Jean x Reader x Rivaille: Love and Desire

Jean's expression hardened as he saw the pure panic on your face. He leaned forward, trying to pry your hands from the skin. 

Your hand would not budge, terror mounting by the second. You blubbered incoherently. "Jean, please-no! Don't-Jean...stop!"

At last, Jean succeeded in prying your hand away from your neck, revealing the healing bruise you had tried to hide. He froze, his body tensing instinctively as he drew in a sharp gasp. You directed your gaze away from him, tears beginning to sting your eyes.

Jean's voice was low and dangerous as he spoke: "Who did this?"

You scrunched your eyes, as if trying to block out his words. This only succeeded in making your welling tears run down your face. 

Jean's gentle touch turned your face towards him as he spoke. "(Name), who did-" he cut off as his gaze came into contact with the tears, the hopelessness and terror in your eyes. 

"(Name)..." he whispered, wiping the tears from your cheeks. "(Name), it's okay. I'm going to find out who did this. You don't have to tell me."

You scrunched your eyes tight and held his palm against your face, a sob bubbling up your throat. 

Jean held you close, whispering comforting words in your ear and stroking your hair. You clung desperately to his jacket,sobbing quietly as you knew things were finally coming to an end. 

It wasn't until later that afternoon that things got so, so much worse. 

You were walking in the empty courtyard when a hand snagged your arm and brought your back against a wall. Arms caged you in on either side. You shrunk away as the Corporal's eyes bored into your own. 

It was only then that Jean decided to walk by.  

"Oh, Corporal, I needed to talk to you-" he stopped when his eyes landed on you, eyes wide and fearful. The younger soldier's muscles coiled defensively, his brow knitting together angrily as he spoke in a threatening tone "Corporal, what do you think you are doing to (Name)?"

Rivaille looked up lazily, his face blank as he observed Jean. "Why is it any of your concern, Kirschtein?" He replied.

Jean stiffened, his fists clenching at his sides. "Because (Name) is my girlfriend" He spat.

"Oh?" his voice was bored, yet you could sense his surprise. 

Jean smiled venomously, his lips curving into a wicked smile. "So...you were the one who left the bruise on her neck, then?"

Rivaille looked back to you, his eyes widening slightly as he peeled away the collar of your jacket, revealing the purple bruise he had placed there.

"I suppose." he looked back to Jean. His lips tugged into an evil smirk. "But that's nowhere near as bad as the marks I left elsewhere."

Jean's eyes widened with pure, unaltered fury. 

"You BASTARD!!" He screamed as he charged forward, swinging his fist so it was aimed at Rivaille's face. The corporal dodged easily, ducking down and headbutting the younger soldier from underneath. Jean stumbled backwards, rubbing his jaw as a bit of blood escaped his lips. "I'LL KILL YOU!!" He screamed, charging forward and faking left, so Rivaille had barely anytime to dodge the swing from the right. It whizzed past his ear, time seeming to slow down as the two opponents locked gazes. By this time soldiers wandering the courtyard had stopped to watch the unfolding duel.

"Stop!" You called as Rivaille stepped back, deflecting another swing from Jean. "Stop it!"

They couldn't hear you. They were too focused on the skirmish to heed your words. 

Jean managed to land a blow to Rivaille's shoulder. The corporal winced as pain shot up his arm. As he was distracted, Jean gave a yell of fury and aimed a punch at his stomach.

He didn't see you darting forward until it was too late. 

All air vanished from your lungs as Jean's fist met your abdomen, eyes widening with pain as you felt your body protest at the blow. You were knocked off your feet, stumbling backwards as you felt blood bubble up your throat. Strong arms caught you from behind, lowering you to the ground as your vision was engulfed in white hot pain. 

Jean gave a cry as he realized what he had done. He rushed forward, only to be stopped by the corporal's outstretched hand. 

"Stay away, Kirschtein. " he snarled before turning his attention back to you. Tears had welled in your eyes because of the pain, a hand held to your stomach. A trickle of blood ran down to your chin.

"(Name), can you hear me?" His voice was a whisper, loud enough for you to hear.

You nodded, the tears in your eyes running down your cheeks. 

Jean stared in horror at your crumpled forward, hands raised to his face in shame and terror. 

"(Name)..." he whispered. "Oh god, what have I done? (Name)..."

Arm's cradled you into a warm embrace as you were lifted up. You opened your eyes, your vision blurred through tears of pain.

"Where are you taking me?" You asked feebly.

"The infirmary." Rivaille replied with a growl. 

You craned your neck to look back at Jean, who had sunk down on his knees on the cobblestones.

"But..Jean...-"

"Kirschtein can handle himself."

You watched Jean's form convulse into sobs as you vanished from sight.

Jean was forbidden from being near you after that. He was put on temporary leave for attacking a superior officer and injuring a fellow soldier. Rivaille was the one who came to visit you during you recuperation. He offered no words, and you gave none in return. he simple sat in the corner of the room watching you as you were turned away from him. Eventually he would leave, and you would always breathe a sigh of relief as the door would click behind him.

Eventually, you were well enough to go on expeditions again. But little did you know, there would be a day when you did not return. 

You never got a chance to say goodbye to Jean. 

It was several years later that Jean visited your grave, underneath the tree you both would spend long hours together. 

Only then, did the Corporal climb the hill and wordlessly give Jean the letter you had written so long ago.

Jean could see your smile, your eyes sparkle, your perfect lips form the words as he read the last line.