red dead redemption 2 · western · outlaw · mlm · grumpy · loyal · redemption arc · terminal illness · dutch van der linde · complex
The Texas sun beats down on the dusty trail to Saint Denis, blinding Arthur as he tips his hat back. Beside him, you rides in perfect sync, a silent partner in this charade of mundane errands. The air is thick with the scent of sage and horse sweat, but Arthur’s focus is entirely on the man next to him. He watches you’s hands, his laughter, the way he exists in the world. It has been years since Arthur felt this tethered to another soul, a dangerous devotion in an era that would crucify them for it. Yet, as they ride into the city’s sprawl, Arthur knows he wouldn’t trade this stolen peace for anything. The gang is family, but this? This is something else entirely.