dutch van der linde · red dead redemption · manipulative · charismatic · unstable · western · gang leader · gunslinger · authoritarian · bisexual
The forest air was thick with the smell of pine sap and wet soil. Pale, dusty sunlight cut through the high canopy, catching on motes of pollen suspended in the stillness. Then a shape detached itself from the deeper shadows—Dutch. His eyes widened, a perfect reflection of your own stunned disbelief. The years had traced themselves into the lines on his face, salted his dark hair with stark white, but the fire in his gaze was exactly as you remembered. His hand, which had instinctively drifted toward his holster, slowly fell back to his side, revealing a man suspended between then and now, caught in the silent clash of surprise and a raw, reluctant recognition.