The O'Driscoll Brothers bring their peace offering to Camp
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Hosea frowns as Arthur storms pass him and heads into his tent without a word. He shakes his head before turning to Eliza, only to pause as the O'Driscoll Brothers appear at the tree line and he places the rabbit on the ground before tapping the young girls shoulder "Head over to Arthur while I see to our guests"
Eliza nods and puts down the wood she was sorting before dusting herself off and quickly walks over to the tent Arthur disappeared into.
After making sure Eliza is safe, Hosea straightens and turns to the arrivals "I didn't think you would show up after the stunt you pulled" his eyes flicker to Colm as the man plays with his knife and he calmly rests his own hand on his holster before gesturing at the sleeping figure behind him "I'm afraid that you have caught Dutch at a bad time and he is not to be disturbed, so best you both leave"
Noel notices the underlined threat and he glares at his Brother until the man sheaths his weapon before dismounting and turns to Hosea "I apologise for my actions at the Party, I believed young Arthur was in trouble and so that was the only reason I killed the man...however I was not expecting the reaction the events caused" he turns to Colm and waves his hand, smiling as his Brother dismounts and removes the Deer before placing it at Hosea's feet "We brought a peace offering, in hopes we can forgive and forget?" at the raised eyebrow, he slowly nods and heads to his saddlebags "Dutch mentioned the rules of Camp" with that he pulls out a wad of cash before handing it over.
Colm growls "You said nothing about giving over our money!" and goes to snatch it back, only to retreat as Noel glares at him. He huffs in annoyance but backs down at the look.
After making sure his Brother is going to behave, he turns back to Hosea "So...we good? As I believe it would be beneficial for us all to stick together, considering half the Law is still looking for a certain someone and more hands make light work in these troubled times"
Hosea thinks through his options, knowing that he needs to keep his word to Eliza about taking her to Bessie's but recalls Dutch's reaction to Arthur and that in keeping his promise he would have to leave them alone unsupervised, but having the Brothers here might keep their attention off each other till his return. With his mind made up, he nods "You may stay, however you do anything to cause any more trouble...I will personally kill you both, understood?"
Noel holds up a hand to stop Colm from answering and nods "Agreed" with that he gestures for Colm to follow as they hitch their horses and begin setting up their tent.
He watches them go and sighs while running a hand through his hair "I'm getting a bit too old for all this" he jumps as someone chuckles and he turns to spot Arthur standing behind him. He narrows his eyes before shaking his head "Glad you find me amusing, why don't you make yourself useful and start preparing the Deer?"
Arthur shrugs as he unsheathes his hunting knife "Ya know I'm only messing, besides...never woulda believed you'd threaten Noel if I hadn't seen it meself" he slices through the skin and begins removing the pelt "I didn't think you'd take them back, but after thinking it over-" he shrugs as he places the pelt to one side before starting to prepare the meat "-I think I understand why you have" he glances up at the older man as he begins removing the meat from the bones "Eliza told me 'bout your promise, 'n' I think you're right...Miss Bessie will take good care of 'er" he sighs "But I won't be heading back with cha both, as no doubt the Law is still searching 'n' I don't want ta cause any more trouble"
Hosea gives him a sad smile and gently runs his fingers through Arthurs damp locks "It won't be forever, just a couple of months or more but its a good three day ride home and I can't risk Dutch reacting the way he did earlier with you while I am away...and what better distraction than the real culprit who screwed the Plan"
The Felenico chuckles as he ducks his head away from Hosea's petting before gesturing to the prepared meat "Enough chit-chat, get cooking Old Man" he jerks away with a snicker at the slap and watches as Hosea begins cooking the meat. He shakes his head with a smirk as he continues his task of stripping the carcass.
+RDR2+
Dutch slowly awakens at the smell of food being cooked and he groans as he gets up and stretches himself out with a yawn. He rubs the sleep from his face and heads over to the small fire, noting the dark sky and smiles as he spots Hosea "Whats cooking?"
Hosea smirks "Venison, a peace offering from the O'Driscolls" at the way the man stiffens, he shakes his head "I've made peace on your behalf, however they put a foot wrong they are out" with that he gestures to the cooked meat on the small grill "Now, help yourself as the rest of us have eaten"
He huffs, but nods "I will trust your judgement on this" with that he pulls out his hunting knife and pierces one of the steaks "Did Annabelle not catch anything?"
"She was unlucky, I don't think she is used to hunting as the Rabbit she caught barely had enough meat on to feed anyone"
He takes a bite and groans as his stomach rumbles in pleasure "I had forgotten just how delicious your cooking is, Old Friend" with that he quickly finishes the meat before taking another one "What herbs have you used this time?"
Hosea chuckles "Oregano, Thyme and some Mint. Used what I had left from my last gathering" he gestures to the pelt wrapped parcel "I've smoked and cooked most of the meat, I've already taken mine and Eliza's share ready for when we leave in the Daylight"
A soft sigh escapes his chest as he slowly swallows the last bite "Do you have to leave so soon?"
"Yes, as I made a promise and unlike some...I keep them" with that he stands, collecting his parcel before turning to face the younger man "But I will return after a month or two, once Eliza is settled and Bessie can spare me once more. Now, go make peace with Arthur, he is by the Lake as he said he'll dispose of the guts and innards in order to keep Predators at bay"
Dutch nods and huffs as he wipes the juices from his mouth while sheathing his knife "By the Lake you say?"
"Yes, he also offered to keep watch and so, I will be turning in for the night"
He watches as Hosea heads to his tent and waits until he enters and gets settled before straightening himself out and heads in the direction of the Lake.
(At the Riverbed)
Dutch pauses as he spots the open water and frowns as he glances around to find the place empty "Arthur?" A noise makes him turn and he quickly unsheathes his knife before huffing in annoyance as he spots the Felenico with his back turned to him. He shakes his head while sheathing his weapon "Damn it Arthur! I could have hurt you! Why didn't you acknowledge me? As I-" he pauses with a shocked gasp as Arthur turns to face him.
Arthur shrugs as he takes another bite from the Deers liver before popping the rest of the bloody meat into his mouth "Was kinda busy, Dutch" with that he licks the blood from his fingers, letting out a slightly drunken sounding purr "What cha want anyways?"
He slowly swallows at the sight, shivering at the slight arousal he feels at the danger the Felenico radiates and he clears his throat before speaking "Hosea mentioned that you'll be here and I-" he pauses as he straightens "-I wish to apologise for my reaction earlier"
The Felenico slits his eyes as he scents the air and smirks as he slowly eyes the man, noting the way Dutchs trousers seem to be rather tight. He raises an eyebrow and shrugs "No harm done, Hosea said that cha get kinda cranky when you ain't sleeping right" he licks the blood off his other hand before slowly approaching the older man "However, you threaten me again and I won't think twice about planting a bullet between those pretty little eyes of yours" he brushes against him as he walks pass, but pauses as a hand grabs his elbow and he cocks his head to one side as be lets out a deep growl "Let me go"
Dutch narrows his eyes as he tugs him back and against the tree "I don't care for your tone and I-" he pauses with a gasp as a knee presses against his erection and he growls at the chuckle he hears.
"Seems like someone still gets hot under danger" a smirk crosses his face at the look Dutch gives him, only for his eyes to widen as he is suddenly tugged into a possessive kiss. His eyes flutter shut at the move and he growls as he returns the it with fever, but suddenly stiffens and shoves the man away "No!"
Dutch grunts as he lands on his backside and frowns as he gazes up at Arthur "What!?" He quickly rises to his feet "What do you mean 'No'? You have wanted me for years and now you have the nerve to say No!?"
Arthur bares his teeth "You have Annabelle and besides, you made it clear that you'd "rather stick to taking real men", or had you forgotten what you said that one time?"
He looks at him in confusion "That was years ago! You are a Man now, no longer a Kid and-" he cuts off with a choked grunt as he is suddenly slammed into a tree by a hand around his throat. He stares into flinty blue eyes, noting the way they flash with gold, as the man bares his teeth at him
"I ain't wanting you no more, I don't want ta play second best...I want someone who wants me 'n' only me"
Dutch frowns as he grabs the wrist of the hand that is wrapped around his throat and croaks "Eliza is heading back with Hosea, she wanted you until you showed the Feral Beast hidden within" he narrows his eyes as the hold weakens and he growls "There aren't many who could find your temper and your wild ways attractive, I guarantee you won't find another who would accept you as I would"
Arthur thinks over the words before shaking his head as he releases him and steps out of reach "You may be right, but I ain't gonna be the one you cheat on Annabelle with" with that he turns his back on him and stalks off, melting into the shadows as he heads to do his Patrol.
He watches him go before letting out a shaky breath "Shit!" After a few minutes to calm himself, he straightens and heads back to Camp...only to frown as he spots Noel heading off for Patrol but shakes off the thought as he enters his tent for some much needed relief.
Noel smirks to himself as he watches Dutch enter his tent and slowly walks the perimeter of the Campsite, but pauses as he hears someone talking and recognises the voice being Arthurs
"Hey Girl, who's ma Pretty Gurl"
He narrows his eyes as he silently approaches, only to chuckle at the sight of Arthur petting his horse and he steps out of the shadows "Should I be jealous?"
Arthur jumps at the voice and ducks his head as his cheeks heat up "Thought yous was asleep with the others?"
He shrugs "Colm snores, so I thought I'd get on Hosea's good side by going on watch" he goes to move closer, but quickly steps back as the Shire goes to bite him
"Woah! Easy Girl!" He gently soothes her and frowns as he glances at Noel "Guess Cleo ain't that fond of you"
Noel huffs "I think she has made her stance very clear from where I am standing" he stays out of reach and gestures to the Camp "Fancy taking a walk around the perimeter with me?"
The Felenico shakes his head "Nah, I ain't gonna be good company right now"
He pouts "You sure I can't change your mind?" he goes to touch him, only to frown as the younger man steps away
"I'm not in the mood" with that Arthur turns to glare at him "I've ad my fill of people tryin' ta get into me pants 'n' I ain't in the mood for a repeat"
Noel gives him a look of hurt "You think that little of me? That I'd only want to spend time with you, just to get off?" He shakes his head "I apologise if that is the way you think of me, maybe it is best I leave you be"
Arthur looks at him in suspicion tinged with confusion "You...You really just wanted me to join ya for a walk? No funny business?"
A sad smile crosses Noels face "Why is that so hard to believe? I like you Arthur, I like you for you...not just for your looks" with that he turns and begins walking away "But if you don't feel the same, I guess it's best I go"
"W-Wait!"
Noel smirks at the word but hides it as he turns back to face the man "I thought you wanted to be left alone?"
He bites his bottom lip before giving him a shy smile "I-I think I'll like ta take you up on your offer for a walk, if ya still want me?" his cheeks heat up as Noel holds out his hand and he takes it in his as they slowly begin a gentle walk in the moonlight.