The wild, wild West (Arthur Morgan x f!reader)

CHAPTER 36 - Jack

I slipped off Smiths back and threw the carcass of the white-tailed deer over my shoulder. Mary-Beth walked past me and greeted me, I nodded at her. The camp was quite full, as always around this time. Everyone was just waking up and preparing for the day.

I caught a glimpse on Arthurs sleeping figure on his bed. He was completely unbothered by the noise around him. I would probably have the next few hours for myself, he would be asleep for a while now.

„Ah, Miss (Y/n). Finally someone who brings some decent meat in!", Pearson greeted me as I approached and eyed the carcass, satisfied.

I dropped the dead animal on his counter. „Need any more, or is this enough?"

„Enough for now. I won't complain if you bring in more, though. There's never to much meat.", he chuckled and put a few knives on the table, preparing to skin the deer.

„Alright then." I nodded. „I'll leave you to it."

„Sure."

I made my way back to Smith to untack him and almost stumbled over Jack, who sat at the entrance of the camp.

„Oh, hell...Hey, Jack.", I greeted the boy.

He looked up at me shyly. „Hello."

He dropped the stick he was holding and Cat pounced at it and picked it up. Then she looked up at me and poked the back of my hand with her wet nose. I kneeled down next to her and scratched her behind her ears while she dropped the stick and tried to lick my face.

„Is that your dog, Miss (Y/n)?", Jack finally asked quietly.

„Yeah. She's called Cat."

He giggled, his eyes remained on the animal.

„You can pet her if you want.", I answered his silent question.

He stretched out a hand and carefully ran it over her back. She turned her head to look at him and he stopped with a worried expression.

„Look, she's saying hello.", I assured him with a smile.

He smiled. „Hello, Cat."

I examined him for a moment. He was always so quiet and distant, I wondered if he was okay. This was the first time I had ever seen a smile on his small, pale face. „Do you want to come on a little ride down to the river with me and Cat?"

He looked up at me, a little unsure. „I don't know." Then his eyes wandered back to the dog and he nodded.

„Then go ask your mom."

With another nod, the little boy stood up and disappeared in the camp. I watched him thoughtfully.

After a while, Abigail appeared with Jack trailing behind her. „Jack said you want to take him down to the river?"

„Yeah. I though he could use a change of scenery.", I replied, unsure of her reaction.

But then, a small smile crept up on her lips. „That would be wonderful." She lowered her voice. „He's been kinda down lately. A little distraction will be good for him."

I nodded friendly. „Of course. Come on, Jack."

Smith was still saddled, I only had to lift Jack up and mount myself. „Your horse is so big. He's way bigger than all the other horses.", he mumbled once and peeled at the floor that now seemed miles away.

„Sure he is.", I agreed. „He's a shire horse. They usually just pull coaches, so they have to be big 'n strong."

„But you are riding him.", Jack questioned.