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

Chapter 14 - Dovlin

Knowing full well that he wouldn't be able to get his rest with the foreigner in his room, Norton decided to leave and take a walk around the manor to let the time pass. He didn't bother excusing himself out as he knew the lovers wouldn't really mind.

The night was calm and quiet, but Norton's head was full of unanswered questions. Asking the pioneers would be easy, but he had to get the answers without drawing too much attention to himself. Hopefully, he could get information from Aesop. He's the only one Norton knew who wouldn't question whatever he was up to.

"Hey, lover boy! Come o'er 'ere!"

Norton looked around him, the voice of a woman pulling him out of his reverie. Once he realized that someone was calling him, his steps came to a stop. He was in front of the kitchen doorway. There were three people inside sitting at a candle-lit table.

He pointed a finger to himself, brows raised in wonder. He didn't think he had the reputation of a lover boy.

"Yes, you," the brunette with a white streak on her hair confirmed. "Last time I checked, I'm not cross-eyed or anythin'. C'mon 'ere, Campbell. Join us."

The smell of alcohol invaded the prospector's nose as soon as he walked into the kitchen. Judging from the heavy scent in the air and the empty bottles on the counter, the three had been drinking for a while. He wasn't surprised to see them looking a little intoxicated.

Norton took a seat next to a boy with short curly blond hair. He was wearing a colorful tight suit that defined his toned body and a ruffle around his neck. The boy beamed at him, his hooded blue eyes examining him from head to toe. He seemed too young to be drinking, but the look in his eyes was different. Norton was familiar with it. He used to get that kind of look from the ladies at the bar.

This boy was obviously into him.

"Take a shot, sweetie," the woman urged, sliding a glass towards him filled with red liquid to the brim.

Norton snapped his attention back to the brunette, his eyes falling on the glass and focusing on the exposed cleavage of the woman. Her shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, so it was hard not to notice. Even though he was currently going after the seer, he was still a man. He knew how to appreciate a pair of voluptuous breasts. Aside from that, she had a pretty face that was enhanced by her beauty mark.

"Thanks," he politely replied, averting his eyes from the woman's chest as he took a swig from the glass.

The liquid crawled its way down his throat, leaving a hot trail and sweet taste in his mouth. It's strong, but it's good. It had been so long since a spirit was able to satisfy his taste.

"I'm Demi, by the way, Demi Bourbon if ya still didn't know," the brunette said with a wink. "And these are Margaretha and Mike. They're from the circus." She pointed to her two companions.

Norton faced each one of them with a courteous nod followed by the emptying of his glass. "Nice to meet you. I'm Norton Campbell."

"Everyone knows about you, Mr. Campbell." Margaretha, the brunette in pink, folded her hands in front of her. There was a sly smile playing on her thin lips. "You are that good. My friend here, Mikey, admires you so much."

The blond boy grinned, his already flushed cheeks turning redder at the statement; but he wasn't showing any sign of embarrassment. If anything, he looked proud and confident.

"Yes," Mike purred. "It is true that I admire you...r skills. I hope to be teamed up with you one day, Mister Prospector."

"I appreciate it." Norton chuckled, drinking from his refilled glass. "But I am not that good. I just have really good teammates. It's all about the teamwork."