Work Text:
.
.
.
The night was full as the skies were pitch black with nothing but stars sparkling everywhere, trees casting shadows over the grassy ground whilst the moon casted over the surface, the moon was the only source of light that shined bright down the earth, besides the sounds Owls who hooed mixed with the chirps of the crickets and the soft rustled of the leaves, it was quiet
No person ever dared to step into this forest, nor was anyone were crazy enough to explore here, not even camp.
Except for Y/n. Whom was an Archaeologist, an explorer destined to travel around the globe to discover and learn about cultures she knows nothing of.
Y/n gently wiped the sweat off her forehead as she panted like a dog, letting out a 'phew', she was a fairly beautiful lady with a gentle, soft but also sharp and fair face-features, her hair was an f/c colour and perfectly lengthen, matching her face her eyes which was an unique E/c color, her travel clothes were slightly warn but not filthy at least.
the young girl had be walking for maybe 3 hours now and she was exhausted and really wanted to stop, and yet she hasn't even found a perfect spot to camp and the girl doesn't even know rather if it will rain or not,
curious, she checked the time on her watch.
10:20...
The young, mature lady was surprised to see that it had already been so long. to the point she could've sworn it was 7:00 on the clock a few minutes ago, but then again it's pitch black out here and she's obviously been walking for so long.
She decides to not think to much on this.
“Just need to keep going...” she murmured in a determined tone. “If dad could do it, so can I—”
With a game-on look. She pushed forward.
She was focused on her goal and to where she'd be going, if anything she didn't wanna waste her Dad's wealth and his hard work to even allow his own daughter, a woman, Y/n to become an explorer like her father, just of course a little different. Her father was and still is an famous explorer and she was pratically lucky that her dad was kind enough man to allow her to do this and a really wealthy man to get her to do this.
he was really popular around where she and her family lived. everyone LOVED and ADORED her father so much and her father had inspired many and many people and even herself,
Even other wealthy men from across the world praised him.
There may be good in having a rich and famous dad, but sometimes there were some negatives to it, like never being able to get real friends,
Y/n rarely has any friends because every girl were so fake, and most likely only would wanna use her for her money.
she couldn't even find a lover, all the men she knew loved her dad so much more than they cared about her, but she was pretty introverted anyway so it was half good for her.
Though she use to have two, very close friends in the past, one of them were younger than Y/n while the other was the oldest, they were her only true friends at the time,
and then she had another close (boy)friend, but now they were gone, and were said to be dead from the explosion..
Though she could care less about it due to their last conversation they had before they ever spoke again, Y/n wasn't gonna let all of that affect her life and prevent her from following her dreams. even if a part of her is saddened by what happened to him.
Maybe she still cared.
“God dammit...” Y/n muttered to herself in exhaustion, her droppy eyes looked around, hoping to find shelter.
“There has to be a cave somewhere..” she looks around thoroughly in almost desperation, having the unease in her stomach grow as she shines the bulky flashlight around her path.
She stopped for a moment as she took a deep breath, standing straight up straight like a soldier. “It's fine, You've done this with dad before.. you guys went camping and it wasn't so bad” she muttered to herself in reassurance. til she gave an awkward look “Besides the spiders and all that—” she shivered to herself and let out an ick look, shaking off the thought.
She looked forward. after taking a moment to take in her surroundings, she does to talk and slight right and carry onwards.
She had to admit to herself mentally, she was nervous. she loved nature. yes, but she was also terrified when it was dark, she never liked the darkness, fortunately she could handle it, but it doesn't mean it never scared her.
Y/n had hope though, that's something she always held onto and refused to give up this instant, even if her legs grows sore and weak, she refuses to stay in the middle of nowhere and be potentially eatened alive.
And without giving up, the more Y/n walked forward, the more she noticed something in the distant, she can see that there's a cliff, which almost got her hopes up, but then she can see a cave..
Her eyes widens at the sight, her lips slowly twitched to a smile in both relief and excitement, the young woman immediately moved her feet and jogged her way to the cave.
Pushing the bushes aside, she finally makes it close to the cave. Slowing her steps as she observed it with her light, seeing that there doesn't seem to be any animals or beings in there, confirming that she can go inside which she quickly does before anything else.
Suddenly a lightning could be heard from the afar, her ears catching that easily, she looked outside, letting a sigh of relief “Well, ain't this my lucky night..” she whispered to herself in ease, finally taking a breather, a thought slowly came to mind like a memory rushing in to haunt her.
“Really wish Emma and Emily were here..” she muttered to herself in a saddened tone, gently rubbing her arm up and down.
“Bless their souls, I hope they're in a better place..” she smiles softly “Maybe I can continue what they did, Maybe I can grow a garden too, and help others like Emily did..” she added with hint of hope that hid behind her tone. She sighed to herself as she swallowed her guilt.
“I miss you guys” she muttered one last time, quickly wiping a tear that dared to form before she fell into complete silence and focuses on her survival for tonight.
Y/n took another look around the cave, lifting her flashlight to shine her light further to see how deep and big the cave was, taking a few steps forward slowly whilst her e/c eyes scanned her surroundings carefully.
but the closer she gets, the more she sees how deeper the caves go.
Til she noticed a mine cart and other paths that it can potentially take her somewhere, in realization her brows rose, realizing that she's literally close to the mines—
“There's a mine here..?” she asked herself softly, genuinely surprised.
Her curiosity got the best of her and couldn't help but to go further inside, almost forgetting that she was here for only shelter.
but she stopped herself immediately and looked down 'What am I doing—' she thought to her with an unease look on her face. 'I shouldn't even...'
She stared forward at the mine cart.
If it weren't for the times she was in caves with her old friend and what he taught her, she wouldn't have ever had any interest and been so caught up on exploring.
She knows to not get involved with work only men could ever do,
She closes her eyes (insert that dog meme look) and slowly drew in some air through her nostrils, before letting out a sigh
“Just a quick look..” she says to herself, half annoyed at how curiousity got the best of her, while mostly nervous.
She lowered her guard down and finally had the guts to go in as she walked in, she didn't which direction to take, though she looked at the old mine cart, wondering if it's perhaps still functional, given she's always wanted to ride these as a kid.
Seeing that it had a power rail, she decided to give it a try out of curiosity. Stepping inside of it carefully.
She scanned the place, if she recalls correctly, all the men who worked here had to do was pull the rail in and out repeatedly to get it to work, so with all her might and strentgh, she did just that with a grunt.
to her surprise, the cart actually worked! she started to move forward and she couldn't help but to grin at the fact that it actually worked— she was so amazed and felt pretty thrilled to have such an experience.
“It works..” she mumbled to herself, almost childishly, she didn't know why but this was incredible, she was never allowed in so experiencing this was a treat.
She didn't even care how slightly slow or rusty the wheels were, this was still as most gratifying to do, this is something she never got to do ever til now
(You gotta admit. They seem kinda fun to ride on esp in the game)
[Slight timeskip]
The minutes pass and her arm begins to grow tired while still pulling and pushing the handle, however she notices in the distance
that she's getting pretty close to the mines, her eyes sparkled, eager to see what was there so she started to intensify her movements a little.
The cart speed up and she got closer to where she wanted to be, what she didn't expect to see was some light, an lantern close by— her brows furrowed in confusion, why is there a lantern here? Are people working here?
As her cart kept going, she the place looks like a mess, almost as if someone had damaged the place— she shined the bulk-shaped flashlight around certain areas to get a better look, it couldn't have been from some explosion
Y/n thought, yet. it was like people had a pretty intense fight here maybe.. Pickaxe' laying around broken or parted, lunch boxes all over the place, and a few hats prospectors usually wear, The place definitely seemed mostly... broken.
Y/n stopped her movement and waited for the cart to stop, and once it slowed down she immediately got off carefully, she observed the abandoned mine curiously.
'It seems like some people were mining here before..' He guesses, til she notices another cart— with axes in them! And.. a few bags— she quickly went to that cart and looked in, confusion written all over her face as she shined her light down in the cart.
“Pickaxe'... Bags.. and some ores, There really were miners here— but why would they leave their stuff? Did they forget it here? That wouldn't make sense.” she whispered quietly to herself in thought as she took mental note of everything.
'That bag looks like it has some clothes in them— does someone perhaps live here?' she mentally guessed, she continued to investigate the area, then noticed in the corner of her eye that there was a torn fabric close by— a fabric from possibly a green T-shirt and then above her a hat of a prospector with an handle stick onto it hanging onto the wall.
But what caught her eye, and made her stomach twist was the old, dried blood splattered over the rocky walls and floor, to make the matters worst, as Y/n shined her flashlight around, she could see even fresh blood near by as it glistened from the light she shined over.
Y/n softly gulped as her hand that held the flashlight shook, she started to feel uneasy about this place, there was enough proof to show that she shouldn't be here,
So Y/n did what would be best for her own life and started walking back to the path she came from—
However she stopped her tracks quick as she heard the sounds of rocks far away, her hearted jumped and a gasp almost escaped her lips, She quickly turned in the direction from which she heard the sound.
The sounds started to intensify, it was of rocks and yet almost sounded like someone was walking-
“Shit..” she softly murmured to herself in panic as her heart rate began to increase intensely, so in a flash she observed the environment
and saw an knocked over cart close to a huge pile of rocks and immediately runs there and hides, crouching down carefully while peeking out silently right after switching off her flashlight to not attract the possible enemy—
The young Archaeologist was not prepared for what she is about to witness, as her eyes widened at the sight, she nearly gagged at what was almost, and mostly a man, and yet clearly was not—
The figure was an unusually tall and slender, appearing to be at least 8 feet in height, with it's abdomen seemingly fused with rock formations, with a hole in the middle of it's stomach, and both their arms were clearly made of rock as well.
The left side of it's hand were huge and looked the most inhuman out of the other hand which was covered by a glove it wore, It's left leg and carves separated and yet somehow stayed together, the figure was clearly dressed like an miner himself.
But what caught Y/n's attention the most is his glowing eyes, she couldn't see his face fully but she can see the glow, and most of all, how she could see that the mutated, rock-fused monster was somehow clearly human,
just the shape of his face could be seen to be human, even his messy hair.
'How is such a thing possible...?' she thought, she never believed in such things but seeing this herself, she can't tell if she's hallucinating, dreaming or if this is clearly real.
Til she remembered the rumors she heard before, about a figure called 'Fool's Gold', who lived in the mines and would kill anyone who dare to steal the gold he found or tressured,
Y/n didn't want to believe this, but the truth was standing right in front of her in the distance—
She heard a sound and her body jolted— she immediately covered her mouth to keep herself quiet while she looked back at the creature to see what he's doing with rounded eyes—
The man stared down at the cart that Y/n rode in, Y/n couldn't see his face but she heard almost a sound of annoyance, oh no...
'Oh no..' she thought to herself as she realized that the monster might know that she's here somewhere, she quickly pulled away and hide further as she kept her mouth shut with both hands while preventing herself from getting caught.
The man looked around, breathing queitly and yet heavily, his facial expression forming to a cold sneer, Angered by the fact that someone's here. he knew damn well someone is down here, and whoever they were are somewhere in this cave, exploring in his domain.
He led out a low growl of anger whilst he started searching for the person. his voice low and husky, as if almost his breathing was strained. His voice alone sent a chill down Y/n's spine, but she almost recognized that voice.. Though immediately shooks her head immediately in denial.
'There is no time for nostalgia, Y/n. Concentrate on survival!!' she mentally reminded herself as he gradually moved away from the rocks where she was concealed.
Y/n gazed at the pale man with fear and concerned whilst she thought about the potential consequences if she were noticed. Her priority was to leave immediately.
'he's too close to my way out, maybe if I can just wait for him to move, maybe I can sneak past, I can't create a diversions, too risky..' The young woman planned in her head. she was hesitant but there was no other options, none she could think of.
She observed the tall figure every move, and that figure slowly turn to Y/n' a direction, making her pull back and immediately cover her lips again with her whole palm, eyes widened as her chest rising intensely in and out, .
'Oh god oh god oh god all mighty—' The young explorer's eyes shifted to the side as she heard foot steps grow close while the rocks rustled with each movement.
Slowly scooting aside, she watched with terror when the rock-fused figure walked past, somehow not even noticing that she is here close by. With wide eyes she watched the tall figure, slowly approaching further away to another minecart that seems to have crashed-landed around the corner into the rest of the rocks fallen in here.
'This may not be the best idea, but it's my only opportunity..' She carefully stood up, making sure to be silent, thankful for wearing boots rather than heels.
she kept her eye onto the mutated figure, looking around when need again to not bump into any objects around here.
Noticing that she was near the minecart she had entered, she quietly slipped away after a final glance, avoiding any incident..
'Oh my god, I actually made it!—' she celebrated in mind, but for now there was no time for celebration, so she kept her mouth shut from letting out any sounds, shining her light to the direction she is heading to.
'That was somehow so easy, but God what am I gonna tell the police, the people around here about this, that there really is a Fool' s Gol—'
*crack*
Her eyes widened in shock, freezing in place as her skin went pale, The young woman cautiously looked down at her feet and realized she had accidentally knocked over a pitch-black rock that had gone unnoticed..
“Shit...” she whispered to herself in a quivered tone, only to hear from further away a 'Huh?' ' of confusion from ahead, followed then with hard, thumping and speeding footsteps coming her way.
So as fast as the wind, Y/n ran for her life like everything depended on it, panting as her heart raced with urgency, she could hear the steps getting closer behind her, she didn't dare to look back, she didn't want to. she didn't want to look at death itself in the eye and die at the hands of some rock-mutated monster.
Y/n passed all the rocks that trembled due to the hunter's heavy steps, following the tracks that lead her down here, it's further away before she could get to freedom, so she gave it her all as she put her strength she's got in her legs in hopes to make it.
Abruptly, as Y/n maneuvered around and over piles of rocks, an pickaxe whizzed past her, landing near the rock pile, which began to topple.
“Ahh!!—” Y/n gasped and yelped in shock at the rock-formed axe that narrowly missed her.
She almost stopped but instead vaulted over the rocks, almost slipping and sliding down but by luck made it back on her feet.
She heard the cold chuckles of the monster behind her as the axe seem to have flew back to him, which gave her the chills.
Hearing it laugh and mock the victim made Y/n's blood run cold and further pushed her limits to speed in pure fear. “Stay away from me!!” Y/n yelled back at the creature.
The rock-fused man laughed huskily once again playfully yet coldly, slowly aiming his axe again towards the lady in front of him.
Looking back, Y/n noticed what he was doing and panicked, looking around, she reached out and grabbed a rock near by, God this place was full of rocks and orbs. Y/n turned “Hey rocky! *Catch. This!” she sneered as she threw the rock perfectly into the man's face who growled in anger as he nearly dropped his axe. (it definitely hit his nose piercing a bit)
'Huh, So he is still flesh—' Y/n thought curiously before focusing back onto her objective.
Y/n couldn't see clearly but she could see that she was close— close of getting out of here, a glimmer of hope began to grow, hope was written all over her face at just the sight of possible freedom.
“Almost there!” she panted to herself in relief.
However, Her hope was soon washed away when the same, rock-made pickaxe out of nowhere landed right in front of her,
The young Archaeologist screamt as she stopped in her tracks but slipped to the ground sides-first, letting out a grunt of pain. She immediately began to pick herself up to escape.
But before she could even stand, a rocky, 3-fingered hand grabbed ahold of her waist making Y/n shriek and yell as she dropped her flashlight. (which perfectly lands and points to the hunter)
kicking her feet back and forth to set herself free, but it was of no use. Y/n's hands tried to break free from the creature's 'hand', but the force in the grip was strong, almost blocking her lungs.
“Let me go!” Y/n demanded in fear, still kicking her feet and shaking like crazy.
Y/n felt herself being brought to the monster himself, whom she looked at, seeing that sinister smile growing on his pale face, she could see a pericing between his nose under the nasol bone. And apart of his face right by where his eyes glowed were rocks, yet they were shaped like those were once injuries, the man's face started to feel familiar.
“Ahh.. got you—” he muttered through his husky tone, letting out a chilling chuckle in such amusement.
“Ngh..—” Y/n grunted her teeth uncomfortably at how tightly his had held her waist, she stared directly at the man face to face “I didn't know this was your home— just let me go! I won't tell anyone!” she demanded yet again.
She doesn't know how she has the guts to talk to him like that but she had it, and the creature liked that as he chuckled.
Y/n took a look at him again, scanning over him as she immediately questioned “Are you... Are you 'Fool's Gold'?”
He didn't answer, all he could do was let out a hum before speaking a single sentence. “You humans are pathetic...” he said, bringing his head closer as he grinned further. the rock-fused man didn't seem to be fully verbal, only saying shorter words to the frightened, young woman.
Y/n leaning her head back, trying to get away form that thing as her e/c eyes glared at the man, the monster looked nearly familiar, which started to buffle her mind... why did he look so much like someone she knew? There was something about this creature that gave her dejá vu... Y/n's eyes scanned the thing, and Fool's Gold glared back til both the hunter and the hunted shared a look of curiosity, til something clicked in his mind.
Those eyes looked familiar, too familiar, the shape of her face, the way she looked at him with such feirce.. Fool's Gold' smile began to fade as something in him began to awaken, his looks almost softening as he lightly tilted his head and leaned closer.
Though the young Archaeologist snapped out of her thoughts and grew uncomfortable at the closeness, looking at him suspiciously. “Hey, what are you..” she slowly looked back at him in confusion, why isn't he doing anything? Hurting her, killing her, taking her somewhere to be slaughtered? What was even happening?
'No, it cannot be... but she looks just like her.. And her voice..' Fool's Gold thought as his eyes slowly widened, scanning her face over and over, his lips slowly parted to speak, yet nothing came out. other than...
“Y/n....”
Y/n' eyes widened when the creature chanted sonsoftly her name, her brows furrowed in confusion. "How do you know my name?— who are you?”
Fool's Gold' look softened, a wide, blissful smile formed on his pale lips, it really was her, he knew it. he thought he was going further insane, but it was actually her, after so many years of being alone, hunting those who dared to enter his place while he searched all over for the light of his life.
He fell to his knees as they grated against the hard ground and pulled Y/n into a tight embrace closely against his cold, rock-mutated body. Y/n's heart skipped a beat as she yelped at the sudden hug—
“It's really you..” he whispered close to her ear with emotion.
Y/n felt a mix of fear and concern for herself, uncertain about how to react. Why was he suddenly embracing her? What were his intentions? Most importantly and still, how did he know her name?
“Wh.wha...” Y/n mumbled out in confusion as her eyes scanned all around her, looking at the man with uncertainty.
“Why are you— what are you...” Y/n's fear kicked back in and immediately tries to pull away as she remembered that this man literally tried to kill her, and she is now trapped in his arms.
“Let me go!—”
“Y/n...” Fool's Gold chanted her name again not letting her go as she held her tighter
“It's me ...—rton. ” he whispered to her almost so gently, blurring out his name,
Just the word 'rton' made Y/n's eyes widen, she leaned back and looked at the man in front of her with a look of shock and questioning.
“What did you just say..?”
The man looked back at her, his gold, white glowful eyes softened as he repeated
“Don't you recognize me, my gem? It's me, Norton..”
It finally clicked
Her jaw slowly started to hang, her eyes rounded abruptly and her body froze completely as she stared at the man in front of her in realization, disbelief and shock whilst the memories rushed into her mind.
It was him, it was really, really him. the man that she separated from those years ago, the first man she ever fell in love with all those years ago and yet the same one who broke her heart.
It hasn't even been that long, and yet feels like it's been too long.. she doesn't know if she is happy. angry, or sad or even relieved to see him again.
“N..Norton?” She uttered, her shaking hand slowly reached out to touch him, the back of her fingers gently caressed against his cheek.
As the taller man felt her warm touch, he immediately leaned into her touch like a cat. closing his eyed, his smile widened as his lips tightened.
“Yes, it's me...” Fool's Gold said quietly in a whisper with emotion, his eye opened to look into Y/n's.
Y/n's breath hitched, her eyes started to well, her face contorted as she tackled him into a hug closely. “My god, Norton!” she cried out, holding onto him tightly like a koala as she gripped his shirt, tears dripping down to her jaw.
The taller man returned her embrace with no hesitation, holding the shorter woman gently against him. "Y/n..." he murmured her name again, keeping her close against his body as if afraid she might vanish again.
“I've missed you so much..” He slowly pulled her away, facing her eye to eye, his hands holding her ribs as gently as possible.
“I..” he paused, almost as if struggling to come up with words. his mind drifts off at the veiw of the beautiful lady right in front of him, whom stared back with teary, reddened eyes as she listened patiently to him.
“I never knew I'd see your face again..”
The young explorer's gaze mellowed as her teary eyes softened, slowly reaching her hand out to caress his cold, pale jaw. "I thought you were dead after that explosion. When I heard the news about the Golden Cave, I..." She paused, pressing her lips tightly together to suppress her emotions from bursting as she lowered herself.
Fool's Gold, or Norton. leaned his head against hers “I'm here..” He murmured to her like a secret being told, before embracing her into a hug again, which Y/n returned, melting against his cold body.
The both of them stayed like this in silence, not just the awkward silence, no tension, but comforting, a comforting silence that was filled with warmth between them.
Norton finally had her in his arms again after do long, and it felt so damn good to have her in his arms again.
to be holding her close to himself and to have her all for himself again.
“Y/n..” He softly called out as he slowly pulled her away to face her, and Y/n looked back to them as they locked eyes.
“There's.. So much.. I want to say–” Fool's Gold spike, struggling to speak and yet struggling to come up with the words, what does he say first? what should he say first? what would be the most right? He has not seen her for what felt like centuries and he can't screw this up again like he did last time.
“I am sorry.. So, so sorry..—” he paused, softly gulping his emotions in before he spoke again “I should not— have left you.. like I did- and I— Mm.. what I did was the biggest mistake..”
As he spoke, he turned away from Y/n, he couldn't bare to look at her, he struggled to look into those teary eyes. the memories of that day rushed in,
and the look Y/n had on her face that day broke his heart that doesn't even beat anymore.
Y/n's looks began to soften, slowly reaching an hand out to take hold of his cheek “Norton..” Y/n softly called out, as gently as possible turning Fool's Gold' face to look back at her, which the taller, pale man did with a shameful look.
The young Archaeologist softly smiled lovingly like an angel. “I'm just happen to see you again..” she murmured to him, caressing his cheek with her thumb.
Fool's Gold' brow rose at her words, surprised to see she wasn't angry, or at least, that she didn't seem so angry.
This made the man smile with relief, love and happiness, slowly pulling her closely, staring deeply into her eyes with love. “Y/n...”
***Smack***
“NGH!—” 'Norton' grunted as his face to the side, shooting his face back to Y/n's direction with pure, utter shock. only to be faced with a look that he never knew he'd see on her face.
Y/n stared with a furious look, her glassy eyes were filled with anger, pain, and heartbreak, with fury she pointed towards 'Norton' .
her voice raw but laced with the intense emotions she felt.
“*That's what you get for leaving me the way you did!* you.... you GREEEDY, Selfish *bastard*” Shouted Y/n who's voice laced with pain that she carried for so long, hitting his shoulder with all she's got got, making 4lightly grunt.
“All I wanted to do was help! And.. and how do you repay me? By simply saying you didn't need me by your side! T.that I am nothing to you! Whe— When I've tried my HARDEST, my BEST to *care* for you when others didn't bother, I wanted to help you and Benny! you didn't even had to ask cause that's what friends do for each other! T.they help, they... they...thEey—”
Y/n cut herself off instantely as her throat began to hurt so bad, her stuttering worsened by each sentance to the point she could barely speak through her cries, Her tears dared to form once again but did her hardest to let them.
But she couldn't do it, she broke down right in front of him, her head lowered in defeat and despair whilst she cried her tears out like she never did, covering her face behind her hands
“Why.... Why did you—” The young woman's breath hitched before she could finish her sentence, gulping in her cries down her throat as it ached painfully.
'Norton' watched as his looks softened with guilt, his lips tightening, he couldn't bare the sight, his guilt only further grew. he knew he must have caused her pain, but to see it be true? It hurt his soul that remained.
He questioned himself, how could he do this? To the most sweetest girl like her? Hurt her this badly and let the greed get the best of him?
He hurt and left both people he cared about at the same time and it the biggest mistake he'd ever made.
The rock-fused man began to lean in and embrace her, resting his head upon her chest whilst he held her so closely, almost silently apologizing to her in a affectionate manner to which was all he could do.
The Archaeologist eyed down at him, tears dripped down from her eyes to her jaw like a waterfall down onto the stays of 'Norton' s' hair, if tear drops could be puddles, there'd be a lake right about now in this very moment, drowning the both of them with painful memories they wish that never happened.
The young explorer sniffled, biting her lip to keep in what dared to come out, her body twitched from the resistance as she quietly sobbed. slowly leaning against him to hug him back, despite her anger towards him.
“You are such a goddamn mole, I..I can't belie.. That you-”
“I'm so sorry...” He murmured to her with guilt lacing through his rough, raspy tone. squeezing Y/n further against his cold, rocky body,.
“I never.. meant leave you.” slowly, he raised his head to look up at Y/n with the most gentle look a rough man like him could ever give.
“You.. were my everything, my gem..” 'Norton' mumbled, struggling to form proper words, let along longer sentences, slowly he hid his face against her belly, his grip tightened on Y/n's body.
“I'm sorry..” 'Norton' apologized again, his tone sincere and yet broken, snuggling his head up against her warm body as he closed his eyes.
Y/n slowly faced down towards Norton as her brows wrinkled, her heart ached at the sight, the way he holds her like this, how sincere he sounded, How his words were so simple and yet said so much, she's never seen Norton like this, so gentle, affectionate, and so sincere. he was never a affectionate type, he was always rough around the edges.
But right now, It was different, he was different and it surprised Y/n.
Y/n wanted to stay angry, her heart still pained after what he did, how he left her. Y/n still wanted to beat the hell out of this man, give him a PEICE of her mind, but something inside her softened, It could have been her forgiving side, or perhaps she wasn’t in the right frame of mind, though she couldn't help but to feel bad.
Slowly, Y/n reached out and gently caressed his hair, brushing the strays that layered over each layer.
His hair wasn't the cleanest, and it had little bits of dust all over from being in the mines, but it was still so soft as Y/n remembered it.
Softly, Y/n spoke as her voice lightly rasped. “I know you've went through so much, life for you was so, so unfair to you, I understand that. and I understand why you wanted to so badly go to the Golden Cave, but–” Y/n slowly faced away from 'Norton', sniffling as she continued.
“But I just can't forgive you, not after everything..”
'Norton's' chest throbbed at her words. But of course expected it, slowly opening his eyes as he looked down in dissapointement, but shame as well. he knew he couldn't get her forgiveness that easily, and he understood that very well.
“I know— Understandable..” 'Norton' whispered, slowly looking up to face Y/n, Y/n slowly looked back down at him.
“I am just glad that you're okay— that you're not.. dead” Y/n murmured softly to him, gently cupping 'Norton's' cheeks, making him immediately relax into the warmth of her palms. earning a low, rumbling hum in response from 'Norton'.
Y/n's heart flattered at the sight. almost nearly forgetting why she was mad at him in the first place, almost forgetting why she had cried her eyes out few seconds ago,
She had to admit, the sight was quite cute, given that Norton never allowed himself to look this vulnerable, let alone so adorable.
Slowly. 'Norton' leaned his head forehead, resting his head upon Y/n's chest as he closed his eyes in silence. before he spoke.
“If you leave, I understand. but please stay, even if til morning..” He almost silently begged, his now non-existent guts wrenched at his own, first words, pulling her in closer. Y/n's brows rose at the sudden request.
“Please stay, I can't lose you again—” , his voice rasping with almost desperation, holding back his need to grip onto her so tightly. “I just want to be with you again, just you with *no one else* in the way..”
a part of him didn't want her to leave, for her to never leave and to stay with him forever. that they be together and that Y/n would be with no one else but him, just him.
He knows that he probably sounds selfish, hell, probably greedy, possessive, but his greed for her is undeniably real. Seeing her again after so long has made him realize even more how much she's meant to him. and Y/n doesn't even know it.
Y/n could sense the possessiveness, she couldn't tell if he clearly missed her. Or just down right possessive. At first, Y/n wanted to say yes, til her hesitation kicked him, causing her to slowly look away with a hesitant look, even if her heart said to dtay. “I..I don't know, Norton, I would really like to, but I can't..”
Norton lead out a heavy sigh in dissapointment, though before he could open his mouth to beg further, Y/n added-
“But since it's storming outside, I hope you won't mind me staying for the night..” Y/n said in a gentle tone, looking back at 'Norton'
The pale man's eyes lit up as he immediately looked at Y/n, a wide grin immediately formed at her words
“Yes, stay...” He murmured to her, resting his forehead upon her shoulder. “Stay as long as you need..” he added with a voice of relief, Y/n lightly blushed but slowly leaned against him.
'For as long as I need you..'
“Okay..” The young girl replied softly, her hands creeping up again to caress and brush 'Norton's' hair softly. lowering her head.
'Why do this feel.. Nice? It hurts to see him, but God dammit it feels good to know that he's still alive.. even if he's somehow turned into this— This rock-fusion being..' Y/n thought deeply, she felt confused, she was still mad, but she felt more relieved to see him than angered. maybe she really missed him that much.
'Norton' led out a low. Yet satisfied hum as he huddle up against her. almost as if purring, Y/n lightly smiled, this was an adorable sight watch, she couldn't deny it.
All of an sudden she felt movement. Making her yelp at the sudden rising Norton-
Fool's Gold carefully stood upon his two feet, while holding Y/n close with security against his body with one hand, his other reaching out , grabbing his pickaxe,
Til he made a turn towards the tunnel
from which he and Y/n came from during their chase and proceeded forward into the path back to the mines. Y/n looks at the tunnel, then back with curiosity whilst holding onto him tightly. “Where are we going, Norton?”
Fool's Gold eyed at Y/n with a gentle, more relaxed look. “Where I live..” 'Norton' responded bluntly but softly, looking back forward, His movements were deliberate and unhurried, each step resonating heavily. Fool's Gold was exceptionally tall, requiring him lower his posture to avoid hitting his or Y/n's head.
Following his response, Y/n went silent and said nothing more, gradually rested her head against his chest as she rested her eyes, feeling surprisingly comfortable like this.
Opening her eyes, she curiously observed 'Norton', or.. 'Fool's Gold's' coaled body.
'So tall..' Y/n thought to herself, scanning over 'Norton's' body, she was quite fascinated by his anatomy and the way he was built, she was no expert but everything about his body looked wrong.
not that she's thinking that he looks horrible, It was unique and yet almost disturbing to look at, but mostly fascinating.
She wondered to herself, how did he end up like this? Was this magic? Perhaps a curse that was put upon him? She had questions that 'Norton' himself probably couldn't explain.
Y/n decided to postpone her questions for later and rest herself for now, closing her eyes and leaning against him as fatigue gradually took over her body.
Fool's Gold eyed at her, feeling his chest flatter.
If he still had a heart, it'd be thumping out of his chest by now at the feeling of Y/n resting against him.
'All mine..'
Fool's Gold turned his attention back forward and proceeded to walk quietly, keeping his Y/n close as possible as if she'd dissappear at any second.
He's found his Y/n, and he's hoping to keep her—
Forever.
.
.
.
THE END