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

Chapter 20 - Look Good Together

Eli didn't want to believe Lady Yidhra at first; but coming from Fiona herself, it seemed like Norton being a follower of a different deity was true. He would've asked Fiona to tell him more about it if he hadn't been occupied by the thought of Lord Hastur.

Eli knew about Haita. Of course, he had learned about that name when he started worshipping the deity; but he wasn't expecting Hastur to think that he would be like Haita. He didn't think gods could be delusional until that happened.

Despite that, Eli didn't regret what he'd told Hastur. He's a man of his own. He didn't need to rely on a god for his own safety. The last time he did it, he'd ended up trapped in that manor.

On the next day, Eli took the initiative to bring Naib a breakfast on bed in the infirmary. It's the least that Eli could do to thank the mercenary for looking after him when he was the one who needed the rest. Besides, no one else would be taking care of Naib. They're supposed to look out for each other.

"Good morning!" the seer greeted with a smile. "How are you feeling?"

Naib was already awake. He was sat up, a troubled look on his face as he looked down on the diary on his lap. Upon hearing the seer, he looked up and put away the diary on the desk beside his bed.

"I'm feeling better now," he replied, beaming.

Eli set the tray on top of the desk and sat next to the Naib on the bed. He studied the mercenary's face for a moment, eyes wandering down to the bandage that was wrapped around his neck. He felt a shudder run through his spine at the memory it brought.

"I'm sorry. It must have really hurt," Eli muttered, a concerned look replacing his smile.

"Don't worry. It's not that bad." Naib shrugged it off and cleared his throat.

As if by instinct, he reached for the seer's hand and held it between both of his. Eli let him.

"How about you? Are you alright?" the mercenary asked, eyes focused on Eli's hand.

"Of course, I am," Eli answered with a chuckle. "Why won't I be fine?"

He felt uncomfortable, ashamed that he had to hide the truth from his partner.

All of a sudden, the mercenary pulled him into an embrace. Eli tensed up, but he quickly relaxed, thinking that Naib was merely trying to seek comfort.

"What's gotten into you?" he asked with a soft giggle. "Did you miss me so badly?"

Naib kept quiet.

A clearing of the throat caught Eli's attention. He pulled away from Naib and looked over his shoulder to see Norton standing by the doorway. He looked different when he wasn't wearing shabby clothes.

"I knew you'd be here!" Norton exclaimed. "I'm here to pick Eli up. Miss Nightingale said he's coming with us." He waved his hand and smiled, his eyes seeming to focus on the mercenary. "Will that be fine with you, Mr. Subedar?"

Eli's heart race at the presence of the prospector, feeling as if he'd been caught doing a wrong act.

"What will you do if I say it's not fine with me?" Naib replied curtly, brow arched.

Norton shrugged and grinned. "Nothing. It's not your call."

Eli noticed the brunet's hand ball up into a fist. He placed a hand over Naib's knuckles and gave him a reassuring smile.

"You go and eat your breakfast. I'll stop by later after my matches," he said calmly.

Naib took in a deep breath and let out a heavy sigh. "Alright. Be careful, okay?" he muttered softly.