Snake Skin | John Marston

Lucky In Love

"You're a fool, John Marston," Y/N teased, giving him a light shove that sent him stumbling to the side.

"Why am I always the fool?" John retorted, rubbing his shoulder as he regained his balance. The two leaned against the sturdy fence that separated them from the grazing cattle.

John cast a glance at the herd before continuing, "Dutch mentioned you, you know."

"What? What'd that poor bastard have to say?"

John let out a weary sigh. "He... asked if you were still kickin'. When I told him you were fine, he just chuckled and said he already knew. Said he could see it in my eyes—that I was fightin' him for a reason."

"...yeah. The reason was that damned law."

"And you," he added, his tone turning serious. "I did it for you. Ross would've seen you dead, and I couldn't let that happen. Lost too much already."

"You took a bullet, rode to Mexico, and faced down Bill, Dutch, and Javier for me?" Y/N asked, her voice steady. Deep down, she already knew the answer, but she needed to hear it from him.

John nodded solemnly. "And I'd do it all over again. I'd face the devil himself if it meant keeping you safe."

"You know," the woman paused, glancing into the distance. "I was startin' to tire of this outlaw's life."

John felt a jolt of surprise at the sudden shift in conversation. "What does bein' an outlaw mean to you, Y/N?"

"To me, an outlaw is a man..." She turned to face John, her eyes locking onto his as if she were sketching his very essence. "...who lived by his own rules, no matter what folks thought of him. You've always done things your own way, John."

"I don't even know what to say," he replied, his brow furrowing in thought.

Y/N nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips. The woman turned back to the cattle, and John spoke up, "Do you mind ridin' with me for a spell? I found somethin' I want to show you."

"What is it?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"If I could, I'd bring it to you, but that ain't gonna happen. So what do you say?" John replied, stepping back from the fence. The woman followed him as he led her toward the horses.

"Can we afford to leave Uncle alone?" Y/N chuckled softly.

"I reckon so. It ain't far—come on," he urged.

"Alright, alright, darlin'," Y/N agreed, her spirit lifted.

The two of them saddled up and soon rode away from the homestead. All the while, Y/N's mind raced, trying to piece together where he was takin' her and why. Were they off to hunt? Gather some herbs? Or was this just an excuse to steal away and enjoy a little adventure together?

Y/N cast a wary glance around as they rode through the sprawling expanse of Tall Trees. The land was teeming with bears, wolves, and all manner of unsavory folk known as Skinners.

Her eyes were fixed on John, who rode just ahead of her. After that fateful night when Arthur Morgan passed, John had taken to cutting his hair short, aiming for a low profile that wouldn't draw any attention. By 1911, his hair had grown back, but he still preferred to keep it cropped close. As Y/N trailed behind him, memories of the man she had first fallen for flooded her mind. When John turned his head to check on her, noticing her silence, he found her lost in thought. A dry chuckle escaped his lips, and he turned back to the trail ahead.

After a stretch of riding, the two finally broke free of the dense trees. John led her to the edge of a high cliff, where the sight of a magnificent waterfall unfolded before them.

Y/N's jaw dropped in awe. John felt a swell of pride at her reaction; it was exactly what he had hoped to see. They both dismounted and approached the edge, the roar of the water filling the air.

"It's..." Y/N began, her voice trailing off.

"Beautiful?" John interjected, a knowing smile tugging at his lips.

Y/N nodded, still captivated by the view.

"Just like you, Y/N," he added, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

"Huh?" Y/N laughed, a shy blush creeping up her cheeks. "Don't be saying things like that out of the blue, John!"

Y/N surveyed the scene once more, her heart racing, when John's sudden movement caught her off guard. He knelt before her, the dust swirling around him, and produced a gleaming ring from his pocket. Y/N was completely taken aback, stepping back in disbelief. "Wh-?"

"Y/N," he began, his voice steady but thick with emotion. "I know I ain't got the cleanest past, and I ain't the finest man you could find, but I promise you, I can become that man for you. We've weathered so much together. After all these years, I still believe that meeting you that fateful night was destiny. We've fought the world side by side, and I want you by my side as we face whatever comes next. Y/N Colter, will you marry me?"

"I...uh...yes, John Marston. Yes," she stammered, her heart swelling with a mix of joy and disbelief.

"Yes?" John echoed, his voice brimming with excitement as he sprang to his feet. He gently took her hand, placing the ring upon her finger. She gazed at it, the sunlight glinting off the metal, before wrapping her arms around his neck. In that moment, he held her close, his embrace tighter than ever, and summoned the courage to ensure she'd never slip away again.