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Albert felt eyes on him and glanced up, blanching slightly as he met the steady dark gaze of Charles.
He would admit that most of Arthur’s gang were intimidating. Dutch was intense, and Mr. Williamson downright scary with that temper of his, but Charles was probably the most intimidating of the bunch. There was something about his silent, intent gaze that put Albert on edge. The way he moved reminded Albert strongly of a wolf or cougar stalking prey. The prey being him in this case.
Charles was an alpha, for another thing, like most of the men in the gang. Albert had never been much for picking fights with other alphas. He’d been scrawny enough back home in the city. Out here with all these outlaws he felt about as intimidating as a butterfly. He largely did his best to avoid confrontation. It was a bit funny how often Arthur had to come to his rescue when someone in his gang started picking on him. Most of them didn’t mean any harm, but it didn’t do his heart any favors.
It was hard to say whether or not Charles had a problem with him. So far he hadn’t spoken a word to Albert, just nodded briefly when they were introduced. Since then Albert had mostly seen him sitting at the edge of camp, often watching him.
“Ah, hello,” he greeted, trying to sound polite and as un-confrontational as possible.
Charles inclined his head slightly, gaze unwavering.
Albert gulped and glanced away. They were mostly alone out at the edge of the lake. He had wanted a few minutes of quiet to soak in the view. The area was quite pretty, the water calm and glassy, and the sky an almost faultless blue. He’d have to try and get some pictures later.
He didn’t realize Charles had moved closer until the man was right next to him. He just about jumped in the lake in surprise, face turning red in embarrassment. He tried to cover his startled squeak with a cough.
“Can I help you?” he asked, hoping he sounded less nervous than he was.
Charles regarded him silently for a moment, expression unchanged. He didn’t seem aggressive. His posture was relaxed, but even so there was an air about him like he could spring into action at any moment. Albert once again thought of wolves.
“You and Arthur, are you mates?” Charles asked suddenly. His voice was low, but much softer than expected.
Albert blinked in surprise, face quite warm now. “Er, well, that is— isn’t that a bit, eh, personal?” he managed.
Charles looked away across the water. “Yes. But I want to know. Are you?”
Albert debated, glancing back at Arthur. He knew Arthur had told his gang about him a good bit. It wasn’t exactly hard to guess that they were ‘an item’. Arthur wasn’t very keen on discussing the matter, and there hadn’t been any formal bonding so to speak. But, well, after last month...
“I— I suppose,” he admitted.
“And you love him?”
Albert looked over in surprise.
Charles was watching him intently. There was no hostility in his gaze, but his expression was serious.
“Yes,” he answered.
Charles nodded and seemed to relax slightly, turning away again. “That's good,” he said softly. “I know he doesn’t need looking after, but I still worry.”
“Were you two...” he trailed off, not exactly sure what he meant, or if he really wanted to know.
“Mates? No.” Charles shook his head slowly. “And he’s never liked spending heats with an alpha, if that’s what you meant.”
Albert felt his face warm, coughing awkwardly and averting his gaze to the water as well.
“I think everyone was surprised when they found out about you,” Charles continued.
“Were they?” Albert half mumbled, feeling distinctly embarrassed.
“Yes. Maybe you could tell, but he’s had bad experiences with alphas in the past.”
Albert looked at him quickly, curious despite himself. He knew Arthur was a bit defensive, stubborn for sure, and very independent. He assumed it was because he was an outlaw and had to be. He never thought much on the ‘whys’ though. The thought made his stomach squirm uncomfortably. Did Charles mean...?
Charles stood, still not looking at him. “I’m glad he found someone. He seems happy with you.”
“Oh, well, thank you,” Albert said uncertainly.
Charles nodded faintly and turned away, returning to the camp. He passed Arthur along the way, laying a friendly hand on his shoulder briefly as they passed.
Arthur ambled over, taking the spot Charles had previously occupied. “What were you two chattin’ about?” he asked, picking up a stone absently and turning it over in his hands.
“You,” Albert admitted. “I think he was making sure I’d treat you right.”
Arthur snorted, tossing the stone across the water. It skipped twice before disappearing with a splash. “Typical. He always worries too much.”
“He cares about you,” Albert smiled.
“Guess so. We’re all family here,” Arthur shrugged.
Albert looked back at the gang. They really were like a proper pack, always looking out for each other, tussling and poking fun but ready to fight tooth and nail to protect one another in a heartbeat. It was a strange concept to him, but he had to admit it was nice, in a rough and tumble sort of way.
“I hope I live up to their expectations,” he said with a chuckle.
Arthur laughed, leaning against his shoulder. “You’ll do just fine. B’sides, they know better ‘n to say somethin’ about you in front of me.”
Albert laughed as well. “Lucky I have you to look out for me, hmm?”
“I’d say, considerin’ how many times I’ve had to save you from hungry critters.” Arthur grinned, blue eyes crinkled at the corners and sparkling with amusement.
Despite his scoff of mock offence, Albert smiled back. For a moment he simply gazed at the other man’s face. He was beautiful, truly. He’d only brush it off if Albert said so. He thought so little of himself and it made Albert’s chest pang.
He reached out and pressed his palm to Arthur’s cheek, thumb gently grazing through rough stubble.
“What?” Arthur asked even as he leaned into the touch, still smiling.
“I love you,” Albert answered simply.
As expected Arthur dipped his head like he was trying to hide behind his hat. “Dunno why,” he murmured.
Albert prodded him in the ribs making Arthur yelp indignantly.
“Because contrary to what you seem to believe, Mr. Morgan, you are an incredible man that anyone would be lucky to have in their life,” he said, leaning forward to catch Arthur’s gaze.
Arthur’s eyes searched his face for a moment. There was still a hint of disbelief to his smile, something tight and sad that Albert wished he could banish if he only knew how. He knew there was still so much Arthur kept to himself despite how close they had gotten. The past Charles had referenced that left a sense of disquiet in Albert’s stomach. But he also knew how much Arthur was letting him in. Slowly, cautiously, bit by bit, those careful walls were being lowered.
Albert couldn’t help but lean forward and kiss him, and Arthur returned it with equal tenderness.
“Some day, Arthur, I’ll make you see yourself like I do,” Albert murmured when they parted.
Arthur chuckled, head dipping as he settled against Albert’s side. “Alright,” he said, so softly Albert almost missed it. “Alright.”