Work Text:
Y/N laid out in the open field, taking a night away from camp needing some air of their own. The grass and flowers encompassing them leading to a moment of peace, the night sky lighting up above them as they sigh. Things just… felt like they were getting worse faster than it was getting better. Their head being so foggy and full of noise, questioning if this life was right for them. They’ve made a few mistakes but it felt as if they were worse than they should’ve been, almost getting themselves killed or someone else hurt. Sighing as their eyes drooped, looking up at the stars before raising one of their hands up in their view and looking it over. A frown etched their face as they looked at their hand longer and longer, vision unfocusing until they heard a sound of footsteps approaching. Hand dropping to their side and playing possum. Closing their eyes and letting whatever happens happens. If this is how they died… then at least they died in a place they loved.
Lucky for them it was just Arthur. The man who followed them slowly ever since they left camp not wanting to leave them alone tonight, feeling something wrong has been going on with them. Yet every time he asked the same fake smile and act was put on to say how they were ‘Fine’ and ‘Just dandy!’ ‘No need to worry about me.’ He stayed hidden and watched them as they laid in the meadow and not moving for the past 20 or so minutes and it worried him. Seeing their arm raise up and how tense they looked… he decided to show himself. Walking towards where they laid and watched them go limp, worry delving deeper as he got closer.
Looking down and frowning, seeing them acting dead in hopes if he was an enemy to pass by. Shaking his head and feeling guilty. He should’ve checked on them more, been more adamant about needing a One on One conversation. Yet, That was a talk for another day, taking his time to slowly lower himself to their level and lay beside them. Sighing in peace watching the sky and a slight grin appearing on his face looking at the dazzling sky.
“...You like stars?” He asked hesitantly to make some conversation, hoping for an answer.
“Yeah… they’re… they’re nice.” Y/N said back, voice small and hollow, giving him concern he knew was there.
Looking over to the other man, seeing their eyes drooping at the night sky, the bags becoming more apparent and how tired they just looked in general. More than exhaustion from work or lack of sleep, and it worried him even more. Feeling his mouth going slightly dry as he needed to do something, he knew he did and just slowly took their hand in his. Feeling them grip it harder and squeezing, a slight choked sob came from them but he didn’t bring it up. Just let them have their moment and the death grip in his hand.
If they were to spend a quiet night in the meadow, looking at the stars then so be it. He knew they both weren’t good at this emotion thing but had their own systems to help one another, giving them time to cry it all out. When they were done he would be there to talk with them, even if they couldn’t talk back he would do his best to get them involved, taking them out to town with him, random rides around the plains, just keeping them company so he would remind them even if they felt lost, they had a home in him.