That F**cking Yankee

Laid Back Day

You shot up with a yell, panting heavily. Dutch shot up right after you will a little yelp and looked around confused, still half asleep.

"What's wrong?!" He asked trying to wake himself up. 

You immediately knew what had happened. That stupid nightmare again, you hadn't had it for a while but tonight it made its way back. You sat for a few seconds in silence, panting heavily still.

"That nightmare again?" Dutch asked as he noticed tears streaming from your eyes.

You nodded still sitting up frozen.

"Hey, it's okay" He comforted and pulled you to him gently. 

You fell into his arms and wiped your eyes as you began to ball. You weren't sure why but you felt embarrassed and ashamed. You didn't want to show Dutch this side of you, only Arthur knew this side.

"It's okay" Dutch whispered as he brushed your hair with his hand. "Daddy's got you" 

You felt immediately comforted by his words, but you couldn't fall asleep again. It was early morning but too early for anyone to be getting up. You laid for a while, Dutch was still stroking your hair but you could tell he was slowly drifting off.

"I..I'm gonna go for a walk" You stuttered.

"Want me to join you?" Dutch asked as he propped himself upon his arm. 

You shook your head and began to climb from the cot that you two were lying in. You dressed messily in your clothing as Dutch watched with sorrow-filled eyes.

"Will you come back?" Dutch asked.

You nodded again. "I... Just need a minute" You replied you mumbled. 

You walked out and headed out to the water's edge. Dipping your bare feet into the cold water you took a deep breath and thought for a moment. Gosh, you felt so embarrassed, you always tried to play a strong character around everyone, especially Dutch, even if you were very shy and submissive around him. 

You made your way to the dock and sat at the end where you usually did. 

You took a while to calm down and collect your thoughts when you heard footsteps behind you. 

It kind of annoyed you as you thought it was Dutch, you just wanted to be alone for a while. But when you turned around it was Hosea.

"Hosea" You said his name as he came and sat next to you.

"You alright, sweetheart?" He asked as he studied your face.

You wiped the tears from your eyes and nodded to him. "Yeah. Just that nightmare"

"I see" Hosea said as he put his arm around you and brought you in for a little hug. 

You both fell silent when he took his arm from you. Since you joined the gang he always stepped up to be a fatherly figure to you. You always took shelter in his comfort when you were troubled or upset. 

"Hosea?" You said his name with weakness.

"Hm?" He mumbled. 

"I need your advice" You explained.

"Dutch?" He asked as he looked up at the dark sky.

"Ho.. How did you know?" You replied almost offended, did Dutch tell him??

"I've noticed you've been spending a lot of time with him and you sneaking into his tent" Hosea chuckled softly. "And yesterday morning when I called Dutch out. Not the first time I've heard that tone from him" Hosea winked at you.