A/N's: prolonging things to make you guys suffer a bit lmao, today you'll be reading something a little different. Jean's POV 😈
(It's still an important chapter, guys)

Disclaimer!: Nothing in this chapter should be seen as informational. I actually had to do a little research for this chapter lmao 😭

eleven, what you wish for

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...

JEAN'S POV

Not every day you wake up to a letter tucked in a random place. Waiting to be read.

When I first received one, I wasn't really alarmed, thinking maybe it was Connie and Sasha playing a prank on me. But at the time, they weren't even there. They hadn't been in a few days, having been busy with other things.

Still, I figured maybe they snuck back in. It wouldn't be the first time they played a prank on me or tried to make me look like a fool. So, I scoffed and tossed the thing.

But then the more frequent they became, and the more... threatening they became... the more I realized something felt off.

And then, the person started leaving a signature or something at the bottom of the page.

An 'M', of all letters.

This pissed me off beyond relief, thinking someone had been stalking me and somehow found out about... well...

Him.

But I tried not to rule out other possibilities. The biggest question is who the fuck was leaving these letters and how they were doing it. And I was already stressed out of my mind about work and Y/n... I really didn't need this.

Yeah, she seemed to be getting better. And she has over this year, but despite seemingly meeting someone, she seemed a little more... on edge. Looking around timidly all the time, like she's waiting for something to go off. Like waiting for the other shoe to drop type thing. And I'm constantly busy, so sometimes it's hard to check on her as much as I used to.

I try not to say much about her behavior because I can tell that she doesn't like it when I worry or seem like I'm pitying her, but... when you have a feeling that there's something bigger at play...

It's best just to figure it out the best way you know how to.

Me and Y/n are very close. Have been for years. So, the best way I've learned to approach her is by being straight up yet not too harsh about it. She needs prying questions asked firmly, or she'll brush you off.

Clearly, that was the right thing to do.

Because now... she's told me something that makes me go pale thinking about it.

Not only have I been getting creepy letters, ... so has she. But worse, she's seen the guy doing it. This means whoever it is... has gotten comfortable.

I've yet to see who my secret admirer is, but... part of me is glad I haven't. Though, I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to know. And get a good look at them.

So, as I try to be patient and wait for her to move past her little feelings about opening up, I take the long way to our favorite fast food restaurant. To hopefully give her plenty of time. Regardless, my jaw clenches, and my hands squeeze the wheel tightly in the dead opposite of patience.

But it's more than that for her right now.

I'm taking it as slow as I can, but being in the front seat for the first time since the accident is weighing on her. She's nervous, fidgeting absentmindedly with anything she can get her hands on.

So, that's really what's keeping me from pushing her. I don't want to scare her away and make her close up further. It clearly took a lot for her to even mention what's been going on with her. If I hadn't been literally going through the same thing, she probably would've come up with another lie.

"How about some music, huh?" I sigh, trying to get her to... loosen up enough to talk to me as I reach for my car's radio.

But before I can switch it on, she calls out, "Jean."

I pause, peeking at her for a split second before looking back at the road. "Yeah?"

"It's him. ...It's Kruger."

"What?" My brows furrow, but I keep my eyes planted on the road. "...What about him?"

"The notes... I think. I mean... it's so confusing because, on one of them, there's an 'E', but I don't know, maybe it's his... first name or something," she throws her hands up slightly as she shakes her head. "All I know for sure is that the guy I saw lurking around my house... was him."

"Kruger," I emphasize, feeling skeptical. "Like... Kruger's Kruger?" I mean, sure, the guy isn't exactly... friendly looking, but to be a stalker and leave notes? It's a big claim.

"Yes," she sighs. "The day we met Anonymous, he was there behind the bar. I know you remember seeing him. He was... looking at me. Like... the entire time. And I tried not to think much of it... but then he revealed himself. ...That day ... when you broke my lock, getting in."

I nod slowly, taking everything in. "And that's why you looked so scared? And were on the floor?? Was he there that day, Y/n?"

"No," she murmured, and from my peripheral, I could tell she was getting fidgety again. "He only called me."

"... What did he say?" I couldn't help the involuntary clench of my jaw.

It took her a second to get this one out but I waited patiently until finally, she said, "He said a lot. He practically told me who he was, for one. And he... knew you were outside knocking. He told me to open the door. And worst of all... he told me to trust him," she gazes out the window, seemingly shaking her head to herself. "Gosh, he's such a fucking weirdo." She muttered.

After a second of digesting, I let myself say lowly, "We have to get to the cops."

At that, she whipped her head toward me, and I felt her eyes burning holes into the side of my face. "But that's the thing, I can't," she snaps, balling up her fists as she rests them in her lap. "He always knows. I bet he knows where I am right now."

"So? I could take you to the cops right now, and he couldn't get there quicker than us," I argue.

She turns back and tries to see behind us. "What if he's following us?"

I side-glance at her, feeling the uneasiness and paranoia radiating off of her. "He's not."

"How do you know??"

"Because he's just not, okay? I need you to calm down. This is a serious situation, Y/n, and the only people with the resources and means to help are the cops. Do you have a better idea?" This time it was me who snapped.

The situation was obviously getting to both of us. And I didn't want to pressure her, but like I said... telling her firmly how it is, is the way to go sometimes.

She gets quiet, looking forward in thought. Giving into the habit of chewing on her lips. When she doesn't say anything for a little while, I say, "We have to give it a shot. It's the only thing I can think of. Maybe it'd be a little different if it was just Kruger, but we also have another person on our hands. And we don't even know who it is," I say, far softer than I did previously, referring to my situation.

She sighs, her eyes fluttering shut for a quick second. "You're right. I'm sorry, Jean. This situation is definitely affecting you, too. Sometimes I get so entangled in my own messes that I forget you're right there next to me, going through 'em too."

I huff, letting a small smile tug at my lips. "I know. But it's okay. As long as we have each other, ... right?" I spare her a glance and see her nod.

"Yeah," she murmurs.

-

We ended up skipping food, and instead, I drove all the way to the police department.

Y/n commented on how she wished she had the notes Kruger left with her, but I just gave her a supporting hand on her back, and we walked inside.

The place reeked of a few smells. Coffee, for one, ink, from what I'm assuming is for printing, leather from the seats and the cop's attire, and a strong sterile... antiseptic smell.

I hated it.

Hospitals and Police Departments alike don't give you that cozy feeling, instead making you feel like you're on the borderline of insanity in a... subtle way.

We had to sit and wait to talk to someone, which didn't help our nerves. But once we finally got someone to talk to, it was a blond woman, very bland-looking. In.. the nicest way to put it. Dull, light blue eyes that displayed how much she seemed to not care.

Honestly, a little sympathy would've been nice, but we ignored it.

Officer Leonhart.

Her hair was tied back in a short ponytail, long bangs covering up one side of her face, preventing us from barely seeing her right eye. We were sitting in two chairs that stayed on the opposite side of her. She came in awfully slow like she didn't have a care in the world. Took a nice, long sip of coffee and looked us over with a snail-like glaze.

At this point, I had enough, so I said, "Any slower, and we'll die just sitting here." With as much snarkiness as I could muster, of course.

She paused at that but didn't reply, setting her coffee down with no need to speed up her movements. My eyes narrowed, but I felt Y/n's nudge, so I stayed quiet. She looked at me, and I gave her a reassuring nod.

Y/n sucked in a breath and looked at the officer before us. "Officer... Leonhart," she started, her gaze flicking to the blonds nametag. "This is kind of a lot, so... I'm just gonna be straight..." she huffed nervously. "But I- or... we actually have a stalker. Or... I guess stalkers."

Leonhart gave a small purse of her lips, and Y/n took that as she was waiting for her to continue, so she said, "We've been getting notes. I don't have them with me now, but we have been. However, I know who my stalker is." She says, and I let my hand squeeze her fore-arm for comfort.

"His name is Kruger. And he runs a bar ... I'm not sure if you're familiar, but a bar named Kruger's," she explains. "I know it might be a stretch, but it's true... he called me... about a week or so, ago."

"Why didn't you report that before?"

I didn't think much of that question, but it looked as if it resonated with Y/n. She was quiet for a second while I looked between the two awkwardly before she started again. "I was scared," she answered truthfully. "Every time I try something happens. Or really, I don't have all that much to give. I have notes, but they weren't written by hand. I do have my phone, however, I was thinking you could trace his number or something."

Y/n reached into her pocket to grab her phone.

"You are aware that this will have to stay with the police since it is evidence until the case is solved, correct?" Officer Leonhart asks though she takes the phone, leaving Y/n with no choice but to nod slowly.

Though, I doubt she actually knew that 'cause I didn't.

Me and Y/n share a glance, and I shift in my seat, sitting up straighter. "So, that means you'll investigate the situation, right?"

"I'll see what I can do," the officer responds gloomily. "Anything else?"

"Other than the same things happening to me, I have no clue who it is. We have two initials, though on the bottom of my notes I have an 'M' while on one of hers, there's an 'E.'"

"...'E?'" Officer Leonhart questions.

"I was thinking it was Kruger's first name or something, ... I don't know anything about the guy," Y/n answers.

Leonhart takes a second before she nods. "Alright. Well, we'll need to follow up on this later. But for right now, I need you to file a report. Information on the stalking incident or incidents; witnesses, dates, locations, and times."

Y/n purses her lips, and I can almost feel her restraint to keep her sigh in. Not that either of us is complaining about the help, but rather the fact that it takes so much for this. We hate that it's such a big process. We'd much rather have the maniac locked up already.

But no, nothing in life is ever that easy.

Me and Y/n give each other another look.

No, this situation isn't ending...

It's just beginning.

-

After stopping by a drive-thru at a fast-food restaurant, I dropped Y/n off at her place. I didn't leave until after we ate and knew she was... as comfortable as she could be in this... dilemma.

Now, I sigh as I walk inside my own place, promptly shutting the door behind me. I shrug out of my annoying blazer, leaving me in my waistcoat as I roll my shoulders, trying to ease the tension in my tight muscles. I look around, noticing how quiet things were without Connie and Sasha.

I made a mental decision to only go out in my waistcoat and dress shirt if I was going to go out in a suit at all. That blazer just wasn't it right now.

I walk in further, tossing the thing on the couch as I sit on it. I lean forward, grab the remote, and kick off my shoes afterward. I power on the TV and plan on endlessly scrolling for something good to watch when I shift as I try to get comfortable and hear a subtle rustling sound.

I let my eyes flutter close for a second before I sigh, abandoning my remote as I twist around, looking for the source of the sound. Finally, I'm met with an all too familiar piece of paper.

I hesitantly pull it open and unfold it, quickly skimming over the words.

Surprise, baby

                                  -M

The still in the air was sickening. I could feel the awful twist in my stomach at the daunting realization...

They were in my apartment.

I want to believe it's a girl because I'd feel mildly uncomfortable if it were a guy calling me baby, but enough of that. We have bigger issues to worry about, Jean.

When the thought clicks, I shoot up, looking around.

My face pales, and if I were the type to be clearly physically bothered when I was scared, my bones and skin would be in two separate gory piles on the floor.

Because I would've jumped clear out of my skin.

Just at the entrance of the kitchen is a familiar face peeking from the threshold of it. Fingers curling around the doorframe, black, slick-looking manicured nails tapping lightly against it, as her even-darker hair falls forward, framing her pale face just the right way to make it creepy looking,...

Yet oddly captivating.

But I mentally slapped myself for even entertaining the thought.

This random girl was staring at me, and I was having a problem believing someone was actually there. I thought maybe I was tripping. Falsely seeing something that wasn't there because I've been a little paranoid too lately...

But no.

I blinked and blinked.

But no, she was really there.

And really, ... she wasn't exactly "random." She was the most beautiful person I've ever seen, but the shock nearly had me shitting myself. How could someone as ethereal in terms of beauty and singing, be... so threateningly haunting?

How could someone so threateningly haunting... be Scorpion?

Actually, when I think about it,... the name fits perfectly. Nevermind.

It's ironic how just today I was thinking about actually seeing who it was that was stalking me...
Now that I am...

It kind of hurts.

Except,... how can I even feel sorry for myself? It's a phrase I've heard my entire life. I'm sure there's no one alive who hasn't heard of it.

So why can't I grasp it?

I mean it's obvious, ...

Be careful what you wish for.

LilReaper_

Originally written 08.02-06.24

Published 08.06.24

Total words; 2791

omgggggggggggggg

ook so did i kind of eat that or what?

i actually genuinely love this frigging chapter, like it might be one of my favorites so far. who would've thought I'd get so much joy out of writing in Jean's POV, like stop lmao

and why is Jean kinda.........

NO.

guys stop. this is an EREMINXREADER, remember? you freaking hooligans, you

and i feel like I did Jean's personality justice. like the way he was referring to Eren ("Kruger") as a maniac...., idk, tell me what you think. that was crazy, i love this hehe

but i'm already missing Eren and Armin, it looks like my plan backfired 'cuz now i'm suffering a bit too 🫠😭