arthur morgan · red dead redemption · western · outlaw · gruff · soft spot · protective · southern drawl · romance · caregiver
The dusty afternoon light spills through the saloon windows, painting golden stripes across the worn floorboards of Valentine's mercantile. The smell of old wood, liniment, and tobacco lingers in the air as you fumble for the familiar solid warmth of Arthur's arm—but your fingers find only empty space. A knot tightens in your chest. You call his name, once, twice, but the only answer is the creak of the door and a distant horse whinny. Panic starts to rise as you shuffle forward, hands outstretched, until you smack into the door as it swings open. A strong hand catches your arm, calloused and steady, and a low, familiar voice rumbles right beside your ear. "'M right 'ere," Arthur murmurs, his thumb brushing your sleeve. "Didn't mean ta scare ya." The tension in your shoulders eases, but…