Home Sweet Home - A Red Dead Redemption II story

From Scratch

It didn't take long for the camp chores to be caught up on, so Ruth dismissed Bills help while they were relaxing on the slope just outside of camp that led down to the river.

"Seems we're done for the day. Thank you for the help, Mr. Williamson."

Bill took off his hat to wipe his forehead with his arm, then placed it back on.

"I had to help." He replied with a tone that sounded unsavoury.

"Well, you don't gotta be all miserable about it." She stood up and put her hands on her hips.

"I.. I wasn't bein' miserable." He was defensive, standing up as well.

"Sure sounded like it."

"Well, that's not how I meant it. I just could've done other things today." He crossed his large arms.

Ruth clicked her tongue and dismissed him by swatting her hand as she turned to leave.

"You're a very difficult man, Williamson."

"I could say the same about you, Bucker."

Ruth give him a side glance.

"What'dya mean by that?"

Bill sat down on the ground again and motioned her to do the same.

She sighed while slumping her shoulders, not eager for a conversation with Bill.

Despite that, she obliged and sat facing him in the grass.

"Listen, Ruth.. I heard ya talking to Kieran earlier." He seemed to avert his eyes while he spoke.

Ruth saw it again, the same tender man from last night.

"You we're listening to that?" Her voice seemed shy. "I.. I didn't mean for you to hear any of that."

"I know, and I'm sorry for listening to your conversation.. but I just feel bad about how things keep going between us."

"You feel bad about that?" She asked.

"Well I haven't always been the nicest guy to you."

Ruth sighed softly, glancing to the side.

"I hear ya."

Bill uncomfortably rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"Look, I ain't as bad of a guy as you think I am, honest!"

Ruth looked at him once again.

He looked back at her and they shared a glance.

They didn't say anything for a moment.

Kieran was watching them from above in the tree line, making sure Ruth was safe with him.

Ruth felt eyes on her and was about to glance up toward camp, but Bill spoke.

"Listen, I never properly thanked you."

She turned to him.

"For what?"

"You crazy, Miss? You went and saved my life in Valentine." He reiterated

Ruth's chest sunk slightly, remembering her foolish choices.

"Oh, yeah.. You're welcome."