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

chapter 28; hope for the future

Two Months Later
~ Journal Entry from Readers POV ~

Things have quieted down since the failed bank robbery. Winter has fully set in and the thick snow has made a convenient cover for the camp. Easier to hide from the law when they have to dig through miles of snow to get to us. We've moved everyone's tents into the cave of Beaver Hollow for warmth. The winding tunnels make it feel like we have our own little town going. The center serves as sort of a town square where we have meetings and gather for meals. I believe Dutch has finally realized he has been pushing us all too hard and he needs to adjust his expectations. Lately, the focus for him hasn't been the money but rather pursuing the peaceful life he wants for all of us. We would need funds of course but we weren't pulling big jobs like we used to. A homestead robbery here and there, sure, but for the most part we've been relying on hunting and trading to earn our keep. The change was oddly natural for everyone. I believe we were secretly tired of running all the time, constantly living in fear.

John found a place called Beecher's Hope - an abandoned farmstead outside of Blackwater. That territory is the last place we want to be but the property seems promising. The Pinkerton Agency won't give up on us so easily but perhaps hiding in plain sight is the best way to go. Our hope is we can pay off the prices on our heads, change our identities and buy this little piece of land to start anew. It's large enough that with time everybody could have their own lodgings should they chose to stay. Arthur and I could have our own proper house - maybe even a head of cattle should we desire.

I shouldn't get my hopes up knowing the troublemakers I live amongst but having the life I've always dreamed of being dangled in front of me like a carrot, it's hard not be hopeful. It's what I want for all of us.
We've all done enough killing and running for a lifetime.

~~~~~~

You shut your journal and lay it on the table beside your bed, next to Arthur's leather bound book. It was a quiet afternoon in camp. Everybody is off doing their own jobs. Even Uncle had decided to pitch in for once which is a truly rare occurrence.

Arthur and John swiftly ride into camp, hitching their horses loaded with fresh game. They'd give Pearson the harvested meat and then ride into town to sell the pelts for the highest price they could fetch. Dutch is in his tent, curved over the camp logbook going over the current flow of income. His fingers flicker between the thick book and the heavy box loaded with coins and bills, counting through it. His brow is furrowed with focus.

You watch him for a moment before gazing the entire camp, taking in the activities everybody is engaging in. Arthur is busy unloading the carcasses onto the Pearson's butcher table where John waits with a long sharp knife, ready to skin and carve. Watching your man closely, you stare at his strong arms lifting the heavy animal over his head, slamming it down with a grunt. He wipes sweat from his shoulder, pushing his shaggy hair back. My god, the scene drives you wild with sudden desire. It's been a long time since you and Arthur had... been private together. Grief had kept you both separated from intimacy. Though it wasn't gone, it was a lot easier to bare now and it felt good to be able to look at your fiancé the way you used to.

Without thought, you strut over to him, sliding your hands around his neck. He abruptly stops working, confused by the interruption until he sees your face, immediately grinning. His hands, slightly bloody, grab your waist as he pulls you in for a kiss.

"Dear Lord, we have work to do. [Y/N], would you quit distracting him already?" John barks, his tone bitter as he saws through a thick bone.

"Sorry, John." You chuckle, letting go of Arthur, sneaking him a wink before walking away. He snorts, half in laughter and half in frustration.

"Gang meeting!" Dutch's mighty voice booms through the tunnels.

Everybody pauses what they're doing and makes their way to the meeting area. John rolls his eyes and groans loudly, irritated to be interrupted yet again. Arthur joins you, walking up to the round table and pulling out a chair for you. Once everyone has taken a seat, Dutch addresses the group.

"It pleases me greatly to announce that we have finally earned enough to buy Beecher's Hope."

Immediately the crowd breaks into joyous hoops and hollers, clapping thundering through the halls.

"Now hold on, we have just barely enough. Things are gonna be tight. I reckon this spring we'll be able to start our journey down there. It'll take several days but once we're there... we'll finally have a real home."

You beam a bright smile at Arthur, your eyes glimmering with hope. He swings an arm around you, a half grin stretching his dry lips. Dutch goes on describing the conditions of the move. Each gang member would need to take on a new name to feed to the public. Most would even have to change up their appearances. Just until things die down and a new normal is established. Even though it will be hard, you are overjoyed by the news.

"Keep up the hard work... know that better days are ahead of us." Dutch finishes, sending everybody on their way.

Arthur scoops up, spinning you around in a circle, smiling big. You laugh, holding tightly to his neck as you swirl. He sets you down, kissing you with an intense passion.

The fire you once had between the two of you had reignited, the flames much higher and brighter than before.