It was often he would awake before most others, as Arthur peels open his tired eyes he could hear the loud snores of Bill from ahead of him and the mumbling and shuffling of others in their sleep around him.
As Arthur stumbles to his feet he pulls on his favourite blue shirt and dark brown pants over his red union suit -which could do with a wash but he hadn't had time to get to it as of yet- on his way over to the soup pot he almost stands on a overhung passed out Uncle.
"Damnit Uncle" Arthur utters.
Arthur kneels down and pours a coffee, in the distance by the cliff he sees the outline of a figure. He recognises it right away and grabbed a second cup. Arthur makes a beeline to that figure -avoiding Uncle this time-.
"Mornin'" Arthur greets as he gave the man the second coffee
"Thanks Arthur" a deep voice answers
Arthur hummed in response.
As the man turns to look at Arthur, Arthur scans over all of his handsome features. Like his long, brown, messy hair, or the scar which travels across his cheek, the mans defined cheekbones. But mostly his eyes, deep and dark but so full of life, that was his favourite thing about Charles Smith. Arthur swears he get lost for hours in those brown orbs.
Charles curls the edge of his lip up into a small smile, as he had caught Arthur staring again, Charles sips some of his coffee and gently pressed his lips Arthur's warm temple.
"I'll see you near blackwater" Charles said as he left Arthur by the cliff walking towards Taima and galloping off
Arthur gives a small smile and heads back towards his tent, which had been set up against the ammunition wagon. Arthur picks up his Carbine and Lancaster repeaters, slinging them over his shoulder and picking up his worn out hat. The hat had scuff marks and stains that would not come out, Arthur shakes the dust off of it and pulls it on his head.
"Arthur!" Dutch calls as he makes his way towards the man.
"Dutch" Arthur responds in a low sigh
"Son, Hosea's asked to see you, and as you head out today could you pick up something for me?" Dutch asks
"Sure Dutch... what is it?" The man replies with a sigh once again
"Just a couple of packages from the post office in the name of Aiden O'Malley" Dutch pats his sons shoulder.
Arthur nods in response and strides towards Hosea.
"'Sea?" Arthur calls out.
"Arthur!" Came a slow response.
"Dutch said you needed somethin'?" Arthur inquires
"Ah, right, yes, I'm heading up to emerald ranch tomorrow, you wanna tag along?" states Hosea.
Arthur queries over it for a moment.
"Might learn somethin'" Hosea remarks.
"Ah, why not" Arthur smiles, he always enjoyed spending time with Hosea. He recognised him and Dutch as fathers from a young age, even used to call them Dad and Pa. Though that died off when the gang started to grow, as much as Dutch and Hosea understood deep down they both longed for Arthur to call them that once again.
"Alright then Arthur, I won't keep you any longer" Hosea grins.
As Arthur left Hosea he lifted his heavy saddle and took it over to Hades.
"Mornin' boy" Arthur hums.
Hades makes a small sound of protest as Arthur lifts the saddle onto his back.
"I know boy," Arthur pats his horses large shoulder, "I got some carrots for ya"
Hades sniffs at Arthur's satchel at the mention of treats.
"Hold on now, Hades. Let me tack you up first" Arthur chuckles
Said horse huffs but stays still enough for Arthur to strap up his saddle and bridle, Arthur gives him a quick brush and finally his treats before hopping up onto Hades and riding out of camp.