Til Death do we part [Arthur Morgan X Reader]

New Memories and Warmth

Sheriff Gray sat on the front step, cigarette in hand as the group Trotted up, Dutch climbed down from His horse, pulling out his own cigar as he spoke,

"Well. We've done what you've asked, that braithewaite camp is no more."

"Good.. good, alright. Well come on in and we'll discuss more."

Dutch turned to the rest of you, "go ahead and head on back to camp, I'll catch up." He then turned around as Sean and Lenny started riding,

"Well... that was kinda anti-climatic..." you mumbled pulling the reigns to turn your steed, clicking your tongue to get going, your gaze fell to your hands. Arthur had ridden up next to you, following your gaze for a moment before speaking up,

"Why don't we go back into valentine and see if we can't get you a new horse." He suggested, watching as your gaze snapped up to him.

"Yeah alright, that don't sound too bad." The last stretch to camp came into view, Charles walked up as you were getting off of Taima,

"I hope she wasn't too much for you." Charles said rubbing her neck.

"Ah no, she was a pleasant ride, thank you again for letting me ride her." He gave you a smile and a nod,

"Come on now, I won't wait forever." Arthur grumbled, you laughed as you apologized, walking up to the side of his horse. He held out a hand you took with your good arm and hoisted yourself up behind him, adjusting yourself comfortably as he turned them around to head towards Valentine.

Sure, you'd rather have your old horse back but it was bound to happen. Poor thing was skittish about everything it's probably gone through 3 states by now running from everything. You let out a laugh, startling Arthur as the ride had been silent.

"What's so funny?"

"Oh." You hummed, leaning forward and resting your cheek against his back "I was just thinking, you know."

"Oh? About what?"

"About the damn horse that threw me off. It's probably ran through 3 states by now if it hasn't met it's fate by a pack of wolves." You clenched your fist in mock anger, balling some of his shirt in your hand, He laughed in return,

"How long did the poor thing last?"

"A couple years."

"Shit! Really? I was expecting something like a couple of months with how uneasy it was." You shifted closer, looking over his shoulder to the approaching town,

"What kinda horse do you think I'll find?"

"I ain't sure, but I'm sure you'll find one you like." You hummed, tapping your finger as your eyes scanned the entrance to the livestock town. Arthur quietly growled before placing a hand over yours to get you to stop. You sucked in your cheeks, adjusting your grip around his waist.

Sliding off the back of his horse you walked further into the stables, looking at the selection of horses.

There was a reverse dapple...

A red chestnuts Arabian...

And a Silver dapple Pinto Missouri Fox Trotter! The lovely thing seemed to get excited at your appearance, like it had chosen you.

Rubbing its nose with a small laugh you looked over to Arthur, "found the one."

The stable-keep clapped his hands together as he walked over. "That is a lovely choice, she's quite the beauty and it's a shame I have to see her go, let's get the papers ready." He unhooked the gate in front of her, handing you her lead, quickly walking back towards the entrance.

"What you gonna name her." Arthur asked, Causing you to stare at your chosen steed, you hummed, thinking about it.

"She looks like a... Ethanol to me."

"A Ethanol?" Arthur laughed as he pulled the money out. The Stable-keep accepted it, handing the papers over to you,

"Yeah. A Ethanol." Your newfound horse, Ethanol pushed its head against you, making you stumble to the side. The stable-keep placed a saddle onto Ethanol, said it was complimentary. You and Arthur mounted up, thanking the stablekeep for everything as they left the stable,

"I know we got here not too long ago but let's stay at the hotel for the night, we can head back in the morning."

You looked up to the sky, seeing the orange glow slowly fade into a darkening blue, it did take some time and it was already past mid day when they finished the request of Sheriff Gray.

"Yeah okay," you dug into your satchel, pulling out a quarter as you hitched the horses in front of the hotel.

The man at the desk closed the book he was reading and looked up,

"A room please." Arthur mumbled, placing a dollar onto counter.

"and can I get a bath?" You piped up placing the quarter onto the counter,

"Sure," he said, "last door down the hall and room two." His gaze changed between the two of you as he spoke,

"I'll see you in the room Cowboy," you patted his shoulder as you walked down the hallway and into the bathroom you had just paid for. The warm humid feeling of the room embraced you like a mother's hug.

Stripping down and placing your clothes out of the way you stepped into the bath, hesitating at first at the warmth. It gave you an urge to fall asleep, the bubbles popping quietly.

It was peaceful for what seemed the first time in who knew how long. Taking in deep breaths you relaxed, then began to scrub your limbs clean. getting out, the air was suddenly a lot colder than when you had arrived, you quickly dried off and got redressed, stretching your limbs until you heard a pop in your back. You left the room giving your thanks before heading up the stairs.

"Room two.. room two..." you mumbled to yourself as your eyes ran over the door numbers "Ah, right infront of me." You quietly laughed as you opened the door. Arthur layed across the bed writing in his journal,

"You sure took your time."