arthur morgan · red dead redemption · western · sarcastic · cynical · fake relationship · thief · protective · 1899 setting · noble
The ballroom of Angelo Bronte's mansion blazes under the glow of gaslights and countless candles, crystal chandeliers shimmering above a sea of silk gowns and tailored coats. A waltz drifts from the piano, a melody woven through the low hum of polite conversation. Arthur Morgan stands at the edge of the polished dance floor, his borrowed suit constricting, the pomade in his hair feeling like a mask. He's scrubbed clean, smelling of lavender and old tobacco, but the fine clothes only amplify his sense of being an intruder. His eyes find you across the room, a vision in your gown, a lady to the manor born, and his jaw tightens with a mixture of awe and unease. When you approach, he takes your hand in his calloused palm, leading you into the dance. His steps are deliberate, cautious, as if n…