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His eyes were frantic, widened at the scene before him. The scent of death is all he could sense as he staggered his way out of the site of the mine disaster. Bereavement came in wails and loud cries of grief, coming from the families of the ones that didn't make it out. These sounds echoed in his head, as his breathing became rapid. The heart inside that chest was pounding loud but not loud enough to override the noise around him. Several voices were asking him questions, ones his ears censored out and his mind wouldn't dare comprehend. Amongst all the noise around him, one tiny voice was able to penetrate through his numbed senses.
“Is my father coming back?”
His eyes lowered and met the view of the little boy that asked that question he'd wished he didn't have to answer. This five-year-old kid was someone he recognized so well. This kid was the son of Carlos, a fellow miner people think he is close to. Carlos' son became a frequent visitor, specially after his mother had left them. He would be present in the camp during days when only a twelve-hour shift was required. He'd wait patiently for his father's return, bringing books to read. And with short shifts coming in very rarely, Carlos would be exploring the mines with Norton and the others for days, leaving this little kid on his own. But despite that though, the boy was never seen with a sad expression on. Being a part of a broken family had made him mature than most kids. Norton had proven this to be true, having a chance to converse with the kid a couple of times. He'd talk like he wasn't his age at all. Additionally, he would always be in smiles whenever he talked about his father.
But now that smile was about to be stolen away. It will be gone by the time Norton speaks of the truth about his father. The noirette stood there, frozen, unable to speak. Guilt was starting to crawl in the crevices of his stomach, giving him a very uncomfortable feeling for the first time. It spreads into his chest, as the sensation switched from uneasy to what could be considered 'painful.' He only held his chest with the hopes of getting rid of this feeling -- it stayed.
Is this called guilt? He asked himself. He didn't feel this when he thought of dragging people down with him in this mess. Why did locking eyes with a kid suddenly make him feel this way?
He supposed the feeling would never leave unless he finally decides to say it, the answer to the boy's question. The situation could've been easier if it wasn't this kid. He was able to tell the others a lie about the explosion so easily. But when it comes to this kid, what was stopping him? He wasn't any different or was he? He definitely was. Unlike the other families he never even met, this boy was one he had interacted with a couple of times. He knew the kid's background and he was certain that no one would be taking care of him after Carlos's death in the mines. He'd be all alone and no one else was to blame.
The boy only blinked a couple of times, tilting his head onto the side as he waited for the answer. He followed up in a soft tone, "If you're here, then my dad is also coming out, right?"
“He's...”
The noise around them was silenced in his head as this question repeated in his head over and over even when the kid was only standing there and not saying anything. Those almond eyes were fixed on him, like a punishment. It hurt to see this boy and why? When he brought everyone into this mess, he felt nothing but excitement. With only greed in mind at that moment of the blast, did he have the right to feel guilty now? He was evil. This shouldn't be a big deal.
Norton answered, "He's not coming back."
The tone of his words were cold, as emotionless as he could manage. Deep inside though, his heart ached the very moment fresh tears leaked over the corner of the child's eyes. This boy was going to be an orphan because of him. The boy only continuously wiped his tears with the back of his hands and Norton couldn't even move to bring him comfort. But he wanted to and he did try to, a hand reached out intending to pull the kid into an embrace.
It took minutes of watching the kid cry before him. All because he couldn't do it. He didn't have the right to. It was his fault why the kid was crying now. He'd never smile anymore.
When the cries became louder, Norton pushed himself to give the kid a comforting hug. Carlos should've been the one hugging him if he was able to survive the accident. No matter how sincere that gesture from Norton was, it couldn't bring the dead back. It couldn't erase the blame. The child's cries went on for a good amount of time. Norton didn't expect any recovery at this point. He believed the kid would be crying until the disaster investigators and reporters arrive to question him.
Surprisingly, after some time, the kid was able to take in a deep breath and attempt to speak. He wanted to get something across.
"Before he left today, he was happy," The kid managed to speak in between sniffles. "I'd like to thank you for that, señor."
Norton could only breathe heavily as he couldn't even think of a good response to that. What's he supposed to say to that?
"You might feel bad for being the only one who survived the accident...b-but you shouldn't, señor," The kid was speaking but he was still in tears.
Norton wished he didn't have to hear those at all.
The boy continued to speak with words that would forever be etched in Norton Campbell's memory, something he never expected a six-year-old to ever tell him. "My dad was very happy he'd met you. He says you would change my future for the better. Whenever he talked about that, he was smiling. He hardly smiles anymore because mom is gone. He might have never learned to hope till the end if it wasn't for you. At least he would be happy in heaven, where he says people go to when they're gone."
"Eres un buen hombre, señor." He smiled before he was peeled off from Norton's hold by the child services. "Thank you."
Norton cursed in his head. He wasn't a good man. He caused all this. The hope he brought Carlos was hopeless because this kid was going to be alone for the rest of his life.
It was his fault.
His fault.
--
"Norton!" Patricia had no choice but to shake him. Norton had slipped away from the reality of what's been taking place in the dining hall. He was taken away by all these memories he'd been trying to bury for the longest time. The effect of his mistakes in the past all came back to him like a flashback, playing before him like it was real. But what comes after that was the memories of the mining incident itself, as he'd seen familiar parts of the mine on the screen. The host introduced the new map for the matches like an insult to someone horrible like him.
The pupil of his eyes dilate at the introduction of every section there is on the map. While everyone looked fearful of the spots being shown in the screen cause of the higher chances of terror shock, Norton looked terrified for a different reason. Naib could see something else in those eyes, other than fear came sadness. He wondered why when Norton did openly admit that the mining accident happened because of his greed. Norton was emotionless when he admitted his sins when he was being questioned by the survivors after he left his diary in the living room. If he didn't look guilty at all about it, why was he making this face now? For some reason, even after they've been in good terms now, Norton refused to talk about the past and Naib figured that this map would make him do that. The mercenary wanted to help but he wondered if Norton would ever allow him to when even with Patricia, he liked to act unaffected.
"Norton," Patricia called out again. "I would volunteer in your place if you want/"
There was a bit of delay since Norton's mind was partially drifting somewhere else. "I can do it."
“I know you'r--”
“I'm fine.”
The words were meant to sound convincing as they were said with confidence even though Norton had just returned to reality after spacing out multiple times during the presentation. He made that emotionless face after speaking but Naib was able to spot that trembling hand. It was odd that Patricia only nodded like she was convinced. Clearly, Norton Campbell wouldn't be able to give his best on that map. He looked traumatized.
Naib and Norton had a rough start. The mercenary didn't care about anything including himself while Norton cared solely about himself as he'd like to portray. Each had a mindset that differs from the other, the conflict between these two men grew during the first few weeks they had to play matches together. The heat of their argument came in forms of mockery during matches. There were no words but it was easy to tell that they didn't like each other. There was no coordination when it comes to a team with Naib and Norton in it and this caused an alarm in the survivor side. They were all concerned probably because the two not getting along would affect the pool of scores. It seemed impossible to resolve with the disagreement and dagger stares went on for almost two months.
That was until the middle-aged men tried to fix the problem through late-night drinking sessions. Jose invited the two to join and Servais was the one who dragged Naib who kept on refusing to join such activity. Miraculously, after several sessions, it worked. It may have taken a while but the patience through the long wait was worth it. It allowed Norton to understand Naib and vice versa. After months, there were times that the mercenary would be seen talking to the prospector like they were friends even. And after a few more months, these sessions had helped Aesop to be less avoidant of people and it had formed a bond among the boys that were now known as ANEWN. This group would usually be in matches together or would spend a lot of time with each other. Because of this Naib had subconsciously observed the prospector and learned more about him. That was how Naib was able to read Norton's expressions and actions which were all off when this new map was shown.
"I'm heading out to train," Norton stood up in an attempt to isolate himself from the others. He still had times he preferred to be alone. With survivors knowing his background, he'd be subjected to questioning about how he reacted to the mine location introduced by the host. And if he could sort his emotions about it, he'd bravely answer everything. But it was difficult to talk about this right now specially when memories of the accident and its aftermath were haunting him. Being selected as one of the survivors who would be first to play in that map felt like a punishment more than anything.
"Campbell,"
The one who called him by last name would only be Naib and the voice, of course, he was able to recognize that. He replied with a low sounding "Hm?"
"That location, you're bothered about it. Do you want me to sub for you?" Naib didn't even pretend like he wanted to talk about something else and went straight to the point.
"No. Don't try to assume things," Norton found it pointless to quicken his pace but he didn't want to be stuck here with the mercenary. Sure, he could talk to this guy about matches and certain topics about the mysteries of the manor, but the past? No. There was no instance he had ever done such a thing as opening up to any survivor. And if he was ever to do that, Naib wouldn't be his choice. When they talked, Naib was the one who would be open with the things that happened to him in the past, bitter or not. He could never find himself to do such a thing. He didn't want Naib to get to know him well and he never understood why.
“I'm not assuming. You look really...uh... errr...” Naib stopped to think of a word that wouldn't offend the prospector.
“Afraid?”
“No!” Naib corrected that because even if that was most appropriate, he knew it would piss Norton off. That's not what he wanted. He just wanted Norton to be open about his feelings so that he could help.
“Then what?”
“Worried!”
“I wasn't worried. Just surprised cause that place looks like a max difficulty map.” Norton calmly explained and hoped that this would stop this entire conversation.
It worked.
Naib sighed and let Norton draw the distance between them as he continued to walk. His voice was quiet when he halted his steps, "Fine..."
Maybe he didn't need to do anything. This was none of his business. If Norton doesn't want any help then that should be his problem. But that's the thing, Naib just couldn't get himself to ignore it. After seeing that face, he just couldn't let it go. He may not admit it but he felt disappointed that Norton didn't open up to him. He thought their relationship had moved up to a level called 'friends'. Just like how William, Eli, and Aesop were to him now. He thought they were all friends, at least, after they have gotten close over the several months that had passed. Maybe it had been him assuming that all along.
Eli walked with quick steps to where Naib stood to ask him what had happened. Aesop shortly was able to catch up to the two but he let the seer do the speaking.
"He felt anxious because of that new location, didn't he?" Eli asked the mercenary.
"He acted tough about it. I don't understand why he needed to do that," Naib muttered under his breath as he had his final glance of Norton walking toward the end of the hall before he went out the door.
"Maybe he isn't ready to share things yet," Eli told him calmly. He remembered Aesop took a long time to open up too. He nodded at the memory of Aesop finally telling him things. He had this thought that somehow someday, Norton would be able to do the same. Even if not to him or Aesop, at least be open to Naib. Eli could feel that something was different since Naib and Norton stopped fighting. Naib started behaving oddly since then, watching Norton most of the time. He might have been thinking that no one could see him do that but this seer had been watching survivors in silence under that blindfold. The owl would always show him things. Naib might be clueless now about how he feels towards the prospector but maybe this instance would draw them closer.
"The match is later and he is playing on that map. If he can handle it, he should just say so right away," Naib didn't think he'd sigh again over that. But he did. In his mind, the call to help the prospector was so strong. He wondered if he could even get rid of this thought at all.
"Aesop, would it be alright to have your slot in the match later?"
"P-pardon?" Aesop looked at Eli then shifted his gaze to the mercenary with a confused expression.
"I need to be in that match," Naib was asking Aesop but had his eyes on Eli as if requesting the seer to grant the permission. This had Eli nodding to Aesop.
"Need? Why?”
“I don't... I don't know but would you let me switch with you? I got a match too after that. You can still gain points.”
“But I am curious of that map," Eli may have agreed but the person who owned the slot didn't seem to like this idea. He wanted to learn more about this location so he could strategically place his coffins next time he gets thrown in this new map. It was an opportunity he didn't want to waste, why was Eli nodding like he owned the slot anyway?
"I am not in the match in the new map with you," Eli's tone sounded defeated even when he didn't try to convince Aesop to agree yet.
"A-and why do..does that matter?"
"I want to protect you,"
"I c-can... I can protect myself!" Aesop's voice was unexpectedly louder than usual. He never understood why Eli would always go out of his way protecting him with Poppo in matches. He can kite the hunter for a good amount of time and he could save himself with his coffin anyway. Sometimes, he wondered if Eli saw him as a weak person just because he did give such an impression. But his scores stated otherwise, so there was no need to act knight in shining armor for him since he isn't a damsel in distress anyway. He can handle things on his own. He had a disapproving look on his face, refusing to look at Eli with those angry eyes.
Eli only sighed at this.
Before an argument starts between these two survivors, Naib cut the conversation off with one word that proved to be super effective when used, "Please."
Aesop turned to the mercenary, only to see worry in those eyes. This was probably directed towards the prospector as much as Naib does not want to admit it. He caved when he saw the mercenary's eyes look like they're pleading even when he didn't intentionally try to look like a puppy, he ended up looking like one. The strong, reliable and alpha-looking mercenary begging for a slot, Aesop couldn't get himself to just give that slot up. He could just learn the corners of the map some other time. "A-alright, alright!"
The first to thank Aesop was Eli and it earned him a glare instead.
"Thank you. I'll just say you're not feeling well," Naib waved a hand as he left so the two could resolve their problems. Naib had just recently understood that the seer and the embalmer were attracted to each other. He had to give them alone time and perhaps, get himself time to rest before matching time comes. He went upstairs in silence, hoping he could sleep the waiting time off.
--
The wait for nightfall was long and nerve-wracking, at least for the prospector who chose to spend his time all by himself and let his mind be consumed by the bitter memories of the past. He should've tried harder to get himself distracted but it's too late for that now that they're just eight minutes away from being summoned to play. He shook his head as he made his way to the dining hall. He was desperate to push the fear back. He disliked showing weakness since he knew the host was watching them. The host was probably testing him even. He will survive this and hope that he would be very rarely sent to this map to play. Knowing the host though, he'd probably be thrown in there more than he expects to so he had to build up courage right at this moment.
When he arrived, he made sure he didn't look devastated. But sadly even at the sight of the text that indicated the location they were playing in, he already felt his chest start hurting. He sat down on the first seat, keeping himself calm and collected before the others. Sitting next to him was the blind girl, Helena. Norton missed the list of survivors he was playing with but knowing Helena was present meant he had to get the hunter's attention so the focus won't be on her. He had to protect her so they could quickly get out.
"Will you be fine, Mr. Campbell?" The youthful voice of Helena was soothing as she tried to check on Norton. She heard it from the girls that Norton looked terrified and she didn't need confirmation for this. Somehow, Helena was able to feel the fear in Norton's heart even when she couldn't see his face.
"I'm alright. I'll make sure the hunter doesn't chase you," Norton replied as his eyes followed the gardener, who was on her way to the third seat. She wasn't smiling like usual and by the time she was sitting on the chair, she immediately faced Norton to ask, "Will you be---"
"I'm okay." Norton coldly answered. To be honest, he kept wondering why these people were worried about him. That was until he remembered that in this game their collective scores were going to be averaged too so they all need to perform well. Of course, they weren't concerned, they were all doing this for their own gain, just like him. He sighed and closed his eyes to try and calm down his thoughts. His mind was in chaos now because he was seconds away from being thrown into the mines, a place he dreaded to be in.
The very second he opened those eyes, he already spawned in an area in the mines. He had missed who the fourth survivor was but he didn't care since he was sure it wasn't Naib. Right now he had to execute whatever he had planned in his head. He'd drop a pallet to get the attention of the hunter and kite for at least three ciphers. But what is planned remained just a plan.
The moment his brain gave his legs the command to run to the pallet, he realized that he froze in his position, heart beating fast. He couldn't tell if the hunter was near or what but the beating was truly intense. His hands were sweating inside those gloves and he kept telling himself that it was the temperature causing this. His bottom lip quivered as he swallowed the saliva hard. From those lips, he breathed heavily as he tried to make a few steps.
He couldn't move anymore after the fifth step. The sounds that echoed in the area were all familiar, And additionally, his mind had played another sound that wasn't heard-- explosions. The sound of the explosions that happened then was so loud but Norton was the only one hearing it.
'Eres un buen hombre, señor.'
'Not now,' He cursed himself in his head as his vision blurred. He was sweating bullets and no matter how much he pushed himself to move some more, he couldn't do it. The detector had been throwing signals at him but he couldn't get himself to do anything at all.
A familiar humming came after minutes of staying in place and doing absolutely nothing. It was heard amidst the explosion sounds that Norton only imagined in his head. He didn't think his heartbeats could go faster with the pounding but it did as the hunter came by, The Ripper.
Norton hated this hunter the most and he couldn't figure out why. He didn't care about hunters usually but the Ripper was just a hunter he couldn't stand. He might have observed something about him that he abhorred a lot, who knows? Generally, fast beats would normally indicate their feel of the hunters. The game had them feeling this way to warn them of the hunter's presence. Norton wasn't necessarily afraid of the Ripper at all. And he'd normally kite this bastard hard.
But can he even do that right now? He couldn't even move a leg!
"My, my, Norton Campbell. I didn't think I'd ever see you look pitiful like this. How amusing," With the mask on, no one would be able to see the smirk on the hunter's face but he was showing a wicked grin right now after spotting Norton all frozen and unable to move.
"Getting crows this early too? Thought you'd be decoding at least. How irresponsible~" A few clicks of the tongue and Jack started walking closer to the prospector who only managed to step back a few times.
"You've been fooled by me again. I did this on purpose," Norton said that like he wasn't anxious at all but his hands were still shaky and it was obvious that he was lying. It wasn't so unfortunate for him though, as two ciphers popped while Jack wasted his time conversing with him.
"Oh? You did?" The hunter's laughter was heard next. Nobody would believe that this was on purpose. The only reason two ciphers popped was because Jack found the mercenary first and he didn't intend to harm Naib at all so he went looking around for the Mind's eye. The thing is, he couldn't spot where Helena is but found the prospector instead. Jack felt like this was bad luck but this didn't mean the survivors were winning. It was perfect that Norton was here to fuck things up. Norton will bring the Ripper the win he desired.
"I did it on purpose," Norton repeated but he could barely move as memories kept on harassing him in flashes he couldn't control. He was able to make a bit of distance between him and Jack though.
"Is that so?" The Ripper's aim didn't need to be precise when he threw it the moment Norton was able to command his legs to move. Norton took the hit from the foggy blades, a solid one and the next could mean he's going down if he doesn't throw his magnets to assist him with kiting.
The Ripper taunted him more, "Look at your fellow workers over there, did you miss seeing them?"
Norton was afraid to look but his eyes were curious little orbs that couldn't be stopped. Both moved to the corner, widening at the view of the undead found at the corner near the pallet. It was in the action of throwing something at him, getting him distracted that he lost his focus.
"What's the matter, Norton Campbell? Cat got your tongue?" Jack smirked when he aimed the next hit. He didn't waste time and immediately carried Norton to the nearby chair.
'Don't move. I'm coming!'
The time he sat stiffly on the rocket chair was the only chance Norton had to check on the detector, seeing the person who sent the prompt - Naib Subedar. The mercenary shouldn't be in this match. Why was he here? Norton was unnecessarily angry about it and he wished he knew why this fact bothered him so much. He reserved the questions for the time Naib finally gets himself before him.
Naib didn't waste any second, as he used the speed boost from the elbow pads to quickly go for the rescue. He was worried because when he arrived he still ended up spotting Norton's hands trembling. He probably was unable to do anything when Jack came around that's why he went down too quickly. It was so not like Norton. He couldn't give Norton the benefit of the doubt that being unfamiliar with the map was the problem. Norton still looked traumatized no matter how much he pretended not to be.
“My darling, you're here again~” Jack stood behind him, hands on his back and just really watching the boy untie the prospector. “I'm not going to hit you and you know that~ Hmmmm hmmm hmm hmm hmm hmm~”
Naib just shot him a glare but trusted those words. The Ripper didn't hit him while he was decoding earlier. Come to think of it, Jack did this a lot to him and right now it wasn't such an aggravating fact cause at least he could rescue easily.
"What are you doing here?!" Norton asked in a raised tone while the mercenary was untying him from the seat.
Naib was surprised that Norton spoke to him that way. He hasn't raised his voice at him for months now. This only happened when they were fighting. He kept the thoughts for later as he had one focus right now and that is to bring Norton to a safer place. The prospector's question was only answered as he was being pulled away by Naib, making sure his body was blocking Norton so he could take the hit for him just in case Jack does go for his foggy blade swing. "Switched with Aesop. Now go hide!"
"I can handle this! Just decode!" Norton was growling as he tried to run off to whatever looked like a kiting spot. Nothing looked like that. All he kept seeing were places where dead bodies lie. He heard the voices of the people calling for his help during the explosion, Carlos being one of them. He remembered how fallen debris crushed the lower body of that person he almost called a friend if he wasn't consumed by greed. His last words echoed in Norton's head just as his son's words did.
'Damnit.'
Jack refused to hit the mercenary but kept tailing on Norton because he was after all an easy target. Naib did as instructed, throwing himself out to the cipher Emma was decoding, it wasn't nearby but he kept his eyes on his detector so he would ready for another rescue. He couldn't trust Norton's words right now. He couldn't handle this because he still looked incredibly fearful of this place.
"Is he going to be okay?" Emma asked Naib as he ran to him.
"I hope so," Naib tried to keep his focus on decoding even if he wasn't in good terms with the cipher machine. He had to endure until they could pop this cipher. But they heard the teleporting sound right after Norton was hit. Jack moved his focus on the Mind's Eye. He was probably confident that Norton couldn't even get himself healed so Jack moved to another target.
The kite of the Mind's Eye didn't last too long as she got terror shocked over that vault she did, thinking she made enough distance with the hunter. Only one cipher left if Emma gets to complete the one she was decoding while Naib was running off to rescue Helena then there was still hope to get a win.
"Go heal Norton, please," was the words that Naib left the gardener before he went to save the Mind's eye.
Successful rescues were far from reach, with Jack getting to hit Helena again after the rescue, this happening twice in a row. For some reason, even when Jack showed his friendly side to Naib, he wasn't showing mercy to the others at all. Even his body block didn't help at this last chance to spare Helena from flying. It was too late, Helena's cries were heard when she blasted off to the sky back into the manor. Because of his attempts to body block, he received wounds from the foggy blades.
"My sweetest mercenary, you shouldn't have done those heroic moves~” Jack tilted his head down to listen intently to the mercenary's groaning. “I love hearing that~”
"Fuck off!" Naib said as he tried to distance himself so he could self-heal without Jack watching him. This was the wrong response though, he could've said something more interesting to keep the hunter from walking to the direction where Norton was stood. He had been healed as seen on the detector but Naib had a feeling that he wasn't running at all. As he was close to fully healing, he saw the hunter approach Emma, who was decoding. The target wasn't Norton so he could still ask Norton to heal him.
So then he decided to rushed to Norton to be healed to full health and then they could decode a cipher nearby that had Helena's sticker on it. For sure that would have progress.
The meeting of the prospector and the mercenary had the latter bothered, seeing the other still standing at the corner, crows above his head as he stared at nothing in particular.
"Norton! Norton!" Naib yelled. Initially, he was very understanding of this situation but seeing him like this right now got him aggravated, specially with the detector throwing out the signal of Emma's first hit. "What the hell are you doing?!"
"Why did you even come here?!" Norton was shouting back like he had the right to do so.
Naib felt pissed cause Norton didn't have the right to be angry. He was the one who refused to switch. If he opened up earlier and admitted that he couldn't play instead of being all cocky about it, then they wouldn't be losing right now. He tried to be on the calm side, answering that question while sounding not-so-angry. "I need to be healed."
"Just leave me alone and go help Emma decode," Illogical response, Norton wasn't paying attention to what was happening and just throwing orders to get rid of Naib. He hated it the most, Naib seeing him vulnerable like that. He hated that so much. He was so furious that he couldn't keep up with the tough act this time as his heart had been engulfed by fear completely.
"Are you out of your mind?! I need to be healed, hurry up!"
Emma went down as she reached the top of the ladder.
"Goddamnit!" Naib growled.
"Why did you have to switch with Aesop?! Why did you have to be here?!" Norton asked him, ignoring the ping from the detector. They were going to lose but Norton was too angry to even realize that.
They were back again to square one, shouting at each other like the way they were when they first had a match together. Naib couldn't understand why Norton shifted to anger. He assumed it was a defense mechanism, a way to hide how he truly felt. "Why are you even angry! I'm just worried about you! You looked scared and---"
"Scared?! You think you know me or something?!" Norton grabbed a part of that hooded cloak, gritting his teeth.
"There's nothing wrong with being scared! I get scared and everyone else does too! What is your problem! Just heal me already!”
Norton tried his best to heal the mercenary, not wanting to react more to that. He pulled on the ends of the bandages he wrapped around the mercenary's wounds too tightly.
“Ow!” Naib turned to him angrily. “You don't have to pretend you're okay when you're not!”
Norton didn't comment on that and he wished it didn't take so long to heal this guy so he could run off already. The problem with the mercenary was, he wasn't talkative, generally but when he is angry, his mouth wouldn't stop at all.
“All I wanted was for you to open up to me...” Naib sounded defeated at that line. He wasn't yelling anymore when he said those things. That meant he was sincere about them.
“I don't want to do that. I don't want you to understand me. Just keep thinking I'm fine and go, you're healed. Just go.” Norton tried to keep the volume down at the very least but his words still meant to push Naib away.
Naib could feel that but somehow he couldn't get himself to stop thinking that Norton needed comfort. He looked at him right after he was healed only to see Norton avert his gaze somewhere else. Even if he wasn't looking, the trembling lip was still visible and his eyes still showed the same sadness. He sighed deeply, as his body started to move on its own.
He pulled Norton into an embrace, wrapping his arms tight around him since he knew Norton would struggle to break free from it.
Norton did try to break free but with a hand, Naib held Norton's head down to his shoulder. “You don't have to keep everything to yourself.”
That was the start of words simultaneously coming out from the mercenary's mouth, words he didn't think he had in his head. He felt like he was confused for a while but maybe he knew all along why he kept watching Norton. Maybe he knew all along that he wasn't just curious about Norton's past, that even if he pretended not to care about such a thing, he did. “I know that this place brings nothing but bitter memories of the past. I know because I see it in your eyes. You may fool the others with the tough act but not me. I...”
Norton wasn't struggling now but listening. He wondered why the voices in his head stop pestering him whenever the mercenary talks to him. This warmth he felt from this embrace brought peace in his chaotic mind, his hands stopped trembling but they were still stiff from this act of kindness from Naib. What was weird was, he also expected his heartbeat to slow down but it didn't. It still pounded hard in his chest as he listened to Naib's words.
“I've been watching you so I know when you're not okay. I subconsciously end up doing that and even when you remain somewhat distant, I still want to get to know you better. I don't get it at all since I disliked you so much at the start but every time I look into those sad eyes of yours, I couldn't help but think of this moment happening. I finally did it.” Naib only grinned before loosening his hold of Norton and standing up. He smiled at him saying, “We can do this. All three of us can escape. Jack won't hit me anyway. Please decode that cipher...”
“I... will do it.” was all Norton could say. He was shocked but he did get himself up.
“It won't be easy but try to remember a happy moment in your life.” Naib was still smiling when he left. He felt his cheeks started to feel warm. He couldn't believe he was able to do such a thing, give the prospector a hug. He was amazed by his own courage. Shaking his head, he focused on the task at hand, rescue Emma. He didn't bother turning to Norton because a huge part of him believed that Norton could do it. Compared to the start of the match, Norton didn't look so terrified anymore when he left. He only had to hope for the best now as he released Emma. He thought of something to keep Jack away from Emma while Norton was decoding.
“Hey, Jack!” Naib smirked at the hunter. “What say you to a good old game of chase? You get to carry me to the chair if you catch me, you want that, right?”
Jack completely knows the plan behind this offer but goes along with it regardless.
–
'Try to remember a happy moment in your life, huh?' Norton was thinking as he was able to decode with his mind continuing to cooperate. The progress of this cipher was decent and Emma hopefully is in the exit now. He didn't want to look around cause he wanted to keep this state of calm he was in. He relied solely on the detector for guidance and hopefully the cipher is primed by the time Naib is hit. When some bad thoughts tried to make an entrance once again in that head of his, he chanted the words of the mercenary.
Happy moment?
--Flashback--
“Never thought I'd see you here too. Can't sleep?” The dining hall usually was filled with the sound of drunk men's playful banter and groaning at this late hour. But tonight, it was just Naib catching the prospector drinking scotch on the far end of the long table. Initially, the plan was not to attract attention, with his steps as quiet as a cat's. But when he saw the look on Norton's face, he couldn't help but speak up to disrupt the silence and walk over to a seat next to him, pulling a chair and getting himself seated. This was probably going to be awkward since he wasn't even close to Norton yet. They just started to... well, not fight all the time. Why was he doing this anyway?
“Mhm,” Norton simply answered with his usual one-liners. Surprisingly adding, “You too?”
“Yeah,” Naib was ready, he had a glass at hand cause even if he wasn't a total drunkard like the other oldies in the manor, he did enjoy drinks during lonely nights like this. He slid the empty glass in front of the prospector, grinning at him as he pointed to the drink.
Norton poured him a share of the liquor, sliding the glass back when it had enough content. “Here.”
This felt like the start of the awkward moment in which the dialogue has gone stale, and Naib would have to figure out what else to say without forcing the other to speak. If the prospector had been drinking on his own for more than an hour, then maybe he didn't enjoy the company right now and maybe staying silent was the best option. The mercenary wondered if he could keep silent with his mind urging him to talk more to Norton. He opened his mouth to say something but he was muted by his ego.
To save this dying conversation, Norton unexpectedly spoke again. Maybe he was trying his best too, at this moment. “What's keeping you up?”
Naib was relieved so he answered this without hesitation of shame of his weakness, “My mother. I miss my mother.”
Norton was surprised since he didn't think Naib would just openly say what was bothering him. He might do this with Eli Clark since they were friends. But to him? That came as a shock. Normally, you would not drop your weakness in front of someone you once disliked. It puzzled Norton so much but at the same time, he admired Naib for being able to disclose such details about himself so easily like he didn't care at all. Last time, Naib was talking about his life as a Gurkha, telling people about his bloodthirsty previous life, ignoring the fact that people could judge him for it. Norton secretly wished he could do such a thing so he could release all the pain he had in his chest that usually stole sleep from him. While Naib can say that cipher machines were his weakness, Norton could only pretend he didn't have any. Norton did not exactly know what to say to that so he replied with a conversation killer, “I see.”
It was a feeling of not wanting the conversation to just die that the two felt in alternate and somehow, the other would end up saving it. Naib then continued to tell Norton about himself like they were close. Back then it wasn't clear to him yet, but he did want them to become close, “My mother would always hug me, during days I feel uneasy or scared. As a kid, you wouldn't believe that even the tiniest things scare me, like spiders perhaps. Didn't think I'd go play chase with Violetta ever.”
Both laughed and the mood was lightened. This night was the start of a friendship they didn't label it as such. The main point was, they were able to talk for hours starting this night without yelling at each other. They could even laugh and Norton didn't know why he felt uncomfortable in the stomach whenever he saw Naib smiling or laughing. Maybe he disliked that... just maybe.
--End of Flashback--
Was that his happy moment? Why did that come to mind all of a sudden?
Norton was so confused he almost missed calibration. Luckily, he didn't. He was able to get his +60 Calibration. He only shook his head at the thought of his 'happy moment' being the first night he drank one on one with the mercenary. He thought that hug earlier had him feeling this way.
That hug? Yes, that hug plagued his mind after the short flashback earlier. From being terrified, he turned embarrassed. Naib was able to distract him successfully from all the memories he kept running away from. Naib was not just saving him in matches but was also trying to save him from the horrible self-image he had developed.
The detector finally did that sound of Naib getting hit, he popped the cipher, hoping the hit wasn't from foggy blades. Naib came dashing to him, and with a wink, he says during the short second encounter, “Thanks! I think he's letting us leave.”
“What? Why?”
“That doesn't matter, keep your eyes closed. We're running to the exit!” Naib grabbed Norton by the hand.
Norton didn't obey that but only had his eyes on the hand that held his own. His heart was doing it again, the fast rhythm of beating. The distraction worked because all this time they were running, Norton only spent it by figuring out this odd feeling in his chest. When he looked up, the gates were opening before him and Naib. The mercenary turned to him with a smile. “You conquered your fears.”
As the two went into the gate, Norton commented, “Not entirely.”
“Are you still uncomfortable with this place? I'll sub for you every time, just tell me.” Naib offered as he walked in.
“No,” Norton answered, his tone was flat and Naib couldn't guess if he pissed off Norton again or what.
Naib looked at him, “What do you mean no?”
“I'm uncomfortable for a different reason,” Norton looked at him then their hands. It was weird cause earlier this was just a normal hand holding but now their fingers were interlaced. Norton had seen Eli and Aesop holding hands this way before but those two were, well, secretly in love? Who the hell knows? The only thing he was sure of is that they shouldn't be doing this.
It felt calming having someone hold his hand this way. Just like how that embrace brought comfort, why was all that making a mess out of his brain, his heart, his entire being.
“S-sorry!” Their Naib rubbed the back of his neck and turned away. “Let's uh let's go!”
Norton watched Naib walk a few steps before he followed him out of the location.
–
After all the questions thrown at the prospector, he was able to successfully answer them vaguely. Now he had escaped all the survivors as he lied down in his room. The past would usually haunt him during times when he was lying down his bed and staring blankly at the ceiling. Usually, but tonight it wasn't the case. Some other thought kept creeping in that mind of his, the embrace from Naib Subedar, his smile, that wink, and his hand being held by the mercenary. What were all these thoughts doing to him?
He shot up, running his fingers through his hair as he kept his eyes on the floor. 'What's going on?'
He found this a good reason to go downstairs and make himself forget everything. So he did this, taking his glass from the kitchen counter then passing by the liquor cabinet to take that bottle of whiskey he loved to drink. As always, he'd cope with his inability to get some sleep with drinking. He doesn't drink too much but just enough to empty his mind of the unnecessary things it contained. Mid-drinking session, he heard a familiar voice.
Like deja vu, Naib came asking, “Never thought I'd see you here too. Can't sleep?”
There goes that smile again. Lately, that was all Norton could remember plastered in the mercenary's face, his wide grin. It felt like a replay of the past as Norton did reply with “Mhm, you too?” minus the short pause in between.
“Yeah,” Then came the glass that was empty when slid before him, coming back to the mercenary filled.
The difference was that both were quiet this time. They had two glasses each without speaking a word. The awkwardness they tried to avoid during the first time they got along was experienced during this session. Naib couldn't think of anything to say just as Norton couldn't either. The silence went on for almost an hour and Naib figured that he probably should try to go to bed.
“Why did Jack let us get out freely like that?” Norton finally asked by the time Naib was so close to standing up to leave.
He stayed in place and kept his eyes on the glass. “I don't understand either. He just likes carrying my around then he let me go. He's been doing that a lot to me and this is the first time I took advantage of it so we could all get out.”
Norton felt kind of irritated at that. “So you let him carry you around?”
“Yeah, so we could get out,” Naib told him again and added, “Points, we need them.”
“Did you enjoy that?”
“What? No! What the hell, Campbell!” Naib was irritated now too, with that false accusation. “Why are you even asking such senseless questions anyway!”
“I don't know either,” Norton shrugged but his hold on the glass was tight. He was disappointed that Naib let himself get carried around that way by The Ripper. He hated that hunter so much. For all he knows, the reason behind that hate was just under his nose.
“I'm going to bed.” Naib finally stood up. He wasn't having any of this. He didn't want a fight right now. He was expecting Norton to finally open up but he understood that it was just not happening tonight.
Norton took the hand that held the empty glass to stop Naib from leaving. “Wait.”
“What?” Naib turned to him all surprised.
“Why are making me feel weird things?” Norton was at it again with his weird questions.
Naib only raised a brow at this, annoyed. “What are you talking about?”
Norton was not a fan of talking about his feelings but now was the time to change that. He spoke the longest line he had ever spoken in the manor, “I don't understand, when I'm around you, I forget the horrible things that I did in the past. It's the first time I've seen someone genuinely smile at me with eyes that aren't judging. Eli probably stares at me that way but I wouldn't see that through his blindfold. Aesop and William, we aren't close so maybe that's why they don't look at me at all. With you, it's just different. You make me feel emotions too, ones I've stopped feeling a long time ago...”
Naib didn't know but aside from being wide-eyed, his cheeks were flushed. He didn't even know what Norton was trying to get across but the fact that Norton was stating how he feels, complete with explanation and details, he felt really happy.
“Seeing you smile makes me feel warm here,” Norton pointed to his chest. It was cheesy but he wanted to be true to himself. “When you embraced me, the pounding in my chest gone wild, same when you held my hand. Right now, you're angering me with your discreet flirting with that--”
“I'm not flirting with Jack!” Naib was back to being pissed again and he rolled his eyes to show that. It was all good but Norton became too honest. Norton was jealous. That was how he was feeling but he had the words for it wrong causing the mercenary to yell at him again and attempt to pull his hand off the prospector's grasp.
Naib wasn't able to do that with Norton pulling his hand hard enough to make Naib fall back, eyes meeting when he faced the other direction to hold onto the table to keep balance. Now all those sensations and feelings Norton described earlier were shared by both as their hearts raced and their minds went blank. Norton's black orbs wandered down the lower part of the mercenary's face, capturing the view of those lips. He looked up again and saw Naib's softened expression. He couldn't figure out what force it was that was pulling him closer to Naib but he was initiating something. His face was being drawn closer to the other as his hand moved on its own, making another tug that had his lips finally touching Naib's. Naib's lips were soft and warm. It wasn't the sweetest of kisses, specially when Norton opened his eyes to see the other's widened.
The next thing that came was him being pushed away. “What are you even--”
Naib couldn't continue speaking but his lips savored the flavor of whiskey he tasted on the other's. He felt confused for a second but he held Norton's collar to pull him into another kiss, pressing forward with such determination. The kiss landed firmly on the other's, eyes both flutter closed at the contact. They weren't innocent as they both were kind of dominant. This caused the kiss to go transitioning from a close-lipped kiss to both parting to greet each other's tongue. The taste exchanged was of that liquor they just drank. Being a little drunk just pushed away whatever control these two boys had as the kiss became both passionate and hungry. It felt like they had been waiting for this to happen for so long that neither could find themselves to hold back. And with Norton sliding his hand onto Naib's back and Naib holding onto Norton's chest tightly, the tongue fights became too aggressive almost that their saliva almost dripping at the sides of their mouths. Naib didn't want to lose as he conquered the cave of Norton's mouth. Just the same, Norton wasn't the type to back down as he swirled harder onto that tongue.
Their violent kiss had them breathless and when it was finally broken, Norton spoke, panting for air, “I don't know why but I... I enjoyed that.”
“Me too,” Naib's lips were pulled from the sides, forming a smile. “Should we keep doing that?”
“I think so,” Norton grinned back at the mercenary.
“Well, we could have a repeat of this if you promise you'd tell me everything you're hiding.” Naib smiled at him.
“I'll tell you everything,” Norton looked at him in the eye when he said that. He meant it and he wasn't even visited by the fear of getting judged. Naib was different. All the things he felt around this man proved that he was not the same as the others. He deserved to know everything because Naib had ever been so open to him too.
“I know you fear of me judging you. We all made mistakes in the past.” Naib kissed him again but it was a quick one. “But whatever it is that you did cannot be changed. You have to forgive yourself and move on. There is still kindness in you. Don't let it fade away by blaming yourself consistently by past mistakes.”
Norton was silent at that time and Naib continued to speak. “You're a good man inside, Norton. I know it.”
'Eres un buen hombre, señor.' These words chorused with the voice of the kid that he consistently had in his head. It was fading by the end like it would be the last he'd be haunted by these words. He didn't need to hear them again, he just had to make those words real. The mercenary was right, it was something he kept on doing, blaming himself. Maybe it was time to forgive himself and change for the better. Can he do it? Those were pretty strong words but can he do something big like that?
“I'll be here trying to help you forgive yourself,” Naib kept the smile that Norton loved to see as he held the prospector's hand once again.
Norton didn't think he'd say it but he eventually let the words slip out of his mouth, “I'm glad I met you, Naib Subedar.”