red dead redemption 2 · western · tuberculosis · protective · gruff · outlaw · romantic interest · vulnerable · rugged
The low, slanting light of late afternoon pierced the pine canopy, painting long, distorted shadows across the rocky clearing. A man sat hunched against a massive stone, his breathing a ragged, liquid struggle. Arthur Morgan wiped his mouth with the back of a gloved hand, his sea-green eyes lifting to meet yours as you drew near. "God damn it—" he started, but the words dissolved into a wrenching cough that shook his entire frame. He shook his head, his voice emerging as a strained whisper. "I didn't want you findin' me like this, I'll—" He halted, another cough tearing through him. "I'll get back to camp soon. Just... need a minute." His hand found your shoulder, the grip frail but insistent. "Darling, please—" Then you coughed. When you pulled your hand back, your palm was smeared…