Arthur's arms are wrapped around you, your head safely nestled on his chest. He looks so at peace when he sleeps that you could stare at him for hours. His face lightly dusted with a 5 o'clock shadow, looked angelic, his scars perfectly framing his rugged features. Arthur was a large guy who could and often did, instill fear in any man he wanted to but to you, he was gentle, soft, and sweet. You press a light kiss to his chest as you remember how he soothed you yesterday, his arms instinctively tighten around you.

Photo credit: Instagram Sadiexarthur

As you settle back against his chest you're struck with the sudden urge to pee.

"God damnit." You mutter to yourself. Why was it always when you were so comfortable?

Sighing, you untangle yourself from Arthur, maybe if you're quick you can get back in bed before he's up. Pulling on your clothes you pad quickly from the tent in search of relief.

"Morning Y/N. How're you feeling after yesterday?" Abigail asks, pouring herself a coffee by the fire.

"Better thanks."

"Dutch was outta line yesterday, you've been through enough." She comes closer cradling her coffee in her hands.

Glancing around to ensure no one can hear she leans close, you can smell the coffee in her cup, scrunching your nose as the smell sets your stomach-churning.

"Look, John told me, he and Arthur have been talking about Dutch. They're worried about the way he's acting, John said they're planning on getting us out. Starting fresh just the five of us, or maybe with a few of the others if they want."

Your eyes widen, Arthur wanted out too?

"We'll talk more later, I gotta go get Jack up. Just keep your head down." She smiles at you before heading over to her tent.

A fresh start. You'd been dreaming of this for so long, long before Blackwater, long before Colm, long before realizing Dutch had changed. Fear of what would happen to Arthur if he continued as Dutch's right-hand man had outweighed your own selfish desires to live a normal life with him. A life where you and he could own a small home, with your own land, maybe even get a dog. Your domestic dream had been just that, a dream, but now Arthur wanted out too. Your mind races as you stand by the fire.

"Earth to Y/N?" Lenny waves his hands in front of your face, snapping you out of your thoughts.

"What are you doing?" he asks, his eyebrow raised in confusion

You realize you must look crazy, standing alone, staring into the distance, at the first crack of dawn.

"Peeing!" you blurt out.

Lenny's brows shoot up as his eyes widen and a blush creeps up his face.

"I mean I just came out to use the outhouse. Excuse me." You rush away, leaving him confused.

Hopefully, you can relieve yourself quickly and talk to Arthur before everyone is up.

Walking back to camp and mulling over what you know you begin to hear raised voices. Someone is clearly arguing. What now? You groan to yourself and pick up the pace.

"Stay the hell away from Y/N!" Arthur's voice booms.

"I told you, son, I'm sorry, you have to calm down!"

"Calm down, calm down!? Did you see the state she was in? You did that to her, and for what? So, you and that son of a bitch Micah can go running off to kill Colm?"

"He deserves to die for what he did to me, and now for what he did to Y/N." Dutch grits through his teeth.

"She ain't ready Dutch."

You push past Karen and Tilly to see Arthur and Dutch facing off like two alpha males in the middle of the camp. The whole gang now apparently awake and watching the exchange nervously.

"Damn, I ain't ever seen Arthur go at Dutch like this before. Honestly, it's kinda hot." Karen remarks to Tilly who quickly shushes her.

"You're going soft Arthur; you know that we have to strike now, or we'll never get the chance. You've only started questioning me since she came along."

"Y/N has nothing to do with it, you're becoming reckless Dutch, like an old fool, and it's gonna get us all killed!"

Dutch grabs Arthurs shirt pulling him close, his lip curling in anger.

"Watch how you speak to me son. She's filling your head with nonsense, and I won't stand for it any longer."

You have to put a stop to this; you can't stand the thought of them arguing over you but as you run forward you feel yourself yanked backward by an arm as John's voice rasps in your ear.

"Don't. This needs to happen."

And so, you watch from John's grasp. Helpless to the powder keg that threatens to explode in front of you.

"Let go of me Dutch before I do something I regret." Arthur's tone is dangerous.

Letting go of Arthur he steps back, arms outstretched in a cockiness only Dutch could pull off.

"Something you'll regret? Go on then Arthur, let's settle this. Draw your gun..."

"NO!" you scream and struggle from John's grip. Pushing yourself in front of Arthur and grabbing his arms.

"Arthur, please stop this. This is insane!"

"Y/N, move I'm finishing this." His eyes don't leave Dutch as he growls.

"Arthur, no you can't!" you plead.

"John, get her out of here!"

You see John walk over ready to pick you up. You had to put an end to this, they were going to kill each other. Thinking quickly, you spin and face Dutch.

'I'll help you! Dutch, I'll tell you everything. Anything you need to know."

"Y/N you don't..." Arthur begins but you cut him off.

"I mean it. Everything Dutch, let's end this feud once and for all."

Dutch doesn't say anything at first, he just regards you with curiosity.

"Well, it's what you want isn't it?"

He strokes his mustache, nodding slowly, still watching you.

"Then let's stop fighting and I'll help you end this." You stare him down.

"And when we end it? What then?"

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. So, what do you say?" your voice steady and determined.

Slowly, his hand raises to yours. You shake it, feeling like you're making a deal with the devil.

The gang begins to disperse. Dutch heading to his tent, no doubt to begin planning his next steps, only John and Abigail remain behind, and Arthur. Arthur is looking at you with concern.

"Y/n, you didn't have to do that. I had it handled!"

"You were going to kill him, Arthur." You deadpanned.

"What do we do now?" John asks.

Arthur slings his arm around you, drawing you in close and kissing your hair.

"Now, we go along with whatever Dutch has planned. We keep our heads down and wait for an opportunity. Abigail, you still know where the stash is?"

"Yea, it's in an old graveyard just outside Rhodes"

"Good, think you can get the key?"

She nods enthusiastically as John looks at her proudly. So, this was really happening, Arthur really did want out. Better still, he had a plan too.

The camp is tense for the rest of the day, Arthur and Dutch kept their distance and Susan was unusually quiet, not demanding any chores for the day. Karen, Tilly, and Mary-Beth were gossiping about the morning and you couldn't listen to it anymore, so you busied yourself with Abigail and Jack, making daisy chains by the stream.

"Look Auntie Y/N, it's for you!" he holds up a small daisy chain, a proud look on his face at his creation.

"Oh Jack, it's so pretty but I don't think that will fit over her head." Abigail chuckles and lovingly strokes his head.

"That's okay I'll wear it like a crown. See, perfect!" you place the chain on your head as Jack claps happily.

"A crown fit for a princess." A familiar drawl speaks behind you.

"Uncle Arthur!" Jack bounds up to him. Arthur scoops him up with one arm, a coffee balanced in his other, and spins him, much to Jack's delight who squeals gleefully. Your heart practically bursts from your chest at the sight.

"You making moves on my woman Jack, giving her jewelry?"

He shakes his head smiling as Arthur sets him down. He presses a kiss to your temple as he sits by you. The smell of his coffee hits your nose, and you fight the urge to gag as your stomach churns.

"Arthur, that coffee smells rotten."

"Smells fine to me." He sniffs the cup curiously before draining its contents.

"See, just Pearson's usual crappy brew."

Abigail watches the exchange, a knowing brow arching as she catches your eye. You frown confused by her look, questioning her with your eyes in a way only women know-how.

Arthur is oblivious to the silent conversation happening, distracted, his eyes are squinting across the water at something moving closer.

"The hell is that?" he asks standing, hand hovering over his gun.

You both follow his gaze, spotting the figure that was now standing on the opposite bank.

"Get behind me," Arthur commands, drawing his gun and aiming it at the man.

Abigail draws Jack close behind you both, blocking him from view.

"Stop right there. The hell you want?" Arthur shouts across.

"P-please, don't shoot I'm here for Y/N!"

"Ain't no Y/N here now move along."

Abigail pushes you back behind her, trying to hide both you and Jack.

"I-I-I..."

"Stop stuttering man and get lost!" Arthur's anger rising as he pulls back his gun's hammer

The man, either stupid or insane, raises his hands and continues to walk forward.

"Not another step!"

"You don't understand I have to warn her!"

You peek from behind Abigail and see the man before Arthur. His eye black, his lip is split, and blood stains his shirt.

"Keiron?"

You step beside Arthur, who puts his arm out stopping you from moving closer.

"Arthur, I know him, it's okay."

His gun doesn't budge, still firmly aimed at Keiron's head, but he drops his arm.

"Y/N, he knows where you are. You have to leave." Keiron's voice sounds desperate as he speaks.

This can't be happening. No, you'd got away, this wasn't happening. Your face pales as you realize what he means.

"Who knows kid?" Arthur questions, stepping forward with his guns still raised.

"Colm Sir, he knows where she is, and he wants her back."