Felix had always loved mornings. The moment the sun shone through the cracks of the arcade doors and hit the screen of his cabinet had always been delightful — until it became a beacon, signaling that his Lady Love would depart and they'd be worlds' apart for countless hours.
Night became his favorite time, for many different reasons.
It was quiet, and peaceful, but most of all, it was when he got uninterrupted time with his darling wife.
Maybe it was selfish of him to give up sleep, knowing that it could potentially put his game at risk if he wasn't working in tip-top shape, but they hadn't had any mishaps or close calls.
What was the harm in staying awake a bit longer to watch her rest while she held him close?
—
I never want it to stop
Because I don't wanna start all over, start all over
I was afraid of the dark
But now it's all that I want, all that I want, all that I want.
—
Darkness surrounded her every day, and she hated it. This darkness was different though, it was comfortable, and instead of cold dread, it was full of warmth.
Tamora used to wish on glowing cy-bug parts that she'd rip out that the dark would come to an end, but now she'd give anything for more of it.
Darkness was no longer filled with her own thoughts tormenting her, and in the daylight, she'd be forced away from their haven and thrust back into the hell that was Hero's Duty.
She knew he wasn't sleeping, but he didn't know that she hadn't been asleep either. Listening to his breathing, focusing on the feeling of his chest rising and falling while she held him like a teddy bear from her childhood.
The soft-spoken 'I love you' he'd whisper against her chest — she hadn't hesitated to return, which gave up her ruse of sleep — just confirmed what they already knew.
Come daylight, they'd have to go their separate ways, but right now, the darkness was a friend that they'd wish would never leave.
But they'd focus on holding each other close, and cross that bridge when the dark fleeted.
Merlin sat on the sofa reading a book, occasionally taking a sip of his iced drink. From down the corridor drifted the sounds of Arthur running a bath, and Merlin couldn't help but smile, distracted.
Arthur had only been back for a few weeks and the wonders of the modern world were still astonishing him. Merlin laughed quietly as he heard Arthur turn the water on and off over and over again, each time emitting a pleased and puzzled gasp.
Eventually, the noise settled and Merlin turned back to his book.
When Arthur emerged from the bathroom half an hour later, a large cloud of steam accompanied him. Merlin looked up, marking his page.
Arthur was rumpled and damp, his hair standing on end, and dressed in his colourful pyjamas and big, fluffy slippers. He smelled strongly of bubble bath. His skin wasn't just flushed, it was a bright, painful-looking red. Again. Merlin smiled fondly and shook his head.
"The tap labelled 'cold' works, too, you know."
"Hot water!" Arthur said, complete with emphatic hand gestures, "On demand!"
"You always did have hot water on demand!" Merlin wiggled his fingers towards Arthur meaningfully.
"Yes, well, I didn't exactly know that!" Arthur pouted, but he climbed onto the sofa anyway, settling between Merlin’s outstretched legs.
"Yes, well, there have been a lot of revelations lately, haven't there?"
Merlin smoothed Arthur's hair as Arthur lay back, making a contented sound like a cat. A few moments later, Merlin pushed Arthur away until he had forced Arthur to arm's length.
"Get off me! You're like a furnace!"
"I can keep you warm!"
"Arthur, stop, it's the middle of summer and I don't need to be kept warm!"
Which was fair enough because it was bloody roasting in the flat.
Arthur relented, pouting some more and resigning himself to the opposite end of the sofa. It was amazing how loud Arthur could be even if he wasn't speaking.
Merlin, sighing, felt his eyes glow golden as a chill breeze whipped up from nowhere, effectively cooling the entire living room.
"Oh, come here, you great big radiator," Merlin grumbled, but he was smiling as Arthur crawled back into his arms.
Hey hi hello! This part was very self Indulgent, lots of snuggly fluffy goodness <3
Also a callback to Self Conscious! hooray continuity! :D
I can't believe I'm up to part 6 already, wtf lol
Characters In this part: Switch!Hajime, Switch!Fuyuhiko, Nagito, Makoto, Mahiru, Ibuki, Kazuichi, Sonia, Mondo, Nekomaru, Sakura, Hina, Imposter, Sayaka and more.
Word count: 2,905
Part 1: [Click or tap here!]
Part 2: [Click or tap here!]
Part 3: [Click or tap here!]
Part 4: [Click or tap here!]
Part 5: [Click or tap here!]
Part 6: You are here.
When the usual morning announcement came across the monitors, It was sort of disappointing because for a moment they had thought they escaped the school but reality was once again upon them.
Makoto pulled himself out of bed upon hearing a knock at his door, he didn’t think twice about going to it and opening It, figuring it was probably Kyoko.
But Instead It was Ibuki Mioda. “GOOD NOM NOM NOMMING!” she greeted cheerfully (and loudly).
Makoto yelped and stumbled backwards In surprise. “U-Uh, Good morning Ibuki.” He smiled sheepishly.
“Ibuki volunteered to come get you and the others to come to breakfast! So throw on some snazzy duds and come on down!” She instructed, bouncing off to the next door and knocking on it.
Makoto smiled a bit and closed his door to get ready for the day. Once done he stepped outside his room and glanced around, He spotted several of his classmates on their way to the stairs.
Kyoko had waited for him. “You’re late.”
“S-Sorry. I had trouble finding my clothes… Monokuma kind of just threw my stuff everywhere.” Makoto apologized as he walked with the purple haired girl.
“You mean you went to sleep with your stuff everywhere?” She asked, surprised.
“Y-Yeah… I was tired.” He replied sheepishly.
“Good morning Makoto!” Hina greeted as she dashed past him down the stairs.
Makoto stumbled and grabbed the handrail.
“Whoa, Hina! Where’s the fire?” Hiro asked with a chuckle. She pointed at the Biker at the top of the steps.
Mondo mumbled under his breath, apparently he’d been chasing her but didn’t want to risk tripping and falling down the stairs so he gave up his pursuit for now.
Once In the dining hall they noticed all the tables had been pushed together into one massive table. They also observed that while not everyone was here yet, Chihiro was already sitting next to Chiaki chatting happily.
Makoto smiled, happy his friend seemed to have made a friend. “So, Where should we sit? Does anyone have specific seats?” he asked Sonia.
“No, Sit wherever you want!” She smiled In response.
Ibuki pulled out a chair for Sayaka, who giggled and did a curtsy as she sat down. Ibuki claimed the seat next to her. Kyoko and Makoto sat next to each other, Taka sat down next to Mondo, Leon sat between Hiro and Makoto.
For some reason, Mondo rose up out of his seat. The reason became apparent to Taka and Hiro when he locked eyes with Sakura.
“Good morning Mondo…” She said carefully, Her fight or flight instincts on standby.
“Sakura… How are ya?” His fight or flight instincts were also on standby.
“Uh, Are you two okay?” Nekomaru asked curiously.
“Yeah, we’re okay… Right Sakura?”
“As long as you don’t repeat your actions from yesterday.” Sakura responded, They stared each other down for a moment in silence.
“Ooooh! It's like a texas standoff!” Ibuki grinned.
Nekomaru pulled out two chairs across from Mondo. “Here, You and Hina can sit here, I’ll sit on this side in case he tries anything.”
Sakura smiled at Nekomaru, glancing back at Mondo, who was sporting a disappointed expression. Evidently he was going to try something, but since Neko was there to stop him he had no choice but to back off for now.
“Thank you, Nekomaru.” she bowed her head as they sat down.
“Mornin’ everyone!” Akane greeted as she walked Into the room, claiming the seat on the other side of Nekomaru.
“You’re In an awfully good mood… What did you do?” Nekomaru asked, narrowing his eyes suspiciously at Akane.
“What? I didn’t do nothin’ Coach Nekomaru.” Akane smiled.
“Mm… I’m not sure I believe you.” He mumbled, but dropped the subject.
“So what do you guys do for fun around here?” Sayaka asked as they waited for the rest of the students to show up.
“Ooh! We have loads of things to do!” Ibuki replied, practically bouncing in her seat. “There’s a Music venue on the third island!”
“A music venue?? Ibuki, Do you feel like showing It to me after breakfast?” Sayaka asked excitedly.
“Would she?! Ibuki would show you now If Teruteru wouldn’t get mad at us for bailing on breakfast!” She grinned.
“What else do you guys do?” Leon asked curiously.
Kazuichi hummed thoughtfully. “Well, There’s Water Balloon wars, Water gun fights, Swimming--”
Hina perked up. “Swimming? Is the water as safe as It looks??”
Sonia nodded with a smile. “Yes, It’s not dangerous In the slightest If you know how to swim.
“YES! we HAVE to go swimming later!” She squealed happily.
Sakura chuckled at her eagerness. “Alright.”
“Does anyone wanna join us??” Hina asked.
“Hell yeah!” Akane grinned.
“Why don’t we take It step further?” Chiaki asked. “Let’s throw a beach party today as a welcome party of sorts.”
Sonia gasped, her eyes lighting up. “That Is an excellent idea, Chiaki!”
Mahiru smiled, she seemed to be resting a bit easier around the students today. “I think that sounds like fun.” she agreed.
Ibuki whipped around to look at Sayaka. “We could have a beach concert at night!”
“Yes! Let’s do It!” Sayaka beamed back.
Mahiru smiled in exasperation, she knew Ibuki’s music style was very… different. So she was curious to see how they’d pull off the clashing music styles.
The red head paused her thoughts after looking around. “Hey… Where’s Toko and Byakuya?”
“Oh, Ibuki tried to get them out of their rooms, but they refused to join us.” Ibuki explained.
“That’s normal for them.” Makoto explained. “Toko doesn’t like to eat in front of others, and Byakuya Is… well… Byakuya.”
Imposter flinched, how could he have gotten Byakuya’s identity so wrong?
He had long since told the class his identity (or lack thereof) and In turn they helped him figure out who he was, He was now his own person. He struggled some days to avoid impersonating someone else, But the class was so supportive and kind to him that he was able to resist.
“I see, I guess It can’t be helped.” Mahiru sighed softly.
“Has anyone seen Hajime or Young Master?” Peko asked curiously.
“No, I didn’t even notice they were missing…” Chiaki responded, looking around the table.
“Mornin’ Gundham.” Nekomaru greeted the dark student. “Did you see Hinata or Kuzuryu when you were coming in?”
Gundham paused, trying to recall if he had or not. “No, I do not believe so. I passed by the small darkling but neither Hajime or Fuyuhiko.” He replied.
“Small darkling?” Makoto parroted.
“He means Hiyoko.” Mahiru answered. “You get used to his dialect the more you hang around him.”
“Speak for yourself.” Kazuichi retorted sarcastically, receiving an elbow to the ribs by Sonia in response. He whined and rubbed his ribs. “Uh, Should we go check on them?”
“I’m sure they’re fine, but just in case I’ll go check on them!” Nagito volunteered, standing up.
He’s probably going to regret this but…
Makoto stood up too. “I’ll go with you!” He chirped, The taller student turned to him in surprise. “I-If you’ll let me.”
“Really?? An Ultimate wants to accompany me?? I’d be honored!” Nagito smiled, Makoto couldn’t tell if he was super sarcastic or just strange… He was leaning towards just strange.
Chiaki reached up, tweaking his side. “Don’t act weird and scare him.
Nagito flinched away, giggling lightly. “We should go. Let’s check Hajime’s cottage first.” He said as the two lucky students walked out.
“Should I have gone with them?” Mahiru asked.
“Probably. But Nagito should be on his best behavior.” Chiaki replied nonchalantly. “He remembers what happened the last time he misbehaved.”
-
Inside Fuyuhiko’s cottage the two were greeted by the annoying as usual morning announcement, pulling them out of their sleeping states.
Hajime stretched and went to sit up but Hiko snuggled further into his side, squashing any chance at getting up anytime soon.
Hajime smiled as he laid back down, his arm still looped around the blond’s shoulders holding him close. “Good morning, Fuyu.” He murmured.
Fuyu mumbled incoherently in response.
“Yo, Baby Gangster.” The brunette tried, shaking him.
“Fuck off…” Fuyuhiko slurred, his words thick with sleep.
“We have to get up, Fuyuhi--EEK!” Hajime squeaked in surprise as the Yakuza sighed quietly and began scribbling his fingers all over Hajime’s sides. “NOHOHOHO! FUYU!”
“Lemme sleep…” He mumbled.
Hajime laughed, trying to get away from the snuggly tickly Yakuza he called a boyfriend. “STAHAHAHAHAP TICKLING MEHEHE!”
“If you’re not gonna let me sleep… I’m going to need to hear your laugh.” He murmured, his eyes still closed. Though he sported a small smirk.
Unfortunately for Hajime, his squirming led him to fall off of the bed with a small yelp of surprise. Fuyuhiko finally opened his eyes, blinking away the sleep as he stared down at his tall boyfriend on the floor.
“Why the fuck are you on the floor?” Fuyu asked quietly. “I’m up here. Come cuddle me you jackass.”
Hajime narrowed his eyes. “Oh ha ha. You’re hilarious.” He stood up and got back In bed, scooping the small blond up into his lap. “Fine, You want my attention so bad? I’ll give you attention.”
Fuyuhiko squealed as he felt Hajime’s fingers descend on his belly, poking and wiggling in the tender flesh. “AHAHAHAHAHA! FAHAHAHACK!” He swore, squirming around helplessly.
“Not so relaxing and fun is it?” Hajime smirked, tickling his boyfriends cute tummy without mercy. “Although, I can see how you would think doing the tickling is, I feel pretty amused and relaxed right now.”
Oh, Hajime was so gonna go down for this. “FAHAHAHACK OFF!” He cackled, shoving at his hands to no avail.
Hajime leaned down, planting soft ticklish kisses against his neck. “That’s not very nice.” He hummed against his skin. This coupled with the tickling to his belly reduced him to a blushing snorting mess.
“NAHAHAHA! DOHOHOHOHON’T! *snort* IHIHIHIT TIHIHIHICKLES!” He whined, trying to bring his shoulders up.
“I bet It does~ Your neck Is really sensitive.” He murmured, continuing to plant tickly kisses against his tender neck. “You know… I still haven’t found your worst spot… maybe I should look for it.”
“Oh Fuyu, There’s only one place I haven’t tried~” He sang teasingly. “Are your feetsies ticklish?” He cooed, making the smaller boy blush brighter.
“DOHOHON’T FAHAHACKING *snort* BABY TAHAHAHALK MEHE *snort* YOU BAHAHAHASTARD!”
Hajime chuckled, reaching over and grabbing one of the kicking appendages. “Someone’s cranky today, Did the sweet baby not get enough sleep?” He cooed.
Fuyu narrowed his eyes at Hajime as he gasped for air, thankful for the small reprieve. “Listen here… you little shit…”
“What am I listening for? Is the big scary Yakuza gonna threaten me? I think we both know you won’t follow through with whatever bodily harm you threaten to cause me.” He smirked smugly.
Fuyuhiko squirmed and wiggled until he freed his arms and he began digging into Hajime’s sides relentlessly. “No, the big scary Yakuza Is going to wreck you!” He shot back.
Hajime yelped and dissolved into loud laughter, he squirmed around until he was closer to Fuyu’s trapped foot and he began tickling it, making the blond shriek and throw his head back in a loud fit of laughter. “TWOHOHOHOHO CAN PLAHAHAHAY AT THAHAHAT GAHAHAHAME!”
“HAHAHAHAJIIIII!” Hiko whined, trying to free his foot. He moved his hands up to tickle under his arms, making the brunette choke on his laughter.
“SHIHIHIHT! HIHIHIHIHIKO! DOHOHOHOHN’T!” He cackled, trying to dislodge the small blond.
“LEHEHEHET GO *snort* OF MYHYHY FOOT!” Hiko ordered, eyes tearing up from laughing so hard.
“THEHEHEHEHEN STAHAHAHAHAP TICKLING MEHEHEHE!” Hajime shot back, his nails gliding under his wiggly toes, drawing some adorable squeals from the Future head of the Kuzuryu clan.
“NAHAHAHAHAA! *snort* FIHIHIHIHINE I’LL STAHAHAP *squeal* IHIHIHIF YOU *snort* STAHAHAP!” He offered, his fingers not tickling as harshly as previous.
“Okahahahay! Truhuhuce?” Hajime lessened his tickling too.
“Truhuhuhuce…” Fuyuhiko pulled his hands back, and Hajime did the same, both of them falling back against the bed panting.
“Hehehe… Damn… I’m so going to remember how ticklish your feet are for later…” He grinned tiredly at the flushed boy next to him.
Hiko narrowed his eyes at the taller boy. “I wouldn’t... Don’t forget… I know your worst spots and how to exploit them…”
Hajime smirked, recalling that time at the beach house when he tickled the Yakuza for the first time. “Is that supposed to deter me?” He quoted him.
“Hey!” Fuyu laughed as he gently pushed his boyfriend.
Hajime laughed too, pulling the blond back into his arms. “That day was so fun… Even after you blasted me with the entire water supply In that bazooka.”
Hiko giggled adorably, snuggling into his chest. “You shouldn’t have pulled me away, I was going to empty it on Hiyoko instead.”
Hajime snorted in amusement. “At least you haven’t made any comments about how you look since then.”
“It’s not because I’m scared of you or anything. Don’t fucking flatter yourself.” Fuyuhiko rolled his eyes. “It’s just that… being around you makes me feel better about myself.”
The brunette smiled and closed his eyes, but after a few moments of thinking over what he just said he opened them again. “Wait, What’s that supposed to mean? Did you just call me ugly?”
“No! You are not ugly in the slightest.” Fuyuhiko frowned as he quickly sat up. “I just mean that… I don’t think about how my body looks when I’m around you… because those thoughts are silenced by…” He blushed bright red, looking away. “B-By how much I… adore you…” He struggled to admit.
Hajime felt his heart melt at the confession, he grabbed onto the smaller student and gently pulled him back down into his cuddly hold. “You’re too cute.”
“Sh-Shut up!” He blushed even brighter.
-
“So, Nagito…” Makoto struggled to make conversation as they descended down the stairs. “What do you like to do in your free time?”
Nagito hummed thoughtfully, pausing as he turned to the short student. “Well, I guess I usually just hang around my friends. My favorite pastime Is watching Chiaki play video games, Or having Water fights with Hajime and the others.” He answered as they continued walking. “I don’t really have any hobbies or anything. What about you?”
Now that he mentions it… What does Makoto do In his free time? Normally he just hangs around his friends as well… not that there’s much else to do In the school. “Ah, I guess about the same.” He replied shyly. “I normally just hang around Kyoko or Hang out In the rec room with the group. There’s not really much to do In the school.”
“That’s just like you Ultimates, You make the most out of anything and find ways to stay positive even In the most hopeless situations!” Nagito praised, though Makoto still wasn’t sure If he was being serious or sarcastic yet.
They arrived at Hajime’s cottage and Nagito rang the doorbell. After a few attempts without any response, Nagito spoke. “I wonder If Hajime Is even home right now…” He thought aloud.
“Where else would he be?” Makoto asked curiously as the taller student turned to him.
“I think I might have an idea… Follow me.” He instructed, walking off towards another cottage with the small student closely in tow.
“Uh, Nagito? This Is…” Makoto trailed off as they stood In front of a door.
“Fuyuhiko’s cottage. I know.” He smiled reassuringly, ringing the doorbell and then opening the door after a moment. “Good morning!” He greeted as he walked In the doorway.
Makoto hesitantly followed.
Imagine his surprise to find Fuyuhiko wrapped up In Hajime’s arms, the two had jolted up in surprise at the sound of the doorbell but remained entangled. “U-Uh… Hi.” Makoto meekly spoke.
Both of their faces flushed as they pulled away from each other. “J-Jesus Nagito! Why bother ringing the doorbell If you were just gonna fucking walk In?!” Fuyuhiko fumed, obviously embarrassed.
“Hey…” Hajime awkwardly greeted back, clearing his throat. “I thought I locked that…”
“Nope!” Nagito replied with a smile without missing a beat. “You two are late for breakfast, You should get ready and come join us!”
Without waiting for a response he turned around and began making his way back towards the hotel.
Makoto lingered for a minute. “S-Sorry! I didn’t realize he was just going to barge In-- I’ll go now.”
“It’s fine. Nagito Is kind of unpredictable…” Hajime chuckled awkwardly.
“You don’t have to act so weird, It’s not like you walked In on anything other than us cuddling.” Fuyuhiko blushed, refusing to look at Makoto.
“R-Right… Uh, See you guys In a few minutes…!” Makoto mustered up a smile and left, closing the door behind him. Nagito had waited for him at the end of the sidewalk leading to the house. “I didn’t know they were dating…” He said quietly as he began walking with Nagito again.
“Mhm. They haven’t been dating very long though, so they get embarrassed when people catch them being flirty. Or cuddling.” He explained as they walked back up the steps.
“Who else Is dating here?” He asked curiously.
“Mm, I’ll tell ya later.” Nagito grinned, patting Makoto’s shoulder as they rejoined the rest of the group.
Having successfully escaped Blackwater, the gang is forced to hide up in Colter. But the harsh weather is not good for Hosea Matthews and his chronic respiratory issues.
"Bring him in here," Hosea's voice cut through the howling wind. His lantern lit the way through the blinding snow as Bill and Arthur carried Davy into the old, worn down house. Abigail and some of the others followed. You saw Hosea poke his head out of the cabin, looking for you. You didn't miss the relief that passed over his face when he saw you trudging through the snow, Jack on your hip. You kicked the snow off your boots, as futile as the attempt may have been, before stepping into the cabin. Tilly reached out and you passed Jack off to her, knowing that you and Hosea would be getting to work and someone else would need to mind Jack.
"Davy's dead." Abigail called out sadly. You reached for Hosea, and found his hand already reaching for you. He gave your hand a quick squeeze, which you returned. Oh Davy. Davy, Mac and Sean were the only reasons you'd made it off that ferry and out of Blackwater. Sean and Mac were missing. And now Davy lay dead on a desk in the middle of this old school house.
"What are we going to do? We need supplies?" Hosea asked Dutch, all business. There would be time to grieve later, once everyone was safe. Dutch gave Hosea a knowing look.
"Well first of all," Dutch replied. "You are gonna stay here and get yourself warm." You all knew Hosea wasn't in the best health, and you could see this weather was starting to wear on him already. You were grateful Dutch wasn't trying to send him out in this. You squeezed Hosea's hand again, leaning your body against his, silently begging him to do as Dutch said. Perhaps the fact that he didn't protest was almost more concerning. He just didn't even seem to have the energy to argue.
Arthur came up alongside you, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with you in this cramped cabin. You were grateful for it, to be honest. Being packed like sardines in this cabin was helping defrost your frozen limbs.
"Now I sent John and Micah out scouting ahead. Arthur and I are gonna ride out and see if we can find one of them." Dutch continued.
"In this?" Arthur asked.
"Just for a short bit. I don't see what other choice we have." Dutch said. Hosea gave Arthur a look, the one he always gave when Arthur was being difficult. The kind of look that a father gave their unruly son.
"Listen. Listen to me, all of you, for a moment." Dutch began, addressing the rest of the gang. You tuned him out as he began another one of his speeches. You respected Dutch. But you had never known a man who could say so much, and mean so little. You'd stopped listening to his grand speeches long ago.
You glanced up at Hosea, who was watching Dutch. But he squeezed your hand once more, acknowledging you while still keeping up the pretense of listening.
"Stay. Strong. Stay with me. We ain't done yet!" Dutch ended his speech. "Come on, Arthur."
With a quick farewell pat on Hosea's back, Arthur followed Dutch out into the freezing cold once more.
"Alright," Susan said, down to business, "we got some work to do."
"We'll go check the other cabins." Hosea volunteered. You nodded in agreement. "See which ones are usable so we can get everyone settled."
"Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Matthews," Susan said, bobbing her head at you. You and Hosea weren't married. Likely never would make it official in front of god. But to the rest of camp, for all intents and purposes, you were his wife. Calling you Mrs. Matthews had started as a sort of joke, but now you weren't sure anyone even remembered your legal last name.
Hosea tightened his grip on your hand, and after you nodded that you were ready, the two of you stepped out into the snow.
Charles was just approaching the cabin as you closed the door behind you. You clutched Hosea tightly, bracing against the snow.
"You two need any help?" Charles asked.
"You go rest that hand, Charles," you replied before Hosea could say anything.
"Your hand? Let me see?" He asked, reaching out for Charles' hand. Charles reluctantly allowed Hosea to examine his hand. You knew the former lone wolf hated when people fussed over him. That's exactly why you weren't going to let him overdo it and permanently damage his hand. You'd forced him to let you wrap it for him on your way up the mountain.
"Nothing serious. Just a stupid mistake." Charles grumbled.
"Be that as it may, we need you strong as soon as possible. Go inside and warm up. You've done enough for us already." Hosea said. Charles didn't argue. He respected Hosea too much.
Once Charles went inside, you and Hosea began trudging across the snowy road to the first building across the way. The door swung open easily. It was small, but had a number of bunks.
"The boys can stay in here." Hosea mused. You nodded in agreement. They wouldn't like it. And someone would likely be leaving this mountain with a black eye. But the school house would likely be for the women, and the softer men like Uncle and Swanson and Strauss. The younger men, Javier, Lenny, Bill, Micah, Charles, they could all manage in here.
Just from glancing around the little town, you knew most of the buildings were unusable. There was only one left, and knowing the hierarchy of the gang, it would be for Dutch and Molly, Arthur, and possibly Hosea and yourself.
"So what happened on that ferry?" Hosea asked as the two of you stepped out into the storm and began trudging to the next building.
"I'm not completely sure." You said. "I wasn't with the main group. But one minute everything was fine. The next it was chaos. Lawmen and Pinkerton's all swarming the ferry." You paused. "I didn't see it but... Davy said Dutch killed someone. An innocent."
"He did?" Hosea asked, brow furrowing in concern. You both stopped your conversation as you hit a patch of ice, both of you scrambling to stay on your feet. You and Hosea had both grown up in mountain towns. But it had been years since either of you had experienced a storm like this. It seemed you'd lost your snow legs.
You braced yourself against the building and pulled Hosea along with you, pausing to regain your balance before the two of you stepped into the cabin. The door swung shut behind you, and Hosea lifted his lantern. Two bedrooms and a main living room. Yes this would definitely be where Dutch, Hosea, Arthur stayed. You and Molly would be here as well due to your relationships.
Hosea stepped towards the fireplace and began working on starting a fire while you opened drawers and cabinets, looking for any provisions that may be in the cabin. You tried to take your mind off it all, to push away the guilt you felt.
"Are you alright?" Hosea's voice cut through the silence, you turned to see him crossing the room toward you, backed by the glow of the fireplace. "I haven't been able to check on you. We're your hurt during all that?" He asked. You nodded slowly. Without Hosea having to ask, you unbuttoned your coat and slipped your left arm out of your sleeve, rolling up your shirt to reveal your hastily bandaged arm.
Hosea took it gently and began looking it over. It wasn't anything serious. Just a graze.
"It would have been worse if it weren't for Davy." You murmured. Hosea hummed, but didn't say anything, calmly examining your arm and letting you speak on your own terms.
