─── ｡ﾟ☆: eight , yennel who? :☆ﾟ. ───

     ARTHUR WASN'T ACTING THE same, and it was starting to freak Angelica out.

     It had been a few days since the incident at Six point cabin, and neither of them spoke. Not that they talked to each other much before, but Arthur would usually do something to piss Angelica off by now, or at least glare at her when she walked by — but that wasn't the case.

     When she came out of her tent that morning, pulling her long curly hair into a loose braid. She locked eyes with Arthur. He stopped sketching in his journal, his sharp gaze seeming to soften with unspoken words as he stared at her before he stood up and made his way inside his own tent. She assumed her eyes were playing tricks on her.

     What would make him so civil to her all of the sudden?

     Angelica let her mind drift back to her conversation with John, wondering if Arthur could have possibly overheard them speaking. She felt her stomach drop at the thought. There was no way the older outlaw had heard them talking. Right? Angelica knew Arthur. He made it painfully clear he wanted nothing to do with her.

     So if he knew of her feelings toward him, then why hasn't he called her out on it yet? only a month ago, Arthur would have jumped at the chance to embarrass her, or even make a crude remark about her feelings just to ruffle her feathers — what had changed? Had he finally realized how cruel he'd been to her? or was he just waiting for the right moment to say something?

     Whatever his intentions may be, Angelica decided staying away from the outlaw would be her best option — if she wanted to avoid the embarrassment of when he finally did call her out on her stupid crush — And so that's what she did.

     Her mind was so tired of overthinking the drama with Arthur — John was right about one thing. She needed to move on and let it go. Not just because he said so, but for herself. She was an independent woman and a man like Arthur Morgan was not going to take that from her. So her decision was made as she walked up to Dutch's closed tent — she was going to Valentine, to prove to herself that she didn't need Arthur Morgan, nor did she want him.

     Angelica paused before she got to the entrance, her pale gaze drifting over to Molly O'Shea who sat outside the tent in one of her nice dresses. She looked more relaxed, better than she was a few weeks ago. Angelica never particularly liked Molly, seeing as she was one of the members of the gang that never lent a hand or went out to earn cash for the gang. But she knew how fond Dutch seemed to be of the red-headed woman. So she tried her best to be nice.

     Keyword — tried.

     "Good Afternoon Miss O'shea, is Dutch inside?"

     The fiery-haired woman allowed her emerald gaze to drift up in a lazy manner, one of her perfectly sculpted brows raising as if Angelica just asked the most ridiculous thing ever. She folded her hands over her lap, sitting straighter in her seat as a scoff passed her cherry red lips, "Well of course, why'r ye askin' me?" The woman sassed, her thick Irish accent coating her words.

     Any kindness Angelica was willing to show Molly was quickly replaced by irritation. The smile on her lips tightened as she took in a deep breath to calm her temper. She only asked a simple question, yet Molly still found a way to be a thorn on her backside.

     See why she doesn't like her?

     Angelica tapped her right foot, her eye twitching a little. "I only ask because yer' always stuck to his ass like a magnet," Angelica snipped back, her lips pulling into a satisfied grin as she watched the shock wash over Molly's freckled face. She tipped her head sarcastically as she reached for the flap of the tent, "Now if you'll excuse me — Dutch, I'm comin' in!"

     Dutch's tent was one of the best they had and always seemed to be very neat and clean. The man loved to keep up a good appearance, in looks and in the way he lived. So Angelica wasn't surprised when she walked in to see him organizing his books on the old wooden drawer he kept by his bedside.

     Angelica didn't hesitate to place a hand over her eyes as she jokingly asked, "Are you decent?"

     Dutch glanced up, an amused grin outstretched under his well-kept mustache watching as she peeked at him through the crakes of her fingers. "Yes I'm decent, you can look," He mused.

     Angelica dropped her hand from her eyes, "Just bein' safe,"

     Dutch chuckled a bit, shaking his head at her. "Is there something you need?" He questioned as he set his one of his books down, giving her his full attention.

     She nodded, "I was gonna make a run into Valentine. Was wondering' if you needed anything?"

     His dark gaze softened at her thoughtfulness, "Nothing I can think of at the moment, dear." Dutch stood up and walked over to the tent flaps, pulling them open so they could see outside. He turned to her, his expression becoming serious. "I do ask that you be careful out there, with the Pinkertons sniffing about, I wouldn't want you getting yourself into trouble."

     Angelica scoffed softly, "You don't need to worry yourself Dutch. I'm as tough as nails,"

      Dutch smiled, rubbing a hand over his face, trying to maintain his worry for her. Even though he knew she was capable of caring for herself — Dutch was one of the few people that always watched out for her. She was important to him after all. "Things happen, Angel."

     Angelica glanced up at the man she had always seen as a father, "I know."

     Dutch nodded his head at her, opening his mouth to speak — though another voice cut him off before he could, causing any lightness in the air to quickly disappear as soon as the frantic voice reached the outlaw's ears.

     "They got Micah!"

     Angelica's jaded eyes narrowed and her stomach tightened as she rushed out of the tent with Dutch hot on her heels. It didn't take long for the rest of the members of the gang to join, their faces holding a look of concern as they wondered what the yelling was about. Soon they were able to see young Lenny as he broke through the tree line on his horse. His dark eyes were wide and fearful, sweat beading his forehead in pools from his obvious panic.

     "Dutch! Arthur! They got Micah!"

     Arthur suddenly appeared as soon as his name was shouted, his rough features curious as he assessed the worried boy in front of him. "What's goin' on?"

     Lenny slide off his horse and rushed over, his breathing coming out in huffs as he tried to calm himself. Angelica stood close by, her face pinched in concern for the younger man. What did Micah do now?

     "He's been arrested for murder — he was in Strawberry and—"

     Angelica took a step forward and placed a hand on his shoulder, willing him to look down at her. "Calm yourself Len, It's okay. Just take a deep breath and tell us what happened."

     The boy visibly relaxed under her touch, nodding his head as he did as instructed. After a few deep breaths, he sighed and turned his gaze to look between Arthur and Dutch.

     "They nearly lynched me— They— They got Micah in the sheriff's in Strawberry and there's talk of hanging him." Lenny finally explained.

     Arthur let out a scoff, "Here's hoping,"

      Dutch shot the man a pointed stare, unamused. "Arthur," He scolded, causing the man to snap his gaze over.

     "What?" Arthur asked, his thick brows shooting up. "That fool brought this on himself — you know my feelings about him Dutch,"

     Angelica couldn't help but agree. Micah was a complete idiot in her opinion — let's not forget how disgusting he is around women — The man deserved to be hung.

      Dutch shook his head, his lips pulling into a tight line. "You think I can't see past his bluster to the heart inside? He is a fine man."

     Angelica couldn't stop the loud snort that came from her nose. Everyone snapped their attention to her, but she was only looking at Dutch. The Conti woman chuckled lightly. Did Dutch actually believe that?

     "Fine man he is — a fine man indeed." She nodded, the sarcasm dripping from her words causing a disappointed frown to grow on Dutch's face. Angelica glanced at Lenny as he went to sit down at a table. She drug her gaze back to Dutch, "You don't actually believe that, right?"

     "Angelica, don't start." Dutch bushed off, causing her to scoff. He glanced back at Arthur with an expecting look on his face. "Son, please."

     Arthur shook his head, glancing down at Angelica for a fleeting moment. "No, I ain't savin' that fool."

     "I can't go!" Dutch was quick to rebut, waving an arm as he glared at Arthur desperately. "My face will be all over West Elizabeth. I am asking."

     "Are you?" Angelica mumbled under her breath, but went unheard as Dutch continued to beg.

     "He would do it for you."

     Arthur gave him a deadpanned look, his lips pursing. "I don't think he would, but—" He paused, his blue eyes settling on Angelica. He was silent for a moment before he spoke again. "Fine. I'll go — Only if Angelica comes with me."

      Dutch looked pleased for a moment, happy the man agreed. But when Arthur's words finally registered in his head, his eyes rounded and his mouth parted as he tried to form a sentence. "Arthur—"

     Angelica stood frozen in her spot. Green eyes locked on the man who so boldly requested her company. She glanced at Dutch, who looked more than ready to grab Arthur by the throat and shake him around. She was at a loss of words. Arthur had treated her so bad, took out his anger on her, for reasons she didn't understand — And now he wanted her help?

     This made her feel even more confused. She decided then that Arthur Morgan was definitely bipolar.

     Angelica stared at Arthur for a long moment, her green eyes pooling with uncertainty. She didn't give Arthur's actions too much thought, her nerves playing in her stomach like rolling waves. She turned her gaze back to the frazzled boy, moving to sit next to him.

     "You okay, Lenny?" Angelica asked, reaching forward to place a comforting hand on his knee.

     A weak smile twitched at his lips, "Yeah, of course I'm okay."

     "You don't seem okay," Arthur noted, causing Angelica to glance up at him for a brief moment. He stared back at her, then Lenny, his eyes clouded with unspoken concern for the other male.

     Angelica wondered how Arthur could do that. Be unkind to her one second, then compassionate to someone the next. The man really needed to get his priorities straight.

     "You take that kid into town — Valentine, not Strawberry." Dutch suddenly spoke, his dark gaze set on Angelica. He then glanced over at Arthur, there was a little tension in his eyes. "And Arthur, no crazy business."

     "Wait, you want us to take him?" Angelica spoke up, now sitting a little taller in her seat. He had to be joking. "But Dutch—"

     "Angelica, please." The man said, cutting her off. "You and Arthur are one of the only few people I trust. You can take Lenny with you to Valentine, and then you can go get Micah out of that jail."

     Arthur Morgan watched as Dutched turned around and went back to his tent, Molly hot on his heels. His rough features twisted into agitation, turning to glance at Angelica who wore the same expression as him. What Dutch says goes.

     A deep sigh came from Arthur, "Come on, son." He motioned for Lenny to get up before glancing at Angelica, "You too, Sweetheart. Let's go."

     Angelica felt her temper spike at the pet name, and she wanted to smack the man upside his head. "Don't call me that,"

     Lenny glanced between the two outlaws before shaking his head, a tiny sigh passing his lips. "This should be fun."

          It definitely would.

━━━━━━━

     The ride into Valentine was utterly awkward in Angelica's opinion.

     It wasn't like she was trying to make it awkward — but Arthur wasn't helping the situation at all — His standoffish attitude and brutish grunts were even making Lenny uncomfortable. And speaking of the young man, he was riding beside Angelica the whole way, his face looking rather torn on what to say or do.

      It wasn't until they finally made it to the saloon, Arthur taking a place at the bar while the other two outlaws followed his lead, did they break the tense silence around them.

     "Just a few drinks, right guys?" Lenny asked somewhat nervously, seeing as the last time he went drinking with someone, it ended up with him nearly getting killed and his companion getting thrown in jail.

     Angelica took a moment as she pressed her hip into the aged counter in between the two men, knocking her knuckles on the wood as she signaled for the bartender. She gave Lenny a side-ways look, her lips pressing into a straight line as she nodded, "Just a couple of beers, don't worry kid, we won't let anything happen — we aren't that trigger happy idiot."

     Arthur let his blue eyes trail over to the woman beside him as a beer was placed in front of him, the corners of his mouth unintentionally twitching upward at her brazen words about Micah. He knew of her distaste for the other man. And what Arthur enjoyed the most about Angelica's hatred was the fact she wasn't afraid to show it — there was plenty of times when she 'accidentally' tripped Micah or elbowed him in the gut when he got to close.

    As the bartender finally turned his attention to the newcomers, his eyes rounded when he recognized the two faces in front of him, "You two — I don't want no trouble"

    Arthur was quick to raise his hands, facing his palms toward the man in a form of surrender. "And you'll get none from us — we was defending ourselves." He explained.

     The bartender spluttered for a moment, shaking his head quickly. "Tommy—"

     "What? That big ol' man will be fine." Angelica said with a crooked smile as she fluttered her lashes at the bartender, causing a deep flush to work upon his whiskered face. She reached in her pocket before laying something on the bar. It was a gold coin. "Here, have this." She winked, causing a smile to slip onto the bartender's face as he gave her a look of understanding.

     "Thank you, Miss."

     Angelica only smirked as the bartender went back to minding his own business. Arthur had tilted his head down, the tip of his gamblers hiding his eyes as he watched her from his perivial vision.

     "Micah seemed to know a lot of people — that was the problem." Lenny suddenly spoke up, pulling the attention of the two older outlaws beside him.

     Arthur felt his right brow crinkle as he made a face, turning his head to look across at the stressed boy. He lifted a hand, scratching at the tiny scar on his chin. "How you mean?"

     Lenny sighed, "I mean, I done seen a lot of crazy, crazy stuff. But Micah—"

     "I seen a lot of crazy, crazy stuff."

      Angelica made a face at the sudden sound of a new voice. This one being slurred, mocking, and obviously unaware of how rude he sounded. She leaned over to look around Arthur, only to find a very drunk man swaying at the bar beside him. He looked about ready to pass out from all to the beer he had been drinking, and it was clear he was eavesdropping on their conversation.

     "Will you shut up," Arthur drawled as his calloused hand tightened around his beer bottle. The other man only laughed, and continued to copy what Arthur had said. The look on the Morgan's face flattened, his grip on the beer tightening as he tried to keep his temper at bay. "Be quiet, buddy."

     Angelica could tell Arthur was on the edge of losing his temper with the other man, and she found herself about to move around the bigger man so she could get rid of the drunk, but what happened next had her frozen on the spot. As the drunk let out another loud laugh, taking large drinks from his beer, Arthur finally slammed a hand on the bar and turned to face the drunk.

     "Listen buddy, You're a charming fellow — one of the best." The tone of Arthur's voice suddenly became kind, giving the man pat on the shoulder as he glanced back at Angelica and Lenny. The two nodded in agreement with his words, unable to say anything as Arthur carried on buttering the man up. "But me and my friends here, we're trying to talk business. So could you possibly leave us alone — no offense intended."

     The drunk blinked at Arthur for a moment. There was a disappointed scowl on his face, and to Angelica's relief, he nodded. "Ain't no pleasing some folk — was just tryin' to be friendly." he grumbled as he stumbled away.

     Angelica raised a brow at Arthur, watching as he moved back to the bar and took a long drink from his beer. She would be lying if she said she wasn't impressed with how he handled that drunk. Usually, he'd lose his temper and do something rash, but this time he really surprised her. He was definitely sick. She thought to herself, peeking at him from the corner of her eye.

     Lenny and Arthur shared a look before the older male let out a snort and held out his beer to Lenny. The boy smirked and lifted his own bottle, connecting it with Arthurs and creating a loud clink before they both lifted the alcohol to their lips and took a long swig.

     Angelica pursed her lips, rolling her eyes at the two males beside her. Men. As the two dived back into a conversation, seeming to forget she was even standing there beside them. Angelica let her gaze drag around the saloon. A sly grin slipped onto her face as her pale eyes locked on a familiar figure sitting alone — Niklaus Anderson.

     Angelica still knew little to nothing about the man, but maybe that is what grabbed her attention the most. His mysterious persona drew her in like a moth to a flame, and Angelica was ready for the challenge of getting to know him. She glanced back at Arthur and Lenny, the two still talking and joking with each other.

     They won't notice me gone.

     Without a word, she slipped away and approached the lonely man.

     "I see you're still in town," Angelica grinned as she slipped into an empty spot beside Niklaus.

     The man quickly snapped his gaze up to her, his bright eyes rounding a little. The corner of his mouth twitched before a devilish smirk blossomed on his face. "Don't sound so disappointed, I might think you don't like me."

     Angelica shared his smirk and shook her head, "Maybe I don't"

     Niklaus chuckled, "Such a tease." His blue eyes flickered around the bar for a fleeting moment, a curious gleam sparking in his gaze. "Are you here alone?"

     "No, I actually came with a couple of gents. But they seem to have forgotten my company, I hope you don't mind me sitting with you." Angelica admitted, her green eyes flickering over to Lenny and Arthur. She was surprised when she saw them no longer drinking. No. They were staring directly in her direction.

     So much for not noticing.

     Niklaus lifted his glass to his lips and took a small sip, shaking his head before saying. "That's quite alright. Would you like to share a few drinks?" He questioned, his eyes playing on Angelica.

     At the offer, her smirk softened into a smile. She let her gaze travel back over to her two gang mates, her eyes locking with Arthur's. His gaze was narrowed and his shoulders seemed tense; A soft sigh left her lips as she returned her attention back to the man across from her. She sent him a lop-sided grin and tapped the surface of the table with her knuckles. "So, about those drinks?"

━━━━━━━

     "Why are you so much better at drinking than I am?" Niklaus cackled, leaning back in his seat as he watched Angelica down another shot of whiskey.

     She shrugged, popping her lips while smirking across at him. "A woman never reveals her secrets, Mr. Anderson."

    Neither of them knew how long they had been sitting there, laughing and drinking. But Angelica did know one thing. She really enjoyed Niklaus and his company — She couldn't remember the last time a man had made her laugh so much. He matched her personality so well. His sarcastic remarks and similar sense of humor had her giggling over everything he said.

     Angelica had completely forgotten about Arthur.

     Well, she did until he came crashing into the seat beside her, his blue eyes clouded in a drunken haze.

    "Have you seen Yennel?" He slurred, leaning so close to Angelica, she could smell the hard liquor on his breath.

    "Yennel, who?" Angelica giggled, her own drunken mind making his actions amusing. "Do you mean Lenny?"

     Arthur snapped his head up, his eyes rounding as he started to frantically nod his head. "Yes! Lneny—" The man stopped, his brow crinkling as he couldn't pronounce the name for some reason. He mumbled under his breath for a few seconds before his gaze trailed back to Angelica's face, "You know.. You kinda look like 'em,"

     Angelica gasped, "I do not!" She turned to Niklaus with wide eyes. "Do I look like Lenny?!"

     Niklaus leaned forward, squinting his eyes as his gaze trailed over her face for a second. "No, you look drunk."

     Angelica slapped her hand on the table, "Who's Drunk?!" She exclaimed, glancing between the two men now. "My names Angiel!"

     "I'm Drunk!"

     Another voice shouted from somewhere in the saloon, earning a hoot from Niklaus.

     "Yes you are, good sir!"

      Arthur gazed at Angelica for a moment before reaching over and tapping her on the shoulder. He lowered his voice into a whisper as he said, "We gotta find him, Angel. Lemmy is in here somewhere."

      Angelica's face grew serious as she took in the man's words. Lenny was missing. They needed to find him. She turned her pale eyes back to Niklaus, clumsy standing from her seat. "I-I gotta help find Lenny, will I see you again?"

     Niklaus frowned but nodded his head as he stood up as well. "Yes. I have to leave anyway, it's getting late and—"

     "That's great to hear partner, now get lost. We gotta find our friend." Arthur voiced suddenly, grabbing Angelica by the arm and leaving her no room to speak as he pulled her away.

      "Hey! That was extremely rude!" Angelica whined as the outlaw began his search.

       "I don't like that feller," Was his reply, still searching through the people as he made his way to the stairs.

     Angelica followed behind him, a tiny pout on her face. "Well I like him — he's nice."

     Arthur scoffed, a tiny hiccup following soon after. "You think everyone's nice,"

    "They're a lot nicer than you,"

     "What's that supposed to mean?" Arthur snapped, coming to a full turn when he finally made it to the top of the stairs. Angelica nearly stumbled back from his sudden movements.

      She went to fire something back, but a familiar face broke her train of thought and she was rushing away. "Lenny! I found you!" She gushed, wrapping her arms around the younger male.

      "Angel?" He questioned, blinking down at her slightly confused. "Are you drunk?"

    The shorter woman scoffed, "No!" She hiccuped, "I'm not even sober." This earned another confused look from the younger male.

     Arthur pulled her back and stumbled into her place, grabbing Lenny by the shoulders. "There you are, son of bitch, don't worry me like that."

     Before anyone could process what was happening, Arthur lifted his hand and laid a harsh slap across Lenny's face. The younger man stumbled back, his face looking stunned as he blinked back at the older man. A tiny noise that sounded like a gasp, mixed with a giggle, slipped past Angles lips as she stared at the two men wide-eyed.

     And Arthur, even though he had slapped Lenny, looked shocked himself.

     "Lenny I—"

      Another loud smack sounded through the saloon as Lenny slapped Arthur back, causing him to fall onto the railing. It was silent for a moment. Angelica looked at Lenny, then at Arthur, then back at Lenny before they all burst into a fit of laughter.

     "More drinks?" Angelica giggled, her eyes shimmering with tears from laughing so hard. The others nodded, and so they drank.

     ━━━━━━━

      A few hours later, Angelica found herself stumbling outside before she found herself in a bed curled up to someone she couldn't see the face of.

     The last thing she remembered before she fell into a drunken haze was a set of sea blue eyes and a pair of rough lips on hers. It was then followed by one voice that mumbled something in her ear.

     "Yer' mine, Angel."

arthurs note:
wowowow that was crazy to write. what do y'all think of Niklaus? he's honestly one of my fav oc's to write :)

but quick question.

Do you guys like the long chapters, or do you prefer shorter chapters???

I've been writing long chapters, bc I plan for the book to hold the whole game play, and I think wattpad books are limited to only 100 chaps per-book. So just let me know!!

Stay safe !!

words - 4373
edited - ★ (yes)