The Morgan Clan || A Red Dead Story

Chapter 2; Laughter of the Highest Order

When the sun was high in the sky, and both men had their satchels filled with rations from the valley's plentiful resources, the two got onto their horses and headed out to Strawberry.

"Why are we going to Strawberry again," Arthur asked as he spurred his horse to trot closer to Albert's. His horse, Ghost, neighed at Shadow's Cast in greeting. Shadow's Cast huffed back at her.

"I received a telegram when we were in Flatneck about a magnificent herd of horses around the area and I thought we might go see if we can take some photographs. My informant also told me that there was a bounty on the loose." Arthur nodded in response.

"Who even is this informant of yours? We've been followin' his advice for what- four months? Without ever seein' him."

"He's a good friend of mine. If you want to meet him, we can."

"What's he do?"

"He's an author. Goes around the country looking for inspiration for his stories," Albert smiled, "I think you should read them. They're quite marvelous."

"What kinda stuff does he write?" Ghost whinnied at him as he spoke so Arthur bent down to pat her neck.

"Mostly adventure, but he does do some romance novels. Though, he self-publishes those. Doubts that any publishing house will take them."

"Why?" Albert gave him a glance.

"Because they're mostly for fellows like you and I." Arthur's brows rose at that. Another Curious then. Arthur wondered how many of these people Albert knew.

"I see," he said after clearing his throat.

"Yes, sad really. His writing is quite good. I do think you would enjoy it." A hopeful expression appeared on Albert's face. His partner rolled his eyes.

"Maybe," he said. Albert beamed.

"Good! I'll see if I can get you a copy of one of his newest novels." He kicked Shadow's Cast forward. Arthur couldn't help but chuckle at his partner's eagerness. With his own kick, he hastened Ghost after her friend and through the woods.

~

The two arrived in Strawberry just as the sun disappeared under the horizon and the stars were unveiled. They walked their horses to the hitching post outside the hotel and tied them up, then Albert entered the building with Arthur behind him.

"I think we should see my friend tomorrow before we go out. That way you can meet him and we can get more information on that herd he talked about," Albert reasoned as they walked up to the hotel's desk.

"And that bounty," Arthur added. The photographer nodded in agreement before turning to the hotel owner.

"What can I do for you two?" The owner asked politely.

"Room please," Arthur said as he pulled out a roll of cash to hand to the man. The man counted the bills before looking up.

"One room?"

"Yes, please," Albert responded before Arthur could. The owner paused a moment, then nodded.

"Alright. Here's the key. First room on your left." He handed Arthur the key.

"Thank you." Arthur tipped his hat to the man, then ushered Albert upstairs, a hand on his partner's lower back. Once the two closed the room door behind them, Albert plopped down on the bed.

"He seemed nice."

"Not nice, just doesn't care as long as he's gettin' business," Arthur said before placing his hat next to Albert's on the dresser and laying down next to his partner. The photographer giggled when he brushed his beard over the other man's ear.

"Stop, Arthur. You know I don't like that," Albert said as he batted a laughing Arthur away.

"Your laugh is tellin' me otherwise." Arthur quickly pulled Albert towards him and started tickling him at the spot on his neck right below his ear. Panicked laughter escaped the man almost immediately.

"Sto-hop! Please, Arthur! People will h-hear us!"

"I don't care," Arthur chuckled as he moved his hands down Albert's back and toward his ribs. At that point Albert could barely contain his screeching and a loud yelp escaped him. He quickly covered his mouth, eyes wide.

The next moment a pair of feet were running up the stairs and a fist was knocking on the door.

"Are you alright in there," the voice asked.

"Yeah, we're fine," Arthur responded gruffly before going back to tickling Albert. Albert tried his best to hold in his laughter until the person went away, and when footsteps disappeared down the stairs, he exploded into cackling.

"Ar-Arthur ple-hease! I am b-begging you!" Albert instinctively kicked back, resulting in a low grunt and the hands disappearing from his sides. The next moment a loud thunk sounded as Arthur fell off the bed.

"Are you alright?" Albert scrambled to see if his partner was okay. Instead of worry, satisfaction washed over him as his eyes landed on a curled up cowboy with his hands clutching at his crotch.

"Christ, that hurt." Arthur grimaced and let out a breath before a scowl landed on his face when he realized Albert was laughing at him. "It's not funny!"

"You're - you're right it's not, I'm so sorry." The photographer tried to cull his laughter and, once he was successful, helped Arthur up off the floor and onto the bed.

"God, maybe I should just let you loose on any bounties we find. Can kick the shit out of 'em for me." Arthur let out a pained chuckle. Albert gave an amused huff in response.

"I think I'd be dead from the shooting before I could even get off my horse."

"Maybe, but if we're ever in a close quarters fight I'll-"

"Be sure to call on me to take over? I'd be delighted," Albert smiled and leaned in to rest his and Arthur's foreheads together.

"I'll be sure to get into some trouble then," Arthur let out a low laugh, then pecked his photographer on the lips. His partner gave a satisfied hum.

"We'll see," Albert whispered. He fell back onto the bed, bringing Arthur own with him. Then the two kicked off their boots and curled up for a good night's rest.

~~

And they were roommates...

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