Six Shots Deep

In The End, They Come Back

Arthur Morgan.

I quickly gulped down the remainder of my beer, slamming it down on the bar and heading for the back door. I quickly pushed past a man and a woman, stepping outside. I leaned against the wall, propping my hands on my knees as I tried to catch my breath.

Why was he here?

I took in a deep breath before fixing my shirt, sliding off my coat and adjusting my hat. I walked around the side to where Nightmare was tethered. I stuffed the coat underneath her saddle and climbed up. As I was about to turn, a man jumped in front of me. It wasn't until last minute that I knew who I was staring at.

"You takin bounties now, Rose?"

I looked down. John was standing in front of me, those three scars sticking out. I scowled and tried to turn away from the scrawny man, but another man grabbed the reins of Nightmare, spooking her to where I almost bucked off.

"Woah! Easy, Nightmare, easy," I patted her neck, dismounting. I looked over to the man who grabbed her reins. It was Arthur. He smirked down at me.

"For once, you ain't named a horse after an alcohol," he chuckled, "I'm impressed."

I tore my horses reins from his grasp, leaving him shocked from my strength. "Get the hell outta my sight," I looked over to John, "both a ya." I began to lead Nightmare towards the hotel.

"Rose," Arthur grabbed my arm. I tugged it away, looking up at him.

"I said, get the hell outta here!" I glared. I tethered Nightmare to the hitching post and climbed up the steps. Instead of going to the hotel, I walked around the back to where the gallows stood. I leaned on a tree behind it, slipping off my hat and taking a cigarette from my satchel and lighting a match. I held it to my face and took a long drag. I closed my eyes, relaxing a bit. But then, a tall frame stood in front of me. I sighed and looked up at him. "What do you want, Arthur?"

"I don't know, maybe to talk?" He leaned against the tree next to me, "our last encounter didn't go too well, now did it? So I'll try again," he stepped in front of me, his frame towering over me, "for once you ain't named a horse after an alcohol. I'm impressed."

I shoved him back, stubbing out my half smoked cigarette. "Don't act like you can just walk back in my life like nothing happened," I turned away from him.

"Well, what did happen, exactly, Rose?"

I scoffed. "This is how we're gonna do this? You just coming back like you didn't turn away from me in the beginning? Is that how this is gonna go? How you left without a damn word, leaving me when I needed you the most? When I could've used your support and love? But instead, I got the cold shoulder!" I clenched my fist, trying to keep the tears back. "Arthur, I needed you! I wanted you! But instead, you walked away! What do you want me to say?" I stared up at him. "Say something! Because if you don't-"

He stopped my words with a kiss. It felt different. It was filled with pain, but also with happiness and love. Nothing like what it felt those years ago. Like he has seen shit. Bad stuff.

I didn't resist. I kissed him back, my hands finding their way around his neck, pulling him deeper into me. His arms snaked around my waist, pulling my body closer to him than I have ever been with any man. I felt tears threatening to leave as he pulled away, his deep blue eyes finding their home in my own.

"Why the hell did you do that?" I sighed, leaning my head against his.

"I'm sorry, Rose." He lifted my head to look into my eyes. "I'm sorry for leaving you the way I did. I had no right doin that to you." He cupped my cheek. "But I'm here now."