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“Dutch Van der Linde, you piece’a shit ,” (Y/N) cursed to herself quietly. The gang was just starting to get back on their feet, settling onto the rocky grounds of Horseshoe Overlook. After weeks of nothing but snow, it was a blessing to finally feel the warmth of Spring and the soft, green grass of New Hanover.
(Y/N) was one of the newest members of the gang. She had joined right before the events of Blackwater, a little over a month before. She had been working at the Blackwater Saloon as a maid, barely surviving on the money her parents left her with when they moved out east and hardly making a living while working the saloon. Hosea and Arthur had come in for a few drinks when she had collapsed from overworking. She woke up being tended to by Tilly and Mary-Beth. The girls quickly became protective of her. The shy, quiet girl stuck to herself for a while after that, Hosea tried to get her out of her shell and she avoided the men as they tried to speak with her. The only two she trusted were Hosea and Arthur. (Y/N), at the time, had just grown to trust John as well, but that’s when Micah’s plan fell through and the gang had to find a new place to settle. (Y/N) left the only life she knew, but with the gang, she felt at ease once she realized they did these things for a reason, not just senseless killing like most outlaws. She usually questioned Micah’s morals, seeing right through him for the bloodthirsty outlaw he is. None of them knew they would be chased into the mountains.
While in Colter, she tried her best to help whenever the girls asked or Mrs. Grimshaw barked at her for “lazing around”, usually finding herself doing mundane tasks like finding enough firewood that wasn’t soaked through and tending to little Jack. Every once in a while she would tend to John’s wounds with Abigail, making sure they weren’t infected. Arthur would always be around to try his best to ask (Y/N) how she was adjusting. It was in Colter that (Y/N) found herself looking forward to speaking to the kind and gruff cowboy. He would speak with that drawl of his that began to make her heart flutter, his annoyance showing through, as he spoke about the cold. She found herself growing warm despite the snow surrounding them in every direction whenever he set his eyes on her to check on her. She had grown fond of the older man, but she kept it to herself as she knew John or Javier would tease her for it. The girl knew Arthur was just being nice, but she couldn't help but wish for a stronger connection with the man.
(Y/N) held the small slip of paper in her hand, carefully rereading the words, trying to decipher if they were real. She had been sitting on her cot, skimming through the pages of a newspaper Arthur had picked up for her when Dutch approached her and asked her to work on a job for him. (Y/N) gladly accepted, though now she wishes she hadn’t.
LADY OF LEISURE NEEDED. HOTEL STRAWBERRY. INQUIRE INSIDE.
(Y/N) could hear Dutch’s words loud and clear in her head. “This is gonna be a stakeout. You’ll use this as cover .” Hanging her head, the girl groaned. She didn’t understand why Dutch had chosen her for this job. She wasn’t really “lady of leisure” material. Wider hips, thicker thighs, ample bosom, rounder face, quiet and shy. This was more a job for Mary-Beth or even Karen, why her? Yes, she had lost a bit of weight since Blackwater, but she was still the heaviest girl in the gang. Many working girls weren’t on the bigger side so she was conflicted. However, her need to help the gang and feeling a sense of responsibility, she needed to do this job. Heaving a heavy sigh, she stood and began gathering her things for the trip. Clothes, some food, she contemplated packing her bedroll as well but eventually decided to.
After she had gathered all she needed, (Y/N) moved to Dutch’s tent. She wanted to go over some details with the man about this stakeout and make sure she was truly good enough for the job. Though, if Dutch sought her out, she must be, right? (Y/N) gripped her skirt, trying to push the self-consciousness away. The flaps of Dutch’s tent had been tied back, the breeze flowing through the small, comfortable space. As she approached she heard Dutch speaking over his gramophone. “We all have to earn our keep, this will be a good job for the girl. It’s important to learn–”
A deep voice had (Y/N) slowing her steps, her heartbeat skipping. “Ain’t nothin’ to learn from this, Dutch. What makes you think sendin’ her out there alone is gonna teach her anything?” Arthur’s stern questions made (Y/N) tilt her head. What had him so worked up? (Y/N) decided she shouldn’t eavesdrop anymore and moved to make herself known.
“Dutch,” she said as calmly as she could when she moved to the tent’s opening. Arthur was standing with his hands on his hips, one leg holding his weight, but quickly straightened upon her arrival. He tilted his head down, his eyes hidden by the brim of his worn, brown hat. Dutch sat poised on his chair, book in one hand, finger holding his page. He turns with an unreadable expression on his face then smiles, lifting his arms in a welcoming gesture.
“Ah, Miss (L/N). What can I do you for,” he asks. Arthur lifts his gaze enough for her to see his eyes narrow slightly as his arms move to cross in front of his chest. (Y/N) tries not to stare at the bulging muscles there.
(Y/N) swallows the nerves, smoothing her sweaty palms over her skirt. “I just wanted to ask about the job. If this is a bad time, I can come back.” She eyed Arthur as he turned his head away, looking out over the valley below.
“Oh no, no, not a bad time at all.”
“Oh, okay,” (Y/N) sighed out, glancing between the two men carefully. Pushing through her shyness she spoke. “Well, I just wanted to ask who it was I would be gathering info on. If I’m going alone,” she looked to Arthur, whose brow furrowed, “I wanted to get the details before heading out.”
Dutch nodded, grabbing a bookmark and sliding it into place in his book. He set it on the chest next to him as he stood and faced her. “Funny you should mention goin’ alone, Arthur here had just volunteered to go with you.” Arthur made a sound of confusion, turning to Dutch with his arms outstretched, while (Y/N) opened her mouth to oppose. While going with Arthur would be fine, she would rather hurl herself from the cliff edge due to her barely masked admiration for the man. Dutch put up his hand to silence them both. “Now, now, Arthur already knows all the information about this job, he’ll be there as support as well as a heavy hand if needed. Miss (L/N), you are just the distraction.” Dutch shifted on his feet, shrugging his shoulders and gesturing to the air. “Y’all shouldn’t have to be there for more than a couple of days.”
“Now hold on a minute, Dutch,” Arthur says, trying to get the man’s attention. He holds a hand towards Dutch’s chest, fingers spread slightly. “I still ain’t think this is a good idea.”
“Arthur, this could be a big break for us, for all of us. It’s this or nothin’ at all.” Dutch sits back down in his chair, exasperated. Arthur’s mouth twists shut, a look shared between them. (Y/N)’s hands have curled into her skirt as she now feels even more out of place. Arthur seems to remember her presence and sighs. He moves towards her at the entrance of the tent and stops, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“I guess we ain’t got a choice, miss. I’ll meet you at the hitchin’ posts.” Arthur raises his hands in defeat as he walks away. (Y/N) turns out of his way and watches him walk to his cot by the ammunitions wagon.
Dutch clears his throat causing the girl to startle. “Arthur’ll tell you all the details, Miss (L/N). Now run along and get goin’.” (Y/N) nods awkwardly, scurrying off to grab her things. She felt a pang of disappointment that Arthur seemed so upset about going with her, as well as a sting of resentment that Dutch didn’t trust her enough to let her do a job by herself.
The ride to Strawberry was…awkward. The two rode side by side at the beginning, Arthur explaining that the man they would be tailing, Jonah Fitch, was affiliated with Leviticus Cornwall’s oil business. This Jonah Fitch was staying in Strawberry to oversee a transfer of funds to a nearby bank. It was (Y/N)’s job to distract the man while Arthur snuck into Mr. Fitch’s room to retrieve the information. It seemed simple enough. The two settled into a quiet ride after that, (Y/N) falling behind Arthur as they followed the road to Strawberry.
She watched his back as they moved along, the strong line of his shoulders, tapering into a trim waist, his dirty blond hair swaying in the breeze beneath his hat. (Y/N)’s cheeks began to warm as she looked to his right arm, hanging to the side as his other hand held the horse's reins. The tan skin, the strong veins running up underneath his rolled sleeves, the things those arms could hold . She tried to shake her thoughts away. Looking down at her own hands, she gripped her horse’s reins. This is torture , she thought. Letting out a breath, she looked back up to Arthur and called out, “Hey, uh, Arthur?”
“Miss (L/N)?” Arthur turned his head to the left slightly to hear her speak.
“You think we could stop and rest for a little? Artemis is getting a little agitated,” she half lied. She did want to give some oatcakes to her horse, Artemis, to eat, but she also wanted to get these thoughts out of her head. Maybe dunk her face in a creek to make the burning in her cheeks go away.
Arthur pulled on his horse’s reins, giving a quiet Woah, girl to the dusty brown mare until he was once again at (Y/N)’s side. He looked over at her with a quizzical look. “We only got a little ways left to go, do ya think the old girl can make it that far?”
(Y/N) watched his face for a moment then sighed. Her gaze moved back to her hands and could still feel Arthur’s gaze on her. She hadn't taken into consideration that they weren’t too far out from the quiet town. Too busy fantasizing about the man beside her. “I suppose. Sorry I asked, Arthur. It was rather stupid of me.” She cursed herself internally for letting her insecurities slip out.
“No one sayin’ it was stupid, Miss (L/N),” Arthur said. Her head lifted again to look at him. He gave a thin smile. (Y/N)’s lips pushed out in a slight pout and it took everything in her not to burst into flames when Arthur’s blue-green gaze followed the movement. He turned his gaze away, towards the trees on his left side and cleared his throat. “Anyway, miss, I think it’s best we just keep movin’. Artemis’ll just have to wait a little while longer.”
(Y/N) refused to acknowledge the dusting of pink on Arthur’s ears. “Alright, Arthur.” She heeled Artemis into a soft trot, missing Arthur’s face falling in disappointment, eyes following after her.
The remainder of the ride to Strawberry took about thirty minutes. Arthur had been following (Y/N) the remainder of the way while giving her directions to stay on the correct path. When they reached the edge of town, he suggested setting up camp as the sky had begun to grow orange and pink with the sunset. (Y/N) agreed wholeheartedly and followed the man to a nice wooded area a little ways away. As they set up the small camp, Arthur stole glances towards the stout woman. His heart rate hadn't evened out since Dutch made the decision for him to go with (Y/N). Though he was going to end up going with her regardless, be it he fancied her.
When Arthur first laid eyes on her back in Blackwater, his formerly broken heart began stitching itself back together in an instant, being struck with love at first sight. His former engagement with Mary was practically forgotten. (Y/N) may have looked dead on her feet, but to Arthur, she was the most beautiful woman alive. Her round cheeks, her waist pushing out into wide hips, the way she bounced while she walked. He cared for her, tried to make her as comfortable as possible in their gang, and thanked the other girls for welcoming her. He tried to keep his distance, but with (Y/N)’s bright eyes and beaming smile, how could anyone keep away? The cowboy huffed. What a fool . Arthur was snapped out of his memories when (Y/N) tapped his shoulder.
“You okay, Arthur? You’ve been messing with the saddle straps for quite some time now,” she inquired.
Arthur blinked several times then cleared his throat. “Fit as a fiddle, miss. The buckle on the damn thing was givin’ me some trouble s’all.” He turned and gave her a smile, which she returned, nodding her head.
“Might be time for a new saddle then.”
“You might be right about that, miss.” Arthur chuckles and misses the blush that blooms across (Y/N)’s face. When he pulls the saddle from his horse’s back, (Y/N) has turned, tending to her own horse. From there, the two pitched their small tents and laid out their bedrolls. Arthur set up a small campfire as (Y/N) sat and cleaned her pistol. Arthur had gifted the small weapon to her when they were still in Blackwater, “to protect yourself,” he had told her. He had rarely seen her use it, but he was glad that she had kept it. He made a note to himself to give her some shooting lessons when they returned to camp. When the fire was burning nicely, Arthur sat back and pulled out his journal. He looked over the plan, having written it down when Dutch proposed it, then turned to an empty page. The cowboy began to sketch quietly. He started with the camp set up, then moved to a few flowers close to (Y/N)’s tent, then found himself sketching the woman herself. Arthur drew her with excruciating detail. Her hair falling around her shoulders, the way her eyes pinched when focused, how her body curves, how her round face twisted in concentration. He hadn’t realized (Y/N) was calling out to him as he worked on a spot near her chest.
“Arthur!” (Y/N)’s voice startled him out of his concentration and he snaps his journal closed. Looking up, he sees (Y/N) watching him. “Are you sure you’re alright, Arthur? I was calling you for a whole minute there.”
Arthur felt the back of his neck begin to heat with embarrassment. “Yeah, I-I’m sorry, just…just thinkin’ about this job is all. What did you need?”
(Y/N) studied him for a moment. “I was gonna ask you if you wanted something to eat.” She pulls out a package of salted beef from her satchel that sat next to her. “I brought a bit more than I should’ve so I figured I’d share.”
“Oh, that’s mighty kind of you, miss. Thank you,” Arthur replied, smiling gently. He packed his journal away and stood from his spot across from the woman and made his way to sit closer to her. When settled, he removed his hat and placed it gently on the ground in between their bodies. He could feel (Y/N)’s eyes on him as he ran his hand through his hair, the fingerless glove on his hand catching a couple of small knots as it went. When he turned back to her, her face was tinged red, the yellow-orange glow from the fire reflecting off her features. The two shared a quiet look, Arthur feeling his face begin to burn from (Y/N)’s gaze. “Is uh…is there somethin’ on my face?”
(Y/N) seemed to remember herself and shook her head, the redness growing deeper. “N-No, not at all! I was just…um, I don’t…I’m sorry,” she rambled. She turned her gaze away to her lap then held out a piece of the salted beef. “Here you go, Arthur.”
Arthur chuckled silently to himself. She sure is cute when she’s bein’ shy . He took the piece from her as their fingers brushed softly. “Thank you, darlin’.” Arthur froze, quickly glancing (Y/N)’s way to gauge her reaction. He had never once called (Y/N) anything other than ‘Miss’ or ‘Miss (L/N)’ out of respect for her comfort. He wasn’t sure how she would take being called something so familiar. The shy girl was once again staring at him with wide, (E/C) eyes making his otherwise cold heart skip a beat. I guess badly. “I-I apologize, miss, don’t know what came over me just then.”
(Y/N) shook her head, mouth opening and closing, trying to find words. “It’s–It’s quite alright, Arthur, you were just being nice,” she finally said. She quickly turned her head away, standing up and moving to pick up her pistol and cleaning supplies. “I think, though, I’m going to head to sleep, got a big day ahead of us tomorrow. Good night, Arthur!” She gave him a quick nod, her cheeks just as flushed as before then turned and went to her tent. Arthur was stuck to his spot on the ground as he watched her close the tent flaps in a flurry and the lantern inside dim to nothing. Arthur sat there dumbfounded as he stared at the fire. What a damn fool you are, Arthur Morgan .
I see her in my dreams. I’m near her every day, but this mind of mine must miss her while the world ‘round us sleeps. I know I don’t deserve nothing in this life, however, I can’t get my thoughts to stray from her. She must be ‘fraid a’me. Probably why she took off last night to her tent. I hope it ain’t true. To any god that’ll listen, I hope it just ain’t true.
It was early the next day when (Y/N) heard Arthur milling about the camp. She heard his footsteps crunch on the soft grass of the mountains as he moved to prepare the coffee then his sigh as he sat by the fire to prepare breakfast. It was when she began to smell the brewing coffee that she decided it was time to get up for the day. As she stood and moved towards the flaps of her tent, she paused. She felt like a fool. She hurried away from Arthur the night before all because of a slip of tongue it seemed on the cowboy’s part. He must’ve been thrown off by her sudden departure, but she just hoped he didn’t think badly of her over a misunderstanding. Huffing to herself, she forced herself through the opening in her tent and looked up to see Arthur once again reading over something in his journal. He was sitting with his legs pulled up, creating an easel of sorts with them, and one hand covered his mouth while his hat lay in the grass beside him. His eyebrows were furrowed in concentration and (Y/N) swallowed the nervousness beginning to build in her throat. “Good morning, Arthur,” she forced, a small smile pulling at her lips.
Arthur startled, then looked up, hand still over his mouth. He nodded to her as he pulled the hand down around his chin and then off his face to his journal. “Mornin’, miss. Sleep okay?”
“Mm, though, I do miss my cot back at camp,” she tried joking. “Not used to sleeping on the ground still.”
Arthur huffed a soft laugh. “The ground is no place for a lady to sleep, I reckon.” (Y/N)’s smile grew at his words. The woman had wanted to apologize for the way she acted last night, but the way Arthur seemed comfortable enough to respond to her jokes, she kept the apology to herself for the time being. The two fell into a comfortable silence while they ate then after they finished eating and cleaned up, Arthur brought up the plan for the job. “I think it’s best we go inta town separate, don’t need no attention on us. This town don't really ever see much violence so try your best not to cause any trouble.”
(Y/N) breathed out a laugh. “I don't think I’m the one you need to be telling that to, Mr. Morgan.”
“I ain’t…I ain't so sure, miss. Dutch…and his all seein’ eyes, wanted you to look th’part.” (Y/N) tilted her head as Arthur stood to go into his tent. When he returned, he was holding some clothes. “Now, when Dutch, crazy bastard, came to me with this, I tried to tell ‘im no.” (Y/N) stood and cautiously took the pieces of clothing from Arthur’s hands. She unfolded them slowly, but when she did her cheeks burst into flames.
She knew working girls’ dresses were meant to be more revealing, but for someone like her, it almost seemed too much. She could tell by just looking that the dress was for working girls dealing with the deluxe baths. Thin straps that fall into a low neckline and a lightweight skirt to easily move in a humid bathroom. “Did Dutch want me to give this man a bath? This is too much,” (Y/N) spluttered. She looked up to Arthur, whose cheeks were also dusted a soft pink, but his eyebrows were furrowed. He looked upset so (Y/N) looked back down at the dress. She shouldn't question Dutch's wishes, especially in front of his right-hand man. The girl clutched the fabric tightly. “I-I’ll go get changed then.” As she turned away, she missed Arthur trying to speak, but even he couldn't deny Dutch. It was this way or no way.
(Y/N) shifted uncomfortably in her dress as she walked in the afternoon sun. The corset she wore squeezed her a bit too tight, something she wasn't used to as a member of the gang. She kept slipping her eyes down to make sure the hem of her dress wasn't revealing too much of her chest, but the worst of all were the looks from the men in town as she approached the hotel. Many working girls weren't as big as she was. The way the dress accentuated her curves was attracting a lot of attention she has never been used to. Not many men found girls like (Y/N) very attractive and it made her heart sting whenever she thought about a certain cowboy, but the way these men watched her climb the hill towards the hotel made her skin crawl. She tried her best to play the part, throwing flirty comments to the men who watched her, the words tasting like acid in her mouth when they responded with either interest or disgust.
(Y/N) made it to the stairs of the hotel when she felt a presence beside her. She glanced over to see her tall, broad companion. (Y/N) noticed that he had also changed his outfit into something more regal than his usual cotton work shirt and dark jeans. His shirt was black and over it, he wore a black vest with shimmering embellishments that swirled over the fabric. His jeans looked to be a newer pair of dark jeans that covered his dusty boots. He still wore those dark fingerless gloves of his as well. His gun belt hung low on his hips while his signature hat sat upon his dark blond hair. Arthur tipped his hat to her and moved up to the door and opened it for her when she reached the top of the stairs. (Y/N) couldn't help the genuine smile that spread across her face. “Why, thank you, kind sir.” She tried to keep the red of her blush from creeping up her neck when she watched Arthur’s eyes scan over her.
“Anythin' for a beautiful lady such as yerself,” Arthur drawled with a grin. (Y/N) wanted to smack his arm as the blush grew over her cheeks. Why would he choose now to tease her? Moving into the lobby, the hotel clerk greeted the pair.
“And what brings you to Strawberry?”
“Saw your ad in the paper, sir. About the job opening?” (Y/N) tried her best to look appealing as she stated her business. She could feel Arthur behind her trying his best to remain nonchalant.
“Ah, yes! Well, I can start you right away, there are a few tasks that need to be done around here before a few of our guests get here. There is a gentleman, Mr. Fitch, staying in one of the rooms already so if he calls, please assist him when necessary. Now off you go,” he points in the direction of the door behind him, “the girls will assist you in where to start.”
(Y/N) blinked. That was surprisingly easy. “Thank you, sir.” The man nodded with a light smile and then turned his attention to Arthur.
“What can I help you with, sir?” As (Y/N) reached the door, she turned to the man and gave a slight nod. Arthur returned it slowly as he turned to speak to the clerk.
“You think he suspects anything?” (Y/N) had taken to her role quite easily. Having worked as a maid back in Blackwater, this was rather easy work. The girl hadn’t gotten used to the looks men would give her while she was even doing simple tasks, but she doesn’t think she’d ever get used to their leering. (Y/N) was thankful she had yet to be asked to… assist with anyone, but there were a few men who had been a tad too touchy for her liking. She would always play it off, but her skin would burn where they touched. She was currently in Arthur’s room, preparing the bed for the cowboy while he poured them both a glass of whiskey. The two had seen Jonah Fitch come and go from his room several times in the last couple of days, but he would always ask (Y/N) for assistance in his room. He never asked for any favors , it was usually just to change his bed sheets or wash a piece of clothing. There were times when (Y/N) tried to linger to see where the man was holding the information on the bank funds, but he always told her to leave and that he didn't need any more help.
Arthur sighed, his own efforts to sneak into the man’s room falling flat even when (Y/N) had told him when he was out, he would come back much too quickly. “Can't say for sure, but this getting mighty frustratin’.” He turned to (Y/N) and extended the glass to her, then put his own to his lips when she accepted it. For a moment she watched him, the way his eyebrows tilted in frustration, his lips curling around the rim of the cup. The outfit he wore was slightly different from the one he arrived in. A black shirt with white stripes and swirled designs covered the soft fabric. He remained in dark work jeans and his dusty boots. Sighing, she took a sip from her own glass then placed it on the bedside table. She took a seat on the edge of the mattress, pressing a hand to her side where the corset was jabbing into her skin. (Y/N)’s face must’ve twisted in pain because Arthur had moved in front of her, falling to one knee. “You alright?”
“Yeah, just tired of this damn corset. How do girls wear these things all day?” (Y/N) sighed and rubbed her sore side. She looked down at Arthur watching her hand. “What?”
“Nothin’, just…may I?” Arthur’s hand hovered over where (Y/N) was rubbing, his cheeks a deep red.
The girl swallowed, her own face growing warm. “Sure,” she said quietly, barely above a whisper. Arthur moved his hand to touch her side, the heat of his hand felt through two layers of fabric. Even though she had been doing the same soothing, somehow Arthur’s hand was actually doing more than hers ever could. (Y/N) caught his gaze with her own, (E/C) meeting blue-green, and her breath hitched in her throat. Arthur shuffled himself closer so he was between her thighs, his warmth spreading along her legs and up her chest.
“This alright?” The softness in his rough voice made (Y/N) shiver as she nodded her affirmation. He slowly moved his hand up towards the edge of the corset as he opened his mouth to speak, but before he could meet the fabric of her dress, a loud shout of words from below in the lobby startled the two out of their bubble. Arthur pulled his hand away as if he’d been burned and (Y/N) stood from the bed, smoothing out her dress, both faces glowing red. The shouting from below was followed by a softer voice and the shouting once again took over. “What in the hell,” Arthur grumbled. He almost sounded upset that their shared moment was interrupted, but (Y/N) didn't let herself hope.
“Should we go check it out?”
“Yeah, might be that Fitch feller.” The pair moved towards the door, Arthur letting (Y/N) out first, then the cowboy following after her. They turned to the railing above the stairs that was to the left and (Y/N) leaned against the wall while Arthur leaned around her. His arm lifted to support himself above her head as they both slowly peered over the railing to the landing of the stairs below. A man dressed in a suit and a bowler hat stood at the bottom of the stairs and Arthur cursed under his breath. “Damn Pinkertons. Prob’ly here to protect that sonuva’ bitch.”
“Why would they be shouting though,” (Y/N) inquired quietly.
Arthur shrugged, leaning forward a bit more to try and see around the wall. “Not sure.”
A man’s voice began speaking to the hotel clerk, a hush to his voice. (Y/N) tried to lean a bit closer to the railing, but in doing so, the railing creaked because of her weight. She quickly pulled back when she saw the man’s head begin to turn towards the noise, grabbing Arthur by the waist as she went, and she landed with her back pressed against the wall and Arthur’s body caging her in. His hands pushed against the wall on either side of her head. (Y/N) could feel the heat of the body in front of her, her face turned away and beginning to glow a soft pink once more. Her body burned where it touched his, feeling his gun belt press into her soft thighs and his stomach press against hers. She normally would be embarrassed by the contact if she weren't so distracted by the man of her dreams pressing up against her. Turning her head towards Arthur, she briefly looked up towards him to find his bright eyes already looking down at her, but he swiftly moved his gaze to above her head, staring intently at the wall. (Y/N) glanced at his lips as she watched him struggle to compose himself. When they heard the men downstairs begin to leave, Arthur looked towards the stairs then back to her briefly. He again looked as though he was going to speak, but looked away and pulled away from the wall. (Y/N) watched him turn and look towards Jonah Fitch’s room and moved towards it while adjusting his hat lower over his eyes. The hand that she hadn't realized was still gripping his shirt at his hips slipped away and fell awkwardly to her side.
“Let’s get this over with,” he said roughly. He leaned his ear against the door and when he determined no one was inside, he opened the door and entered the room. (Y/N) stood stock still against the wall as her heart beat wildly in her chest. She placed a hand against her chest in an attempt to calm her erratic heart. When Arthur emerged from the room, he clutched several documents in his hand. She briefly wondered why it was that easy to get into the room in the first place. He approached her gently and tilted her head up with a finger under her chin. “You alright?” Once again, her heart began to race at the touch and even more so with the look in Arthur’s eyes. They were soft and full of something (Y/N) didn't want to believe was real. Kindness, concern, admiration. She swallowed gently, trying her best to nod, but Arthur wasn’t having it. “I need words, sweetheart.”
“Yes,” she breathed. What is happening? Where did that nickname come from? Arthur gave her a soft smile.
“Good, ‘cause it’s high time we git before those men come back. I got all we need for the bank and them funds.” Arthur pulled his hand away then moved to take (Y/N)’s hand in his, pulling her towards the top of the stairs. “I'm goin’ to head out first and I’ll meet you at camp outside'a town, alright?”
“Okay.” The girl was still in shock from everything that was going on around her. Arthur had suddenly become more affectionate, more affectionate than she's ever seen since her arrival into the gang, calling her ‘sweetheart’, checking her well-being after a mere slip up. He moved to pull away from her, but something made her hold on. (Y/N) herself wasn’t even sure what made her grip his shirt once again, but when he turned, she felt herself shy away. He looked down at her with a quizzical look. “Arthur, I–...” She looked into his eyes, and the confidence she'd suddenly gained fizzled out. “I-I’ll see you at camp.”
Arthur’s face fell a little, but kept his composure. “Be safe gettin’ back.” He pulled away, tipped his hat, then moved towards the stairs. Giving (Y/N) one more soft glance, he was out of sight. (Y/N) stood still, her heart beating loud in her ears, but not loud enough to hear the door to the hotel open and close.
Arthur’s heart pounded loudly in his ears. He couldn't believe it. Did he really just do that? Arthur’s legs carried him down the stairs, out of the hotel, and down the road toward the outskirts of town. He could barely hold it together while they were at the hotel. (Y/N) looked breathtaking in that get-up. He may have tried to deny Dutch, but a part of him thanked the man. When he first saw her at the start of this job, he could barely breathe. Arthur put everything into making sure he stayed as in character as possible, but every time (Y/N) would come to check on him or see her around the small lobby, he would feel his heart rate begin to spike. Her soft curves, her soft belly, her soft chest, it took everything in him not to rip any man's fingers off if they so much as grazed her. And the whole fiasco when the Pinkertons came to retrieve the businessman they were tailing? He couldn’t think. He wanted to tell the woman how he felt right then and there. How he thought about her every day, wanted to care for her, kiss her, treat her right . His thoughts were cut short of passing into lustful territory when he realized he had made it back to camp. Arthur’s breath came out quickly as he tried to calm his heart. Calm the hell down, you buffoon.
Arthur managed to calm himself down by the time the sun had set and when he heard soft footfalls in the forest approaching. He pressed a palm into the grip of his pistol at his gun belt from his place on the ground, but let it fall when he saw (Y/N) emerge from the darkness. She wore a shawl over her shoulders that obscured her outfit from view and Arthur thanked whatever gods for it. He didn’t know if he would be able to control himself now that they were alone. “Hey Arthur. Sure does feel good to be out of that place.” (Y/N) laughed softly and Arthur felt a blush beginning to form at the base of his neck. Did she not enjoy what happened between them? The moment in the bedroom as well as the hallway plagued Arthur’s mind and his doubts began to whisper in his ears.
Was I wrong? Her body language sure did like it. Because she’s a lady, you fool. But you’re an ugly sonuva’ bitch, weren’t no way she saw me the way I see her.
“Arthur?” He continued to let his thoughts eat away at him. He had to be imagining things. The way her eyes looked up at him, her round cheeks glowing that beautiful pink, he practically saw hearts in her eyes, but to his doubtful mind, he was certain he must’ve been seeing things. It wasn’t until he felt something warm on his cheek that he refocused and nearly jumped out of his skin. (Y/N) was kneeling in front of him, her body obscuring the light of the fire, while she inspected his face. The warmth of her hand seeped into his skin like the sun’s rays on a summer day. “Arthur, you’ve been awfully distracted the last few days, are you sure you’re not coming down with something?”
How could this woman not see that it was lovesickness he was suffering from? Lovesickness because of her . Taking a shuttering breath, Arthur reached up and placed his hand over hers, trapping it there. Even in the dim lighting, he could tell her cheeks were flaring. He opened his mouth, hesitated, then spoke the words he’d been wanting to say since he saw her. “Surely not comin’ down with anythin’, miss, other than yearning for the woman right in front of me.”
He heard (Y/N)’s breath hitch. “Arthur, wh…what? What’re you saying?”
The cowboy pressed himself forward, causing (Y/N) to move back to sit on her calves, her shawl falling around her arms and both of their hands falling to Arthur’s chest. “I’m sayin’, I…” Once again, Arthur hesitated. He wanted to use the right words. “I may not be the gentlest, or deservin’ of anything such as this, but (Y/N), I…I have been soft for you since the day we met. I’ve been sweet on you in my own clueless way and this job, this whole mess at the damn hotel made me realize I…I want you to be mine.” He squeezed her delicate hand gently. He wanted to trace her skin, find all her imperfections, and kiss them tenderly. Arthur felt (Y/N)’s body tremble slightly and when he looked into her soft pools of (E/C), he frowned in confusion.
“Y-You’re tellin’ the truth?” (Y/N) was staring wide-eyed up at him.
“Why wouldn’t I be?” Arthur turned them so he could see her face more clearly and was shocked to see her eyes welling with tears. They glistened in the firelight as she opened her mouth to speak again.
“Because you’re Arthur Morgan and I’m just…me,” she said quietly. “I’m not…small like other women, I’m not very strong, I was barely good enough for this job.” A few tears began to escape her eyes and Arthur was quick to wipe them away.
“And there ain’t nothin’ wrong with that. It don't matter what you look like, it don't matter if you ain't strong or good for jobs. I ain’t a good man, but you bring out the good in me. (Y/N), you been the light at the end of this dark tunnel I call a life. Weren’t a moment since we took you in that I haven’t thought of you. You’re the most beautiful thing in this life and I’m surely undeservin’ of anything you’re willin’ to give me.” Arthur watched as (Y/N) processed his words, his eyes slipping down to watch her lips. He knew he couldn’t fix her doubts, even his own, in one day, but he sure as hell wanted to try. He owed that to her. Slowly, he shifted his other hand to hold her hip, digging his fingers into the softness there. “In that hotel earlier, took everythin’ in me not to kiss you right then. Even now I'm holdin’ back. I would very much like to if you’d let me.”
(Y/N)’s face once again flared. Her eyes flickered down to his lips. “I was the same way. I do very much want to kiss you, Arthur.” With her words, he leaned forward, full lips pressing to hers in a gentle caress. He felt his chest explode with emotions he wasn’t sure he would feel anymore and wrapped his arms around (Y/N)’s waist. He felt her free hand land on his shoulder while the hand that was against his cheek slipped into his hair, catching on a few knots. He was in bliss, their lips now moving in sync as Arthur pressed himself further into (Y/N). The cowboy savored her sweet taste, like the candies he would swipe for little Jack when they passed through a new town. The woman in his arms pulled away first, but stayed close.
They stared into each other’s eyes and all Arthur could think was Gorgeous . His head was so full of (Y/N) that he must’ve spoken the word as the woman’s smile spread wide across her face. Arthur took in every detail of her face, the crow's feet around her eyes, the dark circles below the seas of (E/C) looking back at him. The pale freckles that spread across her nose. “You are so beautiful,” he whispered. Their breathing intertwined between them as Arthur leaned his head onto (Y/N)’s forehead.
“This feels like a dream,” she whispered.
“Ain’t no dream, darlin’,” he answered. She giggled at his response and Arthur thought he heard angels singing.
(Y/N) woke slowly. She felt warmer than usual in her small tent, the morning drowsiness making her less perceptive. As she tried to shift, however, a groan from behind her made her jump and she craned her neck to look at the culprit. Arthur lay behind her, his arm wrapped around her waist gently. His hand slowly rubbed against her belly and (Y/N), for the umpteenth time, felt her face begin to heat. After she had changed back into more comfortable clothes, the two spoke by the fire, made dinner, and shared chaste kisses until her eyes grew heavy and she fell asleep against Arthur’s shoulder. Ever the gentleman, he must've brought her to her tent. And, by the looks of it, slept by her side all night. The thought made her heart skip a beat. The woman slowly flipped onto her other side as Arthur's eyes opened slowly. “G’mornin’ darlin’,” he rasped. (Y/N) smiled shyly as Arthur reached up to tuck a piece of hair behind her ear. His deep voice vibrated in her chest. “Sleep alright?”
“Mm,” she hummed, “did you? Not much space in here for two people,” she responded quietly.
“The best sleep of my whole life,” Arthur pushed himself up so he was leaning over her. This made her fall to her back, hands pressed to Arthur’s chest, hair fanning out around her head. Arthur moved to press a kiss to her lips and (Y/N) accepted happily. It was soft, tender, and everything the girl dreamed of. The two stayed like that for a while longer, sharing kisses, and decided after breakfast they should head back to camp. (Y/N) couldn't keep the smile off her face. The two rode back to camp side by side to better converse. They talked about nothing and everything, but some insecurities still plagued (Y/N)’s mind as the conversation lulled into a comfortable silence. Arthur took notice and slowed his horse to a walk with a quiet Easy, easy, girl . “What's on your mind, sweetheart?”
(Y/N) looked towards the man, a small, unsure smile tugging at her lips. “I know what you said last night, Arthur, but…but you’re sure? You're sure you want to be with a girl like me?”
Arthur’s brow twitched in confusion. “Girl like you?”
(Y/N) shifted on her saddle slightly. When Artemis gave a soft whinny in response, she reached up and patted her neck gently. “Just…bigger, fuller. Not skinny like Mary-Beth or Tilly,” she explained. She once again looked at Arthur and blinked at his stare. “W-What?”
“Just thinkin’ of ways to tell you you're more than perfect for me, and, darlin’, if I’m bein’ honest,” Arthur said, reaching up to take his hat from his head. He ruffled his hair to clear it of the mess that was underneath then looked back to (Y/N). “I much rather a woman that I can grab ahold of.” Arthur brought his hat up and placed it upon (Y/N)’s head, a wide smile spread across his lips. “Looks good on you, angel, might let you keep it.”
(Y/N) quickly adjusted the hat to sit better atop her head, her mouth dropped open in surprise. Arthur’s cheeks were also tinted a light pink at his own words, but he chuckled and it brought a flutter to her chest. (Y/N) felt herself smile and she let out a heartfelt laugh. “Now, that is quite the declaration, Mr. Morgan,” she responded. She once again adjusted the hat, as it fell from the trot of Artemis, then smiled over at Arthur once again. “And I just might. Though, it suits you much better.” She caught Arthur’s smile grow. (Y/N) reached out and took his hand, squeezing it gently as she looked at him with love in her eyes. “Thank you, Arthur.”
“Anything for you, sweetheart.”
“You’re welcome,” Dutch said quietly to Arthur as he passed him. Arthur turned, his eyes wide. Dutch turned back, tipped his hat, then continued on to his tent, not saying another word.
“Arthur!” The cowboy turned again to see (Y/N) waiting by his wagon with a shy smile on her face. When the two had returned to camp those few weeks ago, they caused quite a stir with the gang. Everyone had witnessed Arthur assisting (Y/N) down from her horse, checking on her by tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, then leaning down to give her a peck on the lips while his hands squeezed her waist. Karen and Mary-Beth hollered, one in surprise, the other in happiness. (Y/N) had blushed a beautiful shade of pink at their teasing, but kept her gaze on Arthur, which he was grateful for. From there it had been going out for small jobs together, catching the other staring while doing chores, spending quality time together in the quiet of the night as (Y/N) and Arthur healed each other's emotional wounds, one soft word spoken at a time. On this particular day, Arthur had run into Valentine to pick up a gift for (Y/N), a new saddle blanket she’d seen at the stables the last time they were there. He'd planned an afternoon picnic by the river below camp and wanted to give it to her then.
He took a soft breath then approached her. As he approached, he took in her outfit. A white button-up top that was loose in the sleeves but hugged around her waist. The shirt was tucked into a burgundy skirt that he had gotten her a week after their trip to Strawberry. He had told her to dress comfortably and was glad she was finally able to make use of the skirt. Arthur reached out a hand towards his woman, which she took happily. “Ready to go, sweetness?” Arthur brushed a piece of hair from (Y/N)’s face, making her smile wider and giggle.
“More than ready, Arthur.” She lifted to her toes and pressed a kiss to the corner of his lips. He fitted his hands around her waist, squeezing gently. He would never grow tired of this. Though he isn’t a religious man, he thanked whatever gods he could that he was able to be with (Y/N).
As they made their way to the horses hand in hand, Arthur glanced in the direction of Dutch’s tent one more time before a bigger smile pulls across his face and a breath of a laugh leaves his lips. Dutch, you sonuva’ bitch.