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Arthur had been needing a break from camp as of late. While it was good to be back and have a mostly stable place to relax, he wasn't able to relax as he was constantly busy helping folks. Moving hay bales, moving supplies, listening to Dutch, Grimshaw, hell even Hosea gently got on him for his weight *again*, Sean being back and unable to filter his damn thoughts, it was going to drive him insane if he couldn't slip out for a day or two… or five.
His look of annoyance didn't go unnoticed though, Charles noticed it right away and bided his time. He would occasionally walk by Arthur and let his hand linger on the man for a moment when he knew no one would see them, just a small touch to watch the man relax and calm down slightly before giving a small thanks to Charles for helping as they went on their way.
This time though, Charles wasn't playing around as he approached Arthur. Seeing him taking a break on the outskirts of camp at the campfire, how he only looked worse and exhausted as he sat next to him.
"Need a break, Arthur?" Charles innocently enough, looking to him as he saw him huff annoyed.
"More than a damn break, more like a vacation for some peace and damn quiet." Arthur huffed out, body still tensed up like he wasn't allowing himself to fully relax.
"Well why don't we go hunting then. I overheard Pearson saying we were getting low on meat so this is a good time to get away for a bit." Charles offered to him, watching his demenour change as his shoulders relaxed.
"Sounds like a good plan to me. I'll go on and get ready, don't wait up for me."
With that Arthur took a second to get up, swearing at himself with how big he was getting and how much of a fool he looked needing to move slower. Charles didn't look at him with judgment though, simply let the man take his time getting up on his own. He would offer to help but knew better, he knew Arthur needed to prove to himself that the extra weight he was carrying wasn't a burden and he was still able to work despite it all. Even if he would need a hand, he'd rather Arthur ask him rather than him self impose himself to the situation. Seeing him fully up with a small frown on his face and mumbling to himself about his weight, Charles paid no mind to speak on it yet. There was going to be a time and place to tell Arthur he liked him like this but hunting to let him relax came first.
Getting himself up onto Taima and watching Arthur get up on his draft horse Lucifer, the horse he was suppsoed to sell for Hosea but slowly started to enjoy them and kept him for his own. Which now came in hardly cause he loved him surely but still embarrassed he needed him to ride around nowadays with the weight he was carrying as they rode out of camp and headed north.
"You got any hunting places in mind Mr. Smith? Or just needed some fresh air and some peace away from the gang."
"The latter. We can head into the woods and hunt for a bit, get a few animals so that it should be enough to feed camp for a bit at least."
"Sounds good. Be good to just be out here for a while."
Quietly the two men's horses slowly trotted in sync with one another, keeping the pace slow and simple seeing how neither of them were really in a hurry to get it done and over with. It was something for them to enjoy one anothers company that both have been missing for a bit. Neither were sure of the label on their relationship at the moment, Arthur was still struggling with his own sexuality as he was having to come to terms of liking both men and women. Charles was nothing but patient with him though, even when Arthur said nothing much he could see the way the man eased up around him in an instant even when he wasn't aware of it.
For now it stays unlabeled as they headed into the East Grizzle's forest, a bit away from camp and the perfect place for them to unwind. Slowly dismounting their horses, with Charles looking a bit more at Arthur seeing the wide man take his time getting down and grabbing his bow. A small smile on his face as they moved more into the woods before hearing Arthur swear.
"Oh goddammit. I forgot to get more arrows after last time I was out hunting."
"I can spare you some of mine no problem, Arthur. You know I always carry extra."
"I know I know. Just feel bad taking and using your arrows when I should've kept up on my own."
"Well don't feel bad. You've been busy as hell lately so makes sense it slipped your mind."
"I guess… thank you Charles. I'll be sure to repay you."
Charles nodded to him with a curt grin and handed the man a small bundle, only 15 arrows but would be enough for what they were looking for in the long run. Taking the time to find tracks and slowly move and finding the wildlife, what would've been a great show being interrupted by gunfire off to the side.
"THERE THEY ARE! I TOLDS YOU I SAW THEM COMING THIS WAY!"
"Alright Alright! So you were right so what!? Just shoot 'em!"
Pinkertons. Of course they were out and about, being here at the wrong time and place as the two men ducked for cover and slowly fired back. Charles making every arrow count for the ones in the back and Arthur taking out his revolver and making quick work of the ones in front. Using the trees to their advantage to get out without a scrape as the two walked back to find their horses gone, fleed from the gunfire and now they had to try and track them down.
After an hour of searching to no luck, calling out their names or asking folks around the area if they've seen them it all lead to nothing. They had hoped that maybe the two horses were smart enough to know the way back to camp, ran back there to let the gang know a scuffle happened… but the chances of that were very slim. It was annoying for sure, but they knew Taima and Lucifer weren't gone for good. They'll show up eventually, but with a more pressing matter at hand as Charles looked back to Arthur who looked like he was about to keel over.
"Goddammit…" Arthur huffed out as he slowed down and took a moment to get his breath. Resting against a tree taking deep heavy breaths, pushing himself more than he usually would was obvious as he swore quietly to himself. He was fat and all this running around calling out and whistling was doing him in. He looked over to Charles as the man gave him an understanding nod.
"Take all the time you need. We can get moving again when you feel up to it." Was all he said, no judgment in his voice, no annoyance, nothing bad at all except understanding. It had Arthur flushed a bit under his already flushed face that the man was patient with him, always patient with him despite how slow he was getting.
That thought came back to nip him in the back of his head, he was slow he was only getting slower as time went on. He was fully aware of his expanding body, how food was helping him cope and hunting had been a good outlet to get some anger out of his body and then eat his fill all together. He knew it was getting out of hand, hell he heard it enough from Dutch alone but it wasn't as easy to just stop at this point. He had kept proving even though he was slow he was still able, he was still a great shot, he was still able to be out of harms way and take minimal injuries when things turned sour. Yet even knowing all these things he was his one biggest issue, looking in the mirror more hateful towards himself as time went on, telling himself he looked like a mess, looked like he wasn't meant to be fighting anymore and be better sitting around in camp doing jack all.
His mind was going to run rampant before he flinched slightly at Charles hand finding itself on his shoulder. Looking up to the man and seeing the small bit of worry etched on his face, almost like he could read Arthurs mind and every negative thought he was having about himself. It was both comforting and painful in a way to be seen almost so easily, even so by another man no less.
He shook his head and let his body ease up, standing up tall going to play it off as if nothing happened like he always does. "I'm feeling better, got the wind back in me atleast. Suppose we should head to Annesburg and get a train ride into Valentine, maybe them folks have Taima and Lucifer down there."
"… Alright, Arthur. Lead the way then." Charles told him, voice being unreadable to Arthur and he knew very well that he was gonna get a talking to when they got back. Nodding softly as he took the lead and slowly made their way towards Annesburg.
While the sounds of the wind blowing past them and the quiet was great, Arthur could only stay inside his head. He knew he should talk about this, Charles would listen to him and not judge him for his issues. Yet anytime he thought about it he got a cold chill going up his back, cold feet and making him avoid it all together. It was killing him inside slowly with each day but he could never open himself up like that to him. Sure he has with the gals, but they called him over for one of the group talks and asked him about it first. Maybe he just had to hope Charles would get annoyed enough with him and talk to him about it, not let the man make excuses to run, hell not like he could run very far. He was getting exhausted again and was hoping the town was close by to take a seat and relax…
"We're here, Arthur." Charles announced and again had him get out of his own head.
Blinking his eyes and seeing the town right in his view, huffing happily at the idea of sitting down and giving his legs a break. "Well lets hurry it up then! Faster we get out tickets, faster I can sit my fatass down…"
Walking into town and going straight to the train station. He knew he was huffing up a storm of exhaustion, he was tired as hell and just wanted to take a break, kick his feet up and just relax for a moment.
"Go sit down, Arthur. I'll grab us tickets." Charles told him as they got ontop the platform. Not taking no for an answer as he moved to the ticket counter without argument.
Arthur wasn't going to argue this time though, just relieved as he sat on one of the benches outside the station and groaned with ease. Happy to sit down and take a load off as his hand found itself on his wide stomach. Feeling how soft it was under his shirt, how he knew he needed to head to Saint Denis of all places for clothes to fit him properly. Letting his head lull back and not worry this time, he could get in his head later but for now he needs to get his breathing situated. Taking deep breaths to get himself together and get his breathing underway.
All the while Charles kept stealing glances over to him, waiting for the man to hand him his tickets to himself seeing his larger partner take up a bit more than half the bench with ease. It had him smiling seeing the man relaxing a bit more after the issues they just faced, would be even better once they were on the train fully as he he heard the attendant put the tickets on the counter and told him to have a good rest of his day. Nodding back and wishing the same to the man as he made his way over to his overweight partner.
"Train should arrive soon. Just take it easy for now," Charles said as he sat besides him, felt like a tight fit but he didn't mind as he handed Arthur his ticket. "You feeling any better after giving your legs a break?"
"Much better. You never realize how much effort moving around takes till your nearly having to waddle to walk around." Arthur said with a lace of self deprecation in his voice. Looking down at his body with a small frown but quickly hid it with a grin. "Still fit to be out here though. Not like those bastards in Saint Denis who make other people do their work and laze around all day."
"You're doing great, Arthur. Don't let what Dutch says to you get to you, you're still putting in a lot of effort around camp and don't think I don't notice it." Charles looked over to him, dead serious as he placed a hand on the mans shoulder and told Arthur the truth he was holding back on. "You still put in that effort to keep up and not let it slow you down or impact you. So I'll tell you that you're doing good if no one else is cause you deserve to hear it."
"I… well. Thank you, Charles." Arthur murmured looked away from the man and was left speechless, having nothing more to say than that soft and heartfelt thank you.
While the was nothing but silence between the two men since Charles' words, neither of them were eager to fill that space. It was a content and calm quiet, both understanding what was said and letting it sit out in the open for a moment to process. It was comfortable, Arthur himself sat up a bit straighter as he rested his hands ontop of his stomach, his stomach that he looked down upon and maybe started to have a small twinge of a smile on his face. He knew deep down he was upset at himself for getting to be so goddamn soft and he made sure he let himself know that every single time he could, yet sitting besides Charles and feeling the man slightly leaning into his body had him thinking maybe it wasn’t so bad. How was still hauling his fatass around and not letting himself be a liability for the gang, still helping with robberies or doing bounty work.
Before he could think any farther the sound of the train was approaching as the two men looked towards it and started to get ready. Charles standing up first with ease as he grabbed his bag off the ground and looked to Arthur, waiting on the man but saw a smirk on his face.
"Mind helping me up, Charles? Feel like it's gonna take a bit on my own." He asked with a carefree grin, letting himself enjoy the moment as he saw Charles smile back.
"Of course, would hate to leave you behind out here."
Wasting no time Charles held his hand out to Arthurs and with a bit of effort got him up onto his feet. Feeling his own face flush a bit at getting a semblance for just how heavy Arthur really was from pulling him up to his feet. It was… nice, made him happy at the very least that Arthur is enjoying himself more now with his weight from what he said to him knowing normally Arthur would let himself take a bit to get up rather than ever ask for help. Maybe this would be the best time after all to say more as the train doors opened and the two moved inside.
It was mostly empty for the most part, only two other passengers in the front as they opted to take a seat near the back near one of the exits. Looking at then and seeing they were no bigger than the benches from the station and looked to one another.
"You might want to take it for yourself. I can sit right over here." Charles offered to sit to the side of him across the lane but saw Arthur shake his head.
"I'd rather sit… well together if that's ok. I-I know it'll be a tight fit but, wanted to talk a bit more."
"Alright then… we could probably make this work."
Taking a moment to asses the best way, Charles didn't have much of a choice but to take his seat first and pull his bag into his lap again. Sitting as far as he could to the wall before letting Arthur slowly lower himself onto the seat. It was cramped of course, but not super uncomfortable for either of them. Better being stuck between a rock and a soft place than a hard place Charles at least thought even though he was very much getting slightly smushed. He could've spoken up but as the train slowly started chugging forwards he decided against it, it wasn't everyday this was gonna happen to him after all and he wanted to atleast somewhat enjoy Arthurs softer body pressed against him in somewhat silence.
"… I really do wanna thank you again, Charles," Arthur whispered first, breaking the silence as he let one of his hands drift over to Charles own, "It's… well it's gonna take me a while to get comfortable being this big but, hell if what you said didn't ease me up a bit about it. I know it's not exactly… preferred but, still. Thank you for the kind words, Mr. Smith."
Charles looked to him and saw the soft features of his face, the soft crinkle of his eyes as the man was being genuine at what he said. Feeling his soft yet calloused hand hold Charles lightly where no one could see had his own heart threatening to beat out of his chest. If there was any time to confess how he felt this was his best shot he supposed.
"While… it's not preferred by most people, but I can say that I prefer it," He started off, taking his own thought slowly to unravel them with ease of mind. "You've been happier even if you haven't noticed, you have more of a smile on your face at times when there's downtime. It just feels like you're starting to be more 'Arthur' than what others expect of you, being yourself fully nowadays and it's. Well it's wonderful to see, even if it costed you getting fatter. I do like this look on you, you carry your weight well and I won't lie in saying it's a lot more attractive than how you looked before."
Arthur could feel his face fully flush hearing every word Charles said, feeling his mouth go dry. He really had no idea what to say back to him after that, he had always thought his larger body wasn't wanted yet here he was hearing that the man he loved wanted all of him like this. It was such a foreign idea to him that he could tell Charles had his brain working overtime to process everything and think of a response, seeing the man smile before leaning into him and pressing a small kiss to his cheek. Letting that say everything as the train ride was suddenly am even better idea than he thought it was and the best thing that's happened to him in a very long time. Sitting in comfortable silence, taking Charles hand and letting it rest atop his own ontop of his stomach just to silently show his love for him.
It wasn't to long till they got to the Valentine Station and got up and out, taking maybe a bit of extra time so Charles got to enjoy his view from behind as they set to a slow pace to go into town, hoping their horses were there at this point. Letting out a whistle and to Arthur's surprise hearing a neigh back as his horse came trotting over from the fields by the town, Taima in tow as well.
"I hope you two have enjoying yourselves while you left us to fend for ourselves," Arthur drawled out as he patted his horse, watching it nuzzle into him happily and nipping at his hair. "Alright alright, let's get back to camp. Shame the hunting was a bust."
"We could still go hunting, we have a bit of day left to get something to bring back," Charles chimed up, looking over to the man as he slowly mounted his horse. "Better than nothing."
"Fair enough. Let's get this done with then so we can go relax at camp."
With a nod the men rode out of town without an issue, going to hunt by the woods near the camp and bagging a deer each. It wasn't much but then again they did get attacked by Pinkertons and had to work with what they had. Better than nothing like Charles said as they brought the game to Pearson who was happier to say the least to have something fresh to work with as the two men went back into the camp.
As the sun was setting Arthur took a spot by the spout campfire on the edge of camp, slowly lowering himself onto the log with a grunt of effort. He was damn tired of a lot of things today from being more active than he was expected and even with resting in the train he could still feel how slightly sore he was feeling in his legs. Before he could even humor any thoughts Charles came up silently to him.
"You mind if I relax with you?"
"You never gotta ask, Charles. Take a seat."
Wasting no time the man sat next to him on the log, looking into the fire and just enjoying the company. Quiet night all around minus Sean saying whatever asinine story he was telling but they were far enough away to not hear it.
"… you really meant what you said earlier didn't you?" Arthur asked suddenly, the dryness in his mouth back but a question he needed to ask.
"I do. I wouldn't lie to you, Arthur," Charles told him plainly as he rested his arms on his legs and leaned forwards to the fire. "I like seeing you happier. To be like yourself, I know you don't enjoy being bigger with how I overhear you talking to yourself sometimes. Just wanted you to know that if anything I'm happy with you no matter what, lean or fat doesn't matter to me. Just the man on the inside."
"Well I don't think the man on the inside isn't all that good either, he sure as hell ain't happy with the man that keeps eating when he shouldn't."
"He's better than you give him credit for. Remember you telling me about the photographer you helped out? If you were as bad as you say you are you would've told him to figure it out himself," Charles reminded him before giving his stomach a light pat. "As for the man who keeps eating, well that's also the man on the inside wanting to show himself probably.
Charles had him there. He had been helping out some random strangers just because it felt right, he didn't have anything to gain from helping them yet he did. Plus he knew hwy he ate more, so he couldn't argue back either. "Alright point proven, but I ain't no saint."
"None of us are Arthur, but you're better than some people here and that's what matters. Weight and all."
"… thank you, Charles. I just. I don't know how to thank you for just… loving me like this. I feel like I'm a whole mess but you treat me like I ain't. It just doesn't feel right." Arthur admitted as he rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the flush on his face getting hotter.
"You don't need to thank me Arthur, you deserve something good too. It will feel weird for a bit but I'll be patient and take it slow. Make sure it's what you want too."
"It is. Lord above it is, I just guess taking it slow will be the best thing we can do. Thank you."
"You're welcome. Now, let's just relax and enjoy the night. We can talk about it more tomorrow."
Arthur hummed in agreement as the sun started to dip below the horizon line. The sky blossoming into beautiful colors as the two men stayed close together, sure there was bound to be someone who saw them but at the angle they were at it didn't look to bad. Not that they were all that worries, Sean had his way of making sure no one left during his stories. It was a calm and quiet night and for once, Arthur felt as if his mind wasn't against him. His thoughts more neutral and accepting tonight thanks to Charles, he was still unsure, but damn if he wasn't gonna try when the man besides him was giving him an honest chance.
Looking down and seeing Charles hand slowly raise up as a silent ask if he was allowed to take a step further, getting a silent nod from Arthur as he tried to relax as he felt the mans hand start to rub his stomach through his shirt, pressing it lightly as if testing how soft it was upclose now that the man could actually feel it. It felt… relaxing, and he would be a fool to turn down this man and all his love. They would just need to go a bit slower, but he knew he would end up alright. Maybe a bit heavier but that would be a problem for another day, a happier day in his future hopefully.