Important Message Regarding Requests - My friends, please do not be offended if I pass up on your request. Usually this is because it's something I don't feel comfortable writing in the request. Thank you <3
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As you might have already noticed, I've not been active a whole lot recently and I've simply not had the time, the energy and the mental capacity to decide what I need, but I think that a hiatus is a must.
To cut a very long story short, there was an unexcepted death in my family on April 22nd and ever since then, myself and my family have been taking care of my sister and helping her with the funeral for her partner, Kerri.
I can't even think about getting back to writing, let alone trying to open a google doc to write an actual sentence. I know you'll understand, but I just wanted to let you know that I'm taking a much needed break to not only get my sister back on her feet, but to get myself back to where I want to be as well.
ok ok i have a joel x reader request. maybe after settling down in jackson, reader has some guys approaching her and flirting which makes joel feel insecure and like reader would be better off without him? she has to reassure him that he’s the one for her. maybe some smut but just very soft and loving perhaps
Love this request 🥰 thanks nonnie, hope you enjoy 😊
A Fool for You
Pairings: Joel Miller x f!reader
Warnings: Smut 18+, explicit, unprotected sex, slight age gap, insecure Joel, self doubt, flirting, slight jealousy, smidge of angst,cursing, fluff.
Comments and reblogs really appreciated 🥰
Joel waited patiently at the gates for the morning patrol party to return, more specifically, you. He hated when you did patrols without him, but Tommy had insisted you help out with the new crew that had arrived last month.
He’d grumbled about it, but you’d assured him you’d be fine. Joel knew you could handle yourself. That wasn’t the issue. He didn’t trust the new guys, not one bit. It didn’t help that they seemed enamoured with you. Always watching you with their lust-filled eyes.
“They’re not back yet?” Ellie asked as she sidled up beside him. His gaze turned towards her, and he shook his head as he crossed his arms over his chest.
“She’ll be ok, ya know? She can handle herself just fine.” Ellie was trying her best to reassure him, but he couldn’t shake the anxiety that had settled in the pit of his stomach. Ellie’s laugh startled him from his thoughts and when he met her gaze again, she was bowled over with laughter.
“You’ve got it bad man.” She smacked his arm as she continued to laugh causing a scowl to form on his face. “Don’t know what you’re talkin’ bout”, he grumbled as he huffed out a breath, his gaze fixed firmly in the gate.
“Sure ya don’t. You should just tell her how you really feel and then you can finally give her that ring you’ve been squirrelling away.” Ellie looked at him then with her eyebrows raised, a silent challenge for him to correct her but he didn't.
How the hell did she find out about the ring? He thinks to himself as tries to steal his expression, not wanting to prove her right. Of course, Ellie would know how he truly felt. There wasn’t much he was able to keep hidden from her, she could read him like a book.
“She loves you too, ya know? In case you were wondering. You two are about as subtle as a sledgehammer.” The sound of the gate opening captured her attention and she missed the way Joel’s face lit up.
Did you really love him? He loves you. There’s no doubt in his mind about how he feels about you; he just doesn’t know if you feel the same. The relationship you both had was undefined, but you lived together, you slept in the same bed and took pleasure from each other’s bodies and to everyone in Jackson, you were Joel’s girl.
Could you truly love him?
Hope began to bloom deep inside him and when he saw you enter through the gate, he couldn’t help the smile that edged its way onto his face.
“See I told you, she’s just fine,” Ellie’s voice sounded from beside him, startling him. He’d forgotten she was standing there and when he looked down at her she tilted her head in your direction. “Go on then. Go get her.”
“Ain’t, you supposed to be at school?” He asked, his eyebrow raised in question. She simply shrugs her shoulders before winking at him and turning to leave. He smirks after her, silently wondering how he got lucky enough to get a second chance at a normal life.
“Hey, are you waiting here long? One of the new girls had a meltdown out there. It's what took so long to get back.” Joel’s eyes take you in, searching for any signs that you might have been hurt and when he finds none, he breathes a sigh of relief.
“Not long. Just glad you’re ok. Ain’t lettin Tommy make this a regular thing though. I ain’t been able to sit still all mornin’.”
You smile up at him as his gaze drifts to the others filing into the town behind you. He clenches his fists as he spots some of the new guys ogling you. The fuck they looking at?
He feels a rage begin to simmer beneath the surface of his skin and without thinking much about it he wraps his arms around you and crashes his lips to yours. You gasp at first, shocked by his sudden display of affection, something he never does but it quickly turns into a soft moan as he licks along your bottom lip and his hands grab your ass.
What’s gotten into him? You think to yourself as you wind your hand around his neck. Just as it starts to get a little heated, he pulls away and glares over your shoulder. You follow his line of sight and suddenly it all makes sense.
He’s jealous.
Jake and Dillon are both glancing in your direction and his hands grip your hips a little tighter causing the smile on your face to widen.
“You ain’t gotta worry about them Miller. I’m all yours.” You tease and he quickly glances at you before grumbling under his breath. You take his hand in yours and lead him away from the crowd gathered at the gate towards your shared home.
“Come on, I’m starving. Let’s go home.”
***
Joel made sure after that - having threatened Tommy enough - that you were always on the same patrol. It always made him uneasy when you went out of Jackson without him.
Everyone knew you were his lady. It didn’t have to be announced, it was just the way it was.
Apparently though, the new guys didn’t seem to get the message and with each patrol they began to flirt more with you, and it did nothing to help with his ever growing insecurities.
He’d always felt like you were too good for him. Since way back in the Boston QZ and he ignored his feelings for you by hooking up with Tess. She knew of course, nothin slipped past that woman.
You were smart, beautiful and a little bit younger and as time passed by and you became more settled into this new life, he began to question if you were better off without him.
“Hey,” your voice startled him from his thoughts and as he looked up at you, leaning against the door to your shared room, he couldn’t help but smile.
“Hey darlin’, everythin alright?” You nodded your head as you pushed away from the door frame.
“Yep, just wanted to see if you wanted to come to the Tipsy Bison, the patrol crew are all meeting for a well-deserved drink.” You made your way towards him, settling yourself between his open legs and wrapping your arms around his neck.
“Gotta head over to the stables and fix up the fence, but you head on over, as soon as I’m done, I’ll join ya.” He lifted his hand to brush some hair off your face, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
“M’okay.” His hand drifts behind your neck and pulls you close. His lips meet yours in a soft kiss before he pulls away and pats your ass. “Go on now, or we’ll both be late.”
You smile down at him as you peck his lips once more and turn to leave. Joel let out a sigh as the sound of the door closing echoed through the house. He needed to stop thinkin like that.
***
Your laughter is the first thing he hears as he pushes open the door to the Tipsy Bison. It’s a sound he’s grown to love over the years you’ve been together, and it always brings a smile to his face.
The smile quickly turns to a scowl though as he stands at the entrance, the door swishing behind him. His stomach twists into knots and his heart thunders within his chest when he sees you standing at the bar with Dillon.
He’s clearly said something funny which explains your laughter but that’s not what bothers Joel. It’s the way he’s standing too close, his hand gently touching your arm. It’s the way his eyes keep drifting to your lips.
Those doubts and insecurities simmer to the surface, and he panics. What if you want someone more like Dillon? Someone stronger. Someone younger. Joel can’t take it anymore and before you can spot him, he turns and leaves, making his way home.
He bursts into the house, the front door slamming behind him echoing through the air as he rushes past the kitchen and up the stairs.
“Hey, everything alright?” Ellie’s voice shouts after him but he doesn’t answer. “Okay then,” she mutters as she continues to fill her bag.
***
The laughter dies in your throat the minute Dillon’s hand touches your arm. He was sweet and very funny, but you didn’t have any interest in him like that. Not when you were madly in love with Joel.
As if your mind had conjured him, you see him in the doorway of the bar, his back to you as he makes a hasty exit. Was he not going to join you?
You're not sure what Dillon is talking about now that your mind is on Joel. With a wry smile you turn back towards him. “I’m gonna head out, ok?”
You down the rest of your whiskey and turn to leave but Dillon’s hand on your wrist stops you.
“I thought we were having a good time,” he says, his tone a little clipped. Your eyes drift to where he’s touching you and you quickly pull your hand away. “Look, you’re a nice guy but I’m not interested. I love Joel. I’m his.”
“That old sack of shit,” he jeers, and you can feel the anger bubbling beneath the surface of your skin.
“What did you say?” He laughs again and you clench your fist tight. “I said he’s an old sack of shi…”
“Fuck! You bitch.” He cries as you punch him squarely in the face. He holds his nose as blood flows freely from it, trickling down over his hand.
“You better watch what you say about my man. Cause I ever hear you say shit like that again,” you lean in close, your breath tickling the skin of his neck. “I’ll rip your cock off. Got it?”
He nods his head frantically before rushing out the door. The bar is silent now and you can feel Tommy behind you before he says anything.
“Jesus, you and Joel are perfect for each other. I reckon he won’t bother ya again now. Hell, I reckon no man is gonna bother ya now.” His hand rests on your shoulder squeezing gently.
“Good. Cause I’m already takin.” Tommy pats you on the back as he turns back towards the bar. You let out a sigh as you walk out of the bar and make your way home. You know that’s where he’s gone.
“Hey, something happen with Joel? He stormed up the stairs like a moody teenager.” Ellie asks as you make your way into the kitchen.
“Not really sure but I’m gonna head up and see if he’s ok.” You furrow your brow when Ellie throws her backpack on. “Are you off somewhere?”
“Yeah, I’m heading over to Dina’s. I’m staying the night so don’t worry about me.” She gives you a tight hug before heading for the door and leaving.
You close your eyes and take in a deep breath before ascending the stairs two at a time. Your hand hovers over the door handle of your shared room and you hope that he doesn’t shut you out this time.
The door creaks as you push it open and you find Joel suiting on the bed facing the window. His shoulders are tense and you decide to crawl across the bed and wrap yourself around him. He tenses more when he feels your arms slip around his back towards his chest.
“What are ya doin?” His voice is low, and you can feel the rumble of it as your head presses against his back.
“What’s wrong? You’ve been a little off since I did that patrol on my own a couple of weeks back.”
He sighs, leaning forward and placing his hands on his face. “Ain’t nothin’ wrong.”
“Ok, yeah, I don’t believe that for a second, baby. You can tell me anything, you know that right?”
“I don’t think this is gonna work out,” he mutters quickly through his hands. Your heart cracks just a little. Where the hell is this coming from?
“Joel,” you whisper as you pull away from his back and move to straddle him. He reluctantly moves his hands away from his face to grip your hips, making sure you don’t fall.
His gaze settles on the window behind you but you're not having any of it. Reaching out to him, you gently place your hand on his cheek, and he closes his eyes at the feeling of you touching him.
“Look at me please.” Your voice is soft, and you run your thumb along the stubble of his cheek. He takes a deep breath before slowly opening his eyes and meeting your gaze.
“What’s going on, Joel? Are you really breaking up with me?” He swallows loudly, his eyes tracing the curve of your face before letting his eyes drift away.
“No! Look at me and say it. Say you want this to end. That you don’t want me anymore.” It comes out a little harsher than you wanted but you need him to talk to you about what’s running through his head.
“I ain’t good enough for ya, darlin’.” It’s almost a whisper but you heard him loud and clear. “You could have anyone you wanted. I’m just holdin ya back baby.”
“Now hold on a minute, where are you getting this from. Joel, baby.” You grab his face with both hands and force him to look at you. “You are not holding me back. You make me better, in every way and I couldn’t live without you. So please don’t make me.”
“You should be with someone closer in age. Someone like Dillon.” That’s when it clicks.
“I don’t want him. I don’t want anyone that isn’t you. Never have, never will. Joel, you're stuck with me. Besides, you ain’t that much older than me, baby. I love you.”
His breath hitches. You love him. His eyes glaze over with unshed tears and a smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. “You-you love me?”
“Afraid so. You, Joel Miller, are the love of my life. You ain’t too old for me. You may be a little bit grumpy but, you wouldn’t be you if you weren’t.”
He grabs your ass and pulls you close, resting his head in the crook of your neck. He breathes you in savouring the feel of you in his arms. His heart beats wildly as he utters those words back.
“I love you too, darlin’.” You run your fingers through his hair, and he hums contentedly. “You are sure I’m what you want?” He asks as he pulls back to look at you.
“Let me show you how much I want you.” He gulps as you remove your jacket and top, tossing them onto the floor behind you. His eyes widen, transfixed by your form as you make quick work of removing your bra.
You slip off his lap and remove your trousers, taking your underwear off with them. “Fuck, you’re beautiful,” he whisper as his eyes trail the length of your naked body.
You bend, pulling off his boots and socks before running your hands up along his jean clad thighs. Undoing his belt, you reach for his zipper and he lifts his hips as you pull his jeans off.
His breathing is ragged as you straddle his waist again, hands running up his chest reverently. His arousal is hard against you and he closes his eyes and groans when you run your slick along it.
With delicate fingers, you slowly undo the buttons of his shirt, rolling it off his shoulders. You giggle at the sight of the grey t-shirt he has underneath.
“Why do you always have to wear so many layers?” He smiles at you and shrugs his shoulders. “Think it’s cause I’m….”
You place your finger against his lips, “if you say you’re old, i'm gonna slap you baby.” He chuckles, slipping his arms around your waist and pulling you flush against him.
“M’okay. I won’t say it so.” His eyes are focused on your lips, and you lean in and capture his in a searing kiss. You swallow the moan he lets out as you slowly grind against him.
“Wanna take care of you, baby,” you whisper against his lips. He doesn’t answer. He can’t. He’s too damn horny.
You push at his chest, forcing him onto his back and the way he’s looking up at you sends a shiver down your spine.
You don’t speak. You don’t want to ruin the moment with words, so you grab his length in your hand and pump him twice before you line him up and sink down on him. He whimpers, his hands gripping your hips tight as he keeps his gaze focused on where he disappears inside you.
It’s slow, sensual as you roll your hips above him. You’re focused on him, on his pleasure as you try to reassure him with your body that he’s it for you.
You can feel your pleasure build and as your orgasm washes over you, Joel makes a strangled noise below you. His eyes are wide open, glazed over with lust as he focuses on the way your breasts bounce slightly. He moves his hand from your hip to squeeze your breast, pinching your pebbled nipple between his fingers and you moan softly as you clench around him.
His breathing becomes more ragged, and you know he’s close. You ride him a little harder and he trembles as he nears his release. He groans out your name as his body jerks, spurting hot ropes of cum inside you. You both pant loudly, his grip on your hips loosening as he pulls you down towards him. He doesn’t pull out, wanting to stay connected to you for a little longer.
“So, have I convinced you you’re it for me?” You whisper into his chest. Joel smiles, lifting your chin towards him and he connects his lips with yours. “Don’t know darlin’. Might need a little more convincin’.”
You smack his chest, and he chuckles, pulling you close. “Hey,” he says as he grabs your hand. “Why is your hand bruisin’?” You shrug your shoulders and nuzzle back into his chest. “Let’s just say, you aint gotta worry about Dillon no more.” His eyebrows arch and his chest expands with pride. You really are his lady.
He knows that you love him. That he loves you and that you are all he needs. You and Ellie. His gaze drifts towards his bedside locker where the ring he found a couple of months back lays sitting in a black box.
A smile plays across his face. He’s gonna have to ask you now. Ask you to be his wife. Maybe then - when you’re wearing his ring on your finger, sharing his name - the men of Jackson will think twice about flirting with what’s his.
Hi, I would love to request a Joel fic. I love your work and appreciate all of the effort you put into your work.
I’d love something where reader and Joel have always tried to keep their distance from each other because they don’t want to get emotionally attached. But one night they’re drinking alone and reader kind of confesses her feelings without thinking. And Joel doesn’t really know how to respond.
So the next morning he acts like he doesn’t remember because he’s afraid to be with someone. And it hurts reader’s feelings, but she just doesn’t bring it up.
Until one evening they’re on a run together and they stay in a safe house for the night and reader can’t distract herself anymore and she confronts him. Maybe it turns into a passionate fight where he admits he remembered but was too scared to say how he felt.
Maybe ending with some steamy smut with a soft ending? I love a good pining/angst/smut combo and I think you’d absolutely kill this. Of course no pressure if you’re not into it! Thank you for doing what you do and I hope you have a lovely day!
Thank you so much you’re so sweet 🥹🥰 Absolutely loved this request. I changed it up just slightly but I hope you enjoy 😉
Trying Not To Love You
Pairings: Joel Miller x f!reader
Warnings: Smut 18+, explicit, unprotected sex, mutual pining, oral (female receiving), hidden feelings, confessions, flirting, jealousy, little bit of angst, mentions of drugs and alcohol.
Comments and reblogs really appreciated 🥰
You were feeling the light buzz from the alcohol tickle beneath the surface of your skin, the whiskey warming you from the inside out as it slid smoothly down your throat. As soon as Tommy had left the tipsy bison, Joel had cracked open the good stuff.
It was a rare occasion that you’d both get this time alone, especially since arriving back at Jackson a few months ago. You were both either out on patrol or too tired to do anything other than sleep.
“I still can’t believe this is our life now,” you say as you sit at the bar sipping on your drink. Joel hums in agreement, shifting on his stool so he’s facing you.
“Feels too good to be true, doesn’t it? Doesn't seem right neither, us here livin’ a normal life while the world is gone to shit.” You can feel his eyes on you as he speaks and god the sound of his voice - that deep southern drawl that gets more prominent when he drinks - stirs something in you.
“I know what you mean but we’ve earned it Joel. All the shit we’ve been through, this is what we deserve.”
“I guess. Just makes me on edge knowing it could all be gone in the blink of an eye.” He downs his drink and leans across the bar to pour himself another.
You use the opportunity to take him in. The way his hair has grown slightly longer, curling at the ends, a significantly more amount of grey littering his dark locks since Boston. The stretch of his plaid shirt across his broad back and shoulders. The sun kissed skin that peeks out from under his shirt at his neck.
Your gaze drifts to his hands and the way the bottle seems so small in comparison. You shiver at the memory of how those very hands gripped your hips last night as he drove into you from behind.
“God, I love you,” you whisper, freezing when you see the way his shoulders tense. Fuck! I didn’t mean to say that out loud.
You were never supposed to feel like this. Weren’t supposed to fall in love. Sure, you both enjoyed each other’s company and fucked when the need arose but that’s as far as it went. You both tried to keep it simple. No living together. No feelings. Just casual. It was easier that way because you had nothing to lose then. Or at least that’s what you told yourself.
“I - I, you….” He stammers as he pours himself more whiskey before turning to you with a wry smile and topping yours up too. “Ellie seems to be settling in just fine,” he stated, quickly changing the subject, his eyes avoiding your gaze at all costs.
“Yeah,” you coughed, the whiskey getting caught with your breath. “She’s eh - she’s made some friends. It’s nice, seeing her happy.”
Joel didn’t say much after that, just nodding his head or humming in agreement and when the bottle was gone, you both got up to leave. “G’night.” He muttered as he turned away from you and walked towards his house.
“Night,” you whisper as you wait for him to disappear inside before letting out a sigh and making your way home. Why did you have to fall in love with him?
***
The following morning you had patrol bright and early and as you made your way towards the main gate, you caught a glimpse of Joel standing off to the side having a very animated conversation with Julie.
Of course, she’s with him. She’d been smitten with Joel since you all arrived in Jackson. You weren’t in the mood for this today. You weren’t in the mood for her today. You didn’t get much sleep last night, unable to get what you’d said out of your head. Why didn’t he say anything? Does he not feel the same? Did he even hear me?
You’d planned to address it this morning and clear the air, not wanting to make things awkward between you both. So, taking a deep breath, you sidle up beside him not missing the glare Julie sends your way as you gently touch his arm, drawing his attention to you.
“Hey,” you smile softly at him and his face morphs into that scowl you’ve come to love. “Can I have a word?”
Joel nods before turning back to Julie and saying that he would see her later. “Somethin’ wrong, darlin’?”
God, I love when he calls me that.
“I just wanted to talk about last night. What I said…I…” Joel furrows his brows as he leans against the fence. “Darlin, I’m ashamed to say, I don’t remember much bout last night. That was some strong whiskey,” he laughs, his eyes meeting yours briefly as he looks around at the others gathering at the gate.
“Oh! Okay. Umm, then never mind I guess.” You feel as if you’ve been stabbed in the gut as your stomach twists into knots. He doesn’t even fucking remeber. Of course, he doesn’t.
“Come on. Best get goin’, we want to be back before nightfall.” Joel pushes off the fence and walks towards the main gate, not bothering to throw you a backward glance as he makes his way out of the town.
Your heart aches, feeling almost like you’ve been rejected but at least this meant that you could both carry on as if nothing happened. Right?
***
Her laugh was shrill as she looked down at her feet, twirling that strand of hair between her fingers as she walked beside Joel.
You roll your eyes for the third time and huff loudly as you watch her flirt with him. The man was oblivious. Alway has been, never believing you or Ellie when you say that someone was flirting with him.
“You and him have a fight?” Tommy asks as he jogs up beside you, trying to keep up the pace. “Hmm?” You mutter as you keep your gaze focused on the man in front of you. The smile he has plastered across his face makes you nauseous.
“You two are usually joined at the hip. He never leaves your side and now he’s up there with….”
“Miss Jackson 2023.” Your tone is clipped and the scowl on your face deepens. Tommy bursts into laughter causing Joel and Julie to turn their gaze in your direction.
“Who pissed in your cereal this mornin?” Tommy asked, a wide smile on his face as he nudged your shoulder. You let your gaze drift from Joel to Tommy and you can’t help but let out a little chuckle.
“M’sorry. Just didn’t sleep much last night. Me and Joel are…we’re good.” Tommy hummed as he let his eyes drift between you and his brother, not missing the way Joel’s gaze lingered on you.
“If you say so. Come on,” he states as he pushes forward, leaving you trailing behind. “Fucking Millers,” you mutter under your breath as you jog after him.
Later that night, you waited for Joel in your dining room. Dinner was waiting on the stove to be heated as soon as he came but as the hours ticked by, you began to realise he wasn’t coming.
That ache in your chest that you had earlier when you saw him smiling at Julie began to creep in again. Where was he? He always came for dinner on Friday night. It had become somewhat of a tradition since living in Jackson. You’d both have dinner here and then somehow find yourself in your bed, wrapped in each other's arms.
The voice in your head told you to go to the Tipsy Bison and see if he was there with her, but with a sigh, you turn out your lights and have an early night.
Maybe he’ll come here tomorrow?
***
He didn’t show Saturday either. Or Sunday and when Monday rolled around, you’d gone from feeling sorry for yourself to downright angry.
What the fuck was he playing at? Why was he being so distant?
Grabbing your bag, you throw it over your shoulders and make your way down the street to the main gate. Tommy had come by the day before to ask if you’d be willing to make a special run for medical supplies to which you happily agreed, as long as it wasn’t with Joel.
Fixing your knife into your belt, you’re startled when you hear that familiar southern drawl. “Hope you brought your gun too, darlin?” Joel stood to the side of the gate with Tommy.
Both Miller brother’s gaze were fixed on you but yours was only focused on Tommy, who you greeted with a scowl.
“What’re you doing here?” You ask as your eyes drift back to Joel, that ache in your chest returning with a vengeance.
“I told ya before, I don’t feel comfortable with you going on runs without me.” He’s staring at you, but his face gives nothing away which only serves to anger you more.
“I don’t need no damn babysitter, Joel. I can handle it. Besides, Jason was gonna be tagging along.” You stood with your hands crossed across your chest, eyes narrowed as you snarked at him.
“Never said you needed a babysitter. I know you’re more than capable of handlin things, but you know I ain’t ever able to sit still when you head out without me.”
“Surprised you’d even notice,” you muttered under your breath. “Fine. If you’re insisting on coming, then let’s head out. I wanna be home before dark.” You turn with a finger pointed to Tommy. “You. I’m gonna be having a word with you when I get back.”
You turn and march off leaving both Miller men staring after you. “Good luck with that,” Tommy says, clapping his big brother on the back. Joel scoffs as he turns to follow you.
***
You could cut the awkward tension with a knife and every time you snuck a glance at Joel, you found him already staring at you. I don’t know how much more of this I can take.
“I think we’ve got pretty much everything on the list, we should start making our way back.” You state as you turn away from the shelf, stuffing the antibiotics into your bag.
Joel’s keeping watch, his gaze fixed out the window and gun cocked, and you can’t help but admire him. No. You gotta stop this. Closing your eyes, you take a deep breath before closing the gap between you.
He startles when you gently place your hand on his arm. “Did you hear me? We’ve got everything we need.” His gaze holds your own for a moment and you wish he felt the same way you did.
Clearing his throat, he steps back slightly, your hand falling away from him, and you pull it towards your chest before swallowing the lump in your throat.
He steps around you and opens the door slowly, scanning the area before ushering you outside. You’re both halfway down the street when you make out distant voices.
“Fuck.” He curses as his head moves toward the sound. Five men emerge from the tree line and he grabs you by the arm and pulls you along behind him.
“Joel,” you say nervously as he continues to pull you along. His grip getting tighter on your arm and hurting you. “What - what are we gonna do? They’re blocking the way home.”
He doesn’t answer. He just continues to move through the small town quickly as he tries to get you both to safety. He turns abruptly and you gasp.
“Tommy has a safe house nearby. We’re gonna have to stay the night and wait it out.” His face is stern, but you can see the hint of worry in his eyes as they scan your face.
You look over your shoulder, seeing some of the men making their way to the pharmacy and Joel gently whispers your name.
“We can’t take them on. We’re outnumbered. I ain’t risking it. I ain’t risking you.” Your breathing becomes ragged, and his hand gently caresses your cheek. “Come on, darlin’. We gotta go.” He grabs your hand in his and moves you quickly through the town, making sure to stay out of sight before you both disappear through the trees.
***
Night has fallen and Joel is out back grabbing some wood for the stove while you heat up some canned pasta. You’d argued that it was too dangerous to light a fire, but he’d said the cabin was too far out for anyone to see the smoke.
It beats having to huddle for warmth, you think to yourself as you stir the pot. He pushes open the door and throws a log into the stove before moving up behind you.
“Smells good,” he hums, his breath hot on your neck as his hand brushes along your lower back. “It’s almost done. You can sit by the fire. I’ll bring it over in a minute.”
Glancing at him over your shoulder, you see he has taken his boots off and your heart aches at the sight of him looking so relaxed. The cabin and the fire and the two of you alone it’s so domestic and that makes it hurt even more.
Handing him his bowl of pasta, you take a seat on the couch beside him as you both tuck into dinner.
It’s quiet. Too quiet and normally it doesn't bother you. Joel is always kind of quiet, but this is different. There’s an awkward tension in the air and you begin to feel claustrophobic.
You can feel his eyes on you, and it just gets to be too much. “Stop,” you shout as you stand abruptly, turning to face him.
“What are you talking about, darlin?” He scoots to the edge of the couch, hands held up as if in surrender.
“Don’t darlin’ me, Joel. Ugh…. I can’t do this anymore.” You clench your hands into fist as they hang at your side and begin to storm off toward the bedroom.
His hand on your arm stops you though as he slowly steps around the couch to face you. “Baby,” he whispers as he places both his hands on your cheeks. “Talk to me.”
“No! No, you don’t get to do that to me Joel. You don’t get to ignore me for the last four days and then come here and start calling me baby. I’m not your baby. Or your darlin’ and you made that pretty fucking clear the other night when you completely ignored what I said.”
Something shifts behind his eyes, and you know you were right all along about that night. “I don’t….” He mutters but you're quick to cut him off.
“Oh, pull the other one. I know you heard me that night at the bar. I know you heard me say I love you and you made me fucking think you were too drunk to remember. Jesus, Joel. Do I really mean so little to you?”
He shakes his head, but you don’t want to know what he has to say, not anymore. You pull out of his grasp and try to hold back the sobs as you make your way into the only bedroom.
“Shit.” You can hear him curse before the sound of his footsteps echo behind you.
“You’re right. I did hear you and the reason I didn’t say anything that night was because I was scared. I am scared. We’ve been together since Boston and in that time, I’ve grown to care about you. I’ve - fuck, I love you, alright. I fucking love you and it scares the shit outta me because if anythin were to happen to you, it would break me.”
His breathing was ragged as tears shimmered in his eyes. You stood staring at him in shock at what he’d just confessed, and you could feel your heart swell at his words.
“I love you, baby, and I’m sorry for how I behaved that night, for how I’ve been behavin. I thought I could let you go but I can’t, and I don’t want neither. Think you can forgive this old fool?”
You chuckle, unable to believe that you both are such idiots, and you can see the corner of his mouth twitch into a smile as he slowly moves towards you. His hand reaches out, wrapping around your waist and pulling you close.
“Well, what do ya say,” he asks as he wipes a stray tear from your cheek with his thumb. “I think I can forgive you, as long as you promise to never ignore me again.”
He rests his forehead head against yours, his eyes closing as he lets out a contented sigh. “I swear it, baby. Can I kiss you now?”
His eyes are open now and staring down at you and you feel like you’re on cloud nine. Nodding your head he places his hand under your chin and tilts your mouth towards his own before kissing you.
Is this really happening?
It’s soft at first. His lips gently caress yours until he licks along your bottom lip. When your tongues meet it’s as if you’re two horny teenagers unable to get enough of each other. His hands grab at your ass, and you squeal when he places his hands around your thighs and lifts you.
You wrap your legs around his waist, and he walks you over to the bed, laying you down gently.
Joel is quick to rid you of your clothes, the rough pads of his fingers skimming along your curves. His own clothes join yours on the floor shortly after. His eyes glaze over with lust as he stands at the edge of the bed taking in your naked form. “So, fucking beautiful baby,” he breaths, his voice husky with need.
You rest your head on the pillows and watch as he crawls up the bed towards you, his lips trailing light kisses along your legs and thighs.
“What are you doing, Joel?” His gaze moves along your naked curves until it meets yours. “Gotta make it up to ya darlin,” he rasps and you pull your bottom lip between your teeth.
His breath is hot on your skin as he hovers over your aching cunt. His tongue glides along your slick as he teases you. Lifting your hips you plead with him, desperately needing him to touch you. “Please!”
He raises a brow and smiles at you before me burying his face into your curls. “Ooh!” You moan as your back arches off the bed, hands finding purchase in his hair. He moves your legs over his shoulders and buries his tongue inside you.
You writhe beneath him as pleasure begins to build. He alternates between licking and sucking and shoving his tongue inside you that you are a complete and utter mess on the bed below him. That familiar heat begins to form, and you can feel yourself getting closer and closer to that edge.
“Oh God,” you moan, as your orgasm rips through you. Your body shudders as you come down from your high.
“Taste so sweet, darlin,” he says as he moves up your body, peppering light kisses along your skin. He’s flush against you, the tip of him nudging at your entrance and with one roll of his hips, he stretches you open. He groans loudly as he fills you to the hilt, his eyes closed as he tries to calm himself, desperately hoping he doesn’t cum within two minutes.
Once he has control of himself, he begins to rock into you, his cock pulling out to the tip before pushing back in. You're already sensitive from your earlier orgasm and the way he’s stimulating your clit with his cock has you whimpering beneath him.
His hands grip onto your waist, fingers digging into your soft skin as he sits back onto his knees, pulling you to with him so you’re sat atop him.
He holds you down with his right hand as he pistons his hips up into you, his left kneading your breast as he pulls your pebbled nipple into his mouth and sucks. Your head falls back between your shoulders as you cry out his name. “Joel.”
Clenching around him, he groans - his head resting between your breasts, the feeling of you wrapped around him making him dizzy.
His hands grip your hips as you begin to move with him - rolling your hips over him. You shudder in his arms as your cunt clenched around him once again - his trusts become erratic as he nears the edge.
He grips your hips and lifts you off him as he cums, coating your thighs with his release. As much as you’d love him to finish inside you, you know that it’s too risky.
His eyes are staring at your thighs. At where he’s marked you with his spend. “So pretty,” he mutters as he lifts his gaze toward you. “I love you darlin.”
“I love you too. I’m gonna need to have a shower after that,” you giggle and he pulls you into him, kissing your lips softly.
“How about I run us a bath? Sound good?” He smiles at you, moving a start piece of hair behind your ear.
Ten - Him
Letter Ten of The Surprise! Writing Game
Letter One - Her by @toomanystoriessolittletime
Letter Two - Him by @supernaturalgirl20
Letter Three - Her by @prolix-yuy
Letter Four - Him by @misspearly1
Letter Five - Her by @scorpio-marionette
Letter Six - Him by @boliv-jenta
Letter Seven - Her by @sturkillerbase
Letter Eight - Him by @absurdthirst
Letter Nine - Her by @quica-quica-quica
Letter Ten - Him by @just-here-for-the-moment
Summary: Frankie gets a surprise letter overseas early into 18-month mission from you.
Pairing: Francisco Morales x fem. reader "Bubbles"
Wordcount: 494
Warnings: unplanned pregnancy, talks about a One night stand, talks about condoms
Banner made by @toomanystoriessolittletime
Goddamn, Bubbles… You can’t just tease a man like that with lacy things and not give him a heart attack!
You look amazing. Fuck it, amazing isn’t a big enough word. You look fucking gorgeous, serene like a goddess, and so round and luscious.
I can’t explain what your photo did to me. Yes, it was sexy, but more than that, just knowing that’s MY baby in there, that you’re carrying around a part of ME… makes my chest swell with pride. You’re mine. Mine, baby. I know this whole thing is crazy and we’re on fast-forward but …
Fuck it. Marry me. Please. I’ll do premarital counseling or a prenup or whatever it takes, but I can’t stand the idea of living away from you and not waking up next to you every day.
I know we don’t know each other at all. I know this is crazy. I know it’s a lot of things that people would say we shouldn’t rush into, but I need to grab hold of you and not let go.
One thing I know is that we’re not guaranteed happiness in life, and when you do get some you should hold it close. So please… Marry me. Be mine.
Holy SHIT… my CO just walked in with my letter. Leave got approved! I’m coming home three weeks before your due date, and I get another nine weeks after that. We’re gonna be a family, Bubbles… you and me and Mia. My family.
I didn’t want to pressure you, but my old college buddy is a real estate agent, and he sent me an email with this listing for a great house just on the other side of town from your apartment. If you and Mom can go look at it and tell me what you think… I know I’m asking a whole lot, I’m asking you to move while you’re pregnant, but I’ll pay for packing and moving. You won’t have to pack a goddamn thing (except maybe that purple lace stuff… please).
It has three bedrooms, two baths, a nice backyard that could hold a swingset for Mia (don’t laugh at me, I know I’m getting ahead of myself).
If you like it, just say the word and I’ll put down the down payment on the house. You’ll have to go to the bank and do your part of the mortgage application, but I have all these military bennies and a guaranteed lock on a good mortgage rate, and I never felt like using them before, but they’re all yours. I’m all yours.
I know it’s a lot, it’s a LOT to ask, sweetheart, but I need to know that you and Mia are settled in a big, nice place before she comes. And the minute I get back you won’t have to lift a finger ever again, my love. I’ll break my back to make you comfortable, if that’s what it takes.
I always come to your inbox to drop idea for kicking your imagination so I was thinking about Javi P. Especially him saying he resigned form DIA that morning and can you imagine him immediately getting kiss cuz “that’s the hottest thing you ever said to me babe” because they can finally start they dream - having family at his pops ranch. Chucho seems like the best father in law. I want this man as a bestie for Javis girl
Thanks nonnie for this request. I’m sorry it took so long 🥰
Forever Starts Today
Pairings: Javier Pena x f!reader
Warnings: Smut 18+, explicit, unprotected sex, breeding kink, shower sex, soft morning sex, javi is a cowboy, just horny/domestic Javi, mentions of starting a family, cursing, fluff.
Comments and reblogs really appreciated 🥰
A tired yawn slips past your lips as you lift Rosa’s file, checking what medication she’s due when a soft knock at her door startles you.
“Girl, your man is at the nurse's station looking for you.” Your eyes flick towards the clock - 7:30, half an hour left - before meeting Maria’s gaze and nodding as she takes the clipboard off you.
“Seems a bit on edge. If you wanna head out early, I’ll cover for you.”
“Thanks,” you say with a smile as you walk out of the room. It doesn’t take long to spot Javi, leaning against the wall with his legs crossed. His suit is a little wrinkled and his tie is loose around his neck. He lets out a frustrated sigh as his fingers pinch the bridge of his nose and you know he’s stressed.
“Hey,” you call softly and he smiles when he locks eyes with you but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
“Hermosa.” He pushes off the wall and walks with determination towards you, pulling you into a tight embrace. With his face buried into the crook of your neck, he lets out a contented sigh.
“Everything ok?” His arms, which are circled around your waist, pull you closer. “It is now”, he whispers, his breath tickling the skin of your neck.
“Maria’s gonna cover for me. Why don’t we head home?” He hums softly, kissing your neck before pulling away. His tired eyes take you in and he leans in and kisses you gently on the lips before taking your hand in his and leading you out of the hospital.
He doesn’t say much other than to ask you how your shift went and the drive home seems longer than usual. When you both finally cross the threshold of your home, Javi is quick to throw his keys on the kitchen counter before grabbing a glass and filling it with whiskey.
“Bad day, huh?” His gaze meets yours and he lets out a long sigh. “Something like that. Amor, there’s something - fuck - maybe you should sit.”
He places his hand on the small of your back and leads you to the couch. Taking a seat beside him, you rest your hand on his thigh as he leans back, resting his head against the back of the couch.
“What’s wrong, Javi? You know you can tell me anything, right?” His eyes open and his tired gaze lands on you as a soft smile edges its way onto his face. “I know, amor. I, fuck - I resigned from the DEA.”
You’re stunned into silence.
He resigned. You never thought you’d see the day. Your lack of response has him on edge and he reaches out and caresses your cheek softly with his thumb. “Hermosa, say something.”
Broken from your trance, you let out a squeal as you move your legs over his lap so you're straddling his thighs. Grabbing his face between your hands you pepper kisses along his cheeks and lips.
“You’re - you’re not mad?” He questions with a smile. Shaking your head you lean in and kiss him hard on the lips before pulling away and resting your head against his.
“Baby, this is the best news ever. It’s like - the hottest things you’ve ever said to me.” Javi laughs. His head is buried between the curve of your breast as his shoulders shake from the force of it. You haven’t seen him laugh like that in a while.
“What?” You ask with a smile. His eyes meet yours and he gently reaches out to move a strand of loose hair behind your ear. “It’s not the hottest.”
“Oh no, it is.” He continues to laugh as he wraps his around your waist, pulling you flush against him. “So, what now?”
“It’s up to you, amor. We can stay….” You cut him off with a shake of your head. “Let’s go home. To America. To Laredo. I’m sure Chucho will be thrilled to have us back.”
Javi’s heart flutters at your words. His face is full of love and adoration as he looks up at you in his arms. “Yeah? Is that what you want, Hermosa?” Want to settle down back on the ranch and have a family?”
“Yes. That’s what I want.” You rest your head against him, his brown eyes are full of warmth as they stare back.
“Thank you, mi amor,” he whispers and you furrow your brows in confusion. “For what, Javi?”
“For being so understanding. I was - fuck, I was nervous as hell on the way to the hospital thinking you’d be upset I left my job. Lost all that good money and….” You quiet him with a finger on his lips.
“You don’t have to thank me. You’re my husband and I love you. I’m always gonna support you. No matter what.”
“Te amo, mi amor.” He pulls you in for a searing kiss before gently laying you back on the couch, his body covering yours as he begins to strip you out of your clothes.
“Let’s say goodbye to the apartment Pena style,” he murmurs as he kisses his way down along the curve of your breast, disappearing between the apex of your thighs. “Oh!”
***
You didn’t accept the transfer the hospital was offering you, instead choosing to work at a local health clinic near the ranch. The hours were better allowing you to spend more time with both Pena men.
It was a nice change of pace and Javi was a different man now that he wasn’t always looking over his shoulder. He took to ranch life better than you had hoped and he seemed happier.
Pulling up the long drive to the house you spot Javi in the distance on his horse Cash and the sight of him - dressed in his dark denim jeans, chequered shirt and that damn cowboy hat - has heat pooling between your legs.
When you pull up at the house you dash inside and up the stairs to your en-suite, stripping out of your scrubs and into the large walk-in shower. The warm water relieves the ache in your muscles but does little to quell your growing arousal.
With a featherlight touch, you skim your fingers along the skin of your stomach until you reach your bundle of nerves. You begin to rub in a slow circular motion, a soft gasp escaping your lips.
“Starting the fun without me, Hermosa?” Javi’s deep drawl startles you and you almost slip when his warm hands catch you around the waist, pulling your back flush with his chest. His bare chest. “Jesus, Javi. You scared the shot outta me.”
His soft chuckle makes you smile and you slowly turn in his embrace, eyes quickly taking him in before you meet his gaze. “How’d you get here so fast?”
His eyes, which are blown wide with lust, arch playfully. “Saw you coming up the drive and started heading back. Knew you’d get all wet seeing me dressed like that.”
“Oh, so you did that purposely, huh?” You tease, feeling his cock twitch against your thigh.
“Better believe it, amor.” His lips meet yours in a passionate kiss as his fingers skim down along your ass, squeezing the soft cheeks in his hands.
“Tan hermosa mi amor,” he mumbles as lips trail kisses along your neck towards your breasts, pulling a nipple into his mouth. “Oh fuck, Javi. Please I - I need you.”
“What do you need, mi amor?” He asks as he pushes you back against the tiled wall, lifting your leg over his waist as he lines himself with your entrance. “Need you to fuck me, Javi.”
With a roll of his hips, he buries himself inside your heat, the slight stretch causing you to gasp into his mouth. “Mierda. Always so tight, amor.”
With each roll of his hips, he brings you closer and closer to euphoria. “Need you to cum for me, amor. Not - not gonna last. Been thinking about this all day.”
His hands are busy gripping you tight as he thrusts harder and harder, so you slip your hand into the space between you both, sliding your fingers to your bundle of nerves and putting pressure on it as you rub it in circular motions.
“Javi,” you whimper and he grunts loudly as you squeeze him tight. “Fuck, Hermosa…I’m - I’m shit, I’m gonna cum.”
“Cum inside,” you whisper into the shell of his ear and he groans. “Want me to fill you up, Hermosa? Want me to put a baby in you? Fuck, I’m gonna fill you full of me.”
“Oh god, Javi,” you cry and Javi’s legs shake slightly as he thrusts twice more, spilling deep inside you.
You’re both panting as you come down from your high and Javi helps you gently stand on two feet before wrapping an arm around your waist and pulling you in for a kiss.
“Missed you today,” you say softly as you begin to lather soap over his chest. He hums. His hands work the soap into your soft skin. “Never would have guessed that,” he teases and you slap him gently on the chest.
“I’m just joking, Hermosa. I missed you too. Always do.” He kisses you softly. “Were you serious about having a baby?” He seems nervous as he waits for you to say something and you can’t help but smile.
“Only if you want to? But I’m ready.” His hands hold your waist and the corners of his mouth turn up. “I guess we’re gonna try for a baby then. Pops is gonna be delighted.”
“Wooh, slow down there cowboy. I’m not even pregnant yet.” Javi reaches behind you to turn the water off before grabbing two towels and handing you one. “Amor, with the way we fuck, it’s not gonna take that long.”
You roll your eyes as you begin to dry off, hoping it’s as easy as he makes it out. “Come on, cowboy. We gotta get ready for Frankie’s engagement party.”
***
“You know, I never thought I’d see the day Javi would settle down. Especially back home on the ranch but I’ve honestly never seen him so happy.” Frankie swings you away from him before pulling you back into his embrace.
“You’re the best thing that ever happened to him, Y/N.” A heat works its way up your neck and settles on your cheeks.
“I think you’re giving me too much credit, but thank you.” The music shifts to something slower and Frankie’s gaze lingers over your shoulder.
“Mind if I cut in?” You can feel his warmth at your back and Frankie winks at you before clapping Javi on the back and whispering something into his ear.
“Hey,” he says softly, his eyes taking in the features of your face. His arms circle your waist as you both sway to the music.
“Hey. Who’s the woman with Chucho?” You ask as you tilt your head in his direction. Javi’s gaze lands on his dad and a knowing smile works its way onto his face. With a shrug of his shoulders, he turns back to you.
“Someone he met at bingo. Just friends. But then, we both know how that one goes, don’t weHermosa?” He waggles his eyebrows at you.
“Oh shut it, Pena. Didn’t hear you complaining at the time, did I?” He yelps as you squeeze his ass.
“Nope. Never gonna hear me complain, baby,” he teases. “It’s nice to see him have someone after so long. He deserves to be happy.”
“Hmm, seems all you Pena men share the same sentiment.” He furrows his brows, “what are you talking about, amor.”
“Nothing, baby. Think anyone would miss us if we skip out?” His hands wander towards your ass, squeezing it gently. “It’s like you read my mind, Hermosa.” His eyes flicker around the room before landing back on your face. “Let’s go.”
He wraps your hand in his and leads you out of the community centre and into the cool evening air. Javi helps you into the passenger side of the truck before running around to his side and hopping in.
“What about Chucho?” Javi turns the key in the ignition and reverses out of the space, his eyes landing on you as he straightens her up. “Something tells me he won’t be needing a lift home tonight.”
“Why - oh - oh, Jesus Javi, he’s an old man.” He laughs, his gaze focused on the road ahead but his hand - the one not on the steering wheel - slides up your thigh and under your dress.
“Never too old for that baby. Especially not us Pena men.” His fingers slip through your folds and you moan softly. “Javi?”
“Si, Hermosa?” His gaze drifts to you briefly, a cheeky smile on his face. “Drive faster and I’ll give you a blow job back home.”
“Yup.” His fingers slip away from you and he focuses all his attention on the road, driving way past the speed limit.
***
The light filters through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Your skin tickles as Javi kisses your shoulder. You smile.
“Morning.” His arm slips around your waist, sliding up until he cups your breast in his hand.
“Hmm, morningHermosa. Need you,” he breathes, his voice husky with need. Javi grinds his hips into your ass and you can feel his arousal pressing hard against you.
“Didn’t get enough last night?” Javi lines himself up with your entrance and breaths out a husky no, before thrusting into you.
He’s slow in his movements, drawing out your pleasure as you rock back against him. The room is silent save for the soft gasps and moans you both emit.
When you both climax together, he stays seated inside you as he peppers kisses along your neck. “Let’s get cleaned up, amor. I’ve something I want to show you”.
He waits out front on the porch and when you emerge in a light summer dress he can’t help but pull you close and kiss you breathlessly.
“You’re killing me, mi amor. Come on, let's go.” He leads you to the truck, helping you in before taking off and you turn to him with a look of confusion when he doesn’t turn down the drive, but instead, makes his way up the old road towards his uncle's old ranch.
“Javi? Where - where are we going?” He reaches out and takes your hand in his, lifting it to his lips and kissing it softly. “Just wait, amor. You’ll see.”
“Fine, keep your secrets, Pena. It’s not like I won’t….” The words die on your tongue when you see the once run-down house now refurbished. “Javi!”
“I know we’re happy with pops but I thought with us trying for a family that - that maybe we should have a place of our own. Pops and Frankie helped me out with it. I - I hope you like it, amor.”
“Javi. Like it. I love it. I - I can’t believe you did this.” Your voice wavers as your eyes well with tears. “And we’re not too far from Chucho if he needs us. It’s perfect.”
You move across the seat and kiss him passionately. Pulling away with one last kiss you smile brightly at him. “Can I see inside?”
The corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled back. “Of course. Let’s go home.”
Warnings: 18+ Content. Minors DNI. Alternative TLOU & RDR2 Universe. M/F/M Relationship. Story events relating to in-game missions (Our Best Selves & Red Dead Redemption). Dutch being scary, intimidating and unhinged. Graphic Violence (death/murder/robbery. The usual rdr2 stuff). There’s some angst and tension between Joel, Arthur and Reader in this chapter, but I promise it isn’t what it seems. I don’t want to give away too much in the warnings lol. Light smut. Kissing & mentions of sex. Angst with a happy ending and some fluffy vibes.
Spoiler Warnings in the AN notes below the cut. Please read carefully.
AN: There are mentions of character deaths in this chapter. If you haven’t played RDR2 and do not wish to know about who dies, then don’t read this chapter, my loves. Otherwise, if you don’t mind reading about that, then you can continue with the story. I hope you’ve enjoyed this series, and while there is such a huge amount of plot that I’ve missed out (bc the game is humongous), there will be future one-shots to fill in the gaps. Thank you so much for reading <3.
There’s a lot that can happen in the space of twenty-four hours. A lot of good things, and a lot of bad things that you cannot control no matter how much you try to. Some things aren’t meant to be controlled and that’s just, unfortunately, the way life goes. It’s plain and simple. You can try to go against fate, but what’s meant to be, will be.
You could, however, try to plan something to perfection, but it’s bound to go wrong somewhere along the way. In one moment, you could be fine, and in the next, you could be so neck deep in shit that you don’t even know if you’ll make it out alive. A flawlessly executed plan cannot be achieved, especially not when it involves a mad-man who’s surrounded by a small group of paranoid men.
In order to survive, there are risks you must be willing to gamble on, sacrifices that you need to take and life-saving decisions that need to be made in the heat of the moment. Freedom isn’t something that can be bought with money, even if you were the richest person in the world. It has to be paid for in blood, but the questions are: whose blood will be spilled, and who will survive?
Well, there is a shortened version of what happened to the Van Der Linde gang in the last twenty-four hours, but the longer version would begin last night when Joel, Arthur and John returned to Beaver Hollow after blowing up Bacchus Bridge…
You hate this place; hate living in a camp where the air reeks of decayed flesh and rotten bones. It’s an ugly environment, and smells twice as bad as it looks. The gang moved here many weeks ago to avoid the law patrolling Saint Denis and the surrounding area, meaning you could no longer hideout at Shady Belle. That camp was no better anyway. The crocs made an appearance everyday and reminded you of your place in the food chain, which would depend on how good you are with a weapon or how fast you could run.
Though, here at Beaver Hollow in the wooded area of Roanoke Ridge, you are reminded of the previous settlers that used to live in this camp everyday. The Murfree Brood gang. They are a homicidal group of individuals, territorial and just down-right inhumane. They were feared by many, and the locals told you of the horrifying things they used to do in these neck of the woods, hence the reason for that lingering smell of decayed flesh and rotten bones. It still remains in the air, and it burns the hairs in your nostrils and makes your stomach churn.
You hate this place, but most importantly, you hate what this gang has become over the last several months. You hardly recognise some of the people anymore. Many are depressed and ready to call it quits, whereas others are just getting started with the savagery. It’s been many moons since you’ve felt a slither of peace and serenity, but hopefully, that will soon change.
At the sound of hoofbeats drawing near camp, you snapped out of your thoughts and rose to your feet. “What the hell took ya’ll so damn long? Do you have any idea how worried I’ve been?” You stormed toward the edge of camp as Joel and Arthur approached on their horses. The anger was palpable in your tone of voice and it caught the attention of many curious eyes within the gang as they all looked in your direction and watched the dispute unfold.
You crossed your arms and waited for either of them to answer your questions, but all you got instead was some incoherent mumbling under their breaths as they rolled their eyes. This, of course, pissed you off even more and you went on to berate Arthur and Joel for their actions today. “Neither of you told me where you were going, nor did you even say goodbye. I had to find out you were blowing up a goddamn bridge from someone else!... Why didn’t you talk to me before you left?”
“Because of this attitude right here.” Joel pointed to you, sighing. “Because you’ll complain about it and try to stop us from leaving. We have to blow up that bridge for the train robbery tomorrow.”
You argued further and asked. “And why does it have to be you and Arthur? Why couldn’t someone else go with John? There’s plenty of people around here who're more than capable of handling explosives… I don’t even get why you have to blow up the fucking bridge in the first place.”
“Darlin’, you must understand. It’s all part of Dutch’s plan to get outta here and gone for good.” Joel tried to calm you down, but it didn’t work as you waved your hands around and replied acidly. “You think I care about him? I don’t give a fuck about his goddamn plans!”
“Check your tone, Y/N.” Arthur cut in now, his voice firm and his brows wrinkled with a mild warning. “I understand you worry for our safety, but we’re not little boys that you can boss around… We can take care of business without getting hurt, so don’t doubt, Dutch. He knows what’s best for us.”
“Oh, so almost dying on many occasions now is ‘taking care of business’, right?” You made a gesture with your fingers when quoting him, and emphasized your dislike over their secret decision making. They went ahead with this job without talking to you about it first. “I thought we were a team, but apparently not… You left in the dark, and I don’t like that at all so don’t fucking do it again.” You concluded your argument before walking off, leaving them both to think about the mistake they made.
Once you were out of their sight and had entered your tent, they turned to each other and shook their heads frustratingly, expressing just how much they couldn’t be bothered with another war of words. It was exhausting and they were just simply too tired to argue again tonight. As they dismounted their horses, the sound of snickering could be heard from the back of Beaver Hollow near the cave entrance. It was evident that Dutch and Micah found the altercation hilarious, whereas everyone else remained quiet and went back to what they were doing prior.
Dutch was smirking as he watched Joel walk towards your tent, “Going to reconcile with the nag, I imagine.” He sneered, then rose to his feet to chat with Arthur and John as they came forth to report how they got on with the job today. “Well done, my son.” He clasped a hand over Arthur’s shoulder, praising him for how he handled the situation with you just now. The man simply enjoyed watching him put you in your place. It was entertaining indeed, but most importantly, the loyalty was most appreciated.
“Ahh, she’s just frustrated, Dutch. Pay her no mind.” Arthur brushed off the compliment, grinning devilishly. “I’ll take care of that later tonight anyhow.” He uttered with a wink, insinuating that you needed some sexual attention and that was the reason for your outburst. The comment made the men chuckle amongst themselves, but the sound of your voice shouting in the distance cut through their laughter, causing each of them to turn and look towards your tent.
“Hm.” Dutch hummed, then speculated confidently. “That doesn’t sound like frustration, my boy. It’s more like she’s ready to kill you both.”
Micah added to that, saying. “I don’t know how you put up with it day n’ night… Must be some good pussy, Arthur.”
“The best there is.” Arthur stated when turning to face them again, still wearing that devilish grin on his lips. “You need me for anything? I gotta go lend a hand before it gets real ugly in there.” They laughed with each other once again before Dutch shook his head, confirming that he didn’t need anything further. They’re all set for the day now and all that’s left to do is to wake up tomorrow, rob the train and from there, they can hop on a boat and flee to another country.
Dutch doesn’t really care for the ongoing quarrels between you, Arthur and Joel. It doesn’t keep him up at night. He could care less, so long as you don't get in the way of his plans or take two of his most trusted allies away from him. Even if you do complain and kick up a fuss about it. To put it simply, Dutch is happy; everyone is happy. “Good luck in there. We’re rooting for ya, son.” He waved to Arthur as he walked away.
Micah couldn’t resist the urge to provoke the man and suggested crudely. “If ya can’t handle that woman, send her over to me. I’ll shut her up for ya.”
Arthur, however, didn’t give any reaction Micah was hoping for and simply shook his head with a quiet chuckle escaping his lips instead. Since his back was turned to them as he walked towards your tent, they couldn’t see the look of disgust on his face or the blind rage behind his darkened eyes, so they were none the wiser about how he truly felt at this exact moment.
If there was a chance that he could get away with it, he would empty his gun into Micah and beat Dutch to the ground for their foul-mouthed remarks towards you this evening. It was sickening words to say about any woman, let alone the woman he’d lay down his life for and that pissed off Arthur beyond comparison.
Stay focused, he told himself as he exhaled calmly, trying to release some of that anger locked away deep within. It didn’t really work as well as he hoped it would. He was still angry, disgusted, and most of all, he was disappointed too; disappointed that it’s gone this far.
Every day and night, Arthur wore a mask in front of everyone, but when he opened the tent and stepped inside, the man he truly is inside was revealed. “Are you ok, sweetheart?” He asked in a whisper, swallowing the lump of regret in the back of his throat.
“Of course.” You nodded. Furrowing your brows with worry as you reached out to take his hand, you could see the way Arthur was appalled with himself for how he spoke to you a few minutes ago. He doesn’t like talking to you like that, but it was absolutely necessary and he had to make it look real. There was no other way to do it. “Wipe your eyes and come over here before anybody sees you, baby. It’s ok.” You reassured him quietly so that no one else could hear.
“It’ll be over soon, tough guy.” Joel murmured as he, too, reached out for Arthur and pulled him into a hug. “We won’t have to keep this up for much longer. I promise… It’ll all be over soon.”
Together, you lay down in the darkness of your tent and held each other closely. You kept a tight lid on your emotions as now wasn’t the time to break character, otherwise this ruse that you’ve worked hard to create would crumble in a matter of seconds. You weren’t mad with Arthur, nor was he really warning you to watch your tone about Dutch earlier. It’s just part of the plan to escape tomorrow.
Tomorrow when Dutch isn’t around Beaver Hollow to stop the gang from leaving with his chest full of cash.
The chattering twitter of a bird reached your ears when you awoke at the crack of dawn. Nature singing its morning song was most soothing and you opened your eyes to find a beam of light shining down on your tent like it was a sign of good luck. You hoped it was a sign of good luck because you’re in dire need of it. As a matter of fact, the whole gang needs it because today is the day you finally make your escape and there’s only one shot at this. It has to be executed perfectly or else innocent people could die.
Tilting your head and gazing across the beauty of Arthur’s face as he rested deeply, you managed to smile through the intolerable levels of hardship in which you’ve all endured. You wished that he looked peaceful, but even in repose, he looked plagued with a mass amount of concerns eating away at his brain during the night. The man was just so exhausted, mentally and physically, and it was starting to show too. His eyes were heavy and sunken, and his face marred with worrying 24/7.
None of this is fair, you thought while gingerly tracing your fingers across his face. It wasn’t fair that he had the weight of the world on his shoulders all the damn time like this. Nor was it fair on Joel either, or anybody else for that matter. It wasn’t fair on you and the gang, and it certainly wasn’t fair at all for those who were killed along the way. There were so many, and all of them died in vain.
“I love you, Arthur Morgan.” You leaned in close to say softly, paranoia keeping your voice barely above a whisper in case someone was eavesdropping outside of your tent. It wouldn’t be the first time something like that has happened, hence your reasoning to be so secretive about how much you truly love each other. “I love you too, Joel Miller.” You added to that whilst palming your hand across his muscular arm draped over your stomach.
It’s been a long, hellish journey so far together. This world and the life of an outlaw gang is cruel to those who least deserve it, but you won’t be suffering for much longer now. We’re almost there, you said inside and gave yourself the push you desperately needed to get moving. After planting a kiss on Arthur’s lips and turning to Joel to kiss him too, you climbed out of bed and continued with the ruse you’ve been playing for months.
As much as it pained you to do so, you couldn’t let yourself get carried away when displaying your affection towards them. Someone could see and they’d quickly piece together that you’re lying. Dutch or Micah could see that Joel and Arthur are pretending to be loyal. It’s just part of the plan, and it’s been working flawlessly so far. Hopefully it continues to be flawless, you thought.
Getting dressed and mentally preparing yourself for the enormous task ahead, you try to stay in the moment rather than thinking about the future. It would be silly to indulge in the hopeful thoughts of what happens after you escape because you need to escape first. Then, and only then, you can be free to think about what happens next. Besides, you don’t want to say it out loud, or even think it in your mind, but you already know where you’re going when all of this is finally over and done with.
Once you were ready to leave, you grabbed your light summer jacket and draped it over your arm, but one step forward is all you took when suddenly, a hand was placed on your hip, urging you backwards. You closed your eyes to fight the oncoming tears and savoured the tender embrace you’ve missed so dearly. Arthur and Joel sat you down on the edge of the bed, cradling the back of your head gently as they kissed your neck. They moved upwards in a delicate manner, tickling your skin with their beards before placing their lips against the shell of your ear.
“We love you too.” They breathed in unison, their voices heavy and laden with nothing but lust, endearment and devotion. The beautiful moment in which you shared together was short-lived as you slipped away from their grasps. You couldn’t let yourselves get carried away. It’s too dangerous and risky, today more than ever.
Jerking the tent open and marching your way outside, you angrily put your jacket on whilst walking to the edge of camp. “Fucking useless idiots…. They will never understand,” you complained under your breath, and it’s just as well that you did because Dutch was also awake and he was watching you carefully. You could see him in the corner of your eyes as he stood by his tent, observing the camp like he does everyday now. It’s become a daily occurrence since he’s become an unrecognizable paranoid monster of a human being.
With the timely fashion of Joel marching out of the tent as well, and Arthur right behind stopping him from chasing after you, it sold the act perfectly as Dutch grinned with delight. He believed the performance and puffed on his cigar like it was a victory to have them on his side. You wished it was possible to see the look on his face when he realizes that he’s lost everything, but you’ll be long gone by then. The man can’t be forgiven for the things he’s done. Too many people have lost their lives and many more have suffered for too long.
Instead of standing around the edge of camp like you initially planned to do, you decided to walk further away and hopefully clear your mind a little before getting to work. Arthur however, also decided to play into his character a little more by yelling out. “I don’t have time for your games today, woman. If you leave and get lost, hurt or taken away somewhere, don’t count on me to come get ya… I’ve fucking had it with your childish behaviour.”
Shaking your head at the man, you stayed within eye distance and sat down in the grass, your head plopped between your hands like a spoiled brat who was told ‘no’. You closed your eyes and smiled on the inside, thinking about what Joel and Arthur were truly saying in their minds right now. It’s probably something to do with worrying for your safety. They’re always worrying these days.
You sat in silence for a short while until someone came along and disturbed your peace. You would have welcomed the company, but the man who approached is not who you were expecting. “Good morning, Y/N.” Dutch greeted you, and his smug tone of voice had your eyes rolling behind closed lids.
“Morning, Dutch.” You opened your eyes and turned to look at him, your lips pressed together with detest. “What can I possibly help you with today?” You asked, to which the man chuckled deeply before crouching to the floor to be at your eye level. It was an intimidation tactic, and you certainly felt intimidated, but you didn’t show it.
“You can help me understand what the big issue is.” He elaborated with a deep sigh of annoyance. “Why must you insist on giving Joel and Arthur so much hassle? They’re doing their best for all of us.”
“Because I don’t want them to die like the others.” You retorted, then went on to list those people who died and really emphasized just how much he has lost because of his madness. “Jenny, The Callander Boys, Kieran Duffy, Bill Williamson, Molly O’Shea and Hosea Matthews. You remember their names, right Dutch?”
“Of course I remember their names.” His jaw clenched in reply, but he missed your point entirely as he added to that. “They didn’t die for nothing. They died fighting for our freedom from the law. Can’t you see what we’re all trying to do here? It’s just one more job, then we are gone for good.”
You closed your eyes briefly and shook your head over the mention of Hosea. He would’ve died for nothing — he would have died if you didn’t fake his death and get him away from Dutch. Nobody knows that he is alive. Not even Joel and Arthur, but it was all part of your own secret little plan all along. The old man will be coming here to Beaver Hollow when most of the men leave to rob that train, and he will be the one convincing the remaining members of the gang to escape, not yourself like Joel and Arthur believe.
After a long pause for thought, you couldn’t hold your tongue anymore and expressed exactly how you feel towards Dutch. “Yeah well, there’s always one more job though. Always one more big score to take and we’ll be gone for good.” As those words sank in, you rolled your lips together and nodded. “That’s what my big issue is. You don’t know when to stop until it’s too late, and we’ve lost too many innocent people along the way, so forgive me for my lack of trust in you, but it’s really hard to trust someone that’s going to get the people I love killed.”
Dutch also took a pause for thought. He took your words into account and processed them before replying. “Well, my choices haven’t exactly been the best these last couple of months, so that lack of trust is something I can understand.” He empathized with you, and you don’t know why he’s even trying to in the first place. Empathy isn’t his forte. It’s not like him to be understanding and reasonable like this at all, and that worries you more than his intimidation tactic of leaning in so close that you could feel his breath fanning across your face.
You wanted to look to Joel and Arthur for some guidance through this unfamiliar territory, but you’re supposed to be angry with them. So rather than crumbling under Dutch’s pressure, you simply asked. “If you can understand my lack of trust, why don’t you try to get it back? You had my faith once before. You could have it again if you didn't do so many foolish things.”
“Foolish?” He raised his brow in a way that offers you a chance to take back what you said, but you didn’t. Perhaps it was the rush of adrenaline you got when finally speaking a piece of your mind to Dutch, but you nodded to him and confirmed that you meant it. And he didn’t like that at all, not in the slightest. There was a difference in his demeanour that made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. The difference was subtle and barely noticeable to the eyes, but you felt the shift in his energy.
You were instantly put on high alert and felt queasy. It was alarming to see such a sudden difference in the man. You watched the wickedness take over his eyes when he grinned, and it was an ominous looking grin. The kind that displays a glimpse of his soul within, which was dark and sinister. Dutch didn’t look at you. He looked through you with a cold, empty stare and his unbroken gaze sent a chilling shiver down your spine.
“You seem to have misunderstood, Y/N.” He lowered his voice to a dangerously low octave. His tone was calm, but make no mistake, he was revealing his true colors. They were malevolent and hostile. “ I do not care for your faith in me. I care for your blind obedience… Do you understand that?”
By now, you were sure that Joel and Arthur were watching this interaction very carefully, and it was reassuring to know that they’re quick with drawing a gun from their hips. Quicker than you’ve ever seen before, and should Dutch do something reckless such as raising his hands to you, it would be the last thing he ever did. The man would be dead before he’d even think about drawing his weapon.
However, back-chatting him right now and endangering the lives of other people in camp was not a risk you were willing to take. He wanted your compliance, so you gave it to him. “Yes, Dutch.” You nodded. “I understand that loud and clear.”
“Good.” He rose to his feet quickly, the rapidness in his movement startling you. “Oh, don’t be afraid. I wouldn’t do something so… foolish to you now, would I?” The man mocked you, and it stung. He patronized you for flinching, and it hurt. He teased you and ridiculed you for being frightened with one simple word, and it boiled the blood in your veins to a level in which you’ve never felt before.
Dutch Van Der Linde is a monstrous person. He, who caused the death of Jenny, The Callander Boys, Kieran Duffy, Bill Williamson, Molly O’Shea and countless more innocent people in his lifetime, cannot be forgiven. He, who left Joel and Arthur behind for dead, cannot be trusted. He, who uses fear and intimidation to bend people to his every beck and call, is a cowardly man. You harboured nothing but hatred for him, and it physically pained you to give a satisfactory answer.
“No.” You shook your head and fed his sick, evil, twisted ego. “No, you wouldn’t do something so foolish to me.”
“That’s better, Y/N.” He concluded before walking away with a boastful gait, as if he were so proud of himself to make you fall in line like the rest who ever dared to question him. You looked at Joel and Arthur briefly, and merely because of the fact Micah was watching, you made a point to scoff and look away, acting like you were offended that they didn’t step in to help just now.
You couldn’t communicate that you were fine because Micah would see that you’re trying to reassure them. He is as extremely paranoid as Dutch was and you have to be careful around those sorts of people. You opted to look beyond the camp and tried to enjoy the comforting scenery of nature instead. Joel and Arthur could visibly see that you were okay and that’s all they needed to be reassured.
As the morning breezed over and the gang geared up to leave, you stayed around the edge of camp and kept a lookout for Hosea. He said he wouldn’t get too close, and you trust that he’s capable of keeping himself hidden amongst the trees in the wooded area of Roanoke Ridge. Freedom was nearing and you could almost taste it when Dutch finally left Beaver Hollow. He took ten people with him, including Joel, Arthur and John, and left ten people behind – all of whom you could trust.
Just for safety measures and extra precaution, you waited twenty minutes for the ‘all clear’ signal from Hosea and rose to your feet with a smile on your face. It felt so victorious and overwhelming to actually express your joy. It was nice to let that mask slip away and stop acting like you’re so damn angry all the time. You turned to the camp and looked across the many miserable faces that people wore, feeling giddy and excited to reveal everything you’ve worked so hard for.
“Everyone! Gather round everyone… Gather round.” You called out happily, capturing their undivided attention. “I have good news to tell you and it’s really important that you all listen very carefully.”
“Oh God.” Mary-Beth and Karen gasped simultaneously, and Abigail finished off voicing their immediate concerns. “Oh no… Please tell me you're not pregnant. You can’t be pregnant at a time like this, Y/N.”
“What—no, no. Jesus, no. I’m not pregnant, ladies. Settle down.” You barked out a laugh, and felt the tension leaving your shoulders as they all sighed with relief. Hell, even Miss Grimshaw was relieved to hear that, and she’s the one who asked Joel and Arthur to knock you up. Albeit, that was months ago when she was full of booze, but it was nice to see the gang smiling again, and they felt a shimmer of happiness because Dutch wasn’t around to ruin everything like he always does.
You tried to explain what you so eagerly wanted to tell them, but the words never passed your lips as they all gasped at the man approaching the camp behind you. That man was Hosea, and everyone ran towards him in a flurry of panic. There was complete pandemonium as he was surrounded by the men and women remaining in camp. Abigail and Jack hugged him tightly, then Susan, Tilly, Karen and Mary-Beth moved in afterwards to convey just how much they missed him. Charles, Mr. Pearson, Reverend Swanson and Uncle also shook the man’s hand and held him close.
It took a whole fifteen minutes just to calm everybody down before you could even begin to explain what happened. Time was ticking fast and you didn’t have very long to retrieve their belongings, steal the savings chest from the cave and get gone before Dutch came back. You and Hosea had already amassed a large sum of cash by yourselves anyway, and so has Joel and Arthur too, but the savings chest would ensure everyone had a head-start in their new lives.
Once you gave everyone a quick rundown of the plan and why you both went through all the trouble to help them escape, nobody refused to leave or opposed the idea of getting out while they still had the chance. This was their only chance and they snatched it up without hesitation. You were more than relieved to hear their reactions. Words simply couldn’t portray the unfathomable level of joy you felt, and without wasting anymore time, you all got the work right away, which didn’t take very long in the end as most were willing to leave everything behind and start fresh.
When everyone was on their horse and ready to leave, the next order of business was heading towards the Grizzlies East region of Ambarino. There’s a hideout called The Loft, and you are to wait there for Joel and Arthur’s return with John, Lenny, Sean and Sadie – the last members of the gang needing to be saved, once and for all.
Everything went wrong. The plan went south… In the space of hours, the plan went horribly wrong.
This morning when Joel and Arthur watched Dutch get in your face, their hands balled up into fists at their side so tight that their knuckles turned white. The urge to break character was strong. They were ready to jeopardize everything they’ve been working towards and kill anyone who tried to hurt you or the gang. But they couldn’t. No matter how hard it was for them, they couldn’t break character.
It was a bad day for Joel and Arthur right from the moment they opened their eyes and couldn’t hold you like they really wanted to. It hurt and cut them deeper than any knife could when they shared a kiss with you for no longer than two seconds. They wanted to tear your clothes off and make love to you, but they couldn’t. They haven’t been able to for weeks. But when they left camp and couldn’t say goodbye how they really wanted to either, they knew that you’d be out of there the second that they left.
That train robbery is where everything went wrong. They made it to Saint Denis without a problem and boarded the train without any further issues as well, but later down the tracks when they made their intent known to the passengers on board, that’s where it started going downhill rapidly. There were many army guards to kill and twice as many more chasing them on horseback.
The train was a slaughtering machine on wheels since the gang were aboard. They killed each and every one of those men hunting them down via horseback. Except there was one more hiding in the treeline who shot John in the shoulder and caused him to fall off the back of the train cart. He would be dead or captured, but just in case there was a chance that he could be saved, Dutch, Micah, Cleet, Joe and Javier went back for him while the rest stayed on the train to fight yet another patrol of army men.
Determinedly, the army didn’t give up and continued pursuing the gang. There were too many to fight all at once. The train was never supposed to be this heavily guarded, therefore Arthur was forced to get behind the maxim gun. He mowed them all down until the coast was finally clear, then they moved up the train and blew a hole in the armed carriage before grabbing everything they could. It was packed full with sacks of army payroll, and they took it all.
At the end of the line, everyone quickly hopped off the train before it rode over Bacchus Bridge. The very same bridge that Joel, Arthur and John blew up to smithereens yesterday. It was a spectacular show watching the train fall down the gap in the tracks and smash into the canyon below. The job was done and they did it. Joel and Arthur did it. They got the money and had the opportunity right there and then to take Sadie, Sean and Lenny out of there for good, but it would mean leaving John behind. They couldn’t do it–wouldn’t do it.
Rather than snatching up the opportunity to escape with enough money to supplement the gang's new life, Arthur and Joel made their way back to Beaver Hollow instead. It wasn’t supposed to go down this way. John wasn’t supposed to get shot and fall off the back of the train, but they couldn’t control the situation no matter how much they tried to.
However, it only got worse from that point onwards as they approached the path leading into camp and found Charles waiting for them. He wasn’t supposed to be there either. He should’ve been at The Loft with you and the rest of the gang, but he stayed behind to alert Joel and Arthur of Abigail's predicament. She was separated from the gang when they left Beaver Hollow and taken away by Agent Milton to be put on a boat and tried for murder.
Arthur had to save her. He couldn’t leave the woman behind and make her child an orphan. So he and five people that he could trust with his life stormed their way through Van Horn, killing the Pinkertons stationed there, including Agent Milton. Rescuing Abigail wasn’t an issue. The issue was making the decision to go back for John, or go to The Loft and be reunited with you.
Even if Marston wasn’t alive, they had to be absolutely sure before they left without him. But this time, Arthur and Joel weren’t taking anyone else with them. They strictly ordered the others to take Abigail and go to The Loft to wait for their return. They would go back to Beaver Hollow and finish this thing once and for all. Besides, they wanted to have a little chat with Dutch anyhow, and let him know who the real rat in the gang was. That person was Micah Bell. He was selling out the gang at every chance he could get, and maybe, just maybe that information would buy their freedom. It could give them a chance to get out of there alive. Well, that’s what they hoped for.
Arthur was naïve enough to think Dutch would believe him over the rat, but he was sorely mistaken. The confrontation finally came to a head and Joel drew his weapon first, pointing it directly at Micah. Everyone else drew their guns too. There was a standoff between two people against five, and all of them were ready to shoot each other, but when John suddenly emerged from the trees, yelling at Dutch for leaving him behind, it alerted another squad of Pinkertons roaming around Roanoke Ridge. They had no choice but to fight the wave of detective agents closing in.
Of course, Dutch being Dutch, it came as no surprise that he left John behind for dead and it came as no further surprise when he ran away with Micah, Cleet, Joe and Javier, leaving Arthur, Joel and John to defend themselves at Beaver Hollow. The camp was completely overrun and they were surrounded by Pinkertons. It was so dark and misty in those woods that they could barely see two feet in front of them. So trekking through the cave was the only way out.
That cave had always spooked Joel and Arthur. It was a torture chamber for the Murfree Brood Gang when they used to live there, but today, they were chased through the tunnels by agents instead. Once they eventually found their way out on the other side, they whistled for their horses and only had a moment to catch their breaths before taking off again in a hurry. The chase continued and they were hunted down by Dutch and the Pinkertons at the same time.
Having been chased up the mountains, the fight was inescapable. They couldn’t out run them any further and decided to stand their ground. Maybe it was meant to be or maybe it was just a long list of things going wrong today, but Joel, Arthur and John couldn’t avoid one more battle. Arthur drew his gun and shot first, dropping one of the agents firing from the treeline in the distance. They were everywhere.
Bullets came from all directions and whizzed past their bodies. It was miraculous that neither of them got shot. John had already taken a bullet today. He couldn't take another. Eventually, all the agents were killed and the coast was clear to keep going forward, but when Micah came out of nowhere and tackled Arthur to the ground, they fought each other viciously. He managed to land a few punches before Joel raised his gun to kill him, but then Dutch called out and put a stop to that.
“Let them handle this like men.” He said at the time, and lowered his weapon to show that he wouldn’t interfere with the brawl. John and Joel kept an eye on the man, their fingers steady on the trigger of their weapons in case he tried anything while Micah and Arthur continued to beat each other up. It was a fight to death, and it was brutal to watch unfold. They’ve seen Arthur fight many times in the past, but not like that before. He managed to get the upper hand on Micah, and he didn’t stop striking him with his bare fists until he was dead.
When Dutch saw a copious amount of blood spilling from Micah, he didn’t utter a single word and ultimately accepted his defeat. It was over. He lost everything and it was finally over. There was nothing left for him and he walked away, completely and utterly broken. John stood back with a sickened stomach as Joel pulled Arthur off Micah’s lifeless body. And finally from there, all three of them walked away too, leaving a trail of death behind in their wake.
As unfortunate as it was, their horses were killed during the chase up the mountains and they had to walk the rest of the way. It would be a treacherous hike through the Grizzlies East region of Ambarino, locating you and the rest of the gang hiding out in The Loft, but it was a journey they needed most. The time they spent together was serene, but freedom didn’t feel real to them and it took a while to actually believe it. There were a few moments today where they didn’t think they’d make it out alive.
But they did make it out alive, and here they are now.
Joel and Arthur were walking along a trail when the silence was broken, and it was from John speaking about taking Abigail and Jack far away from here to settle down someplace that he can call home. Suppose that’s when it finally settled in that he was free from Dutch, and the first thing he thought about was his family. It was a heart-warming thing to hear, but Arthur made him promise to never look back once he does leave to find his forever home someplace far away from here.
Arthur made John promise to never return to the old ways of being an outlaw as it would bring nothing but harm to him and those he loves. He just wanted the man to make use of this fresh start in life and live out the rest of his days in peace. He deserves it. They all do. And that’s something Arthur can’t wait to give each of the remaining members of the Van Der Linde Gang – a new life filled with peace and security.
When climbing over the peak of a hill and The Loft finally came into view, they could see a couple people standing in the watchtower above the lodge. The place was divine and beautiful, purposefully located within the mountains to provide a set of eyes in all directions. Arthur smiles upon remembering the first time he brought you here, and it really didn’t come as any surprise that you suggested this place as the meet-up point.
Perhaps if this was a perfect world, he’d live out the rest of days here in Ambarino with you and Joel, but that could never happen because someone, from somewhere, will eventually come for that bounty on his head. Further, Arthur thought to himself, someplace further away from all this. As they neared the lodge and watched the gang in the watchtower scrambling around anxiously, they saw the door down below open up and two people barrelling outside.
Those two people were you and Abigail. You both ran along the trail so fast that Joel, Arthur and John stopped walking to brace for the impact. You came hurtling towards them and they held their arms open as you crashed into their chests, the sight making them smile and laugh as they held you tightly. “We’re alright, sweetheart.” Arthur murmured, his lips pressed against your forehead. “We did it… We survived.”
You grabbed them both as hard as you could and sniffled through an apology, “I’m sorry. We tried to save Abigail but…There were too many and I’m so sorry I put that on your shoulders.”
“S’okay, darlin’.” Joel shushed you gently when burying his face into your neck. You could feel the man’s tears against your skin and it made you cry with him. It was an equal mixture of happy and sad tears. You were so profoundly happy to see that they’re alive, but you’re still grieving over everything that’s happened in the last few hours. God only knows what they’ve been through together, but you could see the blood splatter on Arthur’s clothes, and his knuckles were black and blue.
You could also see that John was shot in the shoulder, and he winced plentifully when sharing a few loving words between fervent kisses with Abigail. They broke off and looked at Joel and Arthur, nodding appreciatively. “Thank you.” Whispered Abigail as she took them into her embrace. “I could never thank you enough for bringing him back to me… And you,” she pulled back to look at you now, crying. “There’s nothing to be sorry for. You did everything you possibly could to save me, but Jack was your first responsibility first.”
“Thank you for taking care of him, Y/N.” John added, his tone deeply grateful for everything you’ve done to help his child and the gang. You felt a little more at ease upon hearing their gratitude and wiped your teary eyes. It was rewarding to know that you did something right at least. There was so much that went wrong today, and you fought for a way to save Abigail, but Jack and the rest of the gang would have been put in danger. You had no choice. They had to be taken care of first, and Charles offered to stay behind to save her instead.
“I’m glad we’re all together now.” You breathed with a ghost of a smile on your lips, then took Joel and Arthur hands in your grasp before leading them both toward The Loft. “Come with me and Abigail. There’s someone very important here to see you three.”
“Who?” Joel, Arthur and John asked in unison, the sound of their curiosity making you laugh softly. It was so sweet and endearing to hear them in suspense about whom you're referring to. Their minds were boggled, and your heart was leaping out of your chest when you reached the door to the lodge because the man who so desperately wanted to see them would be waiting inside. You and Abigail entered first, then stepped aside to make room.
There were thirteen people inside the lodge all together and it was cramped. Most were up-top in the watchtower, but Hosea sat on the bed in the corner, sipping on a hot tea. “Howdy fellers.” He smiled as he rose to his feet. “Long time no see, eh?”
It was uncertain how they would react, but when John rushed forward and stumbled straight into Hosea’s chest, it made you gasp with joy. And when Joel moved across the floor, also taking the man into a tight hug, it made you grin with delight, but when Arthur stood in the doorway, his face as white as a ghost, you held your breath. He didn’t move an inch because he feared that what he was seeing wasn't real. He couldn’t feel his heart beating and didn’t blink at all, only stared at the man he believed to be dead for weeks.
“Is that any way to greet me?” Hosea made a joke and chuckled, but his laughter quickly faded once he saw the tears welling up in the corners of Arthur’s eyes. It was a heart-rending and tragic sight to witness. The old man approached him carefully and reached out to hold his shoulder. “Take it easy, my son. It’s ok, just take it easy.” He whispered in a soothing tone of voice, hoping to ease Arthur’s distress.
“W-wha… How…” Arthur tried to speak, but couldn’t properly form the words. It was astonishing and miraculous, unbelievable. But once he felt Hosea’s hand holding his shoulder, his knees buckled beneath him and he fell into the man's arms, heaving a heavy breath of relief.
For a moment there, Arthur truly believed that he had died and gone to heaven. It would explain why he’s able to see the old man again, but with the sudden realization that he wasn’t dead, and he was in fact, very much alive, the comfort and reassurance flooded his veins rapidly. He just couldn’t express how insanely happy he felt to see Hosea again and simply held him instead.
Crying is not something you see Arthur do very often. He’s shed a few tears here and there in the past, but for the most part, he’s generally quite emotionally guarded. Right now though, he let the tears fall freely from his eyes and sobbed in Hosea’s arms, releasing all of the emotions he’s kept bottled up inside for weeks and months. The sight was incredibly upsetting to witness and you moved towards Joel to bury your face into his chest, hiding your own tears. You’ve never heard such agonized cries before and it was painful to listen to.
In spite of how distressing it was, they needed this moment together. Arthur needed to hold the man who raised him since the age of fourteen. He needed to be given that very specific kind of consolation that only a father figure like Hosea could offer. They spent hours in close proximity to each other. You couldn’t pry them apart even if you wanted to. They were inseparable.
Hosea explained everything that had happened and why he needed to fake his own death while you stayed outside the lodge and helped Susan put together a small encampment. The gang needed somewhere to sleep for the night, possibly several nights, and you wanted to keep yourself busy anyhow. It was a great distraction from this whole mess with Dutch which helped to ease your mind.
Later, when the dust eventually settled and everyone felt a sense of normality again, you sat around a small fire with the gang and enjoyed every passing moment in their company. Jack was resting on your lap while Abigail was tending to John's wounds in the lodge with the help of Susan and Reverend Swanson. They know a thing or two about stitching up a bullet hole in the shoulder, and he should be back on his feet in a couple of days once the pain eases off.
Joel leaned into your side and whispered in your ear. “Have I ever told you how beautiful you look with a child in your arms, darlin?”
“No actually. You haven’t.” You felt your cheeks burning and smiled a flattered kind of smile under his playful gaze. It felt so good to be yourselves again. “Don’t be getting any bright ideas, Joel.” You returned the teasing banter, to which Arthur joined in now and asked. “Why not, sweetheart? Haven’t ya thought about it before?”
“Oh no… Not this again.” You shook your head and laughed at them both.
“C’mon gorgeous… Enlighten us with how you feel about having our babies.” Arthur chuckled deeply, his tone seductive and fun-loving. He isn’t being serious about having kids. Surely he isn’t. But you have to admit that the topic of conversation would be a whole lot better than talking about all the shit you’ve just been through today. You zoned out for a moment and thought about having kids with Joel and Arthur at some point. The answer to that question wasn’t an immediate no. You could see yourself round and plump with their babies, but not now and not anytime soon.
“A penny for your thoughts?” Joel looked at you with a smirking smile, his beautiful hazel-coloured eyes exhibiting a hint of lust. “It’s okay if you don’t wanna talk about it, but it’s just something me and Arthur think about from time to time.”
“Really? You and Arthur think about that?” You asked, shocked to hear that they are, in fact, serious about having kids. You didn’t think they’d want to, especially not after everything that Arthur went through when he lost his son, Isaac. It hurt you so much just hearing about what happened to the young boy, and you can only begin to imagine how he felt during that time of his life. He only ever talked about Isaac and his mother Eliza once, and once was more than enough, but… Maybe someday when he's ready, he could open up a little more and allow himself to heal.
You didn’t know at which point you started crying, but Joel and Arthur instantly put themselves to blame and apologized for bringing up the subject about having kids again. They mentioned it months ago when Susan asked them for a grandbaby, and the way you feel now was the exact same way you felt back then: deeply flattered, admired and honoured.
“No, it’s okay.” You wiped your eyes and refused their apologies. “You haven’t upset me, I promise. It’s just that I um… Ok, I am a little upset, but it’s not for the reasons that you think.”
“You wanna talk about it?” Joel offered an outlet; offered a way for you to attain some release by talking out your feelings, but you politely declined and shook your head. “No, not yet, handsome… But I think that, for now I’d just like to hear what you and Arthur have been thinking about from time to time.” You laughed sweetly, your eyes glossed over with a pretty tint of love and affection for them both.
They blushed a little and explained in their own ways why they wanted to have your children at some point in the future. It’s simply because they love you so much and they can see themselves living a long life with you as their lady. ‘Our one and only gal’, they often say, bringing you nothing but the best of compliments. Even now as they lean in close to whisper those words in your ear, it consumes your whole entire being with love.
After exhausting the idea of having kids with them, you concluded. “I suppose that when we’re ready, I’ll remove this implant in my arm.”
“I never quite understood how that thing worked.” Arthur looked down at your arm, his finger lightly gliding across the little flexible plastic rod beneath your skin. “How does that stop you from getting pregnant?”
“It releases a hormone in my bloodstream.” You shrugged. Laughing with the vulgar thoughts popping into your mind, you covered Jack’s ears and whispered to Arthur. “Besides, don’t you think it’s nice to pump me full of cum without consequence, sexy?”
“Oh.” He looked away from you, blushing a lot more this time. The man’s skin was flushed with a rosy red colour as he thought about what you said and how it made him feel. “Yeah. I do think that’s really nice, sweetheart. And it’s also something that we’ve not had the chance to do in a little while now either.” He looked back into your eyes and smirked, his gaze dropping to your lips briefly. “Why don’t you and Joel go wait for me in the tent? I’ll take Jack back to his momma and come see you both after.”
“Yes sir.” You winked with the authoritative term, knowing exactly how that makes Arthur feel. Carefully handing Jack over and kissing him on the head, you whispered goodnight to him and took Joel’s hand before heading towards your tent. It wasn’t placed too far away from the rest, nor was it too close either, but one thing you’re certain about is that you’ll have to be quiet.
And that would be difficult to do, just like it always is when Joel and Arthur make love to you.
“Is there anything else you’d like to come clean about, sweetheart?” Arthur turned to you and asked, as if he were annoyed, but his facial expression said otherwise. He smiled at you with a twinkle in his eyes and shook his head, shocked and disbelieved. You not only kept a secret about Hosea from him and Joel, but you also kept another secret from them too; a secret that brings you right back to the oak tree on the hill.
“No, that’s everything. I promise.” You giggled in reply, the sound so sweet to his ears that it made him laugh with you. “I didn’t like lying to you both about these things, but I had to because you already had so much going. Besides, it all worked out in the end, right?”
They both sighed. “Yeah,” and Joel added to that. “I suppose you did the right thing by keeping all that mess with Francis from us. We’d just worry about yer and make it worse.”
“M-hm.” You hummed in agreement with that. They certainly would have worried for your safety all those months ago when you freed Mr Sinclair from rotting away in that jail cell. The reason Arthur never got a written response from the man is because the law picked up the letter from the post office. Francis addressed the letter with Arthur’s full name instead of his cover name, Tacitus Kilgore, and he, of course, was pulled in for questioning. The law, however, didn’t release him right away and decided to keep the man in lock up.
Six months ago exactly, when you sat around a small fire with Hosea outside of Shady Belle, he brought good news about Francis. The old man had found where the law was keeping him detained and had already devised a crafty little plan on how to break him out too. You had a lot of fun that day. It felt like a breeze to work alongside Hosea and the act of breaking someone out of jail wasn’t all that hard in the end. Perhaps it’s because of good planning, or maybe it’s because Hosea is the wittiest con-man there is, and he can bluff his way through just about anything.
You were admired by the man's work and it was a pleasure to work with him each and every time after that point. Francis was freed from his jail cell and once you made it someplace safe, he finally showed you the way back home through the mirror. That was months ago, but now several weeks have passed since escaping Dutch and it’s time for you to go home now. The gang was taken care of and their safety was ensured. Joel, Arthur, Hosea and yourself made sure of it.
John took his family out west and bought his very own plot of land, where he will build his own ranch with the help of Charles, Hosea and Uncle to live out the rest of his days. Sadie lives close by so that she can visit regularly too. Mr Pearson and Miss Grimshaw are currently working in Rhodes. They bought their own stores there and will live a happy life in proximity to each other. Karen and Sean left the country via boat. They’re going to Ireland and maybe even travel across Europe. Lenny is heading home to find his mother and be reunited with her. Mary-Beth resides in Valentine where she’s taken up the hobby of writing romantic novels. Swanson moved to New York to become a preacher and Tilly moved to Saint Denis.
Everyone has been taken care of. Arthur wouldn’t be leaving this world behind if they weren’t. You remember asking him a long time ago to come with you and Joel, but he declined the offer to stay and protect his family instead. You understood his decision back then, but didn’t truly see just how devoted he was to ensuring their safety until you became a part of the gang as well. It made a lot of sense once you became a part of the family, and you, too, became determined to secure a better, safer, future for them.
However, the time has come now for you to go home and start a new chapter in life. It’s for the best since Arthur still has a large bounty on his head. He doesn’t want to flee to another country across the seas, but with some persuasion from Hosea, he agreed to go with you and Joel instead. It’s going to be another tough adjustment for each of you to get used to. A whole year has passed since you’ve seen your home, and Arthur isn’t familiar with the future of course. There’s a lot that you’ll need to go when you get back, but for now, you’re taking it one step at a time.
“Are we ready?” You ask them both excitedly. “It’s going to be hard for the first couple of days, maybe even weeks, but I can’t wait to go home with the two men I love most.”
“Who are these two men you speak of?” Joel teased with a smirk on his lips. “Surely it can't be a pair of fools like us.” He said, and his remark made you slap his chest playfully as Arthur chuckled beside him. After a moment, Joel took your hand and Arthur’s hand before leading you both towards the tree. “Yes, darlin’. We’re ready to go home with the woman we love most.”
You smiled and leaned in to plant a kiss on his lips, before turning to Arthur and kissing his lips too. The adventure you all went through was frightening and difficult, but you managed to find love along the way from two beautiful men. You got the best of both worlds when those two worlds collided.
All Arthur Morgan Content:@pale-gingerale @readsalot73 @mooraakath @chxpsi @wordsfromshona @kunakizen @churchofrain @margofiore @emiemiemiii @phillygraves @cowboydisaster @photo1030
Ok so... I think the last chapter of WTWC is finally finished. I just gotta go through the beta and make sure everything looks good, while maybe adding some more details here and there hehehe!
This chapter has been hard af to get through, I'm ngl, but I can't wait to get it done so I can move on from this series. I bought a little notepad the other week to take down ideas for other characters, and I'm already starting to fill the pages. 😆
I'm in desperate need of writing out a little oneshot for Joel. I miss my oneshots for him so bad!! Anyway, that's all for today folks. Last chapter of WTWC will be posted tomorrow or Friday. I'm giving myself this deadline.
I've taken a few days off to myself this week, my loves. You've probably seen me complaining about how tired I am, so I needed the rest and the free time to do other things too. (I've been learning how to drive lol).
Anyways, I'm behind my laptop today with youtube open for research, google docs open for my writing and I'm going to start Chapter 8 - Home. There's going to be spoiler warnings and I'll label them as best I can without giving too much of the story away.
I did have a little written for Chp8 already, but after taking that much needed break and coming back, I can see that it's not right at all. It needs so much more detail and a much better explained ending for the series that ties in with rdr2's ending as well.
That's pretty much all I have for an update right now. Thank you for your patience! ❤️
Oh my God, this is so cute 😭. I want a picnic with cows, reading a book in the middle of a field with the sunny skies above. This looks so calm and relaxing.
Thank you for including me. As always, I appreciate your hard work putting these lists together. I’m loving @misspearly1 When Two Worlds Collide series.
Thank you so much Liv. @boliv-jenta I'm really happy to hear that you're enjoying the series ❤️. And thank you so much Rae for adding me to the Pedro Library. @littlemisspascal 🥰
Rules: post the names of all the files in your wip folder regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them and then post a little snippet of it or tell them something about it!
Oh no... I have so many hehehe 😂. Thank you for the tag, my love. I've already got my eye on one of your wip's I want to ask about ❤️. @supernaturalgirl20
Works in Progress Meme
Rules: post the names of all the files in your wip folder regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them and then post a little snippet of it or tell them something about it!
Narcos TV Show Info.
Joel Miller Ideas (pretty self explanatory).
Untitled Document
Joel Story - Vivienne
Watchtower - incomplete
Request and prison fic for Joel.
Mando Fic idea.
One thing I know for sure is that I'm going to do a better job at titling my documents 😂. They all contain a story that's a work in progress lmao!
I think you have the version of the apocalypse with Pedro swishing his way around in his Oberyn robes. It's like modern-day civilisation ended, the earth healed, and everyone had a good time. Good for you.
🌻 If you get this, answer with 3 random facts about yourself and send it to the last 7 blogs in your mentions, anonymous or not! Let's get to know the person behind the blog 🌻
Ahhh, thank you so much for asking me this, Lily. It was a fun question and I really enjoyed answering it for you ❤️.
I can read, write, speak and understand just enough Cantonese to do my job as a kitchen assistant. While this is something I'm really proud of - especially since I learned it quickly - I would love to learn the entire language so I can hold an actual conversation that doesn't revolve around food lmao! Plus, I would love to surprise my co-workers by chatting with them in Cantonese fluently. That would be nice 🥰.
I fractured my femur when I was six years old. It was an accident, but the doctors at the hospital accused my mother of doing it to me because it was considered a rare injury to sustain, especially at the age I was. She didn't do it of course. I slid across a wet floor and slammed my foot into a step while my leg was completely straight, thus causing the fracture. I'd go into more detail about how it happened, but I'm trying to keep these random facts short haha. 😂
I'm the second youngest child out of 10 kids. 6 brothers and 3 sisters. (2 half brothers, 1 half sister). The eldest is 40 years old, and the youngest is 19. I'm pretty sure I've said this before, but all of my siblings (apart from me and Tony) have a middle name or they're named after something/someone. Also, Tony is mixed-race. Is that the correct term to use? I just say he is half Chinese whenever someone asks. 😊
Anyways, these are three random facts about myself, and a little about my family too lol. They're all crazy little fuckers and I honestly don't know how my parents coped with us all under one roof at one point. But it was a whole lot of fun growing up hahaha.
Warnings: 18+ Content. Minors DNI. Alternative TLOU & RDR2 Universe. M/F/M Relationship. Angst with a happy ending in this chapter. Tensions between Joel, Arthur and Reader. Events relating to game missions (A short Walk in a Pretty Town & Blood Feuds, Ancient and Modern & The Battle of Shady Belle). Smut. Oral (f receiving). Unprotected PIV. Make-up Sex. Double vaginal penetration. Mentions of anal & anal play.
AN: Nearly there, folks. We have one more chapter to go before the series is finished. I hope you enjoy the reading!
It should never have happened in the first place, you tell yourself while tapping your foot against the ground furiously, your eyes trained on the man who was boiling the blood in your veins. Working for the Gray's and the Braithwaite's was a bad idea from the start, and that poor little boy suffered the consequences of his actions.
You can’t seem to control your anger. It was rising rapidly with each second you looked at him – the man who caused all of this with his greed for money. He couldn’t help himself. He just had to get the gang involved in an ancient ongoing feud between two families.
When will it ever be enough?
Scoffing with detest, you started clenching your fists to abate the frustration you felt inside. It was especially aggravating because you don’t have an outlet. You don’t have a means to release all the emotions you currently feel; anger, sadness, fear and worry. All of them torment your mind night and day constantly and it’s extremely exhausting. It’s a plague of disaster and distress that never ends, steadily and gradually driving you round the bend. You’ve never felt this level of hate for someone before. It’s actually quite shocking just how much you dislike him.
What will it actually take for him to stop this nonsense?
You sit around the outer edge of camp and keep your distance from the gang; from him. Tearing your eyes away and staring into the fire catatonically, you had all the time in the world to think about all the bad shit that's happened lately. The distance and isolation was a must. You need to stay away and keep your sanity intact, otherwise you’d open your mouth and speak your mind, which could prove to be damaging and hurtful for other people around. You don’t wish to hurt others with your words, only him. So you had to keep your distance and try to calm down.
To put it simply, you just needed to be alone and ask yourself: what the hell is it going to take for Dutch Van Der Linde to realize that this shit has gone too far? Because you can’t take it anymore, but most importantly, you can’t handle watching everyone else suffer the consequences of his actions.
The reason you ask these recurring questions — today more than ever — is because little Jack has been safely returned to Abigail's arms. He was abducted by the Braithwaite's a few weeks ago before they handed him over to a man named Angelo Bronte. It’s been a tireless effort ever since then to retrieve the boy from the big city, and you’re happy that the tireless effort has finally paid off, but you can’t seem to get over the sheer fact he was taken in the first place.
Jack is a child. Just an innocent child who absolutely doesn’t deserve something as frightening as this to happen to him. It's wrong and unethical, and you can’t even begin to imagine what was going through the poor boy's mind at the time. He must have been so terrified and confused, but to hear that he was treated well and cared for was a relief. You seriously hope that this experience hasn’t been scarred into his memory, that he will soon forget as time goes on and he gets older.
Since Dutch fucked everything up with the Gray's and the Braithwaite's, the hideout at Clemens Point was abandoned. The gang was chased away, yet again, and forced to set up camp in a place called Shady Belle. It’s a traditional looking colonial house located southwest of Saint Denis, and the swamps at the back of the mansion were filled with deadly gators and water snakes.
In your opinion, the location wasn’t ideal because it’s putting you even closer to a larger population of society, and a larger population of society means a higher risk of running into the law. You don’t like this place at all and you’re starting to understand why Arthur misses the west. There’s less lawmen out there.
But, as much as you hated this new camp hideout, you had to make do with it and persevere. Everyone else in the gang does and to be honest, you envy their strength and resilience to this sort of stuff. They’ve endured a whole lot more difficulties and hardships than yourself, but may God be your witness, you’re trying your damn best to hold on and not give up; to be strong like them.
Miss Grimshaw, bless her tough loving soul, offered a room in the mansion for you to share with Arthur and Joel, knowing that you like to stay close to them, but you kindly denied the offer and chose to set up camp near the main road that leads into Shady Belle as an alternative. It’s what you prefer anyways. Not only because you like the space and distance, but because you can be on the lookout for any incoming danger as well. The current warning system in place is shooting a flare into the sky, and thankfully, there hasn’t been a reason to use it yet.
As you sat around a little fire behind Shady Belle, yearning to be back at your own camp instead, joy and relief hung heavy in the atmosphere this evening because of Jack's safe return. There was a party in progress at the moment, the booze was dished out and passed around as the gang huddled together and celebrated. You would have joined and cheered over the victory, but you didn’t feel like celebrating. Not after everything that’s happened and certainly not because it was Dutch’s fault to begin with.
Without a glimmer of doubt, you did feel a great wave of relief and smiled fondly over the sight of Abigail smothering her son with kisses, but you just couldn’t bear to be in the presence of Dutch after finding out he has plans to work for Angelo Bronte. You couldn’t stand to look at the man or hear him speak knowing that he is going to work for the very same person who abducted a little boy over some spilled moonshine. It’s just downright shameful and ridiculous.
Frankly, the opportunities to gather money doesn’t mean anything to you because the safety of those you care for in the gang means a hell of a lot more. The man’s money-making methods are becoming inhumane and ruthless. When will it ever be enough? You ask yourself again and shake your head disappointedly. It’s apparent from what you’ve seen so far that it will never be enough and Dutch won’t be stopped until it’s too late. He doesn’t even listen to Hosea’s counsel anymore.
You’re not naïve and stupid. You know that Dutch doesn’t actually give a damn about Bronte and is playing him like a fiddle, but you also know from recent experience that it didn’t turn out well when he did the exact same thing to the Braithwaite's and the Gray's. It’s like history repeating itself all over again. He inserted himself and the gang between the feud, causing little jack to be kidnapped and Sean MacGuire to narrowly escape his death. But it could’ve been worse, you have to tell yourself time and time again whenever things go wrong like this.
Sure, things could have been worse and Sean would be dead and buried in the ground right now if it wasn’t for Joel and Arthur, but none of it should have happened in the first place. They took a seemingly harmless walk through the town of Rhodes for a security job – which was arranged by the Gray's – only to be ambushed for a second time.
A gunfight broke out suddenly in the middle of the street and the bullet that would have killed Sean only just grazed the side of his head thanks to Joel’s quick reflexes. He saved the Irishman, but when they killed almost every Gray in that town and returned to Clemens Point, that’s when they found out about the Braithwaite's taking Jack and another battle quickly ensued.
Life as of late is becoming a never ending train of violence, murder and near death experiences. You did finally learn what happened to Joel all those weeks ago when he and Arthur were taken by the O’Driscoll’s, and you were right to assume that the storm heading towards the gang was only just getting started. It’s going to get worse before it gets any better, but you wonder who else has to suffer and put their life at risk for Dutch’s grand plan in the meantime.
Surely, there’s more than enough money to disappear and evade the law. Granted there probably isn’t enough money to jump right into a lavish lifestyle, but the gang would be given a chance to start fresh and earn their keep righteously.
Sighing miserably, you bury your face into the palms of your hands and try with all your might to cling onto hope rather than letting up and accepting defeat. You didn’t want to give up just yet and searched your brain for answers on how to help the gang. There wasn’t a job you could get that would provide everything the gangs needed, nor could you participate in the illegal activities that they get up to each and every day either. It leaves you to think about the one viable option — escaping this shitshow and taking those who matter most with you.
Deep down inside, you know that some members would rather die than abandon Dutch, Arthur being one of those people, but you’re already prepared for that with some secretive arrangements and choosing the perfect window of opportunity to escape. It’s not the best option out there, but it’s all you have left to try and save people from impending doom. You don’t have the skills to fight and rob rich folk for money, or the ability to find a job that provides everything the gang needs, but you do have Hosea Matthews' quiet helping hand to get this master plan in motion.
He, just like yourself, can see what’s happening to Dutch, and he, just like yourself, wants to save those who really need saving; those who deserve to be saved and given a fresh start.
When Joel and Arthur finally returned to camp, they approached the hitching posts with smiles on their faces upon seeing the gang grouped together in celebration. It’s been a treacherous couple of hours evading the law from the big city. They don’t give up so easily and it was exceptionally harder trying to shake them off their tail. But no matter how exhausted they were, it was all a necessary effort that paid off in the end.
The sound of Javier's voice as he played the guitar brought a great sense of pride and festivity. It was a singing testament to the safe return of little Jack and the booze being passed around was a toast to the success. He was home at last and it was truly a beautiful and glorious sight to behold.
A heavy sigh of relief left their lips like it was a breath of fresh air and a weight lifted off their shoulders. Arthur hopped down from the saddle first and marched his way into camp, taking John into a congratulating hug with a pat on his back. “You did good, Marston.” He said proudly before moving towards Abigail and Jack.
“Oh, it’s a miracle.” The woman sobbed. Welcoming the man into her embrace and breaking into tears, he held her and her boy extra tight whilst rubbing a hand up and down her back soothingly. Neither of them should have ever experienced something like this and it infuriated Arthur to hear, feel and see how shaken up Abigail was over the whole ordeal.
“Hi uncle Arthur.” Said Jack.
“Hey Jacky boy.” Arthur grinned. Pulling back to look at the little guy, he felt a surge of happiness passing through his body before turning to John with a solemn look on his face. “I’m sorry this ever happened, but it will never happen again – that I will make sure of.”
Rising to his feet with that promise, he and John nodded with clear unspoken understanding. They each shared a grave look in their eyes, one that resonates their sincerity and word of honour. Nothing like this would ever happen again because everyone in the gang will make sure of it. Arthur will personally make sure of it.
“Good job, buddy.” Joel joined in now and clasped a hand over Marston's shoulder, squeezing him gently. “I’m happy for yer, all of yer, and it’s a mighty relief to have the boy back.”
“You said it.” John heaved with delight, also nodding in his direction for all of the help he provided. “Thank you, Joel. I appreciate everything you and Arthur did out there. I– I couldn’t have done it without ya.”
“Yes you could, and you would have.” Joel insisted. “You did everything a father could for his son, and don’t you forget that.” He acknowledged the man's gratitude, but denied the credit since it wasn’t necessary. There was no need to thank him for what any person in their right frame of mind would do for an innocent child. He’s just happy to help out wherever and however he can with bringing a family back together. It’s the least he could do.
Pulling John into a brief hug and a pat on his back, he looked at Abigail and Jack with a smile on his face, happy that they were finally reunited. After catching a glimpse of you on the outer edge of camp though, he excused himself and slowly made his way towards you. It worried him deeply to see you looking so dejected and dismal with your face buried into the palms of your hands.
He felt extraordinarily confused and worried because you were sitting all by yourself, as if you were hiding away from the gang and didn’t want to participate in the celebration. It wasn’t like you to isolate yourself like this. He would have thought you’d be sitting out here with the women and Hosea, sharing a beer or two over the good news.
“Hey.” Calling out apprehensively as he approached, he noticed the way your eyes were roving over his body to check for injuries and quickly dispelled your concerns. “I’m okay, don’t worry. Me n’ Arthur did just fine out there.” He reported, then took a seat on the blanket beside you. Initially assuming that the reason you looked so dismal is because you were worried for his and Arthur’s safety, he was sorely mistaken when you still looked upset. “Is everything ok? You look sad and it’s not like you, babydoll.” He probed for answers.
You looked at him and laughed dryly, “That obvious, huh?”
Leaning in to place a chaste kiss on the corner of his lips, you repositioned yourself to lay your head in his lap and rest easy knowing that he’s back from grave robbing with Arthur. It wasn’t their job nor their interest to do such a thing, but they were tasked by Angelo to check out the cemetery, and in return for the favour, they would get Jack. As you’d expect, the law showed up so they had to direct the heat away while John and Dutch brought the kid home.
“I don’t like that you and Arthur are working for Bronte.” You said blankly, replying to Joel’s question as to why you looked sad. You didn’t want to lie to him about what's on your mind right now or sugar coat it. He needed to know how you felt.
“I don’t either, but it had to be done, darlin’.” Joel reasoned unnecessarily. You already knew of the reasons why he had to go visit the cemetery. That was necessary to get Jack back to his parents, but continuing to work for Bronte isn’t.
You huffed, “I know it had to be done, Joel. That’s not the problem.”
“So what is the problem? Talk to me so I can help you, babe.” He almost begged. You heard the pleading tone in his voice and desperately wanted to tell him everything that you and Hosea were planning, but it’s better to keep it under wraps. Even though you despise the fact that you’re lying to him and keeping something as big as this secret, it was for the best because too many things could go wrong and fuck the entire thing up. You need to be careful about this, but you won’t, however, lie about how you feel towards Dutch and his plans for the gang.
“I hate that Dutch has you running around like this. I worry all the damn time, Joel – worry that you’ll die out there and never come back to me.” Closing your eyes as you shake your head, it was agonizing to live in constant fear that someone might die and you can’t do anything about it. You can’t exactly voice your opinions to Dutch and tell him how you feel about the way he leads the gang. It would only peg you as the ‘doubter’ and make him question your loyalty. “How on earth could I live without you or Arthur?” You asked.
“You won’t need to because neither of us are gonna die.” He answered quickly and hoped to ease your plight, but to no avail. It wasn’t working.
“You can’t promise me that.” Sitting up and rubbing your temples, you could feel a twinge of pain and tried to ease the oncoming headache. “Why can’t Dutch ask someone else to do these dangerous jobs for a change?” You implored desperately. Brows cinching together and lips wrinkled with anger, it was an expression that Joel didn’t like to see on your face at all. He’d gladly put anyone in their place for upsetting you, but because it’s the leader of the gang, it would cause issues for Arthur and he doesn’t want to do that. “Are you even listening to me?” You scoffed.
“Yes.” Joel replied with a slight bark in his tone, making your face recoil even more.
“This isn’t fair. How do you expect me to sit here day and night, acting like everything will be just fine? That you won't get hurt again?” Your hands kept balling up into fists as you struggled to find an outlet. Joel could visibly see all of your pent up rage bubbling over the surface. He’s never seen you like this before, and to be quite honest, it was rather alarming. “Don’t you dare say don’t worry because how the fuck can I not? Put yourself in my shoes, Joel. Would you worry for my life?”
“Of course I would, bu-”
You cut him off, “Exactly. So why does it always have to be you and Arthur that fixes everything?”
“Because who else can fucking do it right besides me and Arthur!” He snapped out of frustration; a frustration that he didn’t mean to direct at you. “Fuck… Baby, I didn’t mean to say it like tha–” He tried to take it back, but you abruptly cut him off once again. “Oh, I know you didn’t.” You hissed before pulling yourself up from the floor. “But it’s exactly what I needed to hear.”
Walking away without giving him a chance to speak in his defence, he quickly shot up to his feet as well and reached out to stop you. “Wait–wait goddammit.” He spun you around and held onto your arms tightly, like he was terrified to let go and never able to hold you again: like this was your last straw and you were done. “What are you saying? What does that mean?”
Sweat began to gather along his forehead with fear and regret for raising his voice at you. He wasn’t angry with you. He’s angry because it’s the truth. You are right and so is he. It isn’t fair that it’s always left to him and Arthur to fix everything, but they’re the only people who can work together and get the job done without getting themselves killed in the process. Sure, they sometimes get a few bumps and bruises here or there, but it’s better than dying.
The way you looked at him now was harrowing. You wore a vacant expression on your face with tears rolling down your cheeks and the sight tearing his stomach to shreds. It looked as though you were suffering mentally, but were trying to hold on as hard as you could. The question of what you meant was unanswered as you fell silent and left his biggest fear hanging in the balance — his fear that you’d leave him and Arthur because you can’t take it anymore. He faltered and felt the breath escaping his lungs with that frightening possibility.
“What does that mean?” Joel asked again, this time with a tremble in his tone and heart-ache pouring from his eyes. “How is that exactly what you needed to hear? Please say something, Y/N.” The man hoped and prayed to whoever was listening that you’d come back to him. It’s like you weren’t even looking in his eyes. You were looking through him instead, and the feeling it brought to his chest was painfully tight, as if constricting him from the ability to breathe.
These last few months have been difficult. There’s no doubt about that, but these last few weeks in particular with everything that’s happened around the Braithwaite's and the Gray's have been especially gruelling and burdensome.
After what felt like an eternity, you finally exhaled a shaky breath and showed a fraction of emotion on your face, albeit it spoke of suffering and anguish, but it was something different from that numb expression. “Because who else can fucking do it right, besides you and Arthur?” You said simply, using his own words and hoped it would make him see things the way you do.
So long as Dutch continues with his tactics to make enough money, which will never be enough, he and Arthur will always be there to fix everything that goes wrong until they eventually can’t physically do it anymore and die.
And just like you hoped it would, that realization started to creep into Joel’s face. He was starting to see things the way you were seeing them, and as you glanced over his shoulder to look at Arthur, you noticed that he was having the very same realization as well. The man looked broken and devastated, a wave of overwhelming emotions crashing into him all at once. It was extremely hurtful for him to hear because he loves Dutch like a father. They’ve known each other for almost two and a half decades, but he also can’t deny that he’s seen a dark change in the man he once knew.
Lowering your head, you turned around to walk away, leaving them both to silently process everything that’s just been said and really digest it. There wasn’t anything else you could say anyways. You just wanted them to become aware of the direction the gang was heading towards and let them contemplate how or what they could do to prevent it. But when they think about it long and hard like you did, and come up short on answers, they will see for themselves that escaping is the only way out.
Joel, you suspect, wouldn’t put up much of a fight, but Arthur will take a little more time and convincing. That you’re sure of and that’s what scares you the most. He’s tied down to Dutch with an unbroken bond of loyalty and devotedness, so it really makes you wonder just how far he will blindly follow a man that’s leading him to the end. Hopefully, not much further.
Since you had very little interest in being social or partying with the gang this evening, you walked towards the very edge of camp near the river and sat down on the dock. You still needed that isolation and time for yourself to think about everything, and to let Joel and Arthur have a talk with each other before deciding where they stand and what to do next. It’s not your desire to split the gang apart. That’s the last thing you want to happen, but as it seems, that’s the only solution to prevent anyone else from risking their lives and dying for Dutch Van Der Linde.
“Fuck.” Cursing under your breath, you wiped the tears from your cheeks and gave your mind a little break. The dock was just far enough away to drown out the sound of music and camp chatter to enjoy the tranquil resonance of water in the bayou instead. It was pleasantly soothing to watch the small waves rippling across the water and you could also see multiple alligators on the sporadic patches of land. While it was eerily beautiful, you didn’t dare take a chance on dangling your legs over the dock to feel the water on your feet. That would be a deadly risk of being yanked under by a gator hiding in the shallows.
Curiously though, you did lean over the dock to take a peep into the water below. It was much too dark and murky for you to see clearly, and all the more reason to keep yourself away from the edge. You couldn’t say for sure what was down there and certainly didn’t wish to find out either. You just wanted to relax and enjoy the evening by facing the horizon, watching the sun slowly disappear for the night before the moon took over. It was a calming experience to witness, but most importantly, you enjoyed the colour transformation in the skies above.
Much to your regret, it has been a while since you stopped and looked up at the night sky to admire the stars and constellations. You’ve been so busy and caught up with life as of late that you just simply forgot to take a break; a much needed break for yourself. In the quiet and unaccompanied moments like this, you used to spend hours gazing at the night sky and feeling at a loss for words. The last time you remember taking a break to look up at the stars was several months ago. As a matter of fact, it was a night that you could never forget.
Back when the gang was hiding out in Horseshoe Overlook, and you stayed in that little homestead in Tall Trees, Arthur offered you and Joel to accompany him when tracking down the White Wild Arabian horse up in the snowy mountains of Ambarino. It was believed to be spotted somewhere around Lake Isabella, and as it turns out, that information was insanely accurate. You found the horse in the first hour of being there, and Arthur and Joel tamed her, but instead of heading back down the mountain, you stayed up there for one night to take a small vacation of sorts.
Most of the day was spent setting up camp and making sure the horses were safely hitched up, kept warm and protected against the cold elements. It was an exhausting task trying to move around in the snow, but the turnout in the end was worth it. You had four or five tents connected together to make one giant temporary living space. Even the horses had their own area to be sheltered from the weather outside and after filling their stomach with food, they laid down to sleep for the night.
You, Arthur and Joel however, didn’t really catch a wink of sleep. Hours were spent making love to each other under the stars instead, and once they were unequivocally satisfied and completely spent, you laid down with them at your sides, watching the skies beyond the tent slowly transforming from night and day. Joel remembered how much you enjoyed staring up at the stars and made the effort to put a transparent sheet of tarp in the tent for you. It was probably one of the most enjoyable nights you’ve ever had in a long time, and you wished to go back to that moment.
Life just felt so unproblematic and simple back then, and it’s really quite shocking how fast things have changed. When you eventually came back down from the mountains, that’s when the gang was chased out of Valentine and pushed to move into Clemens Point near Rhodes. Nothing has ever really been the same since then. You don’t get the time to yourself anymore, or the time to take little vacations with Joel and Arthur either. They’re always busy with taking care of business
Snapping out of your thoughts, the sound of the rowboat by the dock caught your attention as it thumped into wooden posts and it never occurred to you until now that the view probably looks better out there than what it does here. You then wondered if it would be a good idea to go out there. You haven’t rowed out to the middle of the river at all since you’ve been here, not even when you stayed at Clemens Point, but the thought of passing the gators was nerve-wracking. They won’t bother me if I don’t bother them, right?
“Fuck it.” You muttered to yourself and concluded that it wouldn’t be much of a problem to just take a little journey out there and really relax under the stars for a few hours. Checking your satchel first and making sure you have the essentials, such as a bottle of whiskey, some snacks, weapons and a book to read should you get bored – which is highly unlikely – you stood up and moved towards the rope tied around the docking posts. After untying it and climbing inside the boat, you held onto the dock tightly as your feet wobbled then took a seat in the middle.
As you got yourself safely positioned and ready to disembark, you reached for the paddles when all of a sudden, Joel’s hand appeared from up above and grabbed them before you could. “Scoot over.” He said before climbing into the boat with Arthur mirroring his actions shortly after. Without uttering a single word in protest, you welcomed them both to join and sat back to relax. You’ve missed having their company like this anyways. It’s a good idea for all three of you to unwind for a little while and let the tensions die down.
Once they were seated and ready to go, Joel pushed away from the dock and began rowing the boat through the winding waters in the bayou. It was getting darker and darker by the second, and to make it a little more spookier, a thick blanket of mist started to settle above the river, obscuring the view of gators and their exact whereabouts. You could hear them though, and the sound of their bellowing and hissing was frightening.
Perhaps it wasn’t such a good idea to come out here all by yourself after all, but at least you have Joel and Arthur with you now. They seemed eager to take a break from chatting about things around the fire and happy to join you instead, as if it were much more enjoyable to pretend that everything about this life isn’t fucked up. You could see the battle Arthur was fighting internally. He looked confused and overwhelmed, struggling to look you in the eye and succumb to the reality that you were right about Dutch and the gang. He didn’t want to believe it, even though he knows deep down that it’s true.
You’ve done all you can and it’s up to him now to make up his mind, but whatever he does decide, you won’t give up on finding an escape route and keeping it ready for him when shit inevitably hits the fan. You won’t be leaving without him. Reaching into your satchel, you pulled out the bottle of whiskey and took an exceptionally large mouthful before handing the bottle over to Joel. He took an even bigger mouthful of the substance before passing the bottle over to Arthur.
The alcohol took the edge off and reduced the awkward ambience increasingly with each sip. It went down your throat like a treat with the second mouthful and warmed up your internal temperature nicely. You weren’t cold, but there was a slight breeze that pinched your skin and sent a small shiver up your spine. Once you finally broke free from the bayou, it was a relief to see miles upon miles of the river without that heavy layer of fog shrouding your sight anymore. You put your feet up on the seat beside Joel and leaned back in comfort, looking up at the glittering sky with a smile on your lips.
It was heartening for Joel to notice such a positive difference in your mood, and consolatory for Arthur to see that you aren’t sick and tired of him. He was present during your quarrel by the fire earlier. He heard every word, but didn’t intervene and chose to listen instead. Besides, his input wouldn’t have done any good anyways. What could he possibly say? You weren’t wrong about Dutch. His methods to make money as of late have been detrimentally problematic rather than beneficial for the gang. The people are suffering and others have died because of this madness. Jenny, Mac and Davey. They all died.
But did they die in vain? Arthur wonders. Ever since that ferry job in Blackwater, life has taken a turn for the worse and never returned to normal again. He wasn’t there, so he couldn’t see for himself how bad things were on that boat, but judging from what members in the gang have shared, it wasn’t good nor was it honourable the way things went down. Dutch killed a young innocent girl, and Arthur has never known the man to commit such a heinous act like that before.
While Arthur undoubtedly accepts your reasons to be angry and upset with Dutch, he isn’t ready to throw in the towel and give up on him just yet. There’s still time to make things right again, but for now, he’s putting all that aside to make you his top priority this evening. It’s shameful for him to admit that he’s neglected you as of late. Daily work and business takes up the majority of his time and when he eventually returns to you late in the night, you're already asleep and much too exhausted to stay awake. He’s missed you; missed precious little moments like taking a boat ride into the middle of the river and gazing up at the stars together.
You were laid back and relaxed when he finally lifted his head and looked at you. Even though your attention was drawn to the sky above, he smiled affectionately at the look on your face. It was a drastic difference from earlier by the fire, and just like Joel, it tore his stomach apart to see you so emotionally distressed. He’s also never seen you so angry like that before, and it must have taken quite a lot for you to even reach that level of frustration in the first place.
It’s all my fault, he said inwardly, blaming himself for not seeing things for what they are and causing your suffering. Although he felt a great deal of guilt, it brought the man some comfort to see your grin widen and your eyes close as you dangled your arm over the boat to dip your fingers in the water. It only just occurred to him that he’s never taken you or Joel out on the river before, and he should have done it sooner because you looked peaceful and relaxed.
“Missed this, haven’t yer, beautiful?” Joel’s deep southern drawl pierced through your thoughtless gazing, the sound of his voice so delicate and heavenly to your ears. He felt the happiness radiating from you, as if it were rapidly spreading towards him and Arthur in the very best way. Each of them felt their shoulders drop with ease and reassurance knowing that you aren’t leaving as it’s both of their biggest fears.
“Yes – yes, I have. It’s been a while, my loves.” You replied with graceful simplicity, harbouring nothing but reverence and affection in your tone of voice. The men knew you weren’t talking about how much you missed gazing at the stars, but how much you’ve missed having these moments together with just the three of you. The love you have for them is unbreakable and everlasting no matter how difficult things get in life. You’d never leave the two men you love most in this world, but truth be told, they needed to be shocked into thinking that it could happen.
Upon feeling one of their hands resting on your leg, you hummed in content and savoured the touch you’ve been so deprived of in recent weeks. Intimacy has been the last thing on your mind since moving from Clemens Point and it was understandable given the circumstances of what happened. Soon, you felt another hand on your leg and the sensation was incredibly soothing, bringing a soft tingle to your skin that pimpled with goosebumps. Your smile deepened and you revelled in the basic human need for physical touch.
“You missed this too, sweetheart?” Arthur asked when inching his hand further up your leg, the use of his seductive tone making your thighs squeeze together with a familiar pulse in your nether regions. You were aroused in a matter of seconds, but the contact of his calloused fingertips rubbing tantalizing circles above your knee was staggering. It felt like you were receiving your very first experience of passionate touch in the most intimate places of your body. The man was only rubbing and squeezing your thigh, but it was pure utter bliss.
“Yes,” you exhaled a moan. Opening your eyes to look at them both, you were surprised to see that Joel had actually moved himself to sit on the deck of the boat with Arthur sitting in the middle now. They both looked at you like they were equally starved of your touch and desperate to feel the basic need for intimacy again. It’s a mutual unspoken feeling between you all, one that needs to be satiated now more than ever. Who knows when you’ll next have a moment to yourselves like this?
“Will you let us take care of that?” Arthur proposed while slipping his hand even closer to your burning heat, parting your thighs ever so slightly before you nodded frantically in response. He held your legs and spread them apart fully now with his eyes traveling under your dress to look at the damp spot on your underwear. “Mhm. Already wet down there, I see.” Chuckling softly with a proud little smirk on his lips, he looked into your eyes and softened under your wanton expression. “Is this all for us, kitten?”
“Uh-huh.” You moaned again, burning up under their lewd ogling at your panties. You saw Joel wetting his lips as he leaned forward and reached for your underwear, pulling the fabric down and completely off your legs before handing them over to Arthur – who then groaned deeply when holding them beneath his nose and inhaled the sweet aroma of your cunt. Flattery surfaced to your cheeks with the action, receiving a compliment from the way he looked so gluttonous for a taste. Both of them were. Their eyes were blown wide with lust and their cocks already starting to protrude outwards from their jeans.
“Oh, me first.” Joel growled unashamedly then leaned in before his head disappeared beneath your dress. It was exciting not seeing how close he was to making contact and relying solely on the sensation of his breath steadily blowing across your pussy instead. You kept your eyes locked onto Arthur’s, watching the struggle he repeatedly faces every single time when you get intimate with each other, which is not knowing where to look as both options were evenly exciting.
Opting to watch your face contort beautifully, he grinned when Joel finally pressed his lips against your cunt and your mouth fell open with the sultriest little moans leaving your lips. You already sounded breathless and needy, and it was all the more reason to give what you desperately desired. Not only did he finally realize what this life was doing to him, you and Joel, but he also realized that you’ve been severely neglected of physical touch as of late. Even the simplest gestures such as waking you up with a good morning kiss has been forgotten about.
“Open your eyes and look at me, gorgeous.” Arthur ordered with gentle remonstrance, yet his steely gaze spoke of a deep primal urge to let go of all restraint and fuck you hard and deep. He was angry and frustrated as well. Not with you of course, but for the same reason Joel was angry earlier. When you opened your eyes and looked at him, they were as pretty as ever, darkened with euphoria and glossed over with lust. “That’s a good girl. Keep ya eyes on me, baby.” He rewarded you with praise, one that he knows makes you burn with passion.
Doing as he so politely asked, you kept your eyes on the man and watched as he dug a hand inside his jeans and took himself in hand to ease the ache in his cock. He grunted and groaned from the self-pleasure whilst rubbing reassuring circles on your leg with his free hand. “Oh fuck.” You cried. Gripping the edge of your seat as you felt the peak of your orgasm nearing closer, Arthur reacted immediately out of impulse and yanked your dress up to see everything.
He fisted his cock harder and faster now while watching Joel tongue fuck your pussy. The sound of him slurping on your desire was delicious and it was something that he loved to watch just as much as doing himself. “Keep going and don’t ease up, Joel.” Arthur placed a hand to the middle of the man’s upper back, urging him to go faster. “She’s almost there, brother–” He looked at you now, grinning wildly. “–Ain’t that right, sweetheart?”
“Y-Yes. God yes!” You sobbed and threw your head back, parting your legs wider to give Joel more room and Arthur an eyeful to see how wet you are – to see how ready you were for him. You recognise that look in his eyes. It speaks of temptation and a strong venereal need to fuck you like there was no tomorrow. You want it so badly; want him and Joel to fill you up completely with each bruisingly deep thrust in and out of your cunt. Just picturing them fucking you at the same time and using your pussy for their own satisfaction was enough to push you over the edge.
“Oh fuck… I’m cumming!” You warned. Moaning through the release of your climax, Joel continued circling your clit with his tongue and plunged two fingers into you, the delightful sensation so intense that your eyes rolled back. It felt so good and you didn’t want the man to stop. Your thighs began to spasm with pleasurable aftershocks as overstimulation ran its course through your whole entire body. It eventually became too much, but you still didn’t want him to slow down. His fingers were so thick and deep, bending into a come hither motion to stroke your g-spot and draw out the sexiest whines and whimpers. “J-Joel.” You babbled his name pathetically, teetering on the edge of passing out.
Another orgasm was quickly approaching, but before you could even focus on the rising blissful pleasure, the boat came to an abrupt stop. You opened your eyes and looked directly at Arthur setting the paddles down, visibly eager to reach land and have his way with you. The man didn’t waste time expressing how much he needed your embrace as soon as Joel pulled back. He practically lunged forward and crashed his lips against yours, kissing you fervently while fighting to open his jeans and release himself.
“Arthur!” You mewled upon feeling the blunt head of his cock meeting your entrance, and with a brief look into your eyes for confirmation, he surged forward. The stretch was phenomenal, causing you to make the most dirty and erotic noises. His size and width came with a slight pinch, but filled you up completely and knocked the breath out of your lungs as he buried himself to the hilt in one swift motion. He even rutted into you a couple times for good measure to make sure he was fully seated inside. You could feel the man's balls pressed against your ass. They were so firm and swollen, filled with a creamy white load just for you.
“Oh… God damn–nngh! So fucking tight.” He uttered a string of curses directly into your ear, his breath coming hot and heavy as he wrapped his arms around your back. “Hold on for me, kitten.” Pulling you with him as he stands up, Joel helped him climb out of the boat and step onto a little island somewhere in the middle of Lannahechee River. He walked a couple feet with you held tightly in his arms, his cock still very much buried good and deep, then stopped to kneel down onto the sandy shores below.
After grabbing handfuls of your ass for leverage, he pulled out almost all the way and sunk himself inside again, stretching you open even more than the first time before setting a brutal pace. He made you stutter and squeak deliriously, producing pornographic sounding gasps and whimpers. You could audibly hear his balls slapping against your ass each time his hips connected with yours, the sound sinful and shameful, mixed in beautifully with the deep grunts escaping his lips. Arthur was wrecked already. Just completely wrecked and desperate to reach climax.
“Oh,” you made a surprised sound when feeling a large presence behind you. The warmth of Joel’s hands finding purchase on your hips was sparking another kind of sexual desire, accompanied with another surge of arousal to ooze out of your core. You briefly wondered if he wanted to pair up with Arthur and fuck your cunt, or if he wanted to fuck your ass instead. It wouldn’t be the first time he did it, and you hope it wouldn’t be the last either.
There’s only been a handful of times that you’ve explored the sexual act of anal with them before and they both were so gentle with you every single time, knowing that it takes a lot more to relax and open up. The first time you tried it, they spent hours working you open with their fingers before attempting to ease their cocks inside. They minimized the pain by fucking your pussy at the same time, taking turns to distract you while the other fingered your ass. It was a new level of pleasure you hadn’t experienced before, but it’s something you look forward to experiencing again.
When Arthur slowed down and exhaled a heavy sigh across your face, he lifted you up like you weighed nothing in his arms and provided a better angle for Joel to join in. He desperately wanted to make love to you with the man, and the position was most ideal because they could gaze into each other’s eyes while keeping you safely held up in their arms.
“Nice and easy, darlin’.” Joel whispered softly when lining himself up at your entrance, nudging the head of his cock against Arthur’s before they both eased their way inside of you slowly. It never ceases to amaze you just how incredibly filling both of them felt when bottomed out inside, albeit it wasn’t all the way because it’s just too much to take all at once, but you’re never left feeling empty.
You can’t ever decide what you like more; being held in the most compromising and indecent position with their bodies pinned against you, caging you in almost, or the way they nip and suck on your neck, hands pawing at your hips and boobs, grabbing handfuls of the supple flesh, or even the way their cocks feel sliding in and out of you with ease. Everything about Joel and Arthur making love to you is beautiful and sensational, especially when they kiss and hold onto each other with their foreheads glistened with sweat and their voices ringing with pure satisfaction.
Even the way they look at you and moan through the pleasure that your pussy brings is beautiful. They looked intoxicated and drunk, as if they were riding an exceptionally powerful and lustful high. The grunting, groaning and growling sounded immodest and outrageously sexy. They even gasped and whined over your warm velvety walls squeezing their cocks. And when they reached their peaks together in unison, spilling an unbelievable amount of their load deep inside, they still couldn’t seem to take their eyes off you and moan through the orgasmic feeling of your cunt milking them of every last drop.
“Oh God.” You whimpered sinfully. Eyes closing to revel in the ropes upon ropes of their seed painting your insides, they shared deeply passionate and insatiable kisses with each other again then turned to you, sucking on the pulse points in your neck like they were marking their territory. Joel thrusted his fingers through Arthur’s hair and kept him in place as they both grinded into you at a deliberately slow pace, pushing you over the edge of your own climax and prolonging your high as long as you could possibly take it.
Words of praise and how much they love you muttered between fervent kisses brought you to the cusp of losing consciousness. You became soft like putty in their tight grasps, unable to move and just bask in the passionate embrace they had over you. It goes without saying that the two men you adore most in this world still enjoy crowding you with their love and devotion until you’re completely and utterly spent.
Later that evening when you finally made it back to your own camp outside of Shady Belle, you sat around the small fire while Joel and Arthur slept deeply in the tent. They were exhausted and needed the rest more than anyone else, especially after working so hard to keep the gang safe. There’s not a day that goes by where you don’t praise their efforts and thank some higher power for bringing them back to you safe and sound. They’re just doing the best they can for everybody’s safety, and so are you.
As you sit around the fire and chat quietly with Hosea, the man had something so important to share with you that it couldn’t wait till sunrise. He brought some good news… He’s found Francis Sinclair.
All Arthur Morgan Content:@pale-gingerale @readsalot73 @mooraakath @chxpsi @wordsfromshona @kunakizen @churchofrain @margofiore @emiemiemiii @phillygraves @cowboydisaster @photo1030
OMG I FUCKING LOVE THAT ARTHUR'S HELLA BIIII GIRL I LOVE YOU bisexual Arthur needs more representation
Eeeek! I’m so happy you enjoyed that detail in WTWC, Nonnie. 🥰
I firmly believe that Joel and Arthur are getting frisky with each other in my series. It just felt so right to add that in there about them, but I have to admit that this is the first time I’ve ever written something like this before, so it’s a slow progress into the M/M relationship dynamic.
This right here is why I cannot leave this series with only 8 chapters. There needs to be more. I need more 😩. I want to write about their first kiss in a oneshot then fill in the gaps of the story so far. And even write more about what happens after the last chapter.
Mark my words, I ain’t done with this series yet. We’re gonna get ourselves some full blown shameless smutty loving sex between Joel and Arthur… maybe even reader can watch them in the act of making love 😏.
Warnings: 18+ Content. Minors DNI. Alternative TLOU & RDR2 Universe. M/F/M Relationship. M/M Flirting and Kissing. Lots of angst in this chapter (eventual happy ending). Dark Themes and Graphic Violence. (usual outlaw stuff). Joel and Arthur sustaining injuries; bruises/strangulation marks. Mentions of Blood.
⚠️RDR2 Spoiler Warnings in the AN Notes Below⚠️
AN: Blessed Are The Peacemakers mission in game is a little different here (the mission where Dutch and Colm meet up for a parley). There are mentions of Tuberculosis in this chapter as well, but it’s not what you think - I promise. I’ve changed a few details from the game's storyline to fit my own story here. I do hope you enjoy the reading. We have another two chapters to go before the story is finished, thank you!
Once upon time, you didn’t explicitly believe in the act of violence. It’s barbaric and more often than not, it just causes even more pain, which isn’t necessary for anyone involved. Besides, there are better ways to resolve an issue. There’s usually always a better way to avoid the barbarity of conflict between rivalrous individuals, gangs or organizations.
Having said this, there was a time when you didn’t have any rivals. There was a time when you didn’t know your way around a gun, how to use it or how to fight with your bare fists when faced with savagery and heartlessness. There was a time you didn’t believe in violence because you didn’t live a violent way of life. You avoided the risk of danger or the likelihood of a conflict and always sought peace instead, but sometimes there can be no peace and brutality is summoned from the deep dark depths within… The dark places within that had limits you didn’t know could be reached or the extremities that could be harnessed when fighting for your life.
You truly never faced a dangerous situation that forced you to do the unthinkable before. It was an inexperienced concept for you, but that has since changed. Your eyes have been opened and things are different now because you’ve sampled the atrocities of what it means to be an outlaw in the year 1899. You’ve witnessed only a glimpse of life that Arthur Morgan and his fellow gang members have lived for years. It’s not pretty, of course it isn’t, but every dark cloud has a silver lining and while the Van Der Linde gang has been engulfed with an excruciating cloud of bad luck, more so in the last few years, they’ve always persevered and carried on.
Even in the face of great difficulties and devastating obstruction, Dutch held the gang together and carved out a fighter in each and every one of them. It was truly admirable and inspirational to see the lengths that they would go to in order to protect each other. You’ve seen it with your own eyes now, and so has Joel. They’re not some ruthless gang running from the authorities. They know the clear difference between what’s right and wrong, and place themselves comfortably in the middle that avoids violence, death and destruction, but they fill their pockets with riches stolen from the wealthy and undeserving corrupted portion of society. And that’s what puts them on the wrong side of the law.
Exactly three months ago, you and Joel accepted that there was no way home and this would be your life now, which is helping Arthur and his gang as they work tirelessly to find a secured future where they never have to steal, pick-pocket, scam or rob people for money ever again. It’s been hard work, day in and day out, and yet it doesn’t seem to be getting any better. The gang has since moved on from Horseshoe Overlook. They were chased off by the Pinkerton Detective Agency, driven to pack up camp and set up someplace else, which brings you and Joel to where you are now – Clemens Point.
The gang wasn’t overly welcoming of outsiders in the very beginning, but Arthur prepared you for that in advance and kept you in close proximity of his hideout instead of just bringing you right into the camp. You and Joel remain in your own camp within walking distance, and the gang knows of your presence now, but only Hosea knows how and why you’re here. And it will stay that way too.
No one else needs to know about the fact you’re from the future, possibly even a different timeline, and you came here through a magical mirror. It sounds bizarre anyways so it’s not like anyone would believe you. The reason you think about violence today though, is because you’ve just caught wind of a job today that requires Arthur to accompany Dutch in a meeting with Colm O’Driscoll. You don’t like the sound of that idea, not in the slightest, and going against Joel’s protests, you marched your way into the Van Der Linde’s camp to voice your opinions on the matter.
Colm isn’t someone you’ve ever had the displeasure of meeting before, but you’ve crossed paths with his gang members on numerous occasions now and they’re a vicious sort of people. The kind that do know what’s right from wrong, but choose wrong every single time.
Making your way towards the tent that you recognise to be Arthur’s, you find the man standing at the rear end of the ammunition wagon with Dutch, Hosea and Micah, no doubt talking over the plans of how they approach the situation with Colm. “Hey, Arthur.” You called out with Joel hot on your heels. He was expressing an apologetical look on his face for the earful you're about to unload. “I need to talk to you… Why in the hell are any of you meeting with Colm O’Driscoll? I’ve only heard about the cruel bastard, but you guys know him personally.”
“Jesus… Who told you about this?” Arthur grumbled, then looked at Joel over your shoulder for answers, to which he replied quickly. “Don’t look at me, brother. I didn’t say a damn word.” He said in his defence.
“Wait, so you knew about this and didn’t say anything!” You turned to ask Joel, your voice rising slightly with your growing frustrations, but before he could even open his mouth to answer, you held your finger up and shushed him. Then you turned to face Arthur again. “Why are you doing this? You ought to know better. I can see that it’s a trap.”
Now the man looked directly at Micah and scowled, knowing that he is the one who told you about this job today and it pissed him off because he explicitly told everyone not to speak a word about it around you. Arthur could be wrong about who’s at fault, but the way Micah’s lips curled upwards with a smirk only solidified his assumptions, and now he wonders why the little toad was so eager to cause an issue. But he didn’t have the time, nor the patience, to find out why and directed his focus on you instead. He moved toward you and Joel, ushering you both to one side to have a moment in privacy.
“Sweetheart, listen to me.” He spoke quietly, keeping his voice low and reassuring. “I already know this doesn’t sound like a good idea, but that’s why I have to be there. Dutch needs me to keep an eye out on him and Micah from a safe distance. I’ve got my rifle with me and everything will be just fine.”
“Oh really?” Crossing your arms now, you begin to tap your foot against the ground as you boldly suggest: “Well if you really believe that, then you won’t mind me tagging along to keep you company, won’t ya?...” He, as you expected, tried to object, but you swiftly cut him off. “Oh no. Everything will be just fine, Arthur. You said so yourself.”
“She has a point.” Joel agreed, eliciting the man to look at him with betrayal in his eyes since it wasn’t the back-up he needed right now.
“Could ya help me out here?” Arthur muttered with desperation, but because of the silent response from you and Joel, he threw his hands up in the air defeatedly and scoffed. “Do you really think I’m gonna bring her anywhere near those bastards?”
“No, of course not. That’s not what I’m saying.” Joel replied immediately. Cinching his brows together while pondering for a solution, he palmed a hand over the back of his neck and racked his brain for answers. He had one idea, but wasn’t sure you’d agree upon it. In fact, he isn’t so sure you’d even entertain the idea at all.
You and Arthur look at him now, noticing the way he was visibly hesitant on speaking his mind before you both asked in unison. “So what are you saying, then?”
After a few more moments in silence, he finally answered. “I’ll go with Arthur and keep watch.” He said, and to his surprise, you actually started contemplating his suggestion like it was a better alternative.
Truthfully, it was the best option because you’re not nearly as skilled as Joel or Arthur around a gun, and they’re far more alert and ready for conflict than you’ll ever be. Albeit, you are learning each and every day, but knowing how and when to be violent in times like this isn’t your speciality. It is, however, Joel and Arthur’s speciality.
“Ok.” You relent. Easing up on the pressure you were applying to Arthur, you feel a whole hell of a lot more reassured knowing they’ll be together on this one. You know with certainty that they will have each other’s backs out there, and they’ll be safe too. “Ok, Arthur… I’ll stay here and get off your back about this job, even though I think it's ridiculous, but as long as Joel is with you, then I’m okay with it.”
“Thanks, sweetheart.” He nodded appreciatively. “It’s just a simple parley to settle the feud. We’ll be back before you even know we’re gone.” Stepping closer, he held your arms gently while leaning in to plant a firm kiss on your forehead, your eyes closing naturally with the comforting sensation that it brought. You know deep down that whatever happens, they will always look out for each other and do whatever it takes to survive, but there’s always that chance of something going severely wrong, and of course, you are going to worry about that. It’s the very reason why they didn’t want to tell you about it in the first place, and you also wonder why Micah was so eager to let you know about it.
As he pulls back to look into your eyes, you cup his face and return the kiss on his lips before breaking off to look at Joel. “Come back to me – both of you.” You expressed vehemently, your pleadings falling on their ears loud and clear as they both nod in response. Leaning in to plant a kiss on his lips as well, you didn’t care about the gang seeing you kiss two men and making their own assumptions about the dynamic of your relationship. It was your business and no one else's, and besides, Joel and Arthur didn’t seem to care anyways. They each held a hand to your hip and gazed into your eyes for a moment, reassuring you without a need for words that everything will be ok before turning away to leave.
Immediately, you missed the warmth of their hands on your skin and yearned to feel their touch again, like it wasn’t just hours ago you lay in the same tent together completely nude. You’ll never miss the way their skin-on-skin contact feels against your body when cramped inside a small space. It’s just the most pleasing way to sleep together, especially a few yards away from the gang hideout where you're shielded with privacy and supplied with the freedom to open the tent during the night and soak up the cool breeze.
There’s a big difference between sleeping in a homestead and a tent, but to be quite frank, you’ve enjoyed the latter so much more. It’s nice staying by the river now and feels much more secure being closer to the gang too. Although you miss those days sleeping in a large bed with Joel and Arthur, it doesn’t really matter where you stay, it matters that you have each other in close proximity. It matters because you know they’re safe and sound when sleeping right beside you at night.
Watching them work together as they gathered all the supplies they needed from the ammunition wagon, it made you smile fondly to see them communicating strategically and purposefully, as if they were determined to get the job done and return to you as quickly as they could. Joel and Arthur never forget to remind you just how much you actually mean to them. They have their ways in showing it; whether that be a kiss on your forehead, cheek or lips, or something as simple, yet equally beautiful, as bringing you a flower that reminds them of you, or the way they look at you like you’re someone they couldn’t live without.
It’s been a crazy and chaotic four months since you got here with Joel, and it’s still a really big adjustment in lifestyle too, but you wouldn’t change a second of it so far. The love between three people grows exponentially each and every day. It still feels as though you were made for each other. Like this is the way things were meant to be. You belong with Joel and Arthur, and they belong with you.
“So what’s the secret?” A voice from behind you asks, her question interrupting your thoughts. You turned around and smiled at Karen as she approached. “How do I get two good looking men to be so madly in love with me like that?” She reiterates. Glancing at Joel and Arthur then back into your eyes with an envious smirk on her lips, she was happy for you, there was no doubt about that from the look in her eyes, but there was just an envious notion of yearning to have what you for herself someday.
“Honestly, I don’t really know what the secret is.” You shrugged earnestly with a smile. “But trust me, the moment I figure it out, you’ll be the first to know, babe.” You winked, and together, you giggled in content. She even began to blush from the friendly term of endearment, the sight making your smile grow with joy and hope of becoming friends with her. Though, the sound of your laughter caught the attention of an unwanted pair of eyes and ruined the mood.
“What ya’ll tittering about?” Micah strolled toward you and Karen with his thumbs hooked inside his gun belt like it was supposed to look attractive. It wasn’t. But you do find that sort of thing attractive with Joel and Arthur. As a matter of fact, they do a lot of innocent looking poses, stances and gestures that just really turn you on. For example, when they’re laying on their backs with a hand behind their heads, emphasizing the muscles in their biceps with the position. You don’t know why it’s so appealing, but it makes you want to climb onto their laps every single time.
“It’s none of your business.” Karen answered the man during your silent thought of riding Joel or Arthur later tonight, the idea making your cheeks heat up with desire, which quickly turned sour the moment Micah opened his mouth again.
“Oh, don’t get shy on me now, pussy cat.” He winked at her, the gesture making Karen retch before he looked at you with a dirty smirk on his lips. “Personally I think ya’ll were giggling about what Y/N gets up to with Joel and Arthur in that tent over by the water. Must have some fun out there, huh?”
“Ugh!.. Gross.” You cringed without constraint at his remark, feeling sick to your stomach at the mere thought of him sneaking around your tent at night. It was nauseating to even think about it, so you ignored the man and turned to Karen instead. “I’m gonna go now. I’ll catch up with you later, sweetie.” Squeezing her shoulder as you walked passed her, you despised the way Micah laughed and tried to shrug off how disgusting he sounded. It was a dark and horrid dry-heaving kind of laugh, and it wasn't pleasant in any sort of way either.
“C’mon now. I was only messing around.” He called out after you, still laughing pervertedly and disgustingly, but to his surprise and disappointment, you didn’t keep your mouth shut and yelled back: “Why don’t you go rub one out behind a tree or something? You old rotten piece of shit.” Micah suddenly became very quiet while the majority of the camp heard what you said and responded with laughter. You enjoyed the resonance of their reactions, the sound was humiliating for him, but victorious for you.
Joel and Arthur, on the other hand, shared a few chuckles under their breaths over your insults, feeling a mutual sense of pride washing over them as they grinned. “Atta girl.” They whispered in unanimous agreement, then individually thought about how they could reward you later for sticking up for yourself and for making a fool out of Micah Bell.
But first things first; getting the job done, then return to your arms safe and sound.
“So what’s the deal with this Colm guy anyway?” Joel asked casually. Getting into position by laying down on his stomach, he stayed close to Arthur and looked down at the rifle's scope. They were on a high ridge far enough away from the danger and kept themselves concealed as they watched over Dutch and Micah – who were currently riding across the plains to approach four men on horses. Should a gunfight break out, they’ve got it covered from here, but so far everything looked fine and dandy.
“It’s a long story, brother.” Arthur shook his head and tutted, displaying his feelings towards this ongoing feud between Dutch and Colm. “It’s always been a game of tit for tat between them that never ends. People have died because of it.” He explained with a sigh of irritation. “But maybe a parley will finally settle this dispute once and for all.”
Joel shrugged nonchalantly. “Yeah, maybe.” After a moment, he then changed the topic of conversation that better suited their interests and asked. “You wanna do something later? Just me, you and y/n... Once we’ve settled this, of course.” He lowered his rifle and turned to look at Arthur. “I was thinkin’ bout visiting the saloon for a few beers, maybe have a dance and a little fuck around under the table.”
“Hell yeah.” Arthur chuckled, the offer making him feel more at ease as he wonders what exactly Joel means about ‘a little fuck around under the table’. He wasn’t sure if that meant something sexual, but hoped it was nonetheless. “That sounds like a great idea. I think Y/N will like that too.” He expressed, to which Joel hummed in agreement. A few minutes go by in silence as they both smile at the thought of having some fun with you later. It’s been a while since either of them have taken you out and it’s something they’ve missed terribly as of late; having that quality time with just you.
Getting back to the task at hand, Joel picked up his rifle again and looked down the scope to check in with Dutch and Colm. Everything still looked fine from up here, but they couldn’t hear what was being said and only relied on the use of body language to understand what’s happening down there. It didn’t look tense or heated, but remained vigilant just in case.
After a little while, Joel lowered his rifle again and grumbled with annoyance. “This is taking too long.” He said before quickly rising to his feet, but keeping himself crouched to not give away his position. “I’ll be back in a giffy. I gotta take a leak.”
“Want me to hold your cock, big boy?” Arthur smirked as he said that, prompting Joel to playfully smack his ass while he whispered ‘yes please’ under his breath. It was a humorous gesture, one that made him fight the urge to gasp and groan from the contact. Although, he was being serious about that offer and would gladly abandon his position to go hold Joel’s cock. He felt his cheeks burn and a familiar heat blossoming in his abdomen at the thought of holding him so intimately. It wouldn’t be the first time, and it certainly won’t be the last either.
The print of Joel’s hand on his ass cheek however, burned deliciously and made Arthur crave more; more of the sexual teasing and flirtatious banter. I’ll get ya back for that, he thought, then wondered how he could return the favor in a pleasurable way later tonight. But, as much as the man would have loved to cogitate on the matter of his dirty minded thoughts of pleasuring Joel, he couldn’t stray too far away from remaining focused. As the crickets chirped and the sun sat above the horizon, he hoped this parley wouldn’t take much longer.
When Arthur saw the gap between Colm and Dutch starting to get smaller, he kept his finger carefully hovering over the trigger of his gun. It wasn’t enough cause for concern just yet, but he calculated the probability of a gunfight and lined up the rifle on Colm’s face to make sure he’s precise. They were still talking to each other, and it still didn’t look heated or intense, but the proximity was alarming and Dutch was outnumbered down there. What was reassuring is the sound of Joel’s boots scraping against the ground behind him, meaning those odds would be evened out with another man behind a rifle to help.
*Thwack*
Arthur was struck in the back of the head and instantly, his vision went black as he fell down. The sound of him being knocked out was so audible that Joel heard it and sprung into action seconds after. He was hidden by a large boulder when taking a leak thankfully, so the O’Driscoll didn’t know he was here and that gave him an advantage. It provided Joel with a little more time to figure out what to do next and how he can help without getting himself or anyone else killed.
Using his rifle, he quickly checked up on the situation down below with Colm and Dutch and noticed that they were parting ways now. Everything was fine for them, but nothing was fine up here for Joel or Arthur. There wasn’t just one O’Driscoll. There were three more and the odds of surviving in a shoot-out weren't looking so good. If he steps out of cover, the O'Driscoll's will start shooting and he won’t be able to help while bleeding out with a gunshot wound. The best course of action is keeping distant and following them diligently. However, there was yet another problem — his horse.
As soon as the O'Driscoll's found the horses, they quickly realized that Arthur wasn’t alone either and responded by pointing a gun towards his unconscious body. “We know you’re here.” One of them announced whilst drawing back the hammer, emphasizing the threat to pull the trigger. “On a count of three, slowly step out and we won’t put a bullet in ya friends head. One…… Two…”
“Fuck!” Joel cursed under his breath. Seeing as though he was all out of options, there was no choice but to step out and show himself, even if it meant taking a bullet for Arthur. “Ok! Alright!” He yelled out before they could count to three, raising both arms above his head to show the rifle as he slowly stepped out of cover. “Just take it easy.”
Revealing himself to three guns lined up in his direction, he glanced over his shoulder and looked at the steep drop in the cliff-edge, wondering if he could survive the fall. It wasn’t looking good. Not good at all, but by some miracle, they didn’t shoot on sight and gestured to him to walk forward. “Nice and slow.” One of them pointed out, his hands trembling ever so slightly as he gripped hold of his gun. If Joel didn’t know any better, he would assume he was afraid. And so they should be.
In the last couple of months, Joel and Arthur have made quite the name for themselves because of how many O'Driscoll's they have killed. It makes him realize now that they probably recognized him and the very reason they didn’t shoot on sight is because Colm will want him alive to deliver his revenge for killing his men. “Stop!” The O’Driscoll commanded, to which Joel obliged and waited cautiously for their next order. If the rifle he had was a repeater, he’d take his chances on killing all three of them. But it wasn’t a repeater and he couldn't reach for the six shooter.
Joel’s an exceptional shot, and he’s pretty quick with it too, but nowhere near as fast as Arthur. The safest bet was following their instructions for now until there’s a better opening to escape. “Throw your rifle away, then get on your knees with your hands behind your head.” One of them barked, and Joel continued to do exactly as they said. Once the gun was discarded at a reasonably comfortable distance, he knelt down and placed both hands behind his head, then they moved towards him, one of them keeping his gun directly in front of his face while the other tied his wrists behind his back with some rope. They made sure it was tight, knowing all too well that underestimating his strength and ability to break-free would be a grave mistake.
Glancing at Arthur and feeling the blood starting to boil in his veins, he wanted nothing more than to tear the faces off the O'Driscoll's at this exact moment for what they’ve done to him. He lay on his side, face in the dirt and his body slouched with a prominent red mark on the side of his temple. They could have killed him. It’s possible to end someone's life with one blow to the face like that, but fortunately, the man was breathing. Joel could see the steady rise and fall of his chest and it put his mind at ease knowing he was alive.
“Get up!” The O’Driscoll shouted. Yanking Joel to his feet, they marched him towards a horse and assisted him onto the saddle before returning to Arthur and lifting his comatosed body off the ground. They stowed him on the back of their horse like he was just a dead body to them. It looked horrific and saddening, the sight fuelling the raging ball of fire inside of Joel. He studied their movements carefully and waited like a predator ready to attack at the right time. It’s just a matter of when and where he chooses to attack.
But when that time and place does come around, it will be hell on earth for the O'Driscoll's.
The atmosphere in Clemens Point right now could be described as dark and depressing. Hours have passed without a sighting on Joel and Arthur's whereabouts, and no one knows what happened, nor do they know what went wrong because the parley with Colm O’Driscoll had apparently gone smoothly.
When Dutch returned without Joel and Arthur, you immediately knew something wasn’t right. You knew it wasn’t a good idea for any of them to go out there, and now you’re left feeling distraught with worry over what went wrong. You have no clue what’s happened, and what’s even scarier is that Dutch doesn’t know what happened either.
Pacing back and forth like there was no tomorrow, you couldn’t stay still and fought the crippling anxiety eating away at your gut. Hosea tried to keep you calm, but nothing was working, not even his reassurances that everything will be ok. It won’t be ok. Not until you can see with your own eyes that Joel and Arthur are safe and sound. Then and only then will you relax and settle your nerves.
Turning to Hosea, you asked. “Why aren’t we doing anything about this?” Biting your nails as you move to take a seat beside him, the man wraps an arm around your back and squeezes your arm gently, still trying to keep you calm. Even though it really wasn’t working, it’s better than nothing. Some members of the gang – Micah in particular – weren’t even affected by this whole ordeal. It was irking you that he didn’t seem to care at all in the slightest. How could he not fret over their safety? You questioned.
After a moment of silent thinking about what might have happened out there, you began to shake over the endless possibilities of something going wrong. There’s just so many scenarios running around in your head and each of them makes you panic even more. “Something terrible has happened.” You trembled. “I just know something isn’t right. They’re out there somewhere, Hosea. They’re out there and they need our help. I can feel it.”
“I know y/n, but these things take time and preparation.” He replied solemnly, his face downcast and crestfallen. He, just like yourself, is feeling distraught and torn apart with worry. The man has become fond of you and Joel over the last couple of months, but Arthur is like a son to him and it hurts to think that he could be out there somewhere, injured and helpless. “Listen to me.” He grabbed your attention with a firm tone, trying to put his own mind at ease as well as yours. “Charles and Javier are already out there looking for any signs of a struggle and as soon as they come back, we’ll devise a plan from there on how to find the boys and bring ‘em home.”
“But what if… What… I–” You choked up. Leaning into his side and resting your cheek against his shoulder, you choked on the lump in the back of your throat and closed your eyes to repress the tears. Try as you might, it was difficult to remain strong and hopeful at a time like this. It was hard not to break down and fall apart, but the reminder of the fact you aren’t alone in this whole ordeal was comforting. You’re not the only one suffering. “I just fear that we’re wasting precious time, Hosea.” You breathed through the distress. “I… I feel useless and weak, unable to fight for their lives like they do for me… for all of us.”
Nodding in agreement, he held the palm of his hand over your cheek and consoled you plentifully, the gesture easing your emotional turmoil, but not taking the pain away all together. It was still there, eating away at your gut and clouding your mind, thus making you feel dizzy and light-headed. The life of an outlaw is dangerous, difficult and violent, but this seems to be like any other day for the gang. They’re used to this sort of thing and know how to fight back, whereas you aren’t used to this at all.
Suppose you’re still adjusting to it all really. Suppose you’re still trying to accept that this is the norm and you should learn to deal with it like everyone else does. You need to be strong and resilient instead of beating yourself up over not knowing what to do. Perhaps busying yourself would be helpful. Hosea is right; once Charles and Javier come back, the gang will devise a plan to bring Joel and Arthur back home, so you should prepare for their return and gather everything they may or may not need. Rising to your feet and taking a deep breath, you found a slither of strength to push your own emotions aside and be the person that they need right now. Hell, even Hosea needs it.
“Jesus. This is hard work.” You exhaled heavily, shaking your head at the man with a ghost of a smile on your lips. “I don’t know how ya’ll do it, but fuck…. I can’t sit around and do nothing. What can I do?” Jerking your chin outwards in question, this new sense of resilience and durability was uplifting for him to see. “I could gather the guns, ammunition and medical supplies? Maybe set up a little area where Joel and Arthur can be treated if they need it? Miss Grimshaw… She has some nursing background, right? Maybe I can help her.”
“That’s a mighty fine idea, y/n.” Hosea rose to his feet as well, encouraging your sudden turn of taking action instead of sitting around getting yourself worked up. He displayed a glimmer of hope with a smile. “Tell you what, I’ll pitch in to help. Let’s start with getting the horses ready, shall we?” He suggested, to which you nodded anxiously in response before making your way over to the hitching posts. Once there with Hosea, you worked quietly and quickly, making sure all of the saddlebags were filled with everything they needed and were good to go at a moment's notice.
While turning away to move onto your next task, you caught a glimpse of movement between the trees surrounding the camp and narrowed your eyes with focus on the object. It was barely noticeable at first. You had just caught sight of a big dark shadow in the corner of your eyes and immediately reached for the gun on your hip, the action making Hosea do the exact same thing. The sun was long gone now with the moon taking over to light the skies above, so you couldn’t see very well to begin with, but when that shadow got closer, it broke off into two figures shaped like two men atop of their horses.
Relief didn’t even have the chance to breach the surface of your emotions once the two men emerged from the trees and revealed themselves. “Oh my God.” You faltered, hands trembling so much that you dropped your gun to the ground below then held both hands over your mouth. It was Joel and Arthur, not Javier and Charles, and their return should have brought you relief, but it didn’t. It brought your heart into your mouth instead, sickening your stomach with dread and paralyzing you with fear.
Hesitantly, you walked towards them with the gang following closely behind, expressing the same amount of shock and horror in their reactions. They formed a small crowd and struggled for air, each of them making a surprised sound as they stared at Joel — at the blood straining his face, hands and clothes. It was thick and black like tar, the metallic smell so pungent that it was nauseating enough to make you gag and feel the bile rising in the back of your throat. He looked out of his damn mind, his eyes dissociated and lost, as if he were absent from this level of existence.
Arthur dismounted his horse quickly and moved towards your first, pulling you in close to whisper into your ear without the gang hearing. “Get him out of here.” He said with a saddened grimace before moving past you to talk with Hosea. The sound of people panicking over your shoulder could be heard as you reached out for Joel’s hand and helped him climb down from his horse, guiding him in the direction of your own camp outside of Clemens point. He began to shake and gripped you so tight that it hurt, the action making you wonder what the hell he’s had to do out there in order to survive.
Dutch marched towards Arthur, reaching out to grab and squeeze his shoulder. “Does Joel need help? Is he hurt, son?” You heard the man ask, to which Arthur replied. “No. That’s not his blood.” He said blankly, the unaffected tone of his voice spine-chilling. As you walked further away from camp, you couldn’t hear what he or the gang were saying anymore and directed your sole focus on Joel instead. He’s come back to you a number of times with blood on his hands, but nothing like this before. You could even see the residue of skin beneath his fingernails, the sight making you grimace, but it’s evidently clear that he’s in a state of shock and needs some form of aftercare.
Taking him towards the waters edge, you help the man remove his clothes slowly and gently, starting with his shirt first. You don’t even bother with the buttons and just lift the blood-stained fabric over his head before tossing it into the fire. You did the same thing with his jeans too. They can’t be salvaged, but even if they could be, you don’t think Joel would want to wear them again anyways. Once he was stripped to his union suit, you popped open the top few buttons then pulled the clothing off his body, leaving him completely in the nude.
“Go in the water. I’ll be right behind you.” You whispered. Watching him enter the river with a slightly hunched over posture and his hands balled into fists at his sides, you felt a strong surge of worry passing through you. It was harrowing to see the man so visibly affected by whatever happened out there and you tried your darn best not to crumble beneath the crushing weight of anxiety. He needs a strong pillar of support right now, and you’re the only one here to help until Arthur gets back. He’ll know what’s best and how to take care of Joel as he’s probably been through a lot worse before.
After grabbing some soap, a loofah and a nail scrubber, you quickly undressed yourself then entered the water carefully so as to not startle Joel. He was so unusually quiet and looked to be disconnected from the reality of this whole ordeal. You can’t truly understand what he’s going through as you weren’t there and didn’t live through the experiences that he has, but to some extent, you understand that he won’t be able to bounce back from this quickly. And while you have a lot of questions and curiosity as to what the hell happened, you didn’t wish to ask anytime soon. He needed all the comfort and security that you could offer.
“Hey.” You said softly when reaching out to touch his back, the contact making the man flinch ever so slightly was upsetting to say the least. He’s never flinched like this before, you thought and after a moment or so, his muscles began to relax and leaned into your touch with a steady exhale. The water was just above your knees at the moment and you needed to move forward in order to submerge him and get the dried blood off his body.
Slipping your arms around his front and urging him to go deeper into the water, he turned to face you once the water level was just below his chest. “I’ll b-be alright.” He croaked shakily then closed his eyes, as if he were annoyed with himself for not being able to act normal. “I just n-need to…” He tried to speak properly, but to no avail. “I just need… I c-can’t–”
You cut him off and place a finger to his lips, “It’s ok, baby. Don’t worry about me or anything else.” You cupped his cheek, reassuring him generously. “Just talk when you’re ready and rest for now, okay?” He leaned into the palm of your hand, nodding slightly with his eyes screwed shut like he was seconds away from losing his grip on keeping himself together. “You did what you had to do, Joel… It’s okay, baby.” You reassured him again, and again, telling him exactly what you would want to hear in a time like this.
While in the process of lathering the loofah with soap, Arthur had made his way over to your camp by the river, quietly got himself undressed and approached the water. It water until you heard him trudging his way towards you and Joel that you realized he was here. He came up behind you and wrapped his arms around you both, leaning over your shoulder to place a loving kiss on the corner of Joel’s lips. It was a sight you’d never tire of seeing between them, witnessing their friendship blossom into something more romantic and meaningful.
“You good, brother?” He asked when breaking off to rest his cheek against yours. Joel only hummed in response and expressed a look that says he’s somewhere in between. He wasn’t fully ok, but he wasn’t too bad either, and you can live with that for now. It’s only a matter of time and patience for him to heal and overcome the traumatic experience that he’s lived through. You know in the back of your mind that he will eventually be okay again, but for the time being, you have to make sure he feels safe, secured and comfortable.
After handing the loofah to Arthur to wash Joel’s arms, you took your soapy hands and carefully washed his face, ridding him of the bloodshed and carnage he endured in the last couple of hours. You scrubbed his nails twice before moving onto washing his hair. Arthur cupped handfuls of the water and wet his head, then you helped by massaging the soap through his scalp. It was a team effort, and although you didn’t favour the reason why you’re in the river bathing him like this in the first place, it was nice to actually do such an intimate task together.
Joel dunked his head under the water and rinsed his hair of the soap before repeating the process another two times, just to make sure he was thoroughly clean. He stood with his eyes closed for a few moments and relished in the soft trickling sound of water sloshing around your bodies, the sensation making him feel like he was floating along a cloud. It was pleasantly soothing, and it helped with putting his mind at ease.
“We were supposed to go out.” He broke the silence first, opening his eyes to look at you and Arthur. “We wanted to take you out to the saloon in town before… Before all this shit happened.”
“It’s ok. We can go out some other day, handsome.” You shrugged forgivingly. Cupping his face as he held onto your hip with one hand, and Arthur’s hip with his other hand, you gazed into the man's eyes with an appreciative smile on your lips. Their plans to take you out tonight was thoughtful and generous, even though it wasn’t going to happen now, you would have loved to spend the evening in the saloon with just Joel and Arthur. Realistically speaking, it wasn’t the time nor the place for him to be social after what happened today. Maybe tomorrow would be better to go out for the day and do something fun together; to get away from all the violence and take a much needed break from being an outlaw and everything that comes with it.
“C’mon. Let’s get out of here before we catch a cold.” Arthur jerked his head to the side, pulling on you and Joel to follow him out of the water.
Once you were back on land, the man took hold of your hands and guided you into the tent, closing the flap behind him before laying you both down onto the cushioned bedding. Unlike any other night, you didn’t take up your usual position and laid Joel between you and Arthur instead, hoping the sleeping arrangement would better suit his comfort. Which it did. He pulled you into his chest as close as he possibly could, then reached behind him and urged Arthur to come closer too, using the skin-on-skin contact as a reassuring blanket of warmth and security. Neither of you were fully dry, but neither of you seemed to care enough to do something about it either. It was getting cold fast and the need to sleep was affecting Joel the most.
“Me and Arthur are staying right here.” You said after noticing him fighting the urge to close his eyes and go to sleep, the dark circles and puffy pockets under his eyes noticeable. “And we aren’t leaving your sight.” Pulling the covers over your bodies, you then laid an arm over both of them and snuggled in extra close, cosying up together more than you usually do. It didn’t take long for Joel to slip into a deep state of unconsciousness after that, and you spent a good while examining him while he slept peacefully. The bruises were starting to flourish now; bruises that you didn’t notice before.
His knuckles were torn up, displaying a dark purply red in colour, but the markings around his neck were most upsetting. It couldn’t have been made any clearer for you that he was strangled. Or at least, someone tried to strangle him before they met their demise. Arthur had a prominent red mark on the side of his temple, and his knuckles were also dark purply red in colour, but much to your relief, he didn’t have any hand impressions left around his neck. He did, however, have a busted lip and the little gash kept splitting open.
Arthur noticed you watching him and Joel; noticed your eyes studying the injuries they sustained and quietly asked. “You ok, sweetheart?”
“I should be asking you that.” You laughed dryly, humourlessly, then shook your head. “I’m fine, baby. Just worried about you and him.” Looking between them with saddened eyes, it hurt to even imagine what lengths they had to go to when escaping a bunch of O'Driscoll's. It’s obvious that they were ambushed. The parley wasn’t a meeting to make peace. It was a distraction to snag Arthur, only they didn’t anticipate that Joel Miller would be there too. They saved each other’s lives, and you’re most thankful that they were together, otherwise things could have gone much differently.
Closing your eyes on instinct when feeling his hand run along the curve of your hip, Arthur assured you that he was okay and would tell you everything tomorrow. “Not now.” He whispered with a subtle shake of his head, darting his eyes to Joel. “Not now and not here, sweetheart.”
“Of course.” You nodded. Lifting your hand to cup his cheek, you ran your thumb along his lip carefully and smiled a grateful smile; an exceptionally grateful smile that resonates just how relieved you are to have them back in your arms, somewhat safe and sound. It could’ve been worse, you tell yourself inwardly. It could’ve been worse…
As the minutes turn into hours, you lay in silence thinking about everything while Joel and Arthur slept undisturbed. They needed the rest, and you needed the time to question the life you have here. It’s been four months in this otherworldly dimension, three of which you’ve spent working alongside the Van Der Linde gang, and it’s days like this that really make you miss home and the safe life you lived. You wished there was a way to make things better. Not just for you, Joel and Arthur, but for the gang too. You wished there was a way to give them the life they so desperately want — the life they’re fighting for.
While you can’t exactly say each and every member of the gang wants the same thing, it’s a common desire amongst the members to just live freely without stepping across the wrong side of the law. They just want enough money to buy their very own plot of land and settle down for the rest of their days. It’s hard to imagine just how much money that would take. You’ve seen Arthur holding more than five thousand before and he gives almost everything to Dutch. He has a savings box, albeit there was a lot more stored somewhere in Blackwater, but you wonder how much money the man needs exactly.
You see what this life does to Arthur and the gang, what it has done to Joel today, and you secretly wonder if being an outlaw is worth it. You wonder if there will ever be enough time and money for Dutch Van Der Linde. Will he ever be satisfied and stop giving the law plenty of reasons to put a price on his head? Probably not. It feels as though things are going to get worse before they get better. Like there was a storm closing in because you’re beginning to see the lies that Dutch sells to the good people in his gang. You’re beginning to see the infection that is growing, that infection being Micah Bell.
However, like most dark clouds, there is always a silver lining to look for and hold onto with a slither of hope. And the silver lining that you see in Micah, is that his life will soon come to an end and this foolishness will be no more. He won’t be able to sway Dutch anymore, and things will get back on the right track; back to the way they used to be. Arthur told you of his younger days where he was like some sort of Robin Hood, robbing the rich to give back to the poor, and that’s where the true value lies with being an outlaw. That’s when it becomes worth it.
You won’t kill Micah. He’s sick and riddled with disease, and that will be his demise. You noticed that today when the man was laughing sadistically. It sounded like he was coughing up a lung, and it all made sense when you realized that he paid a visit to a man named Thomas Downes who owed the gang some money. That poor man was unwell and Micah beat him to a bloody pulp. Two days later, he died and left his wife and son with a debt to be repaid.
But he didn’t, however, leave this world without spreading tuberculosis to Micah Bell first.
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