When Hearts collide (An Arthur Morgan Rdr2 fanfiction)

Chapter 17: Welcome to Hell

*A month later*

There were days, when I desperately wanted to return to the nook, with Peyton. Days, when I longed for the peace and tranquility, instead of the chaos and busy life, that came with being part of a notorious gang of outlaws. Days, when I missed the conversations, between Peyton and I. Days, when I missed her soft touch, enjoying each others company, without being bombarded, by everyone else. Ever since returning, after having dealt with Mary, Dutch had done everything in his power, to keep us both busy. Not only that, but separated from one another. The only time we had, was when night had fallen, and we were both so bone weary, we climbed into bed, too tired to talk. We'd simply held each other and slept, hoping the following day, would provide us a chance to spend time together.

Sadly, that wasn't the case. It had been like this, for a month. And I didn't know how much longer, I could stand it. I needed to spend quality time with her, and soon. Dressing, I head out of my tent, preparing for the day ahead, when I hear the sound of retching, nearby. I turn, and walk around the back of my tent, where I find Peyton, bracing herself against a tree, breathing heavily, her face pale. At her feet, was a fresh pile of vomit. Seeing this, I approach her, placing my hand on her shoulder, in concern.
"I'm...I'm fine. Just...just food poisoning," she says.
"You need to rest. Come on, lets get you back inside," I say, reaching for her.
"I'll be fine...just need some water," she says, before she starts to retch once more.

I grab her hair, and hold it back, out of her face, trying to help her. Once she'd finished retching, she tried to push off from the tree, swaying slightly.
"Sweetie, you ain't fine. Come on, lemme help you get into bed," I say.
"You're right. Maybe I'm not so fine," she says, stumbling forward.
I catch her, lifting her into my arms, like I had the first night her and I had made love.
"Got that right. You ain't workin, if you're not feelin' well," I say.
"What about Dutch?" She asks.
"I'll tell him, what's goin' on. For now, let's get you outta them clothes, and back to bed," I say.
"Okay," she says, leaning her head weakly, against my shoulder, as I carried her back inside our tent.

Pulling the covers back, I gently set her down on the cot, before undressing her, leaving her in just her undergarments. I place her clothes in the trunk, at the foot of the bed, before returning to her, pulling the covers up and around her.
"I need some water," she says, barely a whisper.
"I'll get you some. Just stay in bed, and rest," I say, kissing her forehead, before making my way outside, to fetch some water for her.
As I'm getting it, Dutch approaches me.
"Up a bit late, aren't you?" He asks.
"Not now, Dutch. I got bigger things to worry about, than arguin' with you," I say.
"Who says I'm here to argue?" He asks.
"Whatever you need, it'll have to wait," I say.
"Look, I know that I haven't been the nicest person to you, lately. I want to make it up to you," Dutch says.
"Really, how so?" I ask.
"By askin' you to join me at one of the local saloon's for a drink, of course," Dutch states.
"Can it wait, till later? Peyton's sick," I say.
"Oh no. Is she alright? What are her symptoms?" Dutch asks.
"Upset stomach. She says it's food poisoning. Could be, Pearson added a bad batch of meat to last nights stew. I'm not sure," I say.
"I'll check in with Pearson. Get a look at the meat he's using. That way, we can avoid anyone else getting sick, if that's what's going on," Dutch says.
"Thank you. And as for that drink, I'll meet up with you, soon as I know she's okay," I say.

We split off then, as I make my way back to Peyton, fresh cold water in hand. I was puzzled, though, by Dutch's sudden change of behavior. What was that about? Had Hosea finally made a breakthrough with him? Whatever the case, getting back in his good graces, wouldn't hurt. Besides, maybe he would take off some of the work load, so Peyton and I could have a break. Back inside our tent now, I make my way over to Peyton, who was curled in a tight ball, shivering.
"I got you some water, Baby," I say, as I grab a ladel full and bring it to her lips. She drinks it, gulping it down like mad.
"Take it easy, Sweetie. Don't want you to upset your stomach further," I say.
"Thanks, Babe," she says, smiling up at me.
"Don't mention it. You cold?" I ask.
"Yeah, which is weird. It's hot as balls outside," she says.
"You're sick. Bein' cold ain't weird, when it comes to that," I say.
"That's true enough," she says, shuddering.
"Hang on," I say, moving to the foot of the bed once more, and grabbing the quilt that I'd used, before she'd come into my life.
Unfolding it, I shake it out quickly, before settling it around her, tucking it alongside our main quilt, around her.

She sighs contentedly, burrowing her face into the soft fabric.
"Better?" I ask.
"Much. Thank you," she says, breathing in deeply.
"It smells like you," she says.
"Of course. I used it for years, before you came along," I say.
"I like it. Makes me feel like you're right here with me, even though I know, you'll be out working hard like you have been, for the past month," she says.
"Well, I won't be, today. I'm headin' to town to meet Dutch for a drink," I say.
"Since when are y'all on good terms?" She asks.
"I don't know. Says he wants to make amends for how he's treated us lately," I say.
"Do you fully buy it, though?" She asks.
"Not exactly. But, if it cuts the work load back a bit, for us both, then, I don't see the harm in it," I say.
"Okay. Just, please be careful," she says, before suddenly wincing, grabbing her head.
"You gonna be okay? I could have someone sit with you, till I get back," I say.
"I'll be fine. But, please, for the love of God, return safely, to me," she says.

Once she was settled once more, her eyes having drifted closed, heavy with sleep, her words repeat themselves in my mind. Had she had another vision? If so, was it a bad one? I needed to do whatever I could, to remain on guard.
Heading over to Nobu, I mount up, and head into town, to meet Dutch. He was as he said, at one of the saloons. Luckily for me, the smaller of the two. Heading inside, I am surprised to see John Marston and Leopold Strauss occupying the same table as Dutch. They both look up, as I enter, rising to their feet, and heading out, as quickly as I had come in.
"What was that, bout?" I ask, taking a seat in one of the vacant chairs.
"They're here on business. John's taken up the debt collecting, for the day," Dutch says, waving the bar hand over.
"Wow, looks like Marston is steppin' up in the world, huh?" I ask, as the barkeep brings a fresh shot of whiskey to the table, and placing it before me.
"When will you and him, start seein' eye to eye, again?" Dutch asks.
"When he grows a pair," I say.
"Well, enough chit chat. To your good health, son," Dutch says, before we each throw our shots back.

However, the fun didn't last long. Noises were heard out front, before a loud voice called out.
"Van Der Linde. Get out here, Van Der Linde. You don't know me. But, you've been robbin' me. I am Leviticus Cornwall. And I don't take kindly, to people of your nature, takin' my stuff. Be a man, and face me," the voice bellows.
Looking out the window, I see a man clad in rich mans attire, with white blonde hair and mustache. He was slightly paunchy, too. This man, looked like trouble. Big trouble. And with the threats he was making towards Dutch, the man, wasn't playing around. And that was only confirmed, by what I saw next. John and Strauss, were being held captive, guns aimed at their temples.
"They got the others," I say.
"I know. I can see," Dutch says.
"We gotta do somethin'," I say.
"Follow my lead," Dutch says, as we both head outside, arms raised as if in surrender.
I keep thinking back to Peyton telling me to return to her safely. I see her grabbing her head, wincing. She'd known, what was going to happen. And as I glance over at Dutch, I can just see devil horns on his head, and hear him whispering, "Welcome to hell." Because hell, was exactly where we were, right now.