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

chapter 7; revelation

Several days had passed since your glorified return to camp. Molly had disappeared before the arrival. She'd slipped away sometime during the night of the robbery, taking a days worth ration of food and a camp horse with her. Nobody knew a thing about it and frankly... nobody cared. People were just relieved to be rid of an extra mouth to feed that wasn't earning their keep. Naturally it was assumed she was in pursuit of the man who'd left her behind. There were no signs of the notorious gang leader or any of his loyal followers - Micah, Bill and Javier. If you were being completely honest, you didn't miss them at all. Micah most of all, the scumball.

Since the return, Arthur had taken charge. Hosea remained the advisor and John took his place as his right hand man. They were still scoring the occasional job to keep a flow of money coming in. Had to provide for the family one way or another. That's really what you are to each other, a family, willing to risk everything for each others lives.

It was a rainy Sunday morning and you sat at the water's edge, washing clothes with Abigail and Tilly, exchanging stories from your childhoods. The focus had shifted to you, the gals quizzing you in attempt to get to know you better.

Tilly Jackson - Gang Member

"Do you love him?" Tilly asked you, pulling thread through a button on a red shirt. Looked like Charles. You'd assumed she was asking Abigail about John but when she remained quiet you looked up to find them awaiting your answer.

"Excuse me?" You asked as if you had no idea what they were talking about.

"Oh come on, don't play dumb with us, [Y/N], we see the way you look at Arthur." Abigail chimes in, her voice high pitched like an excited little girl.

"We all remember the way you lashed at Karen when she was being sweet on Arthur! That girl has been the biggest flirt ever since her beau, Sean, got locked up." Tilly piped in.

You roll your eyes. "I hardly know the man!" You protest. "Besides, he's made it obvious he doesn't care for me. I'm just a nuisance to him."

The girls exchange giggles and looks.

"Okay, now what?" You can tell this conversation isn't over.

"We see the way he looks at you. He has affections for you! He's not as good at hiding it as he believes he is, always watching you around the camp." Tilly says, still paying attention to her handy work.

"Arthur is a complicated man. Good. But complicated." Abigail dumped out a trough of water and began filling it with clean water and soap. "He'll never admit it to you unless he feels secure with you. That man has experienced more loss in his life than any man should and he won't open up until he knows it's safe to." Your mind went to what he'd told you about the family he'd lost years ago.

"Tell him how you feel, [Y/N]." Tilly stretched her hand out to yours, gripping it reassuringly, giving you a kind smile.

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