When Hearts collide (An Arthur Morgan Rdr2 fanfiction)

Chapter 5: Sad tales

I don't know why, but, seeing the unwelcoming looks that were thrown at Peyton when we rode into camp, really hurt me, to see. None of them, had been this unwelcoming, when Mrs. Adler had joined our ranks. Why were they casting it upon Peyton? I didn't understand it. However, some of the gang, those who actually felt pity and had hearts, welcomed her with open arms. I'd noticed that Abigail, who always seemed braver than the other women, had actually smiled and waved at her. Peyton had smiled and waved back, even though I knew, she felt uneasy. Tilly had also shown an immediate friendliness, to her. Of course, Tilly was always down, for making new friends. Always had been. The only person she truly seemed to dislike, outside of Ms. Grimshaw, was Karen. Of course, who could really blame her? Karen had her flaws, and didn't even try to hide them. Especially when it came to the bottle. When she drank, she said some hurtful things to people. Hell, she'd done so with me, a couple of times. However, she'd woken the next morning, feeling guilty. I was glad none of the other women, were heavy drinkers.

The male half of the gang however, seemed to have a soft spot, for Peyton. Charles absolutely adored her. He even gave her one of his golden eagle feathers, he had found out on one of his adventures. Said it would bring her luck. She'd accepted it, along with the pat on the shoulder that he'd given her. Mr. Pearson had welcomed her with ease, a bit flirtatious. But, he'd welcomed her, all the same. He too, also gave her a gift. He'd given her a hunting knife he'd purchased in town. Said he thought she would need it at some point. He'd given her one of his famous bear hugs, too. She'd returned it, albeit a bit awkwardly. Hosea had welcomed her, with open arms. And it seemed out of the others, she felt most comfortable, around him. I couldn't blame her. Hosea was the most down to Earth guy, in this gang, unless someone got on his bad side. That and he told the best stories. Always had something new, to share around the campfire.

However, I was silently thankful, for those who weren't present, at the moment. Bill, the drunken flirt, was out on guard duty. Micah, was still out there somewhere, scouting with Lenny. Lenny, I had no worry about. Besides, I knew he secretly had feelings for Tilly. Micah though, was a different story. And when he finally returned, I'd be keeping my eye on him, making sure he didn't take advantage of Peyton. And then, ole Sean McGuire. That man, had the hots for all the ladies here. Always flirting with one, leading her on for a bit, before moving on to the next. He was another, I'd make sure, wouldn't take advantage of Peyton.

    "So, I see Dutch allowed that woman, to join our ranks," A familiar voice says, startling me out of my thoughts.
    "Goddammit, Marston. Don' you know better, than to sneak up on a feller?" I ask.
    "Oh, my apologies. I thought it wouldn't matter to you. Just like letting Colm run free, didn't matter," he says.
    "You best watch your tongue, Boy," I say, tensing up.
    "Why, because I'm right?" He asks.
    "Because you know better, than to question my judgment. I did what I believed, at that time, to be necessary," I say.
    "Necessary?! You call bringin' home another straggler, necessary?" He asks.
    "I wasn't gonna leave her, to die," I say, through clenched teeth.

At that moment, Dutch intervenes.
   "Mr. Marston, is there a problem?" He asks.
   "Yeah, there is. How come Arthur is such a Goddamn idiot?" He asks.
   "What're you implyin', son?" Dutch asks.
   "He went against you. And yet, you treat him like a Goddamn hero. And all because he saved some woman," John states.
   "He did, what I myself, would've done. Colm can wait, for now," Dutch says.
Without another word, John marches off to his tent, angrily closing the flap, behind him.
   "What's his deal?" I ask.
   "Him and Bill feel cheated," he says.
   "They'll get their chance. Jus' not now," I say.
   "Give them time. It'll blow over, before you know it," Dutch says.
   "Sure. But, they'll never let me live it down," I say.
   "Just ignore them, son. Right now, focus on gettin' some rest. Tomorrow, I want you to show our new member, here, the ropes," Dutch says.
   "Sure. Any chance to get away from the attitude," I say.
   
Dutch prepares to walk away, when he turns back, an apologetic look on his face.
   "Where are my manners? I completely forgot to introduce myself, to you, Miss," he says, talking to Peyton, now.
   "Peyton. My names Peyton. Peyton Sparks," she says.
   "Van Der Linde. Dutch Van Der Linde. I hope, you'll be happy, here. I apologize, if anyone has been unwelcoming to you. If you have any problems, you just let me know. I'll handle it," Dutch says, giving her a genuine smile.
    "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Van Der Linde. And, I'll do my best, to remember that," she says shyly.
     "Good. Well, I mustn't keep you. Sleep well. Oh, and welcome to the gang," Dutch says, taking one of Peyton's hands, and giving it a delicate kiss, before heading back to his tent, where Ms. O'shea stood by the entrance, having seen the whole thing.