Sethos x Reader: A Hidden Harmony
A stubborn girl makes her way through the Sumeru desert, gaining a chatty companion whether she wants to or not.
Masterlist
Sumeru and Natlan were neighboring regions, but their hearts, the cities, were far apart. The trip through the desert was long and potentially dangerous, so it should be done in well prepared groups.
Some are too stubborn for that, however.
~
The girl waved goodbye to her friends among the Children of Echoes, and hoisted her backpack on properly, heading back home as she felt the first chill of the evening air. It was better to travel through the desert during the night, otherwise you'd easily dehydrate in the heat.
So, well prepared and confident, she started her journey back to Sumeru City, warm and comfortable clothing ready for the already dropping night temperature.
~
Confident as she may have been, the human body isn't perfect. All the walking had eventually caused blisters to form and open on her heels, and she had had to deal with a scorpion or two as well, earning some minor cuts and scratches. Not in the best shape, but still very much able to continue.
She was filling her flask by the Dune of Carouses when a figure caught her eye, heading for her. She was about to prepare for a possible assault or incident, but the figure waved and smiled casually enough for her to just carefully eye their approaching form instead of reaching for her sword. It was almost familiar…
“Hey there! Happened to notice you here and thought I'd check on you. Everything alright, ma’am?”
“Psh, don't ‘ma’am’ me. I'm fine. Just resting a little”, she huffed and waved his concern away with a casual shrug.
“Ohh, an experienced traveler then?”
He stepped closer to her, a polite distance away, taking in her gear.
“You could say that.”
A silence fell while she packed her freshly filled flask and adjusted her scarf a little. He watched her confident movements.
“You do seem prepared. Would you like some company? It's always better to travel in groups.”
She got up and shrugged the backpack on.
“Eh, I'll be fine.”
He was politely going to push a second or maybe even third time anyway, but seeing her slightly hesitant steps made him absolutely certain he wouldn't let her continue alone.
“Trying out new shoes?” he queried, aware that she was hurt.
“Yup. Good shoes. Don't let sand in at all.”
She started walking, and he jogged to walk beside her, arms casually folded behind his head.
“Even good shoes can cause blisters though.”
She knew he knew.
“You don't say.”
Sethos rolled his eyes with a small huff.
“Do you have anything to treat them with?”
“Yup. I'll do it properly when I stop to eat. I want to reach the pass around Abdju Pit before it gets too dark.”
He just watched her nonchalant reaction, slightly furrowing his brows. She continued walking like she wasn't in pain.
“Don't they hurt?”
“Eh, I can manage.”
“...Are you sure?”
“I have a high pain tolerance.”
“Still, you-”
She stopped and turned to him, her expression conveying her obvious annoyance. She didn't break eye contact as she removed her shoes and tied the laces to her backpack straps, continuing to walk with only socks.
“Will you let me go now?” she sighed, eyeing him beside her.
“Nope, not alone. Stubbornness isn't far from recklessness, which isn't far from stupidity. I keep an eye out in the desert for a reason, you know.”
“And that is?”
“Overconfident travelers are almost as bad as complete novices. Both run rampant around here.”
“I might be stubborn or reckless, sure, but I'm not dumb, nor a damsel in distress.”
“I didn't say that last one, though.”
“That’s what it feels like. Stop coddling me, you weirdo.”
“Sethos, actually”, he responded in a sarcastic tone, bowing his head in greeting with a teasing smirk. “I'll stop nagging if you let me tag along. Deal?”
She groaned and dipped her head back before turning to him.
“Fine. But you're no knight or prince.”
“Aww, shucks. But, hmm, how about… ‘dashing protagonist’?”
“Shut up.”
“‘Charming savior’?”
“More like a mouthy pest.”
“Handsome tag-along.”
“Frustrating vermin.”
“Honorable gentleman.”
“Puntable hairball.”
“The humble new king of- no, that's too much… gallant hero? Yeah. That.”
“‘King’ too much for you? And I thought you weren't humble.”
“I did say ‘humble king’, mind you. But I do want to respect my heritage.”
“...Pft, whatever, weirdo.”
As an aftermath of their banter both had small teasing grins on their faces. Sethos’ turned into a proud smile as she rolled her eyes in amusement.
“I can live with that.”
~
With a truce formed, they made their way towards the cliffside as darkness began to fall. The moon wasn't full, but still big and bright enough for them to see where they were going.
Sethos, being his usual social self, wasn't quiet for most of the trip.
“So. What's brought you to the Great Red Sand anyway?”
“Went to see some friends in Natlan.”
“Friends? All the way over there? And here I thought you were a loner.”
“Shut up. I just like Natlanese music, and Natlan’s big on the arts, unlike Sumeru.”
“Ohh, so you're a musician, then?”
“I am, yeah. So?”
“That just answers some questions.”
“Like what?”
“Well, like, why you seem so used to walking in the desert. Why you know the route and how to prepare. And why you absentmindedly but rhythmically tap your fingers on the backpack straps or your legs.”
“Creep”, she shot at him, but lightly enough to show that she didn't fully mean it.
“Heh, just observant. Can't tell whether you're a singer or play an instrument though.”
“I dabble. But the pan flute is my favourite.”
“Huh. That's nice. Do you perform?”
“What is this, an interview?”
Their eyes met, and he tilted his head, green eyes glinting curiously in the moonlight. She sighed.
“I sometimes play at the Zubayr theater.”
Sethos seemed lost in thought for a moment, and then snapped his fingers.
“That's why you looked familiar! I drop by sometimes.”
“You? Can you even be quiet during a performance? You're so chatty.”
“Yes. Maybe. Mostly.” He grinned. “I do like seeing Nilou dance. It relaxes me.”
A moment of silence passed again. She looked ahead, thinking back to Nilou.
“I get it. I have always loved music, but seeing her passion really made me want to pursue it.”
“Heh, now I have double the reason to stop by.”
“Don't you dare.”
“Too late. I've decided.”
“Dang.”
While they walked, Sethos kept a close eye on her steps and expression. She didn't seem to be in that much pain after removing her shoes, but did occasionally hide a wince when her aching heels sank in the sand.
He didn't know whether to be impressed or annoyed by her stubbornness. Probably both. Still, a smile stayed on his lips.
~
When they finally reached an oasis by the cliffside, they slumped down by an old campsite. She immediately started working on the fire with practiced movements.
“Whoa. Are you hiding a pyro vision somewhere?” he teased.
“I do have one, yes. But are you accusing me of cheap tricks? You keep surprising me in the worst ways”, she deadpanned with a barely hidden grin.
“That was a compliment. Kind of”, he chuckled, and reached a hand towards her. “Let me go refill our flasks so I don't just sit here twiddling my thumbs.”
She dug hers from her backpack and tossed it to him. He walked over to the oasis and knelt down, quickly filling them and soon returning to the crackling fire and the girl sitting by it, warmly lit by its growing light. She looked soft.
“Here you go.”
He handed it to her.
“Just like that? No quips?”
“What, you want me to?”
“Shush. Never talk again.”
He settled down and held his hands by the fire to warm them up.
They sat in silence, each cooking and snacking on some light food they had on them.
With refueling out of the way, she finally decided to treat her blisters, digging out supplies from her bag. It wasn't her first time getting them, but it was always annoying. She quickly got to work.
Meanwhile Sethos leaned back to watch the stars, letting her do her thing in peace.
This time she spoke first.
“You're weird, you know.”
“Not wrong. Care to elaborate?”
“Ugh. How'd you even find me? And why are you so obsessed with following me?”
“One, I like walking around the desert anyway, and do keep an eye out for travelers who might need help - not that you need help, of course.”
“Of course.”
“And two, I've seen what overconfidence can do. I'd rather people think I'm annoying or creepy than find them rotting on a dune, you know?”
“...Noted.”
“Do you... feel threatened by being alone with me?”
“...I'm confident in my strength. But I'd rather not test it against you”, she hummed, looking away.
“I promise I won't bother you.”
She deadpanned and raised an eyebrow at him. He chuckled a little.
“You know what I meant.”
“Yeah, yeah. Thanks.”
“Gasp. A thank you? From you?”
“Oh shut up.”
~
She continued with her blisters, efficiently cleaning and bandaging them before putting her shoes back on. She tested the fit and took a few steps.
“I'm so good. Can't even feel them anymore.” She smirked, even doing a few little hops.
Sethos looked at her, toying with a scrubby branch he'd been poking the fire with.
“You really know your stuff, huh. How am I supposed to be your striking accomplice if I have nothing to do?”
“I don't know. Suffer.”
A laugh escaped him.
“You’re more stubborn than a Sumpter Beast. Got the attitude, too.”
“Rude. Well, you look like a Rishboland Tiger that lost a fight with a thumbless barber.”
A cackle.
“Thumbless? Why thumbless??”
She gestured like it was obvious, circling her open hand.
“Cuz they can't do their job without thumbs?”
“But they were fighting the tiger??”
“Even worse, then. The tiger still lost. Sucks to suck.”
He had to wipe the corners of his eyes.
“You know, it's so ironic that someone with a mouth like yours actually plays an instrument with it too.”
“Don't think about my mouth. Creep. I'll bite you.”
He looked at her as if they both knew he could spin that into something too. Luckily, he had some boundaries, and wouldn't get too flirty with new people. Maybe.
“That's what I thought”, she huffed, pleased, then dug out her shawl as the cold had started biting her skin even more.
Sethos adjusted his own scarf as well, covering more of his bare arms.
“We should probably keep moving soon. I have friends in Aaru Village if you want to get proper rest before entering the rainforest. It's not nice to traverse in the heat either.”
“Fine. I have some acquaintances there too”, she sighed, crafting a makeshift torch and dipping the end in the fire pit before kicking sand to snuff it.
“Stupid sun. Why do other nations get such comfortable weather and we're stuck in a constant sauna?”
“Big question. I'm sure there's a very deep answer. Scientific, yes, but also very deeply related to the deities of ages long go-”
She just looked at him. He grinned back.
“Are you just like that or are you trying to piss me off on purpose?”
“Yes”, he only replied, a stupidly charming grin splitting his face. Her ears tinted red and she huffed.
“Ugh. I'm feeding you to Spinocrocs.”
“Cool. Can't wait. Haven't really seen them up close.”
“Uuuugggggghhhh”, she groaned, deciding to shut up instead.
Sethos was still grinning, both amused and mischievous. He might act one way, but he was smart and perceptive.
If she was so annoyed with him, then why was she smiling?
He didn't say more for a while, not wanting to push his luck, busying himself by watching their surroundings and peeling an Ajilenakh Nut he'd grabbed for later.
She looked at his hands - stupid, hot hands - in silence for a while, but then turned to focus on the smooth flicker of her torch, the lingering rhythm of Natlan still in her veins, and the echo of their steps reflected by the rocky red cliffs around them.
~
The sands and stone passed by in quiet camaraderie, and soon enough, they could hear the creak of the bridges across Aaru Village, and the voices of the early birds and people.
“I'm friends with the guardian of the village. I'm sure she'll have us settled and fed in no time.”
She turned to him, eyes wide.
“You know Candace??”
“Huh? You know her too? That's cool. Small world.”
“Wow. Okay. We met through Nilou. She's so sweet that everyone loves her”, she chuckled. It's soft, but almost wistful, too. “Anyway. Candace is cool. Great.”
“And very hospitable. We'll be carrying our stomachs by the time we continue towards the city.”
She snorted.
“You’ll just have to learn to say no. I've heard you rarely do.”
He guided them along the edge of the ravine, a safe distance away. Still, despite the care, he soon got a mischievous spark in his eye.
“So you've heard of me? I'm honored.”
She rolles her eyes, slightly defensive.
“You're friends with everyone, so everyone talks about you. ‘The friendly guy with the green eyes’. Mr. Popular over here.”
Sethos shrugged in response, stepping on the bridge first.
“I try, I try. The city's just full of nice and interesting people, you know?”
“Speak for yourself. So few have an artistic bone in their body”, she muttered, following him. “Literally gotta travel to a whole other nation to not feel like a sore thumb.”
“Makes sense. It's getting better, but the city isn't the most, well. Accepting. Of change.”
She wanted to ask more about that - she'd heard about the animosity between the desert and rainforest folk. They reached the village, however, and soon had a few kids running towards them.
“Sethos, Sethos!!” They chanted, jumping to hug him just barely after he'd reached solid ground.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, hello, you two. Careful near the edge, okay?”
They stood back, letting his companion get off the bridge too.
“Someone's got fans.”
“These are two very speedy little guys. I can relate. This one's Ebeid, and this is Hilmi.”
“I'm Y/n”, she nodded, having some manners. “Speedy, huh? That's a way to introduce someone.”
“Sethos sometimes runs with us! We can never beat him!”
The man in question grinned widely.
“What he said.”
“Huh. Okay.”
“Will you race us to the chief’s house, Sethos?”
He seemed to think for a moment.
“Sure. But we gotta be careful of the people around, okay?”
“Okay!!” The kids replied in unison.
Sethos smiled at her.
“We'll wait for you there. Give us a countdown?”
She sighed, bone deep, but lifted her hand up.
“Three, two, one, go”, she counted casually, then watched the trio dash away. She followed after them, soft despite her usual stoicism. She had to accept the thought - it was sweet.
The kids both cheered and groaned when they just barely lost to him, and Sethos ruffled their hair affectionately, earning more laughter.
“You really just are a people magnet, huh”, she huffed when she caught up. “Kids, reveal his secrets. Why's he so good?”
“He races us!”
“He brings us gifts!”
“He tells us stories!!”
“He brings us books from the city!”
“Okay, okay. I get it”, she laughs too. “Fine. Guess he's cool.”
Sethos awwed in response.
“Best day.”
She rolled her eyes and walked past them, going to meet up with Candace instead.
As expected, she soon prepared them a bunch of food and water. Once comfortable and full, they settled in the common room.
“Your songs are incredible, y/n. Would you grant us the pleasure of hearing one?” Candace smiled, gathering dishes.
Y/n’s eyes glanced over to Sethos, but she sighed, and nodded.
“Just one before bed.”
She dug out her pan flute, breathed, and began.
She was strong and capable. Stubborn, determined, driven and unyielding, a very Natlanese fire burning in her even if she was mostly Sumerian. So this almost warrior-esque woman playing the softest, most bittersweet, melancholic song he'd ever heard came out of the blue.
He couldn't take his eyes off her.
She didn't notice, eyes closed as she gently played, the notes made of pure feeling. It was the song of a girl who grew up too fast and learned to be independent. Self sufficient, not needing anyone's help or support. But being strong was also very, very lonely - so lonely that that's what stuck out the most to him in the song.
She finished with a long, quiet note, then lowered the flute. Once her eyes opened, she blinked a few times, then flushed, meeting his eyes.
“What? It's just a song”, she muttered, shy, and stood up. “I'm going to bed.”
Candace smiled softly and led her to a guest room, leaving Sethos with the few others in the common room. He looked like he was still processing, but soon enough, got settled down as well.
He looked at the ceiling, amused by the difference between song and artist. Curious.
~
They woke up once the worst heat of midday had passed, enjoyed more of Candace's hospitality, and continued making their way to the city. They walked through Caravan Ribat, restocked a little, then entered the forest.
Sethos pointed things out as they went - mostly plants and animals.
“I have this friend, yeah? Really into botany. Always talking about mushrooms and flora and fauna. A guy picks things up”, he snickered before she even managed to make fun of him.
“Nerd”, she said anyway.
“Thank you.”
She rolled her eyes again, smiling.
They walked past the Yasna Monument, and sat down for a break at Pardis Dhyai.
“You're less chatty today”, Sethos hummed, wiping his mouth after drinking. She watched the gesture, then looked away.
“I'm never chatty.”
“But you're still less chatty than yesterday”, he shrugged. “Did something happen?”
She glanced at him, then away, watching the researchers around the place.
“Not really. Just… the song yesterday. Felt more vulnerable than usual.”
“Oh. Makes sense. Sounded like it, too.”
“Ugh, don't make a big de-”
“Hey, hey, hey, I won't. I'll stop talking about it if you want. I just wanted to say that I liked it.”
“.......Yeah?”
“Yeah. Nilou’s dance calms me down, but your song grounded me, if that makes sense.”
“Grounded you”, she echoed, trying to understand without catching herself in fire.
“Yeah. Grounded me. Made me aware of myself and the people around me. Especially you.”
There. Fire. Boom.
She looked away.
“Weirdo.”
Sethos laughed softly.
“It sounded lonely. I'm not offering anything you don't want to, just putting it out there. I heard you.”
He was being his usual polite, charming, funny and gentle self. She knew that. But inside? Deep, deep inside?
She was dying.
Why?
Because she'd been attracted to this guy pretty much ever since he appeared in Sumeru City! He made friends everywhere he went, he was nice, and fun, and sweet, and handsome, had a very attractive voice, and he's apparently artistic enough to have visited the theater before…..
Sethos looked at her, both amused and concerned, but let her process.
She was buffering. This guy, then one she's been trying to push away, wants to be her friend. Apparently. Even though she's stubborn and quiet and has a sharp tongue.
Even though she'd decided deep down that she should get rid of this stupid, embarrassing, too-girly-for-her schoolgirl crush, it roared to life again.
She was thoroughly flushed despite her usual calmness, and huffed.
“Yeah, I'm lonely. So what?”
Sethos smiled in response.
“I'd like to get to know you. You're interesting.”
“I'm not a damsel in distress. I said that before”, she tried to argue to save her face.
“I'm still not saying that. We've got friends in common. We live in the same city. We both play an instrument - I've actually got a lyre. I like the banter we've got going on, you've got spunk. I'd like to be friends. That's all.”
She turned to look at him properly.
“That's all?”
A sudden, shy laugh left his lips.
“Well…. that's all. For now. It's too soon to say anything else.”
It's like she got hit in the head with a frying pan.
“Yes. Okay. Right. Definitely too soon. We met properly, like, yesterday.”
She was still burning. The tips of his ears were red, too.
“Yeah. So. Stay tuned? Maybe?”
“Okay. Cool.”
“Cool cool cool.”
A moment of awkward silence. Then, they turned to look at each other.
“You couldn't just leave it at ‘that’s all’?” She chuckled, shy but somehow relieved.
“I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I just felt like it? You've been watching me closely, and so have I, and I thought you were so cool, but still soft, and it was cute, and, well. Yeah.”
“I'm so embarrassed.”
“Cute.”
“No. Stop. I'm big and strong and tough.”
“And cute.”
“I hate you.”
“No you don't.”
“....I don't. But I'm gonna. Come on, we gotta make it to town before it gets dark.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Ugh. You're lucky you're cute.”
“I really am”, he beamed, hopping to walk next to her.
~
There was still a long way to Sumeru City. Past Vimara Village, across the river, through thick forest filled with both danger and wonder.
And what started out as a shell - annoyance and rude replies to his quips - became a fun, flirty way to make the rest of the trip fly right by.
And it didn't stop when they arrived, becoming their new normal instead.
Her songs gained a soft, almost affectionate lilt, no longer carrying the heavy emptiness of a heart hidden from the world.
The gentle picking of his lyre brought a pleasant, joyful addition to their new shared harmony, a song that had only just begun.
