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Bullets & Claws | Chapter 32

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Word count: 6.7k

Tags: spoilers for rdr1, gun violence, reader uses not so ethical ways of interrogating someone, smoking

On your knees, you lean over to catch a better glimpse at the map that Sadie laid out. The flames of the fireplace are casting a flickering lightshow over your small camp that you have set up for the night. As the embers fly up into the sky and soft crackling of wood fills the air, your eyes dart over the many towns and settlements.

"And you're sure he's in this province?", you ask her and chew on the inside of your cheeks, which is a habit you should work on dropping soon.

Sadie asked around before the Marston's wedding and some of her fellow bounty hunters (the very few she isn't on bad terms with), said that Javier is holed up somewhere in Nuevo Paraiso. At first it made sense to you, considering that that was his home before fleeing to the states, but now you're not too sure anymore.

As previously stated, he fled from there, because he killed a powerful man. To you, it seems a tad risky to linger in the province where folk want you dead.

"As sure as can be.", she drawls, eyes also glued to the map. "But my colleague's couldn't tell me where exactly. You'd have to ask around."

"You're not staying with me then?"

There's a pause and after a few seconds pass, she shakes her head.

"No, I'm goin' further south. Wanna leave the states as far behind me as I can.", she answers, her voice barely a whisper and you choose not to pry any further. "But I'll ride with you to Chuparosa before I leave ya to it."

"Thanks. I really appreciate your help on this.", you mumble and watch her roll the map back up.

It's true. You're beyond grateful for her support on this, because she definitely doesn't need to do all that. It was quite a struggle to ride through New Austin and you can't imagine having to do it all by yourself. With the entire state crawling with outlaws and towns, like Armadillo, stricken with cholera, it's a miracle that you even made it to the border.

And like with the other remaining gang members who got away, you haven't seen her at all in these past eight years and you didn't specifically part on the best of terms.

Though during your stay at Beecher's Hope, the two of you have managed to re-kindle that old friendship of yours. Especially after John told her about everything that happened after she took Abigail to safety. Your help with Micah and the revenge mission must have earned you some bonus points as well.

"What are ya gonna do when you find him?", she asks, breaking the silence and ripping you out of your thoughts.

"Can I be honest? I haven't thought that far yet.", you admit and pull your knees close to your chest.

The prospect of finally standing face to face with Javier is still so surreal to you, almost like you're not expecting it to happen at all and maybe it never will. Maybe her sources are completely wrong and he's hiding somewhere entirely else. It's possible that you're chasing ghosts, exactly like you have always feared you would after the gang fell apart.

"And what if he, you know, re-married?"

That's something you have imagined as well, but so far you're doing good on ignoring it. What if he did get married to someone else? Your thoughts begin to wander to Charles and the proposal.

"First of all, we never got married.", you point out, knowing that you're avoiding the question.

"Well, yeah, but what if he found someone new?"

"Then he found someone new.", you snap, harsher than intended and stare into the fire. "Sorry."

"No, no, I should apologize. Shouldn't be feedin' ya with all them doubts.", she mumbles and lays down onto her bedroll.

"They're nothing new. Don't worry."

There was a point where you almost made peace with it, where you almost accepted that Javier and you will never work out. How, when he chose Dutch over you? When he bet on loyalty instead of what's right? Uncle's words have changed everything and now you have a small glimmer of hope that's swelling in your chest with each passing day.

---

As the town walls of Chuparosa appear in the distance, you straighten your back a bit more and steel your nerves. Before riding up the hill, Sadie and you parted ways and wished each other the best of luck. Now that you're alone again, you find it to be a tad unnerving. Having spend so much time around people back in Beecher's Hope, especially with the old guard, you've grown quite used to having someone around you.

An air of loneliness surrounds you, just like it did after the gang fell apart. Once you were back up on your feet and kicking again, you were all by yourself. It worked well those eight years and it shouldn't be too difficult now either. Passing the gates, you let your gaze drift over the worn buildings and few residents that are out and about.

None of them pay you any mind and you wonder if it's common for travelers to pass through. Curious if there are any rooms to rent and slightly parched too, you hitch your horse by a place that has 'Cantina' written over it in red, bold paint. As you enter, you feel the skin on the back of your neck prickle, but when you glance over your shoulder, nobody is there.

Still, you get the sense that you're being observed, examined even and you leisurely stroll over to the bar counter. The man behind it doesn't exchange too many words with you and silently fills up a glass. When he passes it over to you, the floorboards creak and someone takes the seat on your right. You don't look up.

"You ain't from around here.", the person, an old man, says with a heavy country drawl.

Finally, you meet his gaze and let out a low whistle. You recognize him from those gunslinger cigarette cards, although he looks way younger on them, less grey.

"Landon Ricketts?", you gasp out in wonder and he scoffs in half amusement.

"The one and only.", he mutters as if it's costing him loads of energy to admit it.

"You're famous! I own your cigarette card!", you exclaim, totally oblivious to his reaction and he let's out a humorless chuckle.

"That's real fine, ma'am."

"What are you doing here?", you then proceed to ask and lean closer.

Landon orders a drink for himself and empties the glass in one go.

"Livin'. Passin' the time." He stares at you with cold, calculating eyes and you get that odd prickly feeling again. "You? You ain't bringin' trouble your way, I hope?"

Now it's your turn to huff and you raise an eyebrow at the strange question. It almost seems like he's sizing you up or something along those lines.

"You won't get any trouble from me, sir. In fact, I'm only searching for someone. Nothing too big.", you answer, but for some reason, that doesn't ease the tension at all.

Quite on the contrary, if anything then he looks even more wary of you.

"Searchin' for who, if I may be so bold to ask?"

The air crackles between the two of you and you get the strong sense that the wrong choice of words is going to end up with you bleeding out on the wooden floor. Through narrowed eyes, you give him a glare that makes it obvious that you're reading between the lines.

"And what business is it of yours?"

There's a long pause in which the both of you carry out a silent battle of who is willing to give out information first. What if Landon is some government lackey, who is going to get you arrested the moment Javier's name leaves your lips? You wonder just how wanted he is nowadays in his former home.

"If it involves the good people of this town, then it sure as shit is my business. Why don't you leave and tell your hunter buddies to never set foot in Chuparosa again?", he drawls, absolutely flooring you with the threat.

Hunters? As in shape-shifter hunters? When your eyes lock with his, you don't get the familiar feeling of recognition, so he can't be one himself.

"You think I'm a hunter?", you stammer out.

"Did I stutter?", he snarls and pierces you with his stare. "You come ridin' in, searchin' for folk? You ain't foolin' nobody, ma'am. The last hunter who showed his face 'round here got gunned down."

Outraged by the accusation, you finally find your spine and composure again.

"With all due respect, sir, but if you call me a hunter one more time, I won't be the one with a bullet in my head.", you hiss through gritted teeth and the old man's eyes go wide in astonishment.

"You're...you're a shifter."

"Exactly."

You down the liquor and try not to wince at the burning sensation as it runs down the walls of your throat.

"My mistake then. I mean no offense when I say that you carry yourself like one and we can't be careful enough nowadays." Landon makes a throwaway gesture. "This country is crawlin' with them sons of bitches ever since Allende became the Colonel."

As much as he claims to mean no offense, the words still sting like a mean backhanded slap to the face.

"And this town is full with shape-shifters then?", you ask, signaling for the bartender to fill up your glass again.

"Not all residents, but a good few.", he answers and regards you with curiosity. "So who are you lookin' for then?"

Picking up the glass, you swirl the contents around and watch the liquid spin.

"A man I used to run with. It's a long story.", you tell him, your voice barely a whisper. "Javier Escuella is his name."

Landon hums and much to your disappointment, shakes his head.

"That name doesn't ring a bell. Sorry."

"It's fine-"

"Mr. Ricketts!", a high-pitched voice calls out from the door, followed by quick footsteps.

A young girl, not older than 15 or so, steps in your line of sight. Her dark hair is tied into a low bun and the light blue, long skirt is dusty on the edges. When she meets your gaze, you feel the air shift and strings connect.

"Luisa.", Landon greets her and it's visible in his expression that he doesn't miss the silent interaction between the two of you. "What's wrong?"

In an instant, her eyes snap back to the older man and her body is trembling with urgency.

"They got my brother! Those hunters! They caught Emilio!"

Landon jumps off the stool and beckons you to follow him.

"You help me with this and I'll help ya find this man you're lookin' for.", he says over his shoulder and you finish your drink before following him outside.

Luisa explains in great detail what happened and how a group of five men had attacked both her and her brother. It's a damn miracle that she even managed to escape, but you keep that to yourself. Once you're back in your saddle, the young girl insists that she should join you on this rescue mission, but Landon firmly shakes his head.

"If you tell us where exactly it happened, I can pick up a trail.", you tell her in hopes to both ease her nerves and to bring you in the former gunslinger's good graces.

"South from here, just by the river.", she answers, seemingly content with your words and she let's you ride off without further complaints.

Landon and you follow the road down the hill until you reach the spot that she must have meant. With the dirt kicked up and some specks of blood covering the ground, this is definitely the place it happened. The hoof marks lead to the east, which visibly unsettles the old gunslinger.

"They're takin' him to El Presidio.", he hisses under his breath and starts riding like the devil himself is after him.

"Wait up! Landon, I can't see the tracks when we go this fast!"

"We don't need to see 'em. I know the route.", he shouts over the noise and you can't do anything but trust his word.

And surely, there's a small group ahead of you in the distance and if your eyes are not mistaken, there's someone hogtied on the back of a horse. Taking out your pistol, you brace yourself for a fight and once you're close enough, Landon opens fire.

The hunters are too stunned to retaliate in time and you take them down in a matter of seconds. By the looks of it, they must have all been amateurs and you throw Landon a bewildered look.

"Are all of them this bad down here?", you ask as you come to a halt and dismount.

The gunslinger slides off his saddle too and unsheathes a knife, cutting off Emilio's ropes.

"Not all, but most of them. Allende prefers quantity over quality.", he curtly answers and you look at the bodies.

"So it seems." You listen to the two men exchange some words, before speaking up again. "And all of his men are hunters?"

"No, in fact, it's just a small number in comparison, but any amount is too much if ya ask me."

You're not going to argue with that statement and go to climb back onto horseback, when shuffling and groaning grabs your attention. Over by the side of the road lays one of the hunters, his face as red as a beet and his left leg twisted in an odd angle.

Landon follows your gaze and motions with his chin towards the man.

"Why not ask him about your feller?", he suggests and you wrinkle your nose in skepticism.

God, it has been ages since someone called Javier that.

"I don't think my feller would end up working for the government. Before he moved to the states, he was a revolutionary I believe. He killed a powerful man, you see?", you answer, but step closer to the downed hunter anyways.

When he lifts his head, there's nothing but hatred and pain in his eyes.

"You bitch!", he hisses and spits infront of your feet.

Taking in a deep breath, you steel your nerves and school your features. There's no reason to give him the satisfaction of seeing you crack.

"Do you know a man called Javier Escuella?", you ask with only mild interested as you watch him squirm around in the dust.

"I ain't telling you anything! Bestia!"

At his defensive reaction and the sudden gleam in his eyes, you raise your eyebrows.

"Wait a damn minute! You actually do know him.", you say in sheer disbelief and tilt your head to the side. "Where can I find him?"

Instead of giving you the answer you seek, he spits before your boots again. Some of the saliva hits the leather though and you glance down at it in disgust. Sighing, you rummage around in your satchel until you get ahold of a small box.

"You know, my mentor, he always said that revenge is a fool's game and then I watched him feed a man to the alligators for crossing him." You tug a cigarette between your lips and light it with a match. "I've always lacked his patience."

Crouching down to get on eye level with the hunter, you blow out a cloud of smoke right into his face.

"There was a group of deranged murderers once, who killed my horse. She was a fine girl and they shot her with an arrow. Right through here." Pinching the cigarette between your fingers, you hold it close to his neck. It's enough to sting, but it doesn't put out the embers. "I mauled them all to death."

The man sharply inhales a breath of air through gritted teeth, shivering from either the pain or fear. It's hard to tell when there are pearls of sweat running down his forehead and his eyes are opened so wide that you fear they might pop out of their sockets.

"It's fine if you don't wanna answer my questions. I know plenty of ways to make a feller like you talk."

Tugging the cigarette back into your mouth, you reach out for his good leg and grab his shin. He opens his mouth to speak, but the guttural scream tearing from his throat, cuts him off. You squeeze the limb with all the strength you can muster up and force yourself not to flinch when you feel the bones give in under your fingers. A sickening crack cuts through the air and you let go, watching him writhe around like a worm some more.

Only when his voice shrinks down to a whimper, do you continue talking, though you're not too sure if any of your words will reach him. He looks like he's going to pass out at any given moment and so you swat harshly at his cheek.

"Stay with me now. Hey.", you call out and snap your fingers infront of his face. "How do you feel now, hm? Ready to talk?"

"Fuck you.", he gasps out, though it falls flat.

"Still a no? Well." Grunting, you stand up and glance over your shoulder to where Landon and Emilio are standing. "You go bring the boy back to his sister. I'll be here for a while longer."

The look he regards you with isn't too unfamiliar to you. The last time that happened was on Guarma during Javier's rescue mission. Arthur had gazed at you the exact same way then, disappointment edged into his features. Without any protest, the two men ride off and you turn your attention back to the man on the ground.

"Tell me, hunter." You bare your teeth as you speak. "What do you know about Javier?"

---

On your way to Casa Madrugada, your thoughts are racing with all manner of images. After some time alone with the hunter, he was more than willing to give you Javier's location, claiming that he likes to spend his free time there with some of his men. If that was a lie, then there's nothing you can do about it. The man died shortly after your chat.

Following the train tracks, you reach a station and behind it, a run down building. From the noises that you hear all the way to where you're standing, it's safe to assume that it's packed to the brim at the moment. You scoff when you realize that the guy might have told you the truth. After hitching your horse at one of the nearby posts, you just stand there for a while and think.

What if Javier really is inside? All evidence points at the fact that he's working for this Allende. A voice in the far back of your mind is whispering dark things into your ear, saying that he most certainly has become a hunter now. Shuddering, you banish the thought immediately. He would never, would he? People can change a lot over the course of eight years.

You spot a woman by the front door, leaning against one of the pillars and gazing at the mountains in the horizon. As you make your way to her in long strides, you clear your throat to announce yourself. The noises coming from inside are deafening and even out here you can smell the stench of booze. If you can then you'd prefer not having to step foot in there.

"Excuse me?", you softly call out and she turns her head to you.

"Yes?"

Maybe it's a bad idea to ask random strangers about him. Folk might confuse you with a bounty hunter and warn him. Then you would be back at square one with your search.

"Do you know if Javier Escuella is here?", you ask and immediately earn a bitter scoff from her.

"What do you want with him?"

"I'm looking for him, is all."

Reaching into your satchel, you pull out your pack of cigarettes and hold it out to her in a silent offering.

"I wouldn't spit on him even if he was on fire.", she comments as she fishes out a stick. "If you know what's good for you, then you'll leave now."

"Trust me. I know."

For the longest time you fear that she won't answer you at all while she simply holds up eye contact. It's unnerving, the way she pierces your soul, but you remain unwavering.

"He's inside, but don't say I didn't warn you.", she finally tells you and you do your best not to break out into applause.

Finally! Someone willing to cooperate! Upon entering the bar, your stomach turns upside down at both the smell of alcohol and sweat and the prospect of meeting Javier again. As you cross the room all the way over to the bar, you subtly take in your surroundings. All the tables are full, but there's no sign of him.

Leaning against the counter, you order a shot of tequila when someone joins your side. Glancing to your right, you spot a man gawking at you through half-lidded eyes. He grins from ear to ear, revealing a set of crooked teeth, with the front one missing. When he extends his hand out to touch your waist, you roughly smack his arm away.

"I'm not interested, buddy.", you hiss and he contorts his features into an angry mask.

"I don't care what you want, you- you-", he slurs while swaying heavily from side to side.

Then he presses his hand flat against the counter for support, nearly crashing into you.

"Fuck off, man.", you snarl and he waves his finger around infront of your nose.

"I'll fillet you with a knife!", he roars and as much as you're fighting against it, you lose your patience.

It's difficult to tell when exactly you have started to deal with things with violence. Perhaps it's because you have spend so much time alone and without anyone to hold you back. Or maybe something snapped a long time ago like when you mauled those Murfree bastards to death. It's also not impossible that Fussar's death is tied to it. That was the moment where something within you started declining.

In one swift motion, you unsheathe your hunting knife and ram the blade into the back of his hand. He shrieks in horror and all conversation within the bar seizes. Several men are on their feet at once and you're met with the sight of barrels being pointed at you. Oh, well, you really have a knack of leaving good first impressions around here.

A slow, but sure set of footsteps makes the floorboards creak and your blood runs cold. Even after all these years, you still recognize the rhythm of his walk, though it's a bit off. It seems like the bullet wound never properly healed.

"What's going on?", Javier asks, standing right behind you.

Oh, the sound of his voice is enough to nearly bring you down to your knees. Slowly, you turn around to face him and his reaction doesn't disappoint. His features derail in shock as he gapes at you like he has seen a ghost. While he processes the situation, you take a moment to examine his appearance.

The clothes are of cream colors, sitting rather disheveled over his shoulders with the buttons of his jacket only partly closed. There are more scars adorning his face, which has not only been marked by new fights but by time as well. He has aged surprisingly a lot over the years. What saddens you the most though, is the cut off hair.

Examining the short strands, you can't help but wonder if he cut them with a dull blade and infront of a broken mirror. The moment he gathers his bearings again, he orders his men to stand down and beckons you to step with him outside. After ripping your knife out of the drunkard's hand, you follow him through the door and into a hidden corner. There, you just stand in complete and awkward silence.

"So you're here.", he finally breaks the quiet, but the words sound clipped.

"I am."

"You haven't changed at all.", he points out, eyes glued to your face as if it's the last time he'll ever see anything again and you lean your back against a wall.

"And you've changed a lot.", you respond, your voice coming out flat. "Heard you changed professions."

"Ah. That. The Colonel offered me a deal when I returned."

Through narrowed eyes, you gauge his face closely.

"To hunt down and kill shape-shifters?", you snarl with a clenched jaw and his eyes go wide.

"No! I work as a hitman, yes, but I'd never- No."

Nodding, you decide to believe him. It's either that or have your heart get broken a second time.

"How'd you find me?", he asks and takes a hesitant step closer.

All the words leave his lips in a cut-off manner as if he's uncertain how to talk to you anymore. He also keeps clenching his hands into fists like he doesn't fully know what to do with them. But you can't blame him for fidgeting around so much, when you yourself can't get your act together.

Everything within you screams to throw your arms around the man you used to share your bed with, but that was such a long time ago. The rift between the two of you is larger than ever.

"Uncle said that you went back to Mexico and then Sadie asked around until one of her bounty hunter friends pointed us to Nuevo Paraiso and-"

"Wait, wait.", he interrupts you with a firm shake of his head. "Uncle? Sadie? What?"

"It's a, uh, long story. Anyways, I then went to Chuparosa, found some hunters and one of them said that I could find you here.", you explain and wrap your arms around yourself.

The fact that you killed in order to get here, you decide to leave out for now. Word will surely reach Allende soon and you can't have any fingers pointing at you. Not that Javier would ever do such a thing. You think so at least.

He takes off his sombrero and runs a calloused hand through his dark locks. He seems incredibly tired and the shadows that the night casts over his face, doesn't make it look any better. Although he's only in his early 30s, you seem to spot a few white hairs here and there, but maybe that's just the grey-ish glow of the moon.

"After what happened with the gang.", he starts and barely manages to mask the trembling in his voice. "I swear, I left Dutch immediately and searched for you. I rode through the woods for...forever. You gotta believe me, lobita."

The nickname slips out like an old habit and your body reacts to it in an instant. You find yourself drawn closer to the man you have given your heart to all those years ago. It's evident that he still holds it in the palm of his hands.

"I know. Uncle told me. He read in the newspapers that you almost got arrested.", you respond, your voice is barely a whisper.

"Shit. Right, that almost happened.", he speaks in between bitter chuckles. "I'm so sorry for not taking your side. I swear on everything that is dear to me, that decision has been haunting me ever since. Not a single day passes where I don't regret my choice."

As he speaks, he grows more sure of himself, more comfortable with your unexpected presence. With each sentence, Javier takes a step closer until his chest is only a few inches away from yours. Inhaling deeply, you fill your nose and lungs with his scent. It hasn't changed one bit. Despite your fears and worries, this is still the same man you fell in love with back in 1899.

It's still your Javier.

"I know.", you mumble and nearly yelp when he grabs your hands.

His chapped lips brush over your scarred knuckles, sending a wonderful shiver down your spine.

"I thought of you everyday.", he whispers against you palm before planting a kiss on it.

"Wait, so you didn't..." You trail off and he cracks his eyes open to look at your with curiosity. "You didn't find someone else?"

Upon voicing your question, he gapes at you as if you said he likes to kick puppies for fun or something along those lines.

"What are you saying? I- no. I never found anyone."

To claim that you're relieved with that information, is a blatant understatement. Sighing, you let out a bashful chuckle and shake your head.

"I'm sorry. I just assumed things, because it's been so long."

"Why? Did you take on someone?"

For some reason, Charles and your final conversation with him pops up in your head. There have been other people in those past eight years who have expressed interest, but none of them were able to fill the empty spot.

"No, of course not."

Javier's shoulders slump down and he brings the tips of your fingers up to his lips, one kiss for each. With every passing second and every lingering touch, the rift between you two closes up some more until it's gone. Stripped away off all reason and inhibitions, you grab him by the collar of his jacket and yank him to you.

Lips colliding, you melt into his embrace when his arms snake around your waist and you're transported back to the gang. Javier kisses you like a man gone mad with desire and you're not any better. The loneliness and solitude of those eight years are being washed away by the feel of his rough hands on your body.

How you managed to go this long without him, is beyond you. When he slides his tongue past your lips, you feel like you could cry out in joy. You taste him, smell him, feel him, all of him. Something wet touches your cheeks and when you pull away, he brushes over the tears with his thumbs.

"You have to tell me what happened after I lost you.", he whispers against your lips, not letting you go for a single moment. "I was worried sick. The place was crawling with Pinkertons and then Dutch wanted us to catch the three of you-"

His words get caught in his throat and you frown at the troubled look on his face. You had been only barely conscious when all that happened. Everything after the cave is a blur to you, even the final conversation with Arthur. Somehow, the fact that Dutch went to chase you all down himself amidst the chaos, doesn't surprise you one bit. It stings though. He had called you his daughter not too long before that.

"Arthur didn't make it. John carried me off the mountain." A bitter chuckle escapes you and you nearly cringe at how wet your cheeks have become. "To this day, I'm not quite sure how we managed to get out. We were both in such shit conditions."

Javier leans down to kiss the tears away.

"I'm so sorry. I was a fool, an idiot."

"Damn right you were.", you agree, smiling with quivering lips. "I don't know about all the others, but John is living well now with his family. Sadie continued riding further south and Charles left for Canada."

"And you didn't wanna leave with him?", he breathes out and shoots you an odd look.

Furrowing your eyebrows, you shake your head.

"No." There is a pause. "The moment I heard that you're in Mexico, my decision was final."

Relief is written all over his face and his hand moves across your back in slow circles. Leaning your head against his chest, you listen to the sound of his steady heartbeat. It sounds just the same as it always has.

---

Escalera, a humble settlement in Punta Orgullo or the lion's den in your eyes. Javier has a small house here, but by the looks of it, he doesn't seem to use it much. It has the necessities, like a bed, a tub, a fireplace and so on. Though you can't spot anything personal, no pictures, no books, not even a dead plant. Allende must be sending him out all over Nuevo Paraiso or he never bothered to personalize this place.

On the window sill, you spot a cracked handheld mirror and a pair of rusty scissors next to it. Poking the blade, you note how dull it is and you huff to yourself. So that is why his hair looks like a crow's nest. Glancing out of the window, you take in the sight of the other houses, that are just as run down as the one you're in right now. Almost every single roof needs to be fixed and some walls even have holes in them, especially at the corners.

Behind the crumbled buildings, Allende's own home is located. A villa, standing high on top of the hill and overseeing the settlement like a slap to the face. An insult, is what it is. Staring at the mansion, you can't help the worry that is gnawing at you as you wonder how the conversation between Javier and the Colonel is going. After your reunion at Casa Madrugada, Javier had brought you here to try and strike a second deal, one to grant you immunity as well.

You might not have a bounty here in Mexico like he had, but you're a wanted woman in the states. Working for the government here would grant you protection against certain bounty hunters and maybe even the Pinkertons. Those agents wouldn't cross the border to kill or kidnap someone with immunity, unless they send some poor bastard to do their bidding. Only a fool would work for these devils in suits.

The sound of hooves rips you out of your thoughts and you spot Javier riding down the road. Shortly after hitching his horse by the post, the door swings open and he marches in. Straightening your a back a little, you take in the expression on his face. Exhaustion is edged into his features, as if the short visit at the mansion has cost him all his energy.

"How did it go?", you ask, unsure if you even want to hear the answer.

Allende clearly despises shape-shifters, but even if he doesn't know that you are one, you doubt that he takes too kindly to outlaws either.

"As good as it can, I think.", he answers, taking off his sombrero and stepping closer. He raises a hand to run it through his disheveled hair. "He wants to see you work before deciding anything. You'll be send out for a job this week."

"What kind of job?"

The floorboards creak as he steps closer and you're body immediately reacts to the close proximity. Reaching out, you fidget with the collar of his jacket, occasionally brushing over his throat with the tips of your fingers.

"I don't know yet, but it won't be easy."

He wraps his arms around your waist and you feel the warmth of his calloused hands seep into your skin. You're already bracing yourself for the upcoming job, assuming that you will most likely have to kill in cold blood. Suddenly, the image of Angelo Bronte flashes before your inner eye.

"Nothing I'm not used to.", you comment with a humorless smile, making Javier scoff in bitter amusement.

Meeting his gaze, you briefly catch a glimpse of the young man who saved your life many years ago. It vanishes at quickly as it has come.

"If all goes well, you'll be assigned to my squad.", he tells you and relief washes over you. At least some good news.

"That's what I was hoping for." Cupping his cheek, you place a kiss on the corner of his mouth. "We'll get through this."

"You and me together, mi amor.", he murmurs, turning his head and pressing his lips against your palm.

"But we should fix your hair first.", you point out and run a strand through your fingers.

"Fix it? You don't like it?", he asks while a faint chuckle leaves his throat. It's the first one since you found him.

"No offense, but it's horrible."

Javier playfully swats at your arm and you desperately try to deflect his attacks through laughter.

---

Several months have passed and Javier and you have become even more inseparable than before. It feels like Guarma all over again when you were so sure that you were going to lose him for good. With you paws drumming against the ground like thunder and wind whipping around your fur, you bolt through the desert.

Running over the plains of Mexico is giving you a sense of freedom that you only ever felt out west, in the open country. At this time during the night, there aren't any riders on the roads and so you don't have to worry about being spotted. If rumors of an unusually large wolf would make the rounds, you might end up with a serious plate of problems.

With the faint light of the moon guiding your way, you sprint up a hill where a lone tree is standing tall. Beneath it, sits a shadowy figure and hitched to the trunk are two horses. Once you make it back to Javier, you look inward and shift back to human. A soft breeze caresses your naked skin, making you shiver ever so slightly and you slip into a pair of pants.

"How was it?", Javier asks as you throw on a blouse.

"It was amazing. I love how quiet it is out here.", you answer, busy with closing up the row of buttons.

Suddenly, you hear shuffling of fabric and you look up from your shirt, only to find him down on one knee. Confused by the sudden action, you at first don't recognize the meaning behind this stance.

"What's wrong?", you say like the fool that you are.

Only when he reaches into the pocket of his jacket and holds up a ring, do you finally connect the dots. Gasping, you clasp a hand over your mouth and just gawk at the stone that is shimmering in the moonlight.

"Are you sure? Absolutely sure?", you stammer out in sheer disbelief.

"I've been holding onto this for over eight years now. I'm sure.", he answers, gazing up at you with eyes that are overflowing with adoration. "You never answered on Guarma, but I didn't ask you properly back then. Now I am."

"Oh, Javier."

Clearing his throat, he holds the ring a little higher.

"I know, I fucked up. Big time. But I never stopped loving you and at this point, I don't even think I can. So will you give me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Your head is spinning and so is the world around you. Your eyes stay glued to the man infront of you and you're reminded of all the things you went through. From the day he picked you up in the forest to when you ran a blade through one of his men.

All sorts of images pass by your inner eye, the jobs you went on together and the more private moments when you snuck out of camp and into the woods. Even after eight years of no contact, not speaking or seeing each other, the love you feel for one another has not been snuffed out.

The strings that bind you have never been severed and it never will. The tune that your hearts sing for each other, will never quiet down. Javier Escuella was always meant to be yours and you were always meant to be his.

And so the answer to his question is quite simple.

"Yes."

Taglist: @zizizi-blogs

A/N: I will have to give you a quick heads-up! If you want a good ending, then I recommend for you to stop reading here. The next chapter is going to be the last one and it won't have a happy ending. If you do decide to read that one, I hope you'll enjoy it!

But if you decide to stop right here, then that is fine too! I just want to thank you so much for reading this and I hope you as much fun with this fic as I had writing it <3

#rdr2 #red dead redemption 2 #rdr2 fanfic #rdr2 x reader #rdr2 javier escuella x reader #rdr2 javier escuella #javier escuella x reader #javier escuella

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