Blessed are the Peacemakers {[RDR2 Arthur X Reader]}

chapter 3; time heals wounds

Three weeks later

- A journal entry from the Readers POV -

Three weeks have passed since the gang decided to take me in. What Dutch intended to be a temporary arrangement has started to feel more permanent. The gang women have accepted me as one of their own, incorporating me into their daily group tasks. Abigail has really taking a liking to me and I spend the majority of my time with her. Having a regular daily routine has made the adjustment to my new life a little easier.

I've been shadowing Reverend Swanson, learning the trade of healing and caregiving as much as I can when he isn't deep in the bottle. The men have started coming to me after the crazy jobs Dutch and Micah set up for them and they needed fixin'. I'm getting pretty good at it though our supplies are running low and I've had to turn the herbs that I can pick in the dense forest surrounding our new camp. We're now stationed not far from the town Valentine. We're right on the edge of the river which is actually at pretty beautiful spot we've set up. It's at least nice to finally be out of the freezing mountains and welcome more tolerable spring weather.

Dutch keeps a close eye on me but he's warming up. He even cracked a joke with me at supper the other night. It's been interesting meeting all of the other members of the gang. Some pleasant and some.. truly unpleasant. The only person I've struggled getting along with is Micah Bell.

Micah Bell - Newest gang member

He's worked hard to convince the gang I'm a spy from the rivalrous gang. Not to mention, he stays close by wherever I go, watching me like a hawk. I've managed to cope with it, learning how to avoid run ins with him. Staying near the men has been the biggest help. He doesn't hover so close when I'm in the company of Dutch, Javier, Charles or...

Arthur. The ever illusive man. He takes any chance he can get to join Dutch on jobs or make silly trips to town for supplies (something that was never his job before my arrival). It was clear he was avoiding me. I couldn't even get him to make eye contact with me for more than a split second. I don't know what it is about him, but I long for his attention. It's doesn't feel like affection but rather this curious feeling, like he's hiding a secret that I just have to find out. I'm searching for the right opportunity to be alone with him. What would I even say to him? Tell him I can't stop thinking about him? Thank him for throwing a log on the fire when I was nearly freezing to death? All I know is I want a chance to get to know him.

~~~~

You closed your leather bound journal and gazed out across the lake water. Rays of the setting sun were lighting up the liquid surface, creating a beautiful scenery. You heard footsteps approaching behind you and you turn to find Charles.