Sign of the Times (Arthur Morgan x Reader)

Chapter Twenty

**WARNING** This chapter contains scenarios that may trigger some people. If you DO NOT wish to read about sensitive topics concerning molestation, please skip over the section. (I'll place markers so you'll know when it starts/stops). Thank you, and have a lovely day/night. <3

"Alright, I'll go speak with the Mayor, Hosea, you find us some place to rob, and you two-" Dutch said, turning to us.

"Go make us some new friends." He said. Arthur and I glanced at each other before walking into the crowd to join the party.

"I don't feel overly excited to make friends at a party like this..." I mumbled as a man walked past, carrying a tray of glasses filled with champagne. Arthur lifted two of them from the tray and offered me one. I took it gratefully.

"Thanks..." I sighed, taking a sip, and feeling it calm my nerves somewhat.

"No problem... just... don't overdo it like ya did last night." He said, and I nearly choked on the second sip of champagne.

"Right... I've actually been meanin' to ask ya..." I glanced down at the ground and shuffled my feet in a nervous manner.

"What happened last night... between the two of us...?" I asked, somehow mounting all the nerve I had to ask him this simple, yet prying question.

He seemed to process the question for a moment before looking off to the side and rubbing the back of his neck.

"Well, ya... had quite a bit to drink the other night, so I took you up to the bedroom..."He admitted, and I could feel my heart thumping in my chest.

"I know what you're thinkin'... and no. Nothin' of the suggestive sort happened." He said, giving a reassuring smile. I chuckled lightly as I felt warmth rising to my cheeks.

"I will not deny idiocy, sir, but perhaps now is not the time." A thick French accent spoke from a few feet away. There was a inane sounding laugh before a male voice spoke.

"Typical pansy." He slurred. Arthur and I exchanged glances before stepping towards the mayor.

"You're drunk Ferdinand." The mayor sighed.

"I'm not drunk, you fool... but this man... he gestured to the gentleman standing next to the mayor.

"This man loves darkies." He laughed. Arthur chuckled and threw an arm around the guy's shoulder.

"You are pretty drunk." Arthur confirmed. He placed one hand on the man's shoulder, and his other hand grabbed his arm.

"What's say you and me cool off?" He asked as he led him away from the group. I smiled as I watched him take the man to the edge of the party, and I lifted the glass of champagne to my lips to take a sip.

"Mister Mayor?" I asked, lifting my glass towards him.

"Allegedly." He chuckled, returning the gesture.

"It's a beautiful place you've got here." I said, glancing around briefly.

"It's not mine, and the city is horribly in debt, but we can still put on a good show." He said, giving me a warm smile.

"Do you know Evelyn Miller?" He asked, gesturing to the man beside him from before.

"Hmm... 'The real America can only be found not in desires but in the purity of its landscapes.'" I quoted, before taking another sip of my champagne. Mr. Miller's eyes went wide, and he smiled.

"You know my work then. I'm humbled." He laughed.

"Do you enjoy any other authors works?" He asked, obviously intrigued.