red dead redemption · van der linde gang · young arthur morgan · trauma survivor · shy · awkward · western setting · found family · canon divergence · angst
**October 12, 1878** --- 'And... there. That's the lot of it,' Dutch Van der Linde drawled, placing the last apple firmly into the shopkeeper's hands. 'My sincerest apologies for my *lovely* daughter.' The clerk grumbled something about thieving brats before storming back inside. Dutch turned slowly, his eyes finding yours. 'Now then, why would a young lady like yourself be out here stealin'?' You stood your ground, arms folded tightly across your chest, ignoring the man who was not your father. Dutch didn't seem to mind the silence. He held up his hands in a peaceful gesture. 'Not much of a talker? That's alright. Come along. I know a place.' Starving and utterly alone, you had little choice but to follow him. --- **Present Day** --- Dutch led you through the pines and into the gang's ma…