problem with this." He flashed the two a crooked smirk. "Stop being babies. You two have seen worse than my balls."

"TMI," Professor Ral snorted. "Go get ready, Mr. Kirstein."

As Connie and Eren both groaned in defeat, Jean began to make his way to the screen. Along the way, he finally spotted me. His eyes widened at seeing me and he paused briefly. I didn't think he expected to see me there. Then again, that made both of us. I didn't expect to see him and he didn't expect to see me. What a fucking coincidence.

"Is anything wrong?" Professor Ral asked him, concern in her tone.

He shook his head. "Oh, uh, no. No, everything's fine."

He continued to the screen, leaving me in my trance. I couldn't believe it. I didn't want to believe it. How could I? Jean Kirstein was there...in my classroom. But I wasn't the only one who was in shock. Both Connie and Eren were slouched in their seats, each sporting a different pouting expression. I almost wanted to chuckle at them, but I couldn't bring myself to. After all...I was just in as much shock as them.

After a few moments, Jean reemerged, the robe offered by Professor Ral clothing him. I watched him as he made his way to the cot, his movements much slower than Professor Ackerman had been. He dared not meet my gaze and, to be honest, I didn't want to meet his. He situated the pillows to his liking and stood, hesitating before unknotting the belt of the robe and began to slowly slide it down his shoulders.

My face flushed red as I watched the material of the robe hit the floor. His long body was tall with lean muscles carved along his arms and legs. Vast tattoos of different styles, colors, and sizes were inked across his skin; there were some on his back, a sleeve, and a few on his other arm. They were all so intricate and elegantly detailed and beautiful, each capturing my attention.

He moved steadily, lowering himself onto the cot. He turned, giving me the view of his abdomen. The shadows sank into the valleys of his abdominal muscles, the artificial glow highlighting where the shadows could not reach. His chest rose and fell with each breath he drew, nearly hypnotizing me. My eyes wandered up to his face, taking in his sharp features. I had forgotten how keen his jawline was and how even his features were. But that was where I made the fatal decision to meet his eyes.

Those fierce golden orbs were already locked on me, his gaze peering into me. My breath hitched, causing my heartrate to increase. As I fought to breathe normally, those eyes remained locked on me, drinking me in as he observed me. It might have been in my head, but what I saw in his gape was oddly familiar...maybe it was the raging fire blazing behind his stare.

After what felt like forever he tore his gaze from me and glanced elsewhere, getting himself comfortable. After he was all set, the sound of lead scratching paper began to fill the quietness, but I was still frozen.

My eyes never leaving him.

**Ello, ello my sweet lovelies! Wow. So, what'd y'all think of that? Lol. Maybe not a smut scene, but it was a tad intense. At least, I thought it was. That said, I hope y'all enjoyed it still! Thank you so, so, SOOO much for everything! You guys are the absolute best! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross