Home Sweet Home - A Red Dead Redemption II story

Along the Way

It had been a few days since Ruth and Kieran initially planned their trip to Strawberry, so they were getting prepared to leave. Kieran was tightening some loose straps on Branwen's saddle while Ruth was packing a sack of things they'd need, as the trip to Strawberry was not just a simple in and out trip.

"So they really won't mind us being gone for the night?" Ruth clarified.

"Yes, don't worry. I got Charles to talk to Dutch for us." Kieran assured.

Ruth breathed out a sigh of relief. "That man is so damn nice." She said, referring to Charles, who had just so happened to be passing by.

"I've got no reason to be unkind to you two." He commented.

Ruth turned to face him. "Oh, Charles! Thank you so much for doing that."

"Don't worry about it. You two just be safe and stay out of trouble while you're away." Charles smirked at them.

"We'll be fine, Mister." Kieran responded.

Ruth was slightly dismayed, as Charles always seemed so stoic and serious yet he was being very lax and casual with them. That comforted her. A lot.

"You ready?" Kieran asked, finally done saddling his horse up.

Ruth had just finished packing their bag. Kieran mounted his horse and held an arm out to Ruth to help her up.

"Yup, ready." She replied, grabbing his arm and hopping on the back.

"Y'all are off?" Bill hobbled over.

Kieran held the reins up closer to his torso, his horse eager to leave.

"That we are." Kieran replied.

Bill reached up for Kieran and pulled his torso down by the fabric of his coat.

"You'd better not pull any stupid stunts and get her hurt." He threatened under his breath.

Ruth just stared with wide eyes, mouth just barely agape. Bill had threatened quietly enough that she couldn't hear.

"Bill!!" Ruth interjected, reaching for his hand on Kieran. Bill loosened his grip when he felt Ruth's touch and snapped it back to his side.

"Don't you lay a finger on Kieran." She stared down at him defensively.

Kieran was stunned and afraid, hands trembling, that was until Ruth placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed gently.

"Let's go, okay?" She said softly.

Without saying anything else, Kieran spurred his horse and as they rode out of camp Ruth kept her glare on Bill, making a sour face at him for scaring Kieran.

"What was that about?" Ruth asked as they come out of the tree line.

Kieran shrugged his shoulders, laughing nervously. "I-I have no idea!?" His shoulders trembled.

"You're lying. What did he say?" She persisted.

"It's honestly nothing." He rebelled.

"Kieran."

"No."

"Fine." She scoffed.

Kieran sighed softly, not liking the idea of their trip starting on a bitter note. They were both quiet, Kieran could feel the tension between them. The silence between them was not comfortable like it had been before.

"He.. told me not to hurt you." He admitted.

Ruth lifted her head.

"Why would you hurt me?" she asked.