#let arthur say horsies

[parchmentknight]

horse girl is a state of mind

at first i was like "who tf this scraggly weak bamboo whiny ass loser" but now??. thats my son (untied him from the tree and watched him walk around camp like 😲😲😲) (holy shiet hes walking around)

also why is arthur so mean to kieran shouldnt you two be talking about horse care and making neighing sounds or something

[garfieldblunt]

Modern Jobs I think the VDL Gang would have

Dutch - Drug Lord Prolly - but as a real answer I feel like he would Definitely be the leader of a shitty MEGA church

Hosea - I imagine him either as a therapist or a preschool/elementary teacher - Or even better, Number one Bingo Player in the retirement home

Arthur - Funny enough, I can't see him being more than a ranch hand

John - He's a good ranch owner - He, Arthur, Abi, Jack, n a few others live on a big ranch and live happily ever after

Mary-Beth - She's a librarian, author, and frequent AO3 visitor - can't convince me other wise, She has one of the best fanfictions on WattPad I just know it

Abigail - My heart and soul tells me that Abi would be an illustrator for children's books - or a stay at home mom

Kieran - My little Princess Pupcup is getting his degree in Equine science and becoming a veterinarian for horsies

Micah - Hitman or Dishwasher no in between

Bill - Gas Station clerk - Or I can also imagine him working with Kieran with the horses

Javier - Performer, duh - He does a lot of side gigs and plays at cafes on the reg - I can also imagine him being a Spanish tutor for kids

Susan - Let's be honest, she's the principal of a high school or middle school - any other answer is wrong (/j)

Lenny - He's also a writer, but he's not a fanfiction writer like Mary-Beth - I can also imagine him visiting Mary-Beth's library and reading to the kids on Sundays <3

Sean - Youtuber/ Twitch Streamer - need I say more???

Swanson - AA leader - He's also probably trying to get people to stop joining Dutch's MEGA church

Pearson - He's a chef for the Retirement Home that Hosea is bound to - He also works for the local soup kitchen

Karen - I can see her being a dance performer - not like a stripper, but more like ballet or even musical theater

Charles - State trooper at a National Park - No further questions

Tilly - I just imagine her as such a good lawyer like her husband - She's defiantly someone who can talk her client out of the death penalty if needed

Uncle - His job is to park his ass in a rocking chair and Bother John til the day he dies

[xpao-bearx]

《This story series is also on my AO3 acc @ Paoloca》

SUMMARY: The bachelors of Selphia conjure up a plan to decide who truly deserves the beautiful princess' heart...if Frey can only choose one of them, that is.

PAIRINGS: Frey x Vishnal, Frey x Kiel, Frey x Doug, Frey x Arthur, Frey x Dylas, Frey x Leon (Polyamorous Ships)

RATING: Mature/18+/Romance & Smut. Please bear these in mind if you are uncomfortable and do NOT report!

NOTE: I have been an avid fan and lover of the Rune Factory series for a looong fooken time now and with RF 5 coming up (who else can't wait?!?!) along with my bursting inspiration, I decided to do something a lil special~ 💖

This story is actually one I wrote--or at least TRIED to write as I didn't finish it--many years ago on my old Wattpad acc (I have a new one now). As such, I'm taking the basic plotline from the original idea I had and simply making it a bit better especially now that I'm older + more mature (pfft yeah sure "mAtUrE" xD).

I sincerely and deeply love ALL of the amazing bachelors on RF 4 and as someone who absolutely ✨A D O R E S✨ reverse harems, I really *personally* don't think that Frey has to choose! And so, here's a naughty + sweet story that'll kinda just delve into my--and I'm sure others'--fantasy ;)

I hope ya lovelies will enjoy this story series and your wonderful support is always very much appreciated! 🥺💕💕 Also, feel free to fangirl/fanboy with me anytime~

P.S. Please forgive mah pathetic ass in advance if I ever portray any of the characters wrong, I promise to do my best!!

"The Princess' Harem"

Part 1: The Game

☆ALL CREDIT GOES TO THE TALENTED ARTIST☆

Summer 1, the dawn of a sweltering season. But most of all...

Beach Day!

Ah, yes, a most wonderful holiday to take a dip in the refreshing water and don the most attractive swimsuits that perfectly hugged one's form! And while it was understandable for the gentlemen to gawk and admire the lovely ladies, it seemed that all the bachelors of Selphia were completely ensnared by one warrior princess in particular...

Frey's tinkly laughter carried in the air as she happily swam around in the lake with the other girls. It was certainly a gorgeous day, yet none could quite rival the turquoise haired beauty's radiant smile.

"Haa... The princess is SO beautiful~" Vishnal sighed dreamily, his violet eyes turning into hearts.

"A goddess among mere mortals!" Kiel piped up cutely.

"You guys are so lame! But, uh... Y-Yeah, I agree, I guess." Doug conceded, face flushing as scarlet as his hair.

"I am a man, after all. Therefore, I must say I agree as well." Arthur cleared his throat, propping his glasses.

"You are all perverts..." Dylas grumbled, though he couldn't help but shyly sneak a peek at Frey.

"My, my~ You're such a bad liar, horsie. Calling us perverts when you, yourself, are one~" Leon chuckled, smirking.

"Who're ya calling horsie?!" Dylas snapped, but couldn't start an argument when all of them heard a splash and saw Frey emerge onto shore.

"Princess!" Vishnal beamed, not wasting a single second as he dashed towards her with a towel much like an excited puppy. "Are you done swimming?"

Frey gratefully took the towel, wiping her drenching body with it. "Yes, I am! And once I change into my clothes, I'm going to be checking the requests."

"You're ever so diligent, Frey. I truly admire that about you." Arthur smiled as he and the rest of the boys approached their beloved girlfriend. Arthur's glasses then flashed as the sun reflected on them, and he quickly grabbed that splendid opportunity for his gaze to drop and hyperfocus on Frey's nearly naked body. He barely managed to suppress it as he almost shamelessly licked his lips, fully taking in and very much appreciating her wet and fit physique.

"Oh, it's nothing! I'm only doing my duties." Frey giggled, embarrassed as her cheeks tinted pink. "But other than that, how come you guys aren't in your swimsuits? It's boiling!" She frowned worriedly.

"Why, is milady that eager to see me in all my glory?" Leon purred, standing in front of her in a flash. His teal eyes sparkled mischievously, as one of his hands reached forward to run his fingers through her long hair. "If you want to see me that badly, I'd rather 'perform' a private show for you tonight~"

Frey became as red as a ruby, opening and closing her mouth repeatedly like a fish out of water. She tried to speak, but no words came out as she could only stare up with eyes as wide as dinner plates at an amused Leon who was enjoying this situation far too much.

"Oi, knock it off!" Dylas growled, wrapping a protective arm around Frey as he glared sharply at Leon. "She's gonna go fishing with me after she's done, anyways!"

"WHAT?! No fair, you can't hog her all to yourself! If you guys are going fishing then I'm going, too!" Doug huffed, snatching Frey away from Dylas.

"No way, you dumbass dwarf! You're not invited!"

"Well, I am now, you fucking nag!"

As the two handsome idiots bickered like an old married couple and fought over Frey, she could only release an exasperated sigh. Honestly, she loved them both, but there was really no use trying to talk any sense into them. The best anyone could do was just wait it out until they inevitably get tired.

But as Doug and Dylas were yanking Frey from one side to another like a ragdoll, they suddenly stopped. It seems that everyone else halted, too, and the air blew bitter cold. Frey, oblivious, could only raise a brow before she finally realized--or more like felt--what all the boys were staring at.

She looked down, Doug and Dylas' hands accidentally cupping each one of Frey's breasts. All of the boys were a thousand shades of crimson, and Vishnal even started to have a nosebleed.

"ACK! S-Sorry..!" Doug and Dylas exclaimed in unison, abruptly pulling their hands away as if they were burned.

"O-Oh, uh, it's f-fine..!" Frey stuttered, not being able to meet anyone's gaze. "I-It was just an accident, after all!"

"Are you sure you're alright, Frey?" Kiel asked, holding her hands into his gently as he studied her face in concern. "These lowlifes didn't hurt you, did they?" It was rare for Kiel to be angry let alone badmouthing anyone, but it was clear from his tone how upset he was. Honestly, Doug and Dylas were a little scared...

"Y-Yes, I'm alright!" Frey nodded vigorously, smiling brightly. "Seriously, guys, don't worry about me! I'll see you all later, okay?" She hurriedly gave each one of them a chaste peck on the cheek before making her way back to the castle.

"So..." Leon began, a fake smile plastered on his lips as his eyes held no emotion. "I wonder who the true perverts are now?"

"H-Hey, it was an accident! Besides, it's all this moron's fault!" Dylas retorted, pointing an accusatory finger at Doug.

"MY fault?! If you just invited me in the first place, none of this would've happened!" Doug shouted furiously.

"You guys...touched...the princess' b-b-breasts..." Vishnal muttered, totally lost in his own world as he was slowly deteriorating from existence.

"Oh, my..." Arthur let out a heavy exhale. "I'm sure you two already know this, but as soon as Frey is done with her tasks then you both must apologize to her again. Accident or not, it is completely unacceptable for a man to touch a woman without her consent."

"Hey, y'know, I've been wondering..." Kiel cut in. "Do you guys ever think if Frey is just being strung along by us?"

"What do you mean?" Doug frowned.

"Like, didn't we confess to Frey at different times? And at every confession, she rejected all of us. And later on, it was only then we found out that we all shared the same feelings for her."

"So, what's your point?" Dylas pressed.

Kiel sighed, staring pointedly at the taller man. "Don't you find it a bit weird that now, we're all in a relationship with her? I know that being in a polyamorous relationship with Frey was something we all consented on from the very beginning, but why the sudden change of heart?"

"Isn't it obvious? Being in a polyamorous relationship means that Frey likes all of us at the same time, which is fine. Maybe she was just too shy at first to admit it." Leon shrugged.

"That may be true, or...what if she's only with us out of pity?" A wave of realization washed through everyone, and a certain pang of sadness settled in their hearts. "Frey is such a nice person, it's possible she only agreed to be with us since she felt bad for rejecting us. And now, she doesn't know how to break up with us for fear of hurting us even more."

"There's also one other possibility..." Arthur spoke up. "What if she actually likes one of us, but can't exclusively date that person?"

Dead silence. Only the faint sounds of the lake thrashing and birds chirping, before Vishnal was the one who first woke up back to reality.

"So... What are we supposed to do?" He questioned softly. "I feel so terrible... If what you're saying is true, then I don't want to continue on like this. I love Frey, but I can't ever bear the thought of hurting her!"

"How about a game?" Leon suggested.

"Now's really not the time, foxy." Doug rolled his eyes.

"No, no. You've misunderstood." Leon shook his head. "I'm talking about a game to see who Frey truly likes or doesn't like. And that way, we won't have to be hurting her and suffering like this anymore."

"Hmm... An interesting proposition." Arthur hummed thoughtfully. "I don't quite like referring to this as a 'game', but colour me intrigued. What's your idea, then?"

"Alright. So, we each get one whole day to spend with Frey. Completely alone, and no one is allowed to bother anyone else. As long as Frey is okay with it, then we can do whatever we want with her. Going on dates, exploring...you get the idea. Finally, by the end of the week, we'll all ask her how she feels and who she had the most fun with. Her answer will then determine what will happen afterwards."

"Hmph. Okay, that sounds good." Dylas nodded, agreeing for once. "How can we settle who goes first and last, though?"

"I think it would only be fair if we go in the order that Frey met us. So it's Vishnal, me, Doug, Arthur, Dylas, and then Leon." Kiel offered.

"All in favour?" Arthur asked, and everyone collectively voiced out their approval. "Good. It's settled, then. May the best man win!"

"Speaking of, I forgot that the castle is undergoing construction! So please excuse me, I'll have to get going now!" Vishnal grinned, disappearing in a blink of an eye.

"Wait... I just visited Ventuswill earlier with Granny Blossom." Doug furrowed his brows before gasping. "That bastard..! He went to go have a headstart with Frey!" He immediately chased after the conniving butler, but not before his shoulder got bumped hard by Dylas.

"If anyone's gonna get a headstart, it's me!"

"Oh, shut the hell up, HORSIE!"

Arthur sighed deeply, rubbing his temples stressfully as Kiel only chuckled sheepishly. Leon simply watched the scene, his fan hiding his smirk.

'There is a saying: Save the best for last~' Leon thought satisfyingly to himself.

[un-official-artist]

A Man is a Horse, of Course!

Rdr2 centaur au

Pairings: Charles Smith x Arthur Morgan

Parts: part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4

Arthur began to pant and slow. “Charles, I can’t...” he gasps, “I can’t go anymore...”

“It’s okay, Arthur.. we’re far enough away now,” He patted Arthur’s back and let him rest, “...where are we, anyway?”

They were in a wasteland of nothing but rocks and dry grass. Outlining the area was a poorly built wooden fence, and in the center was a small shack made of sheet metal and wooden planks. Arthur pulled his map out. “Somewhere called Beecher’s Hope.”

“We could stay here,” Charles suggested, “It’s secluded and away from dangers like Micah.”

Arthur sighed. “I.. I guess you’re right... it’s better that we’re away from the gang.”

“Hey,” Charles said as he put his hand on Arthur’s shoulder, “it’s alright. I’m sure we’ll meet up with them again someday.”

“But would it be safe to?” Arthur looked up at Charles, “Micah wanted to kill us back there...”

“I’m sure it’ll be fine, Arthur.”

“I don’t know... I just...” Arthur huffed and crossed his arms, staring at the dirt to avoid showing the tears in his eyes, “I just don’t want you to get hurt...”

Charles blushed. He stared at Arthur, gazing at the man’s rugged face. He was still beautiful, even like this.

“Arthur, I...”

Suddenly, the men heard loud shouting. Their ears pointed back towards the river. It was a familiar voice, that struck deep into Arthur’s memory. Arthur got up and walked towards the voice.

“...Touch me again, and I’ll fuckin’ knock your teeth out!”

“Watch your mouth, boy!”

The red headed boy in question was being shoved up the canyon by bounty hunter.

“Charles, is... is that Sean?” Arthur asked.

“It is. I would recognize that hair anywhere.”

“How do we get him?“

Charles looked at the canyon. He studied the path and the bounty hunters that held Sean captive. “There,” he pointed to a large camp at the end of the valley, “Thats where they’re taking him. I recon, once they bring him there, we go in and take out as many people as we can.”

“We only have so many bullets, Charles,” Arthur commented, “Plus now we’re bigger targets to hit.”

“But we’re also faster targets,” Charles smiled and began to move up the canyon walls. Arthur sighed and followed him. This is such a stupid plan, he though to himself. He wasn’t sure why he was even going with Charles. Maybe it was because he felt like he needed to protect him. Maybe it was because he liked Charles. Maybe it’s because I love Charles, a thought told him. No! No. I don’t love Charles.

The two men continued up the canyon, and waited just outside of the bounty hunters’ camp for them, hidden in the bushes.

“Uh.. you sure we’re well hidden enough?” Arthur asked.

“It’s enough so that they’ll just think we’re regular horses. We spring out once they notice us.”

“This don’t feel right...” Arthur sighed and shook his head. Suddenly, they heard Sean’s familiar shouting grow closer. Their ears turned towards the noise, and Arthur slowly poked his head up to see where the kid was. They had tied him upside down to a tree limb, leaving him dangling in the air and unconscious.

“Hey, y’all see them horses over there? In the bushes?” Arthur heard one of the bounty hunters speak. He began to walk closer to the two men, and clicked his tongue, making Arthur and Charles’ ears flick in his direction. “C’mere, horsies! C’mon!”

“Now, Arthur!” Charles yelled as he pulled out his shot guns. He ran out of the bushes and started firing with his shotguns at the bounty hunters, who were shocked, startled, and fearful of what they were seeing. Arthur followed him, pulling out his revolvers and taking out as many people as he could.

“Charles, grab Sean! I’ll hold them off, then we run!” Arthur instructed his friend. Charles nodded and headed for the boy, pulling out his knife and cutting him down. He turned to see Arthur, who was skillfully taking out the bounty hunters with hardly any effort. He leapt over crates as rocks that their enemies were using as cover, and took them out.

Charles’ eyes shimmered as he stared at the man. He was so beautiful, yet so dangerous. It had never occurred to him that Arthur, a man so kind and gentle, could kill easily without hesitation.

Charles shook his head and hoisted Sean onto his back. “Arthur, I got him!” he yelled.

“Good, now go!” Arthur replied. The two men took off galloping back towards the plains. They were nearly in the clear, when suddenly a gunshot rang from across the land. Arthur screamed in pain as the bullet implanted itself in his shoulder. He managed to drag himself across the river and back to Beecher’s Hope, before collapsing onto the ground.

“...Arthur, Arthur! Wake up!” Arthur heard Charles yell as he slowly opened his eyes.

“I’m... I’m awake...” he groaned.

“Oh thank god,” Charles sighed in relief, “Arthur, I’m going to need you to take off your shirt.”

Arthur turned shocked at Charles’ blunt words. His expression suddenly turned seductive as a blush crossed his face. “Oh really now?” He asked Charles in a flirtatious tone.

“Arthur you are literally bleeding out!”

The pain suddenly kicked in, making Arthur groan in pain. He quickly used his good arm to unbutton his shirt and take it off. Charles pulled out a knife and dug the bullet out, causing Arthur to almost scream.

“It’s alright, just stay calm,” Charles reassured him. He pulled out one of his shotgun shells and began to poor the gunpowder into the wound. Charles pulled a match out of Arthur’s satchel and lit it on his hoof, then cauterized Arthur’s injury.

Arthur put his hand over his mouth to keep from screaming in pain. It hurt, and now it burned. But he wasn’t scared. He put all his trust in Charles to make sure he would be alright.

Charles pulled away the match and dug inside of Arthur’s satchel. “Do you have bandages?”

“N-No..”

“Why do you not have bandages?!” Panic started to infect Charles’ tone of voice, and his eyes were full of fear. He shook his head to regather himself, then grabbed Arthur’s shirt and tore off the sleeve. He quickly wrapped it around the wound and pressed on his arm to stop the bleeding.

“There...” Charles said as he leaned back, “It didn’t look like it had hit any bones, just muscle. I think you’re gonna be okay, Arthur.” He smiled and offered his hand to help Arthur.

Arthur took it and pulled himself up with a groan. “Well, this is a bitch of an unfortunate situation...”

“How do you mean?” Charles asked.

Arthur stared at Charles. “How do I- what do you mean how do I mean?!” Arthur yelled, “There’s only one of us that can actually do stuff! I can’t just rely on you to do everything!”

“Well, there’s not just me,” Charles looked behind him. There, lying on the ground, was Sean. He was bruised, and knocked out, but nothing looked to bad. “...We should wake him up now,” Charles suggested. Arthur got up and walked over to Sean. He leaned down and shook him with his good arm.

“Sean? C’mon, kid, wake up-“ Sean’s eyes shot open, and he instantly started screaming. He kicked Arthur in the face in a desperate attempt to get away.

“Shit!” Arthur yelled as he put his hand on his nose. He shook his head and looked at Sean, who was standing and had a gun. Arthur’s gun.

“W-Who the hell are you?! What the hell are you?!” He yelled as he pointed the gun from Arthur to Charles.

“Sean, please,” Charles held his arms out and slowly approached him, “It’s us, Arthur and Charles. We don’t mean you any harm.”

Sean stopped panicking and looked at the other men. He didn’t speak for a few moments, which was a rare occasion in Arthur’s life. “By god, it is you too!” Sean yelled and he tossed the gun to the side, “What the fuck happened to you two?! Why are you back near Blackwater?”

“Charles and I managed to get ourselves cursed by some witch up in the Grizzlies a couple weeks back,” Arthur responded as he stood up, “And we’re here because..”

“Dutch kicked us out for being dangerous.”

“You two? Dangerous?” Sean laughed a bit, “I could take the two of you out with my bare hands!”

“Arthur and I both attacked Micah when he got on our nerves, Sean,” Charles informed him, “Dutch had the right to make us leave...”

“Dutch ain’t got no right to make you two leave! It almost sounds like you were doin’ the gang a favor by killin’ the bastard!” Sean replied. Arthur smiled a bit. Sure, Sean was annoying, but he had always been like family. And, he reminded him of the gang, whom he missed so much.

Sean looked at Arthur’s shoulder. “Say, you don’t look too good, Arthur,” he said.

“Well, I got shot when we were rescuing you.”

“Aw, you almost died to rescue little ol’ me? I’m honored Arthur, truly,” Sean teased, “In fact, to show my gratitude, I’ll take care of you boys!”

“Take care of us?” Charles asked as he crossed his arms.

“Yeah! You two can’t go into town to get supplies, you’ll be killed!”

“And you think you won’t?” Arthur snickered at Charles’ response.

“Not Blackwater!” Sean told him, “We’ll go run into the desert! We can go find a nice place to lie low, and live out the rest of our days. I hear Tumbleweed is a lovely place!”

Arthur looked at Charles, waiting for a response. Charles relaxed and smiled a bit. “Why not?”

“Charles, you’re not actually considering fleeing into the desert?” Arthur asked.

“Why not?” Charles asked, “It’s a good plan, plus if the law tries to track us down, we can always head into Mexico.”

“Alright!” Sean cheered. Arthur stared at Charles in disbelief. “We ride at dawn!”

[journal-of-an-outlaw]

Price to be Paid - Chapter 8

Friends in Low Places

Words: 3,826

The next day was the livestock con that John had been planning for weeks. He and Arthur rode off into the hills to steal the flock and bring it back into town to sell as their own. 

Dutch watched his boys ride off while he smoked a cigar, and Hosea walked up to join him. “What a time we’ve had, eh Dutch?” Dutch claspsed Hosea on the shoulder, hanging on and reminiscing on their past adventures. “What a wild ride we have been through.” 

“Hopefully, my friend, our running days will soon be over. Just one more big one with good money and we are free. Then we can get our people to a safe home, like they deserve.” 

Lenny called you over to Pearson’s workstation. “YN! Teach me how to skin this rabbit, I know Arthur taught you so you oughta be good.” You laughed and rolled your sleeves up, “Thanks, Lenny. Alright. Let’s get to work. You want to know the first thing Arthur asked me when I wanted to learn how to do this?”

“What’s that?”

Acting grumpy with hunched shoulders you replied, “You sure you wanna get blood all over your dress?” Lenny bust up laughing while you impersonated the rugged man. “Damn fool didn’t see I was holding a knife five feet from him but still had the nerve to say it! Right after I shot a deer clean through the heart, too." 

Lenny laughed again while you began to teach him the Arthur Morgan way of skinning a rabbit. Every once in awhile he would ask you a question by impersonating Arthur and the two of you fell apart on the wooden table. He was a bright kid, and really nineteen was a kid, with a good heart and an infectious laugh. 

Jack came up just as the two of you were finishing and asked to pet your horse. Lenny ruffled the kids hair and left you to babysit, heading over to his tent to organize a few things. Jack grabbed your hand and dragged you to your mare.

“She’s pretty, YN! And tall. Not as tall as Uncle Arthur’s horsie, though. I wish I could have one, too.” His mind was everywhere, bouncing from place to place with no time to take a breath in between. Poor kid, four years old and stuck living the outlaw life. No wonder Abigail was so hellbent on getting out before something happened. 

He bent down and grabbed a flower to pick, his sights on dainty yellow petals with a white center when Eclipse moved too close. You swung down and grabbed Jack before she could get spooked, and you saw Dutch and Strauss walking up. 

They were deep in conversation and almost didn’t notice you. 

“Now, Herr Strauss, we are to meet Arthur and John at the saloon after. There’s talk of some big man in town and I intent to get on his good side before we show him a reason to be on his bad, so maybe you just stay quiet then?”

“But Dutch, I still have three loans that need to be collected! That money -”

Dutch interrupted him, yelling in his face, “That money is the only thing keeping us alive! Now why in the hell have you not gone to collect it?”

Her Strauss replied meekly, “I asked Arthur but he never had the time.”

Dutch ran his hand down his face and noticed you there. “YN, it’s time to learn another skill, my dear. When Arthur gets back from town, go with him to collect those debts so generously given by Herr Strauss. The two of you should get on just fine.”

You nodded and moved Jack closer to your hip, afraid the loud voices would frighten the child. Herr Strauss handed you three loan sheets which you tucked away in your satchel for later. Jack simply continued to play with the colorful flower in his hands until he held it out to the approaching Abigail as a present for simply being there. 

The tent you called home had built up a small collection of outfits, guns, and various other objects during your months at Horseshoe Creek. It was small but cozy. You even had a proper blanket now made from the skin of a cougar you hunted not too long ago. 

After you flopped down to the small bedroll, you grabbed the book you had been devouring most recently after swapping with Hosea. He had gotten you invested in a crime series and had given you the latest last night after finishing it himself, of course, and was bursting to discuss it so you promised to be quick. The sunlight was still filtering in warmly and you left the flaps of the tent open for fresh air to accompany you on your journey to another life. Precious few things brought you the pleasure like reading did. 

Later in the day, Hosea himself stuck his head in your tent. “How are you getting on, YN? Hiding from Grimshaw so you can get through more of that book?”

You jumped as the voice ripped you from the pages, but quickly laughed at how eager Hosea was for you to read. “I’m trying! Doesn’t help I can hear her scream every few minutes. But this book, Hosea...it’s so -”

The end of that sentence was never finished as Grimshaw had finally found you. “I should have known you would have something to do with this, Hosea! YN! Get that lazy Blackwater ass out here to help with the laundry."

Hosea looked sheepish at having given you away but you smiled and promised to read again later, then followed Grimshaw while she continued to chew you out. 

Sadie Adler was finally cleaned up and dressed with the other girls who were doing the laundry in the middle of camp. Buckets of sudsy water sloshed around as item after item were dunked, scrubbed, and passed to the next. You joined in after Mary-Beth and before Sadie. 

“Nice to see you out and about, Mrs. Adler! Feelin’ better?” She smiled back and her eyes were clear for the first time since you’d met her. “A bit, miss. Working to see what livin’ is about now. You fine people took me in, time to do my share. Although I ain’t choppin’ no vegetables no more with that man, about ready to chop him up too.” 

The girls chattered as the laundry eventually finished up, and everything was hung up to dry. You grabbed the last few pieces to hang on the line when a hand snaked out to grab yours. 

“You got anything special in there to show me, YN?"

Michah had found you again and hid behind the colorful array so no one could see him. 

“Jesus, Michah. You got nothin’ better to do than stalk me doin’ laundry? Leave me alone, I ain’t got nothing to entertain with you.”

He smirked and moved closer, “Oh girly, I got some entertaining you could do. Just give me a few hours.” His hand rubbed the back of yours, mocking the memory you had of Arthur comforting you and you shook him off violently. Irritation and rage began to pump from your heart and spread across your chest. 

“I don’t want anymore time with you than necessary, thank you.” He didn’t seem to mind the constant rejection, and in fact it seemed to make him pursue you more. 

“‘Thank you?’ Always so kind,” he sneered at you. “YN. One of these days you’re gonna have to learn how to be a real outlaw and toughen up.”

“Only a damn fool mistakes kindness for weakness, Mr. Bell. Strength don’t come from the lack of love or compassion in a heart,” you snapped back. 

He was unimpressed with your outburst. You were just hoping he had lost interest when he said, “You book folk are so boring. Always full of words. I prefer action. You know where to find me once you wisen up. And girl, I sure hope you do.” The clothing on the drying line parted as Michah smacked them out of his path. You rolled your eyes and picked up the empty basket to bring back to Grimshaw and prove your chores were done. 

That afternoon was when true chaos began. The sound of horses thundering into camp made everyone stand to attention as Dutch, Arthur, John, and Strauss rode in looking extremely shaken from Valentine. All of them were dishevelled and covered in dirt. Abigail rushed over as John jumped from his horse and said something to her. She nodded and left for their shared tent to begin throwing things in their tent. Dutch grabbed Hosea and moved to his tent, retelling everyone what happened. 

“Our time in Valentine has come to an untimely end! Leviticus Cornwall and his band of thugs met us outside the saloon and things did not end well for them. It’s time for us to pack up and leave this area, what with Pinkerton’s breathing down our necks and Cornwall comin’ to find us. Ms. Grimshaw, Mr. Pearson, if you please! Get this place packed up while we look for a new spot.” Everyone began to move, you rushed to your tent and began throwing everything into the few bags you had bought and rolled the bedding up to make it easier to carry. 

Hosea sat with Dutch as Arthur approached, and was none too happy about the current situation. “So, we keep heading east. Is that the plan?”

“For now.”

“And when do we stop? When we reach Paris?” Hosea exclaimed sarcastically. 

“Oh that’d be nice, and join the Commune? We stop when we find someplace sensible, shake them that’s following us and lie low.” Dutch countered. It felt like an age old argument, with Hosea thinking legit scams were the way to go, and Dutch wanting one last big score to blow the others out of the water. 

Hosea put his face into his hands, “And this is lying low? We’ve turned into a bunch of killers, I mean it.”

Dutch sat up straighter. “Sometimes, survival means having only one choice. We have to take it, or lose everything we’ve worked towards.” 

Hosea threw his hands up, fed up with not feeling safe in his own home and stormed out of Dutch’s tend. Arthur moved closer to the older man to get a better look at the map he was studying. 

“Michah told me of a place we can lie low. Dewberry Creek, he said. Maybe you and Charles can go take a look, clear off anyone you find before the whole lot of us move in.” Dutch pointed at the spot and Arthur nodded. 

“Looks like I’ve turned into the Goddamned errand boy,” while walking away. 

Dutch stood as tall as you’ve seen him, chest puffed with pride. “You have turned into my son, you worry because I worry. We are just the same!” Before Arthur got too far, Dutch yelled again, “Arthur! And when you return you and Miss Moore have some debts to collect on behalf of Herr Strauss. We’ll see how things are when you’re back from scouting.” 

Arthur and Charles left shortly after that, not expecting to be gone more than a few hours. While they were out riding free, Ms. Grimshaw saw that every single one of the girls was sweating away, cleaning and packing and washing and sorting. All these damn men and not a single one could pack the knives away correctly. 

Abigail and John were struggling to get everything done with Jack running around, so you offered after your tent was packed to take care of him. The fighting didn’t stop, but at least the kid was out of the way and not there to see it. 

Jack took your hand and wanted to go see the river one last time. You wondered if he really understood why you were moving so constantly, and the past few months you had two camps. To a four year old that’s a lot of life changes. 

He found a blue flower and tried to braid it into your hair, making you both giggle. It matched the shirt that Mary-Beth finally got around to make for you. A light blue that played with your dark features beautifully, and she even made some lace designs to fancy it up. You loved that shirt and were ecstatic when she gave it to you a week ago. 

“I want a flower too, YN,” Jack whined when you sat down for a moment. “Of course, Jack, what color you reckon?” He contemplated it, then decided on yellow. The two of you set off to wander the small field for a yellow flower. 

“Here! Help me put it in my hair.” Jack loved flowers in hair and his own was no exception. This fascination with flowers was interesting to you, but when you asked he only shrugged and said something about Abigail loving them too. 

A few hours later, Charles came riding down the slope. “YN! Arthur is waiting for you back at camp, or what’s left of it. Want me to give you two a ride up?” 

Jack shook his head, so the two of you walked next to Tamia while Charles chatted about the new campsite he had found. 

“The site Michah told us about already had people there, a dried up old creek bed. Would have been fine, but it’s hard to settle so many folks on uneven ground. Poor German lady and her two kids were there, hiding out under a wagon. While we went out riding to find her missing husband we found this perfect spot by a lake. Huge, even field hidden by trees. I can see us hiding there a long while.”

He looked calm about the whole ordeal and happy about the new site. 

“What happened to him?” You asked suddenly. 

“Who? Oh, the husband. Arthur took him back to his wife and we met up as we was coming back near Valentine. The family is alright,” he smiled down at you, the worry leaving your face. 

“Just like to know they were safe is all!” You said a bit too defensively, but laughed at yourself. 

Arthur was leaning against the last wagon as it was being packed up. Charles waved to you and carried Jack up to meet Abigail and John leading the wagon, then left to lead the caravan off to the new campsite. 

“Guess it’s just you and me then, huh?” He took the last puff of a cigarette, then threw it out into the grass. “Guess so, Mr. Morgan.”

“How many damn times you gonna keep calling me that?” he growled. 

“Sorry. Arthur,” he waved his hand, signalling his indifference. “Now, Her Strauss gave us three people to collect from, are we gonna be able to do that all in one afternoon?”

“Hope so. All locals, just need to get them talking quickly. Need be we can camp and head to the new site tomorrow.”

“With what? Most of my supplies just left,” you motioned to your things now rolling away in the last caravan and out of sight. The few supplies attached to Eclipse were nothing compared to what had just left you. Arthur swore and moved to get on his horse, “Then we best get this done fast. It’s already late and the first one’s an hour ride.”

Eclipse kept up with Zeus, Arthur’s dark bay stallion, well during the journey. She was a little headstrong and sometimes didn’t respond to you right away, causing Arthur to take the lead in case she decided to jump off a bridge or something like that. 

Talking was infrequent. Arthur turned out to be more of a focused and quiet rider. You found out he also liked to read, though not like Hosea. He shared many qualities with the older man but was still inexplicably drawn more to Dutch. They were both hot headed with a sense of leadership, and Hosea was more about playing things safe. Arthur had a healthy dose of each and the influence was easy to see in just about everything he did. 

The first stop was a man named Chick Matthews. As you rode up, one of the hands told you Chick was out around the barn tending to his horse. The moment he spotted the two of you riding up he jumped on and galloped away, which was a shocking sight. 

“Arthur! I’ll head up over the ridge to his right, I think I see a bridge up ahead. You go right after him and let’s see who can get there first. Heya!” Without waiting for him to respond you kicked Eclipse into a full gallop after the little man. She ran fast and strong, but Chick had a good head start and it took a bit of corralling to catch up. In the distance you could hear him taunting Arthur for being too slow and old, and you can only imagine the rage boiling on his face. They came up to a train that you had bypassed by going up above when Arthur managed to lasso that fool straight to the ground. 

Once knocked down he coughed and sputtered like an idiot. 

“Look, look, I got the money...but it’s hidden. Untie me and I’ll tell you where it’s at.” 

You rode up just as Arthur finished hog tying the man, throwing a punch or two for making you both chase him so far. This may be your fist debt collecting but you wouldn’t let him abuse the man. As he pulled back to hit him again you grabbed his arm.

“Arthur! Let the man talk, for heaven’s sake. He’s got the money.” Arthur looked at your concerned face incredulously. “Miss Moore, this country round here is full of idiots. Look at this one here,” he kicked his boot against Chicks lightly. “Now see, he doesn’t think we know about what’s in his pockets so why don’t you empty them out for me?”

Pick pocketing was better than beating, so you leaned down to see what he was hiding. An old carrot, a cigarette card, and a map leading you right to the money were all you found. 

The map was incredibly simple. One bridge and a tree were all that were on it, and you looked down at Chick. “I may now want to hit you sir, for this is surely the dumbest map I have ever seen. Where the hell does it even start?” 

He smiled a gap toothed grin up at you. “See Miss! That’s the best part. No one knows it but me.” At that Arthur delivered another kick to his stomach, hard and fast. “Tell me where the damn money is!” 

“Fine! Okay, Jesus. Head north and turn left at the Old Creek Bridge, it’s the tree closest there.”

Arthur nodded and moved towards Zeus. “YN, you take that sack of shit back to the ranch and I’ll meet you once I have collected Mr. Matthews’ debt. You try any funny business with her, and you’ll wish all I’d done was break some ribs of yours,” and took off. 

Chick starred up at Eclipse. “Gee, Miss, I ain’t never ridden behind on a horse before. And never with a woman!” You rolled your eyes and loaded him up behind you. 

True to his word Chick Matthews put up no fuss heading back. He pointed out some of his favorite land features and asked you to walk into town more than once. You politely declined, but you knew he didn’t mean any harm.  Arthur finally rode up with a bag, showing you the cash then tucking it safely away in his satchel. The two of you were off to victim number two, Mr. Wrobel.

The Polish man lived at a farm called Painted Sky, and didn’t speak a lick of English. You tried to be soft and comforting but that didn’t seem to go anywhere, so Arthur lumbered in and demanded the return of cash. Wrobel seemed to have nothing, but sadly motioned around his home and let the two of you take enough possessions to equal the amount of the debt. It broke your heart to watch his face, and leaving you could see it troubled Arthur too. 

“Why do you do jobs like this if they don’t feel right?” You asked quietly as the two of you mounted your horses for the third and final destination. 

Arthur scratched the back of his neck, thinking. “I honestly prefer when they try to run or put up a fight. Don’t feel so bad robbin’ folks who make a point to take advantage of the loan. But those like him? Who need it? Makes me think I’m only out here to grease the wheel so it keeps turning. Folks need money, we lend it, then take it back with interest.” 

Finally arriving past dark at Emerald Ridge, the third debtor gave Arthur no hesitation in his approach of getting the money back. Lilly Millet’s boyfriend jumped up and attacked him with a swift uppercut to his jaw and the man drew no pity from you after you heard the way he was berating Lilly. 

Lilly grabbed your arm while the two men brawled and made a fuss of it all. Truth be told, it was quite the sight. Both me tall and muscular in build it was an evenly matched fight. After a few quick hits the other man went down, and Arthur stood huffing above him. You definitely understood why he liked the ones who fought him, he looked damn fine doing it. 

“Alright, alright! That’s enough. He has everything I gave him, please, just take what he has and go,” Lilly called out to Arthur. To you, she whispered, “You’re a lucky girl to be running with a man like that. Makes mine look like an old rag.” You both looked down to where her man lay unconscious, in the mud. She rolled her eyes and made her way over to get him cleaned up. 

Chuckling, you walked over to Arthur. “What’s so funny now?” he asked while stuffing the last of the cash in his satchel.

“Lilly had more on her mind that just debts, I think,” you looked at him suggestively but were met with a blank stare. “Oh, come on Arthur don’t be dense. I think she likes you!” After a beat it clicked and he looked away embarrassed. “Want me to ask if she’s free Friday?” you moved slowly backwards but he grabbed your upper arm lightly. “No! Come on, woman. We best be moving. Probably have to camp halfway back now.” He started Zeus into a slow walk as you jumped up to Eclipse.

“Besides, she ain’t my type anyways. I like brunettes,” and with that he took off galloping, leaving you to watch and race after him.

[unassumingvenusaur]

Peri/Subaki C-S

Trigger warning: violence, pregnancy, and possibly something else I didn’t catch.

Anyway, Peri and Subaki’s mounts have names now (Nemesis and Hawkeye, respectively)! Yay, time to update the FAQ!

C

(Peri alone)

P: Good morning, Nemesis! Who is the best horsie in all of Nohr? It’s you! Yes, it is! Are you ready to crush our enemies and bring them to their knees? Yes, you are! Yes, you are!

*Horse noises*

P: Huh… what do you mean you aren’t? You love a good old carnage!

*Horse noises*

P: Oh my good golly gosh! Are you sure?!

*Horse noises*

P: Well, that would keep you from massacring the meanies in the battlefield. But do you even know who he is?

*Horse noises*

P: Who the heck is Hawkeye?!

(Fade to black)

(Subaki alone)

S: Ah… what a beautiful morning. It is just perfect for me to have a training session without interruptions.

(Peri appears)

P: SUBAKI!

S: Oooft!!!

P: My horse is pregnant and it is your fault!

S: Wh-what?! At least lower your voice before making such baseless accusations! And get off me, your armor is heavier than it looks!

P: Baseless? Nemesis told me everything! Does the name Hawkeye ring any bells, huh, Subaki?

S: Why, yes, that is… my… pega… sus… oh…

P: Yeah, he is the one! He put a foal on my Nemesis and now we can’t go killing together!

S: But a horse is still good to ride at the beginning of their pregnancy…

P: No! No! No! Nemesis doesn’t want to risk the foal! She can’t fight until it comes out!

S: That’s a good argument, I suppose.

P: Sure it is, Nemesis isn’t a fool. Now let’s break the news to your Pegasus, he has to take responsibility!

S: Oh dear…

B

(Peri alone)

P: Do you think your foal will be a horsie like you or a Pegasus like its daddy?

*Horse noises*

P: You’re right, it doesn’t matter as long as it is a warrior like us!

(Subaki appears)

S: Um… Peri?

P: Hi there! Nemesis and I were talking about the little killer growing inside her. Oh, I can’t wait to hear its little hooves crushing their first skull! Or see it tasting blood for the first time!

*Horse noise*

P: Hmm… spiked foal armor sounds interesting… but it’ll outgrow it fast…

S: I see your mount takes after you.

P: Yup! I hope the foal takes after me as well. We could always use more war horsies.

S: Yeah… about that… you do know that… um…

P: What? What do I know, Subaki?

S: We have to decide who will ride it. Hawkeye has been my loyal mount for ages, the least I can do is make sure his foal gets a rider almost as perfect as me.

P: That’s right! I gotta make sure Nemesis’s foal doesn’t end up with some… *shudders* butler.

S: Indeed. That’s why I’ve been thinking to give the foal to Lady Sakura. She’ll take good care of it.

P: No way! The foal will be a warrior, we can’t leave it with a healer!

S: Who do you suggest, then?

P: Well… Lord Xander already has a horsie… so I’ll go with Laslow, he’s not a half-bad fighter!

S: Gods, no. I don’t want that womanizer to corrupt the foal. How about Lord Takumi? He would provide plenty of combat and a good influence!

P: Oh sure, give the guy who hates Nohr a half-Nohrian mount.

S: I see your point. That also removes Oboro from the list.

P: Arthur could do it! He’s super funny and nice, I bet he’d be extra good to the foal.

S: With his luck? The foal would be safer with a horde of Faceless.

P: Argh! This is taking us nowhere!

S: There must be some common ground. Someone in camp must be a reasonable choice for both of us.

P: Yeah, but who?

S: Well…

P: Hmm…

S: We’re not going to think of anyone right now.

P: Nope.

S: Do you wish to sleep on it and talk more tomorrow?

P: Yup.

A

P: A-ha! I just got an idea for who would be the perfect rider for the foal!

S: I swear that if it is Niles…

P: Lord Corrin!

S: That's… that’s actually a decent choice.

P: Decent? It’s perfect! A noble from both kingdoms riding a mount from both kingdoms, sounds super cool, right?

S: It sounds excellent, although you could have phrased this in a more eloquent manner.

P: Who cares about fancy talk? We finally found someone who we both agree on! Lord Corrin is both a great warrior and a nice person! The foal will be in good hands!

S: And we will not have to worry about kingdom favoritism since he chose both.

P: Heck yeah! Let’s do it! Let’s break in the good news to our mounts! Nemesis is gonna love this!

S: I suppose Hawkeye will be happy with our decision.

P: Hm… should they be present when we tell Lord Corrin about his new mount?

S: I’m not sure they can fit in the treehouse.

P: Treehouse? We’re dragging Lord Corrin to the stables!

S: Peri, no.

P: Peri, yes!

(Peri leaves)

S: (What have I gotten myself into?)

S

P: So…

S: Yes?

P: Y'know…

S: Yes.

P: It’s not fair.

S: Lord Corrin does have a point, though. We don’t know for sure if the foal will make a suitable mount.

P: Of course it will! It’s our foal!

S: Our…?

P: Um… I mean… Nemesis and Hawkeye's…

P: You get what I mean!

S: Hehehe, I do, Peri. I do.

P: Yeah, although I wouldn’t mind having a foal with you!

S: Wh-what?! PERI, WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!

P: What? We’d make great parents! I mean, we spend all this time worrying about the foal’s future and if we can do that for a horsie, then why not for a child? You’d keep the bad influences away and I’d teach them combat! And you’d be the perfect daddy while I’d make a great mommy! We’d cover each other, you know? I’m fun, you’re serious. I’m aggressive, you’re graceful. You’d help them with homework and I’d make us family dinner. It’s perfect!

S: Peri… you have thought about it.

P: Well, yeah, I mean… I saw how much you cared for Hawkeye’s foal and wanted to make sure it wouldn’t be mistreated or something…

P: And you took my ideas and opinions seriously. A lot of people think that I have nothing important to say because of the way I act, but you didn’t dismiss me when I said someone wouldn’t make a good rider for the foal. You listened to me.

P: And I guess… I began to fall for you, you know? The way you care so much about making sure to take care of Hawkeye and his foal, how you didn’t complain about the way I act, and if I ever have a baby, I want you to be its daddy because I know you will always do what’s best for it, like you’re doing for this foal.

S: Peri…

P: I know I’m babbling, but when I think about you, I can’t help my heart from racing. My mind goes fast and my knees start shaking, my stomach does flips and my brain does flops. And these feelings that I’m feeling… I don’t think that I can stop! I… I’m in love with you!

S: I love you, too.

P: You… you do?

S: How could I not? Your love for Nemesis rivals my own for Hawkeye! You took it upon yourself to make sure their foal will go to a loving rider, and I’ve noted how you’ve been using another horse during battles so Nemesis won’t risk the foal. You took other’s feeling into consideration and you try to do what’s best for your loved ones in your own Peri way. How could I not love you?

S: In fact, I think you would be the perfect wife for me! And the perfect mother to any child we may have!

P: Yes! Our baby will be strong like me and graceful like you! Not to mention beautiful like both of us! The perfect little warrior!

S: Then it is decided, let’s get married and have beautiful children!

P: Yay!

P: Oh, I just realized something, our child will be half-Nohrian, half-Hoshidan! Just like the foal!

S: Indeed, maybe it’s their destiny to be rider and mount? Thanks to the Deeprealms, we can make sure they grow up together and form a bond unlike any other.

P: First our mounts got together, now it’s us… looks like I am the one who took after Nemesis!

P: … Wait… if you and I… have a child… then who will be their godparents?

S: Oh, not again…

[un-official-artist]

A Man is a Horse, of Course!

Rdr2 centaur Au

Pairings: Charles Smith x Arthur Morgan

Parts: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 (links to all parts can be found in part one)

Arthur sat underneath the canopy of leaves that lead into horseshoe overlook, writing in his journal. It had been two weeks since his and Charles’ incident, and they were still just starting to adjust to their new bodies.

“It has been a wild few weeks,” he wrote, “I’ve been struggling to adjust to my new life, but it seems like the gang has been hit just as hard as I have. Dutch doesn’t seem to want us to leave camp at all, and has been keeping me cooped up. I’ve been aching to stretch my legs for days, and have gotten sick of being stuck in one spot. Charles is handling this much better than I am, though. He manages to keep himself busy, even as a horse, somehow. Charles Smith is a wonder. I will never know what goes on in that man’s head to make him so passionate to help others. And I will never know what makes me so passionate to help him.”

“Arthur!” Charles called as he walked over to him. He had a smile on his face and held two stew bowls in his hands. Arthur smiles in return and shut his journal, then set it back in his satchel.

“You look well Charles,” Arthur commented, “well, as well as you can look, currently.”

Charles smiled and sat down next to him. He handed him the stew, which Arthur now noticed had all the meat picked out of it. It had been a recent discovery that neither of them seemed to favor meat anymore, much to poor Pearson’s dismay.

“Thank you, Charles. You know you didn’t have to do this,” Arthur told the man.

“I know I didn’t have to,” Charles replied as he ate, “I wanted to.”

Arthur flushed and smiled a bit. He looked at the ground to hide his face under his hat in an attempt to hide his obvious blush. Luckily, something else soon changed the topic for them.

Hay splattered into Charles stew bowl. “Want some hay, horsie?” Micah sneered as he stood over the two men.

“What’s your problem, Micah?” Arthur snapped at him.

“No problem here, cowpoke- oh, I’m sorry, I mean horsepoke.”

“Very clever. It take you all day to come up with that?”

“What’s the matter with you two? A rabbit run off with your carrots?” Micah chuckled. The chuckling was quickly cut off with Arthur stood up and kicked him in the stomach. Micah groaned and doubled over in pain, holding his stomach.

“That is enough!” Dutch yelled as he marched over, “What is wrong with you, Arthur? You can’t just kick a man like that!”

“He was talkin’ shit, Dutch,” Arthur explained, “He kept mocking us for somethin’ we can’t control!”

“Micah, you alright?” Dutch asked, ignoring Arthur, as he helped up the man.

“Dutch..” Micah groaned, “We gotta.. we gotta talk about somethin’...” Dutch nodded and helped Micah to his tent.

Arthur and Charles watched the two men walk behind the curtains of Dutch’s tent. “I don’t like this...” Arthur finally spoke, “I was stupid for kickin’ Micah..”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m sure Dutch won’t listen to a word Micah says.” Charles reassured him. He put his hand on his shoulder and gently patted it. Arthur looked at Charles’ hand and then at his face with wide eyes and flushed cheeks. He shook his head and turned away.

“W-Well, I still don’t like it.”

“Well, maybe we could do something to take your mind off of it?”

Arthur looked at Charles. “Like what?”

“Well, we’ve been stuck here for two weeks. We could go and run a bit.”

Arthur smiles a bit. “T-That seems fun.”

Charles smiled and began to trot towards the camp exit. “C’mon then,” he called back as his trot turned into a canter, “I’ll race you!” Arthur smiled and ran after him.

The two raced across the Heartlands, their hooves thundering against the dirt and making tiny pebbles on the road bounce. They rode hard to win the race, but it wasn’t even clear to where they were racing. They chased each other for hours, until the stars had come out, and they couldn’t chase anymore.

Arthur slowed down and hung his head low while panting. Charles smiled and walked back to him. “You finished?”

“Yeah.. I think I’m done,” Arthur responded. He sat down and took his hat off to brush his hair back. Charles smiled and stood in front of him. He had hardly broken a sweat, while Arthur was drenched and exhausted.

“Ain’t fair,” Arthur spoke.

“What isn’t fair?”

“The fact that you managed to get the ability to run for miles, while I’m exhausted after a couple hours!”

Charles chuckled a bit. “Oh Arthur,” he put his hand on his shoulder and leaned in,”It’s not about what horse bread you are, my friend,” he patted his shoulder and straightened up again and began to walk away.

“And what’s that supposed to mean?” Arthur asked.

Charles turned around. “Well, I’m more physically fit than you. You know, stronger, faster, and have more stamina.”

“That’s a lie! I can totally take you in a fight! I’ll fight you right now!”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah!” Arthur yelled. He lowered his head like a deer would before fighting. “C’mon! I’ll fight you!”

“Arthur, we’re horses, not deer.”

Arthur straightened up and laughed at his mistake, making Charles laugh with him. “Oh, I’m such a fool.”

“You’re not a fool, Arthur,” Charles said, “You’re very strong, and very brave, and very smart.”

Arthur’s eyes sparkled a bit. “You mean it?”

Charles smiled. “Of course I mean it. You’re the best man I know.”

Arthur laughed and looked at the ground. “I’m hardly a man anymore, Charles.”

Charles cupped Arthur’s face gently with his hand and lifted it up so that he could look him in his eyes that reflected the stars perfectly in them. “You’re the best man I know, Arthur Morgan.”

The moonlight danced over Charles’ face, and made him look like the most beautiful thing that existed on this Earth. Everything melted away, and all that existed was Charles and Arthur. All they could see was each other, and that’s all they seemed to care about in that moment. Their eyes closed and they began to slowly lean in towards each other.

Charles opened his eyes and let go of Arthur’s face, and leaned back. He cleared his throat and looked away. “It’s getting late,” he said, “We should head back to camp...”

Arthur opened his eyes and leaned away. “Y-Yeah.. yeah..”

The two men walked back to camp, not speaking about what had just happened. They wanted to talk but they felt as if they shouldn’t. Arthur had no excuse for his actions, despite him so desperately looking for one. Why had he let Charles do that? Why had Charles even done it? Why did he want it so badly? Why did he regret not doing it?

I guess I’ll never know.