Work Text:
The whistle of the wind was his only company. The tide pools rippled, he dipped his hands in the salty water, and felt the foam upon his fingertips. The breeze caught his tattered tunic, and he closed his eyes to relish in the kindness of the wind.
The Gorgon let out a long sigh, and looked up to the cloudy, dismal sky. How lovely, the sun wouldn't even come to comfort him in his loneliness.
All that were sent to him were those who desired his end. He looked over his shoulder to the entrance of his cave, where several statues sat in various poses. He rose to his feet, and walked among the men encased in stone, their faces were contorted in fear and rage.
They were elegant, almost artistic, they appeared as if they were taken straight from the palaces of emperors: the finest sculptors would be put to shame at their splendor.
The Gorgon traced his hand over their frozen tunics as he passed them by, he never knew their names, nor their stories, nor what prizes they'd receive for his head.
They never thought to ask the Gorgon's story. They never thought to ask his true name, or why he was cursed. They attacked him upon sight, which was the last thing they ever did.
They never got close, for whence they looked into his eyes, they froze forever.
To be cursed was to never truly live, and to constantly be in fear of others, as they are in fear of you. And the Gorgon understood the fear that others felt, for even he feared himself
So he'd spend his days of hermit-hood alone, collecting things from the sea day in and out. Years washed in and out with the tides, many of which he'd never see man, and some he'd see a dozen.
The wind was restless when the Gorgon received a visitor. He looked up to the cliffs when rocks came racing down to the shoreline, and he could make out the silhouette of a human. The monster watched curiously as the person fumbled across the rugged terrain, a few times he wondered if the other would fall, but they managed uneasily.
From the shadows the Gorgon watched the person clamber down the cliff side and make their way onto the beach, where they inched closer towards his dwelling.
It was a small man, with dark olive skin and long chocolatey hair. He had with him a sword, but it was bound in leather, and you could only know it was a weapon by the uncovered hilt.
He seemed to use the sword as more of a cane, he leaned into it as he walked, and made sure to touch the surrounding objects with it many times. The Gorgon hopped across the rocks, sneaking towards the stranger. Up close he could clearly see the eyes of the man, and they were an eerie pale blue.
A blind man, wielding a sword. A blind man who walked past the Gorgon, completely unaware of his presence.
The stranger suddenly stopped, and sat upon the rocks, then he rested his weapon in his lap as he faced the sea.
"A storm is coming soon.”
The human spoke. The Gorgon looked to the skies, dark clouds were rolling in on the water in the distance.
“I do not only mean the weather. “
The monster looked back to the human, and the human looked in the Gorgon's direction. The monster froze as their eyes met, as if he were the one being turned to stone. The human remained flesh and bone, much to the bewilderment of the Gorgon. The serpents upon his head even seemed startled.
"Are you...speaking to me?”
The monster hissed, his voice was hoarse and froglike from not being used.
“Who else would I be speaking to? The gods? I'm sure you know that they've already damned us.”
The creature gasped and held his breath, waiting to be smited by the wrath of Zeus himself. Yet no punishment came.
The blind man laughed, and shook his head.
"The gods don't listen, after years of prayer I learned that the hard way."
He said bitterly.
"I'm sure you didn't just come here to have a talk with me.”
The Gorgon spoke.
"And I'm sure you don't want to be killed. Unless I'm wrong?”
The monster thought for a few moments, then approached the other man. The blind man turned his head to listen to his footsteps upon the sand, and raised his eyebrows in surprise as the Gorgon sat at his feet.
“I am tired. I am tired of being a monster. Perhaps you could free me."
He lowered his head and held out his palms in surrender. The blind man reached out, and placed his hand on the Gorgon's head, the snakes upon his skull hissed for a few moments, then became calm under his touch.
"Pathetic is a man who wishes for death. Get up, Gorgon. Am I begging for you to kill me because I am cursed with blindness? No. For every day that you are breathing you are blessed.”
The monster sat embarrassed and dumbstruck as the other man reprimanded him.
"Up I said.”
The Gorgon scrambled to his feet, he towered over this human, yet the blind man held more authority.
"Do you have a shelter?"
The blind man inquired.
“Yes."
The monster replied.
"Well, let us go there. It will rain soon."
Once the human finished his sentence, a streak of lightening crossed the sky, and thunder rumbled the earth.
"Follow me then."
The Gorgon made sure to travel slowly, so that the other could keep up, but the blind man huffed and tapped the back of his heels to speed him up. The small man seemed to be very impatient, for he continued to poke at the Gorgon's heels until the snake-headed man kicked back at the weapon.
"Could you not do that?”
“Could you hurry up then?”
Impatient...
The Gorgon thought to himself.
The mouth of the cave loomed over the pair, the Gorgon took a moment to address his guest.
“I'm afraid I won't have much to provide for you, I don't have wine or bread.”
"That is fine. I can imagine your hospitality lies in your words, not your food.”
The monster was appreciative of the blind man's words, but guilt still festered in his mind. The Gorgon attempted to tidy up as they came into the cavern; a few items were strewn about the floor, fish bones lingered here and there, a couple washed up items were scattered about, the monster even attempted to scoot pebbles out of the blind man's way.
“You can sit here, though it won't be very comfortable.”
The monster patted a rock, which usually served as a table. The blind man felt with his sword for the Gorgon's hand, then hobbled over to rest his feet.
“I can get a fire started."
The Gorgon offered, and rushed to collect wood and tools then placed them in the center of the space. He spent a few moments clacking rocks together before he finally got a spark. He worked in silence, occasionally he'd cast a glance over his shoulder to his guest, who was waiting patiently with his eyes closed.
"May...May I know your name?”
The monster asked, unsure of whether it was appropriate to ask.
"Naib."
The blind man replied simply.
"Ah...“
The Gorgon was surprised the human complied without question.
The fire began to crackle with life, the orange-yellow light bounced off of the cave walls, and stretched towards the end of the tunnel, which showed that it had begun to rain, as the blind man had said.
"Do you have a name outside of 'The Gorgon'?”
Naib inquired as the Gorgon took his seat on the stone floor.
"Oh...um...“
The monster hadn't expected the other man to ask his name...It'd been so long since someone had said it, he'd almost forgotten it himself.
“Norton.”
“Its a pleasure to meet you, Norton.”
The snakes upon his head hissed in delight, and the Gorgon put his hands on his scalp to keep them quiet.
“You know, I've heard so many stories of you, from ones where you kill children to others where your snakes spit poison. Never have I heard that you would take someone in or apologize for not being a proper host.”
“Never would I have expected a man who didn't try to kill me immediately.”
"Hmm...“
They sat together, listening to the roar of the storm outside.
"Is that why you wish for death?”
“What...do you mean?”
“Do you wish for death because others wish it upon you?”
Norton pondered the question before deciding his answer.
"No...I want to live."
"Good."
“If you'd like, you can stay here until the storm passes over...or however long you must.”
"Thank you.”
-
The rains and winds blew with a vengeance through the entire night, so the human stayed. And after that, some weeks later, he stayed again.
And again.
And again.
"So, you collect things that wash ashore?”
Naib felt the coin in his hands: it was a gift from the Gorgon. It glimmered in the golden light of the fire, as Naib turned it from one side to the other, the engravings glowed brightly.
"Yes, it's very interesting. You never know what's gonna come from the sea. And I like to collect stones, here's my favorite.”
Norton passed the blind man another item, it was a smooth, flat rock, and although he couldn't see it, it was a vibrant emerald color. Naib rubbed his calloused fingers along the surface, and cracked a soft smile.
"I'm sure it looks better than it feels.”
"Ah...well...yeah…”
Norton scrambled to get another item to show his companion.
“Here's a weird knife I found, be careful though, it's still kinda sharp-“
He gently gave Naib the weapon, and folded his fingers together. The blind man studied the blade with his hands, and twirled it around playfully to show off for the monster, who became tense as the other man toyed with the weapon.
"Naib, be careful!”
He worried.
"You're funny...I've been trained since I was little to fight. I only went blind a few years ago.”
Norton perked up with interest, this was the first time the blind man really mentioned his history.
“You were trained?”
"Yeah...it's not that important though.”
“That's amazing!"
The Gorgon watched as the other man's face grew a little pink.
“Yeah, it's useful when people try to take advantage of you when you can't see.”
"I wouldn't do that to you!”
The monster rested his hand on the human's lap reassuringly, and the snakes upon his head hissed in agreement.
" 'Course you wouldn't, cause I'd kick your ass!”
Naib laughed, loud and true, but Norton was hesitant to join. He tried to chuckle, but it had been quite some time since he had laughed. It sounded weird and dry, so he stopped immediately.
"Are you alright?"
The blind man asked.
"Yes, it's just...I haven't had anything to laugh at in years,”
“Well I'll consider myself lucky then. I'm the first to make the infamous Gorgon laugh.”
“You're the first for a lot of things.”
Norton shyly fiddled with his fingers, the Gorgon's serpents hissed in delight. Embarrassed, he tried to cover the snakes on his head with his palms, and they nipped at him in protest.
"Like?”
“Like you're the first to not try to kill me! You're the first guest I've ever had...and you're my first friend in gods know how long…”
"Who said we were friends?”
The Gorgon's stomach dropped, the blind man looked expressionless for a few moments, before his lips curled into a grin.
"I'm kidding!”
He assured Norton, and patted his shoulder.
"Don't be so serious!”
Norton found it in him to chuckle a little, and the pair quickly redirected themselves to a different topic.
"Are you hungry?”
The Gorgon asked, though he already knew the answer.
“Yes.”
Naib seemed to have a bottomless pit instead of a stomach: he seemed to always have room for a meal, despite how much he has eaten before.
“I've got some berries I've gathered!”
The blind man listened as his companion shuffled around his home to fetch some sustenance. Norton quickly returned to his spot next to Naib, and grabbed the other man's hand. Ever so gently, he placed a few berries in the blind man's palm, and smiled.
"Thanks.”
They ate in near silence, but it was mostly because Norton stared at Naib wordlessly the entire time.
“I can feel your eyes on me.”
Naib warned
"Oh, sorry…”
Norton quickly averted his gaze, and busied himself with his berries.
"What's on your mind?’
Naib inquired.
“Nothing.”
"Then why are you watching me?"
“I just like to,”
This was true, but he also had a question that kept fluttering about in his brain...They'd never spoken about it before, Naib never mentioned anything of it, but...
"Actually...I have a question.”
"Ask away.”
"Do you have a lover?”
"A lover?"
Naib repeated incredulously, and his tone made the monster immediately regret his inquiry. He hoped he hadn’t offended the human.
"Why do you ask?”
Norton grew pink, his snakes hissed loudly in embarrassment.
"I was just curious…”
“To answer your question, no. I don't."
Somehow, that brought relief to the Gorgon.
“I have no status, as far as society is concerned, so no woman would want to take me as a husband,”
"But if you weren't blind, would you have a wife?”
“Honestly, probably not. I don't have any interest in women.”
"Then what are you interested in?”
The Gorgon watched as the blind man became red.
"...I'm interested in visiting you. Believe it or not, you are one of my only friends!”
"I'm charmed,”
"As you should be.”
They laughed.
-
One day, Naib had a strange request. It was nothing that Norton wouldn't comply with, but it was out of the ordinary for the blind man to ask such a thing.
"Can I touch you?...Your face, maybe?”
“Touch my face?”
“Yes. I'd like to imagine what you'd look like.”
The Gorgon thought for a moment, then took Naib's hands in his own. Norton noticed they were quite small compared to his own.
"You may.”
The human's fingertips traced the lines etched in the Gorgon's hands, he felt the rough edges and traced his fingers. He moved up to the monster's arms, which were strong and firm with muscle. On the left side of his body, however, human skin connected with a scaly pattern of flesh, where his curse ruined his body.
"Is this…?”
“Snake skin. It's ugly..."
“I like the way it feels,”
Norton grew pink, and closed his mouth. Naib traversed over the two different terrains, and mapped out the spaces upon Norton's chest and collar, unbeknownst to him that the Gorgon was becoming more and more flustered under his palms. Finally, the blind man reached for Norton's face, he stroked the smooth flesh upon his right cheek, and caressed the snake skin upon his left. Naib dipped his fingers along the monster's nose then back up towards his brows, piecing together an image of his companion in his head.
"You have a nice face.”
Naib stated, and withdrew his touch. The Gorgon wanted to chase after those gentle hands, but he found himself unable to speak, or move, or think. He was still lost in the moment of Naib caressing his head, as if it were a precious gem.
“I like your face too.”
Norton said stupidly after a few moments. Naib chuckled, and placed his palm back to the Gorgon's cheek. Norton's heart skipped a few beats as he leaned into the touch and looked down upon the blind man, the man who he had become to grow very, very fond of. He wondered if Naib was feeling the same things he was...was he having trouble breathing? Did he get sweaty and nervous whenever they were close? Did Naib think of Norton as often as Norton thought of him.
Surely this was all in his head, no one would ever love a wretched creature such as himself. Yet his heart still held a small bit of hope that his feelings would be mutual.
"Do you remember when I said that I didn't really have much interest in women?”
“Yes.”
The monster murmured
"...I have an interest in...men.”
"Men?”
Norton echoed.
“Yes.”
Naib pulled away, evidently ashamed of the confession he had just made.
"It's strange...queer...vile…”
"What? Why?”
"Men shouldn't be interested in men as they are in women. It's unnatural!”
The blind man rose to his feet.
"I shouldn't have come here. I can't visit you anymore.”
Norton's heart became lodged in his throat as Naib turned to leave. He caught the human by the wrist.
"Please don't go. I have an interest too! I'm…”
His breath hitched, his words caught on his tongue. Naib clung to Norton's words, waiting for the confirmation.
I'm interested in you. I think I may be in love with you Naib.”
The human cringed, and yanked away from the Gorgon's grip.
"You can't...We can't! Goodbye Norton.”
The Gorgon watched quietly as the blind man turned his back to him, and left the cave. Norton hated the sight, hated the feeling of seeing the human go. He longed to chase after him, but his feet wouldn't budge no matter how much he urged them forth.
He stood there for the longest time, his heart ached more than it ever had in his life.
He'd stare outside of the cave for hours, waiting for Naib to come back...for days he'd go without rest, without food, without drink. In agony he'd wait for the human's return, wait for him to change his mind, yet the Gorgon only saw the sun come across the sky, and fade into black with the coming of night.
And eventually, he tired of waiting.
The Gorgon returned to his life before, as if Naib never stumbled in to give him purpose. However every time he turned, something reminded him of the blind man. The berries he'd pick from the cliffs. Anything green he'd pluck from the shore. The fire that roared when he cooked his meals.
It was maddening, truly.
-
The Gorgon sifted through the sands, snails and sand dollars and sea stars turned up. He let out a sigh, and tossed a few shells into the foam of the waves, then sat back and looked out to the sea.
“Norton.”
A voice behind him disturbed his mindless staring, he scrambled to his feet. Naib stood a few paces away, leaning on his leather-bound sword.
"Naib?“
The Gorgon murmured, hardly believing his eyes and ears. The snakes upon his head hissed in joy, his heart swelled with euphoria.
The human dropped his weapon, and began to run blindly towards the Gorgon, and Norton began to sprint towards Naib. They met half-way, Naib dragged the monster down to the sand and kissed him.
He kissed his eyes, his brows, his lips, Norton turned crimson, but returned the soft gestures.
“I'm sorry. I'm sorry”
Naib whispered between their lips, but Norton hushed him with his mouth. They lay there, arms, legs, bodies tangled together in the sand, feeling one another as if it were their last day living.
"I thought I'd never see you again…”
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry.”
Naib repeated again like it was a prayer.
“I'm not much better than the gods, am I?”
He laughed, tears welled up and fell down his cheeks.
“No...you're way better...you came back!”
Norton tucked his head into his partner's shoulder, the snakes snuggled in tightly to Naib's warm body.
"I’m sorry. I was so afraid to face you after what I’d said, because I knew I’d hurt you. I lied to myself…and I lied to you…Will you have me anyways?”
Norton smiled, and silence enveloped the pair as their lips melted together.
-
Life became so much brighter than it had been before. In the Gorgon's endless night, Naib brought the day; in the human's blindness, Norton brought color to his world.
The visits never ceased, Naib clambered down excitedly towards the cave.
"Norton!”
He called, waiting for his beloved to greet him at the mouth of the cavern. He only heard his voice echoing down the tunnel.
“Norton!”
He called again, and entered the cave. He felt around for his lover, his hands grazed smooth stone and rough wood, but no warm skin.
He hit something sturdy with his sword, and smiled.
"Found you."
He said, and opened his arms to embrace his beloved. Yet he hugged cold stone. Immediately he pulled away, confusion muddled his mind. He placed his hands on the rock before him, his palms skimmed upwards towards a familiar face.
“Norton?”
No longer was the Gorgon flesh and bone. Forever he would be encased in a tomb of granite. The human fell at the statues feet, forcing back sobs that threatened to spill from his throat.
"Norton?"