Sign of the Times (Arthur Morgan x Reader)

Chapter Ten

Everything's been relatively calm today. The throbbing in my head still hadn't subsided, but it didn't interfere with my doing chores at all. Of course Dutch and Hosea fussed at me saying I should rest, and I even offered to help Pearson cook, but he refused to give me any work until I was better.

Being stagnant wasn't my style, so if nothing else, Dutch at least agreed to let me keep watch outside of camp. I was leaning against a tree with my rifle in hand, watching for any signs of intrusion when I suddenly heard the sound of multiple horses coming toward us. I stepped into the road with my gun at the ready, prepared to defend the camp if I had to.

"Who goes there?!" I called out. That was when Charles, Javier, and one other man came to a stop just before me on the trail.

"You're back!" I shouted in glee as Charles climbed down from Taima as Javier and the other guy continued to camp. I gave my friend a quick hug which he returned with equal enthusiasm. He pulled away and smiled down at me, but the smile quickly disappeared when he noticed the bandage on my head.

"(F/N), what happened?" He asked, immediately trying to get a better look.

"This? Oh, it's nothin' it..." I trailed off as Charles gave me a disapproving look. I sighed, looking off to the side before hesitantly meeting his gaze again.

"I know... I shouldn't have gone after Micah alone... I just... I thought I could handle it." I said, shrugging. Charles crossed his arms, still not happy with my answer. He searched my eyes for a moment before he hummed in thought.

"Micah did this...?" He asked, and when he saw my eyes widen, he had his answer.

"I'll kill him. Where is that bastard?" He demanded, pushing past me to walk towards camp. I quickly grabbed his arm and turned him back towards me.

"He isn't here... said something about coming up with a peace offering for Dutch before he could come back." I explained.

"He'd better hope I never see him again..." He said, his voice low and threatening. I had yet to see him like this, but I didn't care. My friend was home and safe. I hugged him once more, burying my face into his chest as he hugged me close to him. I clutched onto his shirt, taking in his scent of fresh mountain air and his own natural musk. It instantly relaxed me, and I released a shaky breath as I pulled away from him. His fingers tangled into my hair, and he brought his lips forward to touch my forehead in a tender kiss.

"(F/N)...?" He mumbled into my skin. I hummed in response, and he pulled away smiling at me fondly.

"I-" He started, but a brash, Irish accent cut him off from what he was about to say.

"Oi, the two of ya! Get yer arses up here already!" He called from the top of the hill. I gave Charles an odd look, and he rolled his eyes, obviously annoyed that he had been interrupted.

"Sean..." He mumbled. I laughed lightly at the way he said his name.

"So that's Sean, huh?" I asked, and Charles nodded.

"Yeah, that's him. C'mon, I'm sure he'll introduce himself." Charles said jokingly, walking with me up the hill back into camp.

"Ah, my people! The prodigal son has returned!" He laughed, and I gave a sideways smile before looking at Charles.

"He's bragging about that...?" I questioned, and Charles shrugged, laughing at my comment. That was when Sean noticed me. He came striding up with a few beers in his hand. He handed one to Charles and waved one in front of my face.