Nightmares | Sethos x Fem!Reader [DISCONTINUED!]

Chapter 13

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Continuing our way through the garden, I feel more and more at ease, especially whenever Tighnari explains stuff about the plants or points something out. His and Cyno's company are a good distraction, making me forget about Sethos for quite a few hours.

Suddenly, an intense, pleasant scent filled my senses, making me take an instinctive step back, bumping into Cyno. "Hm?" He grabs me by the shoulders to prevent me from stumbling. "What's wrong?" He asks, giving me a curious look. "I don't know... This scent is weird." 

"What scent...? Oh-!" As soon as he took a few steps forward, he immediately backed away again, shaking his head. "Oh archons-"  Tighnari laughs at the two of us, causing us to give him a confused look. "Let me guess, it's really good, but too intense too handle, right?" Cyno and I nod simultaneously.

"It's so good, that I don't want to take a step near them." I place my hands on my hips, judging the many white flowers. "Those are agave polianthes, or simply tuberoses. It a night-blooming flower, well known for their heavy, intoxicating, sweet scent. They're commonly used for perfumes that are meant to have a sensual, seductive fragrance.", Tighnari explains, kneeling down to the flowers.

"Judging from your reaction, these are hard to resist, huh?" I nod, still feeling the intense allure of the tuberoses. "It's like the scent is pulling me in, but it's so overwhelming at the same time."

Cyno steps back even further, shaking his head in amusement. "I've had enough of that scent for now. Let's move on before we all get high on flowers."

But before he can walk further, Tighnari holds one of the small flowers right under his nose. Cyno's eyes widen in surprise as the scent hits him full force. He scrunches his nose and gently pushes Tighnari's hand away. "Alright, alright, I get it! It's powerful stuff."

Tighnari laughs, the sound light and carefree. "Sorry, I couldn't resist. But it's fascinating, isn't it? Nature's way of attracting pollinators."

I chuckle, watching their interaction. "Yeah, it's definitely something. Let's find a spot with a bit more... breathable air."

"Wait, wait, wait-" Cyno holds his head in an overdramatic way, as if swooning. He grasps Tighnari's hands, smiling at him. "Dearest, your scent and presence are overwhelming , and I think... I've fallen for you." 

I burst out in hearty laughter, watching Tighnari getting flustered. "Nari! You're making him cheat on Sethos-" I wheeze, burying my face in my palms. Cyno flicks his forehead, still grinning. "Revenge is sweet, hm?"

Tighnari flinches, quickly composing himself, clearing his throat. "For up to two weeks, the blooms open at night and close throughout the day. The summer and early autumn months are when the blooming season is longest and most abundant." He glares at Cyno while just continuing to explain. 

"So, if these things would be blooming, we'd all pass out." I state and raise my hands in self-preservation, taking a step back. "Do they have any meaning?" Cyno asks, giving Tighnari a quick, half-hearted apologetic glance. He just sighs and nods, a grin etched on his features again. 

"Yes, they stand for forbidden love and voluptuousness. Not really surprising, if you look at all the stories around them... Some of them are... quite ridiculous. But hey, you should hold Sethos one of these right into the face. Maybe that'll work." I feel my cheeks heating up at Tighnari's words.

"Sure, if I want him to pass out from sensory overload," I reply, rolling my eyes playfully. "I think I'll stick to something less dramatic."

Tighnari laughs, nodding. "Probably a wise choice. Though, if you're ever looking for a way to really make an impression, you know where to find them."