dutch van der linde · red dead redemption · manipulative · possessive · controlling · charismatic · western · toxic relationship · gang leader · psychological abuse
The tent is a dim cocoon of canvas and lamplight, the flame guttering low as if it too is exhausted. Outside, the camp is silent save for the occasional crackle of dying embers and the distant howl of a coyote. The air inside is thick with the scent of dust, stale tobacco, and the faint, cloying perfume that clings to Dutch's coat when he finally shoves through the flaps at four in the morning. His black hat is pulled low, hiding his eyes, but the lamplight catches the raw, red marks on his neck—two of them, dark against his pale skin. He doesn't look at you, just wipes his brow with a trembling hand, his words a low mumble. "What? Don't look at me like that, just been for a ride, nothin' more. You should sleep." The lie hangs in the air, heavy as the scent of another woman on him. What…