Care (Slashers X Reader)

THIRTY-FOUR

Getting back into your old routine surprisingly was quite easy and quick. You fell back into the rhythm of things as if you never even left in the first place. Of course, it was a bit strange getting thrown back into things in the middle of the week rather than at the start.

Right now you're getting ready for your outdoor time with Norman. This will be your first time going outside since the incident and you're quite excited for it. You've really missed being out in the sun, enjoying your time with the others. 

You smile as you watch the guards turn the corner with Norman in tow. Finally being back to work feels amazing and you're quite glad that your first day back involves a nice relaxing time in the garden with Norman. He makes nice company despite his nervousness.

"Good afternoon, Norman." You greet him once he's closer as you open the door to head outside. 

"G-good afternoon, Nurse (Y/N)." He avoids eye contact, staring down at the ground as he follows you and the guards outside. He's had outdoor time numerous times since your incident and he must admit that he hated it without you there even though that's how it used to be before you came.

The guards remain by the door once outside while you and Norman head off to walk around the yard. The two of you remain silent for a while, simply enjoying each others company and the beautiful weather. It's a nice day outside with the sun high in the sky and a gentle breeze to keep it from being too hot. Definitely the perfect day for your first day back.

At some point during the walk the two of you end up out of the guards sight though they're far too engrossed in their chatter to notice. You don't notice until you're suddenly pinned to the wall, Norman inches from your face with a dark look in his eyes. 

Your heart pounds rapidly in your chest out of shock and fear. "Norman? What's wrong?"

"You stupid girl." A chill runs down your spine at the change in his voice. His hands move to cup your cheeks as he stares at you with an unsettling look. "You had us very worried."

"I'm sorry?" You squeak in confusion, unsure of what's going on or what he's talking about. "Norman, you're scaring me."

"Norman's not here right now sweetie." He smiles, his grip on your face tightening just slightly. You swallow the growing lump in your throat as your minds races trying to understand what he's talking about. It takes a few moments for you to remember what Wanda had told you on your first day.

"Our next patient is a bit of a sensitive case. He can be quite timid in nature but he's also quite dangerous if provoked in any way. He often switches over to his other personality Norma when she feels he's unsafe. Norma is his deceased mother and he often hears her speaking to him. You'll be able to tell if you're talking to the real him based off of his speech patterns."

"Norma?" You whisper, unsure if you're correct but from the smile on her face you know that you are.

"Correct, dear. I must say I'm impressed you figured it out so quickly. You're a smart girl so it's no wonder my Norman likes you so much." You remain silent, unsure how to respond. She takes this as her que to continue. "I really should punish you for worrying us so much. Luckily for you, I promised him I wouldn't harm you."

"I didn't mean to worry you both." Your words come out shakily.

She smiles in understanding, gently patting your cheek. "I know, dear. But just know that if anything like that ever happens again I'll have no choice but to kill everyone and take you far away to a place where you'll be safe."

Your breathing begins to quicken as you grow closer to having a panic attack. This is the first time any of them have blatantly made any threats in regards to you and it's terrifying. You don't want anyone to die because of you. You don't want anyone to kill because of you.

"I promise it won't happen again." The words fall from your lips without thought despite the fact that's not exactly a promise you can guarantee to keep.

"Of course it won't." She gives your cheeks one more squeeze before letting go and walking away. 

You take a few moments to gather yourself, letting your breathing and heartrate return to normal. Straightening yourself out and smoothing out your clothes, you step away from the wall and follow after her. You keep a bit of distance between the two of you, not wanting to interact with Norma anymore than you have to.

As you turn the corner you spot the guards still standing in the same spot as before. It's obvious they didn't care that they couldn't see you or the patient for a while, if they even noticed. There's a good chance they didn't care simply because they either believe the patients will never harm you or they simply don't care if they do. Either way, Norma could've very easily killed you long before either of them noticed.

The second the outdoor time is over you quickly say your goodbyes before rushing off back to your room in order to relax before dinner. The entire situation with Norma left you very shaken but you don't want to worry the others or let them know what happened so you need to be capable of acting normal before you have to see everyone.

You don't blame Norman for what happened, either. And you certainly don't want the others to. It'd make you feel guilty if everyone ganged up on him or attacked him for it. From what you can tell, you know that it's not something he can really control. 

You can only hope that it doesn't happen again in the future.

~~~~~~~~~

I'll be completely honest and say that I've never watched Psycho or Bates Motel so I don't really know anything about Norman or Norma. Norma was mostly based off of other fanfictions I've read and how they depicted her and also how I thought she might act. Hopefully I did an alright job.