Guns and Flames (RDR2)

8 - The knife

"Hey, fellas and fellers! May I introduce you all to our new gang member, Charlotte Monroe!" -he said eagerly with a wide smile on his face.
"H-hello." -she tried not to feel awkward as to how overwhelmed she felt when everyone looked at her.
"C'mon, let's introduce yourselves!" -he added. Of course, the camp leader had to start first.
"I'm Dutch van der Linde, and it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm sure if Arthur is trusting you, then so shall I. Welcome to the gang!" -he explained in a rather formal way.

Then Hosea followed, and afterward came Molly, Susan, Pearson, Strauss, Bill, Sean, Charles, Karen, Kieran, Sadie, Tilly, Uncle, and then Mary-Beth. Though they were missing two people. Wonder where they could be?

(Each introduction would've taken way too long, so I shortened it. Also, John doesn't have family in this world, therefore there's no Jack nor Abigail.)

"Alright, that's gonna do it as introductions from the gang's side. Now let's get something to eat while it's not raining." -Arthur said happily.
"Okay, I'll follow you." -Charlotte replied.
She slowly followed Arthur as she was still looking around in the camp. Then she started thinking as to why the others were so welcoming towards her.

'Why are they this friendly? I mean, I don't mind, it's just that it's weird compared to what I've seen before.'

She thought, but she just shrugged it off and grabbed a bowl of soup. Then Arthur did the same. Then they both sat down at the table.
"Umm, mind if I ask you something, Arthur?" -she asked. He nodded.
"Do they welcome every by-passer this way?" -she looked at him with a puzzled look on her face.
"Not everyone, no. First off, don't call yourself a by-passer. Second of all, I told them about you, in fact, John-" -he couldn't finish his sentence because Pearson came over.
"Heyy, how do you guys like my cooking?" -he asked happily with one of his hands on his hips.
"It's very delicious!" -Charlotte replied.

Arthur stayed silent while still stuffing his mouth with soup and just gave Pearson a thumbs up.
"Alright, enjoy it!" -Pearson smiled and then walked away.

'What did he want to say after John's name?'

"Speaking of John, where is he?" -Charlotte asked.
"He's...sleeping, I think." -he said before putting down the bowl on the table. "I'll go check on him, he must be hungry." -he added while standing up from the table.
"Hm, okay." -she replied before continuing to eat.

Arthur went into the tent and saw John sleeping with a blanket on him.
"Time to wake up, John!" -he said to John but he didn't even flinch.
"John, the food's gonna run cold." -he insisted on waking him up somehow. To this, John finally made a little movement and slowly turned towards Arthur.
"The food's ready. Come and eat!" -Arthur invited John.
"...Arthur please, no need to yell, I'm already up." -John said with a sleepy voice.
"Alright, I'll go and sit down, you can join me. And Charlotte." -he said, then turned around and left the tent.

John got up from his bed. Afterward fixing his hair, he was ready to leave the tent. As he stepped outside, he saw Arthur and Charlotte sitting at one table while chatting, having a good time. John made his way over to the pot and took a plate of soup, then sat down beside Arthur, facing Charlotte.
"Aren't you going to eat?" -he asked Arthur.
"Nah, I just did." -he explained.

There was a slight pause in their conversation.
"Umm, John, thank you for the weapons. Especially..." -she pulled the knife out. "...this knife. It looks beautiful." -she said with a smile on her face while admiring the knife.
"I-I'm glad you like it." -he said, trying to not look hesitant.
"John, can I...have a word with you?" -Arthur asked while slightly looking confused.
"Sure. Excuse us, Missy." -he was bringing the food along with himself and followed Arthur.