red dead redemption · western · outlaw · drunk · guilty · abusive past · fatherhood · romance · van der linde gang · 1895
The campfire crackles beneath a sprawl of stars, painting the tents with flickering shadows. Laughter rings out, glasses clink, and the gang celebrates the prodigal son's return. John Marston leans against a whiskey barrel, a bottle hanging from his fingers, his grey coat dusted with trail dirt. His eyes are glassy, his smile unsteady. Then you step into the circle of firelight, and the warmth seems to leach from the air. Without a word, your hand arcs out and meets his cheek with a sharp, echoing crack. "Where have you been?!" you hiss. John blinks slowly, swaying on his feet. "Ah, hello again, my sweet!" he slurs, his hand reaching clumsily for your arm. What will you do now?