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

chapter 17; family

You were sitting by the fire, exchanging stories with your fellow gang members when Dutch, Arthur and John pulled into camp. They joined the group surrounding the cozy campfire, grabbing bottles of whiskey on the way to their seats. Arthur took a seat on the log, pulling you onto his lap and pressing a kiss into your cheek. Dutch wasted no time in catching everybody up to speed, explaining everything Bronte had said and assigning the men their wives for the party. When he looked to you, asking you to pretend to be Arthur's wife for an evening, Arthur squeezed your hand softly, sending a smile to your face.

Tonight it felt as though you and Arthur had been together forever, so comfortable being affectionate in front of your family. Even though you'd only gone public (not by choice) just last night, everybody had accepted it by now. You'd expected relentless teasing but it seemed they'd gotten it out of their systems already. Dutch watched you to from the corner of his eye, a small smile on his face. Hopefully, seeing Arthur trust you would make him regain some trust in you.

The whole gang stayed up late, spilling stories and gossip. Hosea was telling the story of when he and Arthur took down a legendary grizzly bear by the Dakota River. He boasted about the price it's pelt brought in. Fondly listening to his tale, you snuggle in against your man's chest. His arm wrapped around you and occasionally he would gently rub your back. You look up at him, watching his blue eyes stare intently at Hosea. You closely examine his strong facial features in the glow of the fire.

"I'm gonna hit the hay folks." Hosea finished the story, yawning as he stood and stretched his crooked back. Many followed after him, heading to their own beds and leaving the usual drunks passed out in their seats. The crowd dispersed with several goodnights flying around. Reluctantly, you stand, yawning yourself and stretching your arms out.

"I suppose I better head to my tent. Goodnight." You give him a kiss, wrapping a blanket around you as you turn towards your tent. Before you get three feet away, you feel his hand grip your wrist as he turns you around.

"Why don't you... come stay with me tonight?" He suggests, gently rubbing his thumb in a circle against your hand.

"Oh Arthur, it's late and I've had a long day-" You begin to say.

"No, no, that's not what I'm wanting. Though I wouldn't protest." He laughs, standing and pulling you close to him. "Let's go to bed. Tomorrow morning you and I are riding into town." He smiles, brushing a stray hair behind your ear.

You join hands, turning to walk to the house together. Your heart feels as though it could just burst, so content and in love. He leads you up the stairs, giving you flashbacks of the previous night and a slight regret that you had shot down his offer to repeat it tonight. He opens the door to his quaint small bedroom. Once you enter, the exhaustion hits you and you let out a long yawn, leaning into Arthur. He chuckles at you, unbuttoning your shirt and removing it.

"Only one rule... no clothes." he says with that devilish grin that you love so much. You gladly oblige, working on his shirt while he starts on your pants. Now standing together, both stark naked, you take a moment just to hold each other, feeling the curves of one another's bodies, soaking up the skin to skin contact. The chill of the night rushes over you and you shiver, giving up the tender moment to give in to your exhaustion. Arthur climbs in beside you, pulling you into a spoon position.

"I love you." He whispers in your ear before laying a goodnight kiss on your shoulder.

"I love you, too." You sigh, completely relaxing in his warm embrace.

A feeling of being at home comes over you as you fall asleep.