Nightmares | Sethos x Fem!Reader

Chapter 29

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After that wonderful, yet slightly unsettling weekend with Sethos, my life slipped back into the usual routine—college, assignments, projects, and of course, studying for the impending semester finals. It's not going badly, but it's not going great either. I'm somewhere in between; surviving, but barely.

"Ugh- I'm late for class!" I shout, rushing around the apartment like a whirlwind, trying to grab everything I need. My mind is still groggy from the late-night study session that ended with me face-planting into my textbook and passing out. I woke up feeling like a zombie, disoriented and cranky. The only saving grace was that Sethos had the good sense to wake me up before I completely missed class.

Sethos, leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed, watches my chaotic scramble with an amused smirk. "Relax, you still have time," he says, his tone annoyingly calm, given my current state of panic.

"No, I don't! I'm so late!" I huff, rifling through papers and notebooks, trying to find my notes for the day. "And stop being all relaxed just because you only have afternoon classes today! You don't get to act all smug when I'm suffering."

I can hear the smile in his voice when he responds, "It's cute when you're all stressed, you know."

I shoot him a quick, frustrated glare, but I can't deny the warmth his teasing brings. Even when I'm running around like a headless chicken, he finds a way to make me feel... seen, somehow.

As I zip up my bag and rush toward the door, Sethos steps in front of me, blocking my exit. "What now?" I groan, practically vibrating with urgency. His expression softens just a bit as he pulls me closer by my waist.

"Hey, breathe," he murmurs, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on my skin. "You've got this. There's no need to panic."

I take a shaky breath, his touch calming me down just enough to realize that maybe I am overreacting. "I know. I'm just... stressed," I admit quietly, avoiding his gaze.

"I can see that," he says softly, his eyes searching mine. "But you don't have to do everything perfectly. You're allowed to make mistakes."

The sincerity in his voice makes my chest tighten. I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat as I try to steady myself. "You're right. It's just... finals are coming up, and I feel like everything is piling up."

"I know it feels like that, but you've been through worse, and you always pull through." His hand moves from my waist to cup my cheek, his thumb brushing lightly across my skin. "You're not alone in this. I'm here for whatever you need."

His words hit me hard, and for a moment, the weight on my shoulders feels a little lighter. I manage a small smile, feeling grateful for his presence. "Thanks."

Sethos smiles back at me, leaning down to press a soft kiss to my forehead. "Now go kick someone's ass," he teases, stepping aside to let me pass.

I chuckle softly as I sling my bag over my shoulder, the panic subsiding a little more. "I prefer to leave that to you, but I can try," I say, feeling a renewed sense of determination. As I head out the door, I glance back at him one last time. "Thanks again. I.. love you."

Sethos nods, his expression gentle as he watches me go. "Love you too."

Later in class, the professor drones on and on and on, but my focus keeps drifting back to Sethos. The way he's been there for me, the way he looks at me like I'm the only person in the world who matters. It's overwhelming in the best way, and it terrifies me. How did I get so lucky?

My phone buzzes in my lap, pulling me out of my thoughts. It's a text from Sethos.

Still surviving, or should I send a rescue team?