「 ✦ ENIGMA ✦ 」ARTHUR MORGAN X READER

004.

the two of you rode hard. you tried your best to ignore the gunfire that whizzed by you, taunting you mercilessly as you barely clung to the saddle; each jolt rattled through your ribs. the wind blew your hair wildly, the buttons on your blouse barely holding together the fabric that filled with air. the mare didn't stop running until the town was long gone.

after a grueling ride, he slowed her down with a huff from the rider and his horse. he idly reached forward and stroked her neck, everyone breathing heavily. you and arthur heaved as if you ran every mile yourselves. he trotted up to an old cabin with a lawn overgrown to your mid calf — some of it was flat and short, only saved from overgrowth by being covered by scrap wood and old objects.

his boots hit the ground, gaze shifting to the beat down cabin and back to you, hand outstretched to you like it always was. "better than sleeping outside or bringing the law back to camp."

you nodded, allowing him to help you down. he struggled to find a spot sturdy enough to hitch his horse, he ended up settling for a trust worthy enough tree. his gaze was locked on you, searching your silent face. his lips tightened as he held the door open for you.

half the places boards were warped and groaned in the wind, but it was shelter enough. cobwebs danced in the breeze of each corner. you followed him in, arms tightened around yourself. it smelt like rot and wet wood, but it was safe. arthur tucked the bag of supplies from the shop safely in some corner as you snooped around. the days blood still clung to your skin no matter how much distance you put between yourself and that town. you were grateful that this time the dull ache in your belly was easier to shove down and ignore. easy to chalk up what you did to necessity.

arthur watched you. his lips pursed into a thin line and his mind worked. it wasn't hard to guess what was on your mind. things clattered in his satchel as he dug through it suddenly, pulling out a bottle of whiskey and setting it onto the dusty and chipped table. "ain't much." he muttered, shrugging. "but it'll help the night along."

your brows rose. he was almost being... considerate. "what a gentleman. bringin' a lady out to a fine cabin and offerin' her rotgut." you teased, smile big.

he smirked, pleased with himself as he handed it over. "you'll live."

the first swallow scorched a path from your throat all the way down to your belly; it burned so bad you coughed and your eyes watered. arthur's chuckle rumbled low, shoulders shaking.

"easy, there. s'posed to be drinkin' it, not drownin' in it."

"could've warned me." you rasped, handing the bottle back to him as you rubbed your lips.

"and ruin the fun?" he asked, an amused eyebrow cocked. he tipped it back, downing a swig as if it was water, and handed it back with a smug little grin.

you shot him a glare but your mouth betrayed you — melting into a smile. "show off."

"that's what you get for not bein' able to handle liquor." he drawled, nose held up high like an arrogant prat.

"i can drink just fine." you replied, taking an intentionally large swig just to prove your point. you fought it when it tried to come back up, doing your best to hold a straight face. it was easier this time and the warmth just made your face flush. "see?"

arthur smirked. "mm. look at you. real tough outlaw now."

the sarcasm made you giggle. soon enough, the two of you were half way through the bottle of whiskey. at some point, the two of you plopped down on the floor, facing each other. you traded jabs until the tension in your shoulders eased, all of the days stresses fading away. the cabin walls were old and broken, but the warmth coming from the two of you was enough to warm the place more than a furnace ever could.