Home Sweet Home - A Red Dead Redemption II story

Departure

The early morning was bitter cold, not many people were up around camp just yet so things were still very quiet.

About the only sounds in camp were from Kieran and Ruth.

They were standing together near the horses at the scout campfire.

"And you're sure about this?"

"Of course I am." Ruth said, clutching a letter to her stomach, soon tucking it into her inner jacket pocket.

Kieran was tacking up his horse, tightening the billet strap, unsure of his friends decision.

"You think you'll be safe out there by yourself?"

"I've done it before. I'll be fine out there."

Kieran wasn't entirely convinced.

"I don't know.. maybe I oughta go with ya. Do it.. y'know.. together."

Ruth was touched.

"You'd do that? For me?"

"Well, of course I would. I don't want you runnin' into any trouble."

Before Ruth could give it thought Kieran intercepted.

"I'm going with you, Miss Bucker. I don't want you going alone."

Ruth smiled at him, going in for a hug.

Kieran gratefully accepted the hug and basked in her embrace.

They stayed like that for a moment.

"If that's the case then.. you've got all you need?"

"Yes ma'am, I am fine with nothing but the clothes on my back."

Kieran mounted the horse, then helped Ruth onto the back.

"Careful, don't fall." He instinctively brought her arm around his torso, Ruth moving the other arm herself.

"I'm fine. I won't fall."

Kieran nodded and spurred forward and out of camp.

Ruth scanned the trees and looked back at camp behind her.

"Hey Kieran, do you think this is a good idea?" She asked, bringing her attention back to him.

Kieran glanced over his shoulder at her.

"I mean.. it should be a good idea. You wanted to get out of there, right?"

He glanced back at the trail.

They pulled out of the trees and were on the proper trail to Valentine.

"You're right.. Just feels weird not telling anyone about this."

Kieran brought a hand over Ruth's arm on his torso, he stroked it gently with his thumb.

"Hey, it will be fine. I'm here with you. Besides.. it's not like we're leaving forever. We'll only be gone for an hour."

Ruth smiled softly, laying her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes.

"You're right.. thank you."

"You're welcome."

They didn't say much else to each other the rest of the way.

Kieran was greeting a few passerby's with a polite nod and 'hello' but Ruth mostly kept quiet.

Not before long, they arrived in Valentine.

"Can you pull up the the station? Got a letter I need to send." Ruth instructed.