A Man for Himself (Norton X Eli) [Identity V] *UNEDITED*

Chapter 25 - Why Indeed

"Why are you still going after that seer? It's not like he's interested in you," Mike said as puffs of residual smoke escape his mouth and nostrils after a long drag off his cigarette. "Besides, you can pretty much handle everything on your own. You're currently undefeated. Do you really need anyone's help?"

The blond acrobat was leaning against a tree, a lit cigarette placed between his two fingers on one hand. By that time, the sun had already set, leaving him and Norton in partial darkness under the faint moonlight. Across from Mike, the prospector was sitting on a fallen log, hands clasped together in deep thoughts. After all that happened, he was still set on finding an excuse to visit Eli.

Glancing up at Mike, Norton could tell that the acrobat had already sobered up a bit after sucking him off. The orgasm made Norton feel a bit better, but it wasn't enough to make him forget about the events that had taken place back at the Golden Cave. He couldn't make himself forget, and whoever was behind it made sure of that.

"Aren't you here for the reward? Fulfilment? Or maybe your goal has changed?" Mike took one last drag from his nicotine stick before flicking it to the ground and stomping on it.

"I never forgot what I came here for," Norton replied, his expression grim. He didn't like his resolve getting questioned. "I just want...more."

Mike walked towards him, leaned down and blew smoke to the prospector's face which sent the latter to a mild coughing fit. Norton's lungs hadn't been better around smoke since the mining accident.

"Greedy." The blond grinned. "Greed is not good, my friend. Never. But who am I to judge?" He cupped Norton's face and lightly pressed his lips against the prospector's. "I'm a little greedy myself. I'll see you later, cutie."

Mike took his leave, his giggles dissolving into the chilly air as he walked away. As if Norton's thoughts weren't chaotic enough, Mike had decided to raise more questions to the turmoil that was the prospector's mind. Why indeed? Why did he want Eli Clark? What's going on anymore? Didn't he come there for the reward alone?

Norton took a deep breath through his mouth and let out a slow, heavy sigh. He had to get his priorities straight since he had no idea how long he would be staying there; but until he got his reward, he figured he could busy himself with other things. Perhaps he could continue searching for treasures or precious stones like the ones he had found in the forest. Maybe he could let himself enjoy the superficial relationships, the fake camaraderie or Eli Clark.

Eli Clark.

What's so good about you, Eli Clark?

Norton got up to his feet and started to march his way back to the manor house. He entered through the heavy double doors and saw some survivors hanging out by the central staircase. Some of them were recognizable, but they were too busy minding their own businesses to notice Norton. Norton was too busy himself to bother.

It was dinnertime. Most of the survivors would be gathering in the dining room. With that thought in mind, Norton headed there to check for Eli; but he found no trace of the seer. Perhaps he was with Naib. After all, the two of them were always together. Norton wouldn't be able to talk to the seer, and he definitely wouldn't be able to do it after dinnertime.

"Would you like some cupcake, Mr. Campbell? It's still hot," Emma offered out of nowhere, holding out her gloved hand to him. In her palm was a small pastry with pink icing on top. "Eli passed by earlier in the kitchen to help us put on the icing. Thought you might want to have a taste."

Norton had been ready to leave the dining room to search for Eli when the gardener spotted him. For some reason, he had been rooted to his spot as if he had been bound to talk to her. Strangely enough, Emma had information about the person he had been looking for.