Warning: this chapter contains sexual content that's a bit more detailed than previous chapters.
The sun beats down on us, heat loosening my aching body and making my face shine. Blackwater was in our sights, smaller from a distance. A new city, another fresh start and more reasons to tread carefully. The constant moving was tiresome, still, we found ways to stay positive. Jude hums a sweet lullaby from the backseat while Arthur navigated the roads and I observed fellow travelers. We've been on high alert since the incident in Valentine.
"I got a letter from Sadie, feller said it's been sitting in the postal office for a while. Guess she must've sent it after you wrote her before heading east," Arthur says, prompted by the empty road.
I perk up, anxious to discover what our old friend had to tell us. We've stayed in contact for the past few years after she tracked us down, supposedly shocked since she heard Micah killed us both. "We ain't heard from her in six months, let me see!"
Arthur passes me a wrinkled piece of paper; my eyes move faster than I can read.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Callahan,
I hope this letter finds you well my friends. Funny that you happen to be returning east since my line of work is based out of Blackwater. Please come find me at the saloon, we've got plenty of catching up to do.
Looking forward to meeting little Judith. She looks like her Mother from Arthur's drawing.
Your friend,
Sadie Adler
A thrilled smile spreads across my face. All the distance between us prevented a face to face meeting from becoming a reality, now our isolated family could welcome someone well-known. "She's in Blackwater! Oh Arthur we gotta pay her a visit," I turn back to Jude, "you're finally gonna meet your aunt Sadie, ain't that just exciting my dear?"
She answered with a cheerful nod. Arthur grins knowingly, clearly having read the letter before me.
"It'll have to wait till tomorrow, my ladies. It's safer to camp outside the city then head in at first light when things are quiet," he pulls our wagon to a stop underneath a matured tree. He lifts Jude onto the ground before offering me his hand. I take it even though I'm quite capable of making the jump.
We work as a unit, setting up our tent and campfire, a task I'm all too familiar with at this point in my life. The setting sun casts an orange glow across the dry land. Arthur passes around salted beef and canned veggies for dinner. We sit in a circle of small stools.
"What's my auntie Sadie like?" Jude asks me, a spoonful of peas lingering near her mouth.
I watch the flames dance, remembering the blonde woman who I admired during my younger days. "She's a good person, tough with a soft heart for people she trusts."
She puts down her food, twirling one of her curls between her small fingers. The girl could never manage to stay still. "Sounds like you, Mama."
Arthur nods at her observation. "You're too smart for your own good," he adds.
Jude lifts her chin, smiling from the gratification of praise. "Since I'm so smart can I stay up later tonight?" She asks him, tilting her head and batting her eyelashes. Arthur points to me since he's never been good at saying no to her. Saying he has a soft spot for her would be an understatement.
"Rules aren't made to be broken, only changed when I say so missy. Practice your reading then it's bedtime," I state with a stern look on my face. Jude pouts, sulking while kissing us both on our cheeks before going inside the tent.
Arthur chuckles once she's gone. "I don't think staying up one night will kill her, Ana."
I raise my eyebrows at him. "We let her do it once and we'll never hear the end of it. It's better this way, trust me."
He lifts his hands in good-natured defeat. "You know what's best, as always."
My temper flares up at his comment. "As always? You got something on your mind?" I lean forward, placing my dinner on the ground. Arthur gets up, wiping dust off his knees before tending to the dying flames. He doesn't return my stare.
"You just have the final say on most things is all I'm saying. Nothing to get worked up about," he says passively. His lack of emotion irritates me further.
"Arthur, we spent years in the west because that's where you wanted to go. You and me," I point between us, "we're a team. Don't you make no mistake on that matter."
He gets up, waving me off. "Sure. I'm hitting the hay."
I push myself up, blocking his path and pressing my palm onto his chest. "I know you have mixed feelings about Blackwater… there's a lot of history here that we ain't revisited for quite some time. If it's bothering yo-"
"Enough talk, I don't wanna hear it," he snaps defensively. We stand, merely inches apart, breathing tensely. Arthur's features soften once anger passes through him. He takes my wrist, looking down as he speaks more calmly. "All them years of running and our sins never truly leave us. Being here… guess it serves as a reminder of the mistakes I made."
I frown slightly, understanding exactly what he means. "I get it. I know we don't talk about it much, but if you need to…"
He shakes his head, looking me in the eyes. "No… you and the girl mean everything to me now, the bond we share… I would surely kill and die for it."
I place my free hand over his, taking half a step closer. "Let's hope we can keep the killing to a minimum and avoid any kind of dying."
A low, breathy laugh leaves his nose while squeezing our now conjoined hands. We both seem a bit reluctant to release each other. The way his lips curve into a gentle smile makes me feel strange. If I thought hard enough, I could imagine what it would be like to feel his mouth against mine. These fantasies of him visited my mind on the occasional lonely night, but now they are constant. As Judith grows older, and less in need of continuous care, I can't help but wonder if we'll have the chance to be something more than friends. My curiosity gets cut off when Arthur kisses my forehead, a downright nonsexual act. It sinks in that Arthur may feel nothing but brotherly love for me.
"Come on girl, we best get some sleep," he says warmly, the rumble in his voice rouses me like a beast stalking its prey, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Seven years without being properly touched by a man made my knees weak at the thought of what Arthur was like in bed. My eyes linger on his physique as I follow him inside.
The next day…
Arthur, Ana and Judith walk the streets of Blackwater, appearing no different than most young families. A few women stare at Arthur as he passed by, sparking interest from fancy ladies who aren't accustomed to such masculinity.
Ana found their admiration amusing. "You're turning some heads, pretty boy," she comments, guiding her daughter through a new environment.
Arthur scoffs at her absurd remark. The women here weren't exactly appealing to him. He'd always preferred the independent type, though Mary was an exception. "I have no illusions about my looks, they're probably just scared of me or somethin'."
Jude speaks up from in-between them. "If Ma thinks you're pretty you should listen to her. She's always right."
His heart melts at the little girl's kindness, an attribute she'd inherited from her Mother. "Why thank you, sweetheart… now where is that saloon?" An answer to his question appears when they turn the corner. The establishment appeared to open with few customers at this hour. Ana squints, spotting blonde hair through a foggy window. She speeds up, darting across the road and bursting through the doors. Sadie is sitting at a clean table with a fresh bowl of stew in front of her.
Ana sneaks up behind her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Got room for three?" she asks jokingly.
Sadie whips her head around, looking annoyed until she sees who's invading her personal space. She nearly jumps up, embracing the woman who was practically a girl the last time they saw one another. "Ana! I was gonna stab you, it's good to see you!" Arthur walks over, ready to take his turn greeting Sadie. They hug briefly, patting each other's back. "And Arthur, old age treating you well my friend?" she asks teasingly.
"Awh can't a feller age gracefully? Our girl thinks I don't look a day past thirty!" He looked down to Jude, who was eager to introduce herself.
Sadie got down to her level, sounding kinder than usual. "Hi there sweetie, I'm Sadie. I used to know your folks."
Jude stuck out her hand confidently, exchanging a handshake with her new aunt. "My name is Judith Susanna Callahan. My Ma says you're a good person, so we can be friends."
She smirked with delight at such a spirited child. "I'd like that ma'am. You folks hungry? They got decent meals here."
Arthur eyes the steaming bowl, hungry for a real meal. "We are indeed. Come on Jude, let's get something to eat." The child followed him closely to the counter. Ana and Sadie happily took their seats.
"You're looking well. I like that bounty hunter getup, suits you real well Mrs. Adler." Ana nudges her, impressed by how put together she was.
Sadie returns her complimentary expression. "Why thank you, and you've become a proper lady it seems… wasn't your hair red?" she asks, gawking at her tamed curls.
Ana nods honestly. "Uh, yes…" she lowers her voice, "the colour was a dead giveaway to my identity. Coffee did the trick."
"Hmph smart…" she pauses, taking a better look at her friend's daughter from afar. "She yours alright." Another thought crosses her mind regarding who she resembles, but she bites her tongue.
"What you up to these days?" Ana asks, wanting to change the subject.
Sadie takes a quick sip of beer. "The usual, bounty hunting. Other odd jobs… look Ana, there's something you need to know…" she trails off uncomfortably, not taking a liking to passing on such vital news that has the potential to alter the stable lives that spent seven years being built. Ana stares at her, concern pausing her blinks. Finally, she blurts it out. "I saw John the other day. He thought you were dead all these years... he's got some land just outside of town."
Suddenly, a rush of emotions courses through Ana, staggering her breathing and reopening old wounds. The scar on her shoulder felt like it was burning. Her vision fogs, memories replay like a moving picture. A montage of love and loss causes her heart to ache, it's like she's twenty all over again. While she wasn't infatuated with him like before, the lack of closure between them made everything feel so raw. She pinches the bridge of her nose, wanting to compose herself before Arthur and Jude return.
"Abigail and Jack?" is all she manages to question.
Sadie presses her lips together, recalling John's similar reaction. Her gut was telling her that a reunion between the two could be harmful in the long run. "Alive and well… not with him."
Three hot plates are placed on the table along with the return of Arthur and Jude, who are digging in right away. Sadie shares her news with Arthur, who is relieved yet irritated to hear of John acting foolish enough that Abigail felt the need to leave him. Their catch-up is short since Sadie has a job to do, she promises to visit them again. They rent a room much bigger and classier than where they stayed in Valentine. There's even a separate space for children inside their suite.
That night…
Ana was fresh out of the bath by nightfall. She was thankful for some peace after tucking Jude into bed, the girl being thrilled to have her own space for once. Arthur was leaning on the back of their large bed, reviewing how much money they made in Valentine and noting the day's events in a brief journal entry. Ana returned to their space after brushing her hair and putting on a comfortable nightgown. The sound of a piano made its way through the floorboards.
Arthur looks at the rejuvenated woman, attempting to keep his eyes away from her figure. "We could pay John a visit tomorrow you know…" he says, wondering what thoughts are going through her head.
She sighs slowly, sitting on the cushiony mattress. "You should go on your own. Showing up with Judith might be… a lot to process at once."
He nods, respecting her wishes while feeling glad she wasn't dying to see her ex-lover, although unsure if ex was an appropriate term. Circumstances tore them apart, yet this was expected by them throughout their relationship. Where Anastasia Fetcher and John Marston stood was not black and white, that's all Arthur could seem to grasp. He tosses his journal onto a night table when Ana crawls next to him, facing him with her legs tucked to the side. He watches her diligently, wondering why she's so close to him when there's more than enough space.
"Got something you wanna talk about Fetcher?" he asks, feeling paralyzed by his own nerves. She shrugs coyly, her eyes having an outwardly bold look in them. He shifts in his spot, attempting to subside the feeling of his blood flowing. "Come on Ana, you can't just… get all close like that."
She places her hand delicately onto his thigh, rubbing her thumb against the material of his grey pajamas. "Does it bother you? I'll stop if it does."
Arthur shakily fills his lungs with air, unable to even want her to stop. "Jesus Ana, what kind of game are you playing? It's just... just plain cruel. I'm a man, of course I don't want you to stop. We've got the girl to think about, us fooling around might not be what's best for her."
She slides her hand off his leg, feeling selfish for making a move on him. "Of course, you're right… we've just never had privacy like this before and I figured blowing off some steam could be good for us."
He sat up, not wanting her to leave his side just yet. Despite all his reservations and willpower, Arthur was still a man who had the same urges as anyone. It never took much for Ana to convince him on an idea. He scooted forward so their knees were pressed up against each other. "You better not make me regret this. I won't share you with anyone, I ain't Dutch or John. If this is what you want, be sure about it," he says roughly, setting up clear guidelines. Their world was shifting with each word that was spoken.
Ana was stunned briefly, yet self-assured in what she wanted from life. "Deal. Just you and me, Morgan."
A heavy pause settles. Lips impatiently waiting to kiss, hands ready to touch. Arthur is the one who leans in, whispering just as their mouths are about to connect. "Then you better keep quiet, girl." His mouth covers hers, pressing insistently. They're quick to feel the unclaimed regions of each other's body, his hands grabbing at the curve of her ass as she caresses his exposed chest. As nice as kissing felt, it would never be enough to quench the thirst they both felt.
After battling the stubborn buttons on Arthur's union suit, there was nothing left to cover their bare flesh. He admired the soft swell of her breasts, fondling with just enough pressure to induce delight. They lay down, she pulls a blanket over his head, wanting to bury herself in a sanctuary with no distractions. The weight of Arthur on top of her causes her legs to spread open, giving him full access to what he wants. He lines himself up and slowly pushes in until his hips are in flush with hers. A steady groan leaves him.
Ana slaps him in the shoulder. "Wasn't you just telling me to keep quiet?"
Arthur smirks, looking down at the source of pleasure sheepishly. "I'm doing my best, ain't that easy when I'm this deep."
They chuckle silently, giddy with excitement. "Enough joking around Morgan, just get on with it."
He sends her a sarcastically confused look. "With what?
She rolls her eyes, digging her nails into his shoulder. "What do you think, you fool?"
"This would be a lot easier if you just told me…" he digs himself into the crook of her neck, planting tender pecks as he stays still inside of her. The teasing became borderline torture. She tightens herself around him, forcing him to stifle a moan. With that action he obliges, pushing himself in and out until reaching a fixed pace. The session was bound to be brief with his lack of any recent experience. Nevertheless, the ending was comparable to an ancient volcano erupting after ages spent withering away. Afterwards they collapsed, breathless and more than satisfied. They kissed until their lips and minds were numb, sleep came easily after such activities.
Ana hadn't quite experienced anything like Arthur before. He was loving as expected, keen to please and still managed to make her laugh. It's safe to say she's never felt this safe with anyone before.
A/N: So there's a lot to unpack in this chapter, reader insight is always appreciated! I tried to be realistic as possible with the sex scene between Arthur and Ana because I hate clichés where it's all sexy and rough. Let's be honest Arthur Morgan would probably be a nice guy in bed. Dutch on the other hand... LOL. Lord help me.
What did you guys think while reading that last scene? Too fast? True to their relationship?
And also, the discovery of John… where do you expect that to lead?
Disclaimer: I do not own RDR.
