Dutch's Daughter [[RDR2 Arthur Morgan x OC]]

chapter 50; our better selves

Arthur slows the horses to a stop, leaning back with exhaustion. Sadie and Charlotte come to a stop just ahead, turning round to join him.

"Arthur, there's no time, we can't stop now." Charlotte pleads, stretching to reach Rogue's reins.

"Yes..." He heaves, dropping to the ground with huff. He reaches up for Abigail, still sitting in his saddle with weepy eyes, to help her down next. "There is."

"What happened to John?" Abigail asks, looking to Arthur. He doesn't answer, standing silently with arms raised towards her. Eventually, she gives in, leaning into his grasp. Despite his weakened state, he lifts her delicate frame with ease, settling her in Charlotte's saddle. "Where is John?" She demands again, wedging herself behind Charlotte.

Arthur sighs, looking down at his feet. "He's either been captured or... killed. We were on the train and he... he fell off and I couldn't catch him in time. I'm so sorry, Abigail."

"Oh god..." Abigail chokes, gripping her shirt collar and twisting it into a tight knot around her fist.

"You need to know he loved you, Abigail. You and that boy, more than anything else. He wasn't perfect, but he did." She sobs quietly, still clutching her shirt. "Now, you need-a go get that boy. Mrs. Adler and Mrs. Morgan are going to take you to him. So you go on, get out of here. And don't look back." Arthur pats Sheriff's rear to spur him forward but he stands still, Charlotte pulling tight on the reins.

With wide horrified eyes, she looks down at her husband. "Arthur, what the hell are you doing?"

"I got to go have a little chat before I get much sicker."

"Arthur-" Charlotte starts.

"Don't you 'oh Arthur' me! None of you, not now. Mrs. Adler, Ms. Roberts, you're good women. Good people. You go get that boy... there'll be time for sorrow later."

"Arthur, wait-" Abigail reaches into her skirt pocket, retrieving a small metal key. "I won't be needing this anymore. It's a key to the chest hidden in that cave where Dutch has all our money. I know John told you I knew where it was."

"Abigail Roberts... you always was a good thief."

She beams a proud smile but Charlotte shakes her head. "Abigail, take the reins. I'm going with him."

"No. You ain't." Arthur grips her thigh, forcing her still.

"You can't stop me, you fucking bastard!" Charlotte cries, fighting against him. Sheriff stirs in response, ears flicking back as he rears, hooves high in the air. The women hold on tight as he settles again, stomping nervously.

"That's enough!" Arthur shouts. "Haven't we wasted enough of our life fightin'? Don't end it this way." He pulls her down to his level, planting a fierce kiss on her lips. He grips the back of her neck tight, keeping their foreheads pressed together. "When I see you again, meet me at the hot springs; where I first loved you and where I'll love you forever. We'll ride all the way to little creek where the purple wildflowers grow. I'll wait for you there."

Charlotte whimpers, lips inches from his own. Her tears roll down her nose, dripping to his cheeks. She studies his eyes, memorizing the shape of every drop tumbling over the hills and valleys of his worn face. Impossibly, he smiles at her, a devastating pound to her chest. He looks at her with such unspoken emotion, she nearly cracks in half.

"Don't... Please don't." Her voice cracks. "You're going to be okay. We'll find somewhere safe, a good doctor and-" She chokes on the words.

"You know there's nothing we-" Arthur starts, cut short.