Snake Skin | John Marston (editing)

Wake The Snakes ✔

"Y/N, dear, what's for dinner?" Uncle asked as he settled himself down beside Y/N on the worn couch, its fabric soft from years of use.

The woman chuckled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "What's for dinner? Away with you, you no-good parasite. You cook."

From the bedroom doorway, John leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a bemused smile on his face. "No, don't encourage him."

Uncle slapped his knee and let out a hearty laugh. But before the old man could get another word out, they heard Charles calling for John from outside. "John! Come out here!"

John and Y/N exchanged a knowing look, and he gave her a nod. With a curious heart, Y/N followed him out into the open air.

Once outside, Y/N took a moment to scan the surroundings, her gaze landing on a familiar figure. It was Sadie Adler, riding in on her trusty steed.

"Hey, John!" Sadie greeted, a wide smile breaking across her face. "Y/N!"

Y/N returned the warmth of her smile as Sadie dismounted her horse, dusting off her trousers.

"Sadie Adler!" Y/N exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over. The last time she'd seen Sadie was that horrific night when Mister Morgan passed on, a night that had haunted Y/N, leaving her with the fear that she'd put Sadie in harm's way during that fateful Pinkerton attack.

"Charles," Sadie nodded toward the Native American man, acknowledging his presence with a respect born from shared trials.

Charles tipped his head in return, the unspoken bond between them palpable.

"I... found him," Sadie said, her tone shifting as she stepped closer to John, the weight of her words settling in the air.

"Who?" Y/N asked, confusion etched across her features as she looked between them, her heart racing with curiosity.

"I found Micah," she answered, determination in her voice. "I got a lead. One of his boys, wanted for murdering a woman, has been seen drinking in Strawberry. If we can get to him, he'll lead us to Micah, but I gotta ride out now. You coming?"

Y/N looked back and forth between Sadie and John. Had they been hunting for Micah all this time?

"I will," Charles replied, and Sadie nodded, her gaze returning to John.

"What about me?" Y/N suddenly interjected, her tone laced with urgency.

"What about you?" John shot back, irritation creeping into his voice. He'd always considered Y/N a smart woman, but sometimes she'd ask the simplest questions as if the answer wasn't already clear.

Y/N held his gaze, unflinching. "What are you getting angry for, Marston?"

"Yeah, yeah. I'll ride with you, but you..." John shook his head, his resolve firm as he rushed back inside to gather his things. "...you're staying here!"

"Why? Micah did me wrong one too many times, John," Y/N raised her voice as he emerged again.

"You're not coming. You're pregnant. End of story," he said, striding to his horse and mounting up with swift precision.

"You're pregnant?" Sadie asked, glancing back as she and Charles followed John.

Y/N nodded, her certainty wavering.

"Then I'm with John on this one. You ain't coming," Sadie declared, her tone final.

"Come on, we don't have time," John urged, and with that, the trio galloped away, leaving Y/N behind with Uncle. She stood there, rooted to the spot, watching as they disappeared into the distance.