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On the Run

Summary:

While running from the law in Saint Denis, Reader and Arthur find themselves in an interesting position.

Notes:

(See the end of the work for notes.)

Work Text:

It was supposed to be a routine job. Find a well-off, unsuspecting gentleman and rob him of everything he had—and then some. But, of course—of course—things don't like to go your way every now and then (re: ever), and now you and Arthur are running for your lives. It doesn't help that the gentleman you tried to rob apparently has ties with Saint Denis law enforcement. It also doesn't help that Arthur forgot he has a pretty heavy bounty in Lemoyne. And it also doesn't help that you, for all your high claims of competence, really haven't picked all that many pockets.

So, adding everything together, it's been a bad day for everyone.

Arthur knows the streets of Saint Denis better than you do, so you let him lead. You have no idea where you're going. Hell, you don't think Arthur does, either. But considering your options consist of running away or getting caught (and, you hate to admit, probably hanged), you decide the destination doesn't really matter. Just as long as it's away from here.

You risk a glance over your shoulder—and immediately wish you hadn't. Not too far behind, three lawmen are hot on your heels. All of them look angry, but the one leading the charge, a mustached, dark haired man wearing the ridiculous hat of an officer, looks like he'll throw you into a meat grinder if he catches up. You can see some kind of resemblance to the stuffy gentleman you tried to rob—which probably explains the determination.

Arthur darts down a side street, and you follow suit at the last second. There are several more twists and turns, several more people you almost mow over, before Arthur suddenly grabs your arm and hauls you into a small gap between two buildings. The two of you stand there, breathing as hard as you dare. You can hear the voices of the lawmen getting closer, and for a moment, you think that this is it; it's been a good run. The past was a cool experience—and it's a shame you'll die before you can see more of it.

Eventually, though, the voices drift away, then fade altogether. You wait for a few minutes longer, listening, before sighing in relief and letting your head fall forward.

Only then do you realize the position you're in, pressed up against Arthur's chest with his arms wrapped around you, holding you close.

"Well," you say as you figure out how to look up at him. "...That was close."

He blinks, then lets go of you to awkwardly rub the back of his neck. It's hard to see in the dim lighting of the alley, but you think he's blushing.

"They might double back," you say, suddenly looking anywhere but at him. "We should get outta here."

For just a second, you catch a hint of something in his eyes, and as you turn to head back toward the street, you feel a strong, but gentle hand close around your arm. You face Arthur again, feeling your face heat up when he reaches out and tilts your chin up.

"In a minute," he murmurs, then kisses you with everything he has.

Notes:

They're both idiots, your honor.

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