|~|Hunting Partners|~| ( Charthur )

|~|Chapter-3-Eastward-Bound|~|

NOTES:

Sorry for not posting I was busy!

NOBODYS POV:

As the first light of dawn gently kissed the snow-capped mountains of Amberino, the Van der Linde gang gathered around the crackling campfire. Dutch's eyes shimmered with determination as he addressed his companions. "Listen up, folks. It's time for us to leave this place behind and seek new opportunities elsewhere. We've got a world of possibilities waiting for us out there."

Javier grinned, his easygoing nature shining through. "Count me in, Dutch. Wherever we go, I'm with you all the way."

The rest of the gang nodded in agreement, a sense of adventure filling the air. Charles and Arthur exchanged nods, their unspoken bond as comrades evident, but not overly sentimental.

---SKIP TO WHEN THEY FINISHED PACKING UP---

As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden hue over the rugged landscape, Hosea couldn't help but sense the turmoil within Arthur. He knew there was more to Arthur's feelings for Charles than he let on, and the wise old man couldn't resist probing a little further.

"You know, Arthur," Hosea began, his voice gentle but persistent, "when you care about someone as much as you do about Charles, it's only natural for things to get complicated."

Arthur sighed, avoiding Hosea's knowing gaze. "Hosea, I've told you before, we're just friends. That's all there is to it."

Hosea chuckled softly, a twinkle in his eyes. "Oh, you can try to hide it all you want, but I've seen that look in your eyes when you watch him. There's more there than you're letting on."

Arthur shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his heart feeling exposed under Hosea's perceptive gaze. "I don't know what you're talkin' about, Hosea. We're just partners, that's all."

Hosea gave him a knowing smile. "Partners, huh? Well, sometimes partners can become something more, if you let them."

Arthur sighed again, realizing he couldn't keep up the facade with Hosea. "Alright, fine. Maybe there's somethin' more there. But this life we lead, it ain't made for love and happiness."

Hosea's expression softened with understanding. "You're right it isn't an easy life we lead. But that doesn't mean you should deny yourself the chance at finding love. Life's too short for that."

Arthur looked out at the vast wilderness before them, contemplating Hosea's words. "I don't want to put Charles in harm's way. This life... it ain't fair to anyone we care about."

Hosea nodded, acknowledging the harsh reality of their outlaw existence. "I understand your concern, Arthur. But love has a way of making us stronger, even in the face of danger. It's worth cherishing, even in this chaotic world we live in."

Arthur remained silent, torn between his feelings for Charles and the fear of what their relationship could bring. He knew that Hosea was right, but the risks felt too great.

Hosea placed a comforting hand on Arthur's shoulder, offering his support. "You'll figure it out. Just don't let fear hold you back from finding happiness. Life's too unpredictable for that."

-Small skip-

The gang had finally made their way out of the treacherous mountains, a place they all hoped never to return to. As they drove through the shallow waters, Hosea's voice carried a mix of urgency and calmness, "You gotta keep us moving but calm."

But just as they felt the relief of solid ground beneath the wagon's wheels, a series of crashing sounds erupted from behind them. Arthur cursed "Ah, shit!"