Good Old West

"Give me a shout if something tries to bite your toes off!" Said Asa, amused at the idea.

He returned to his beans, and after finishing them and looking around to check Oscar was still gone, put a sugar cube in his mouth. He liked the occassional treat, same as Zefir.
Speaking of his mare, he stood up and approached her to offer some sugar. And... Then also gave some to Houyi. He couldn't just not treat the both of them!.

And so they waited for Oscar to return, the three of 'em, while Asa brushed Zefir. He was maybe, hoping to see the other man with his hair down, it was a good look on him.
 
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Oscar sat by the stream and undid his braid, his hair falling around his face in wavy strands. Leaving his clothes by the riverbank, he stepped into the stream, relishing the feeling of flowing water over his worn body, washing away the muck and grime of travel. He quickly scrubbed himself down, for although he enjoyed the feeling of the water he didn't fancy getting bitten by anything living in it.

Finally emerging from the water, Oscar shivered as the cold nighttime air hit his bare skin. He's never been one to handle cold well. Towelling himself dry and slipping back into his clothes, he returned to their campsite, finding Asa waiting by the horses. Houyi noticed his arrival and immediately started nosing for treats, which made Oscar raise an eyebrow at Asa.

"You already treated him, didn't you?" He stroked Houyi's muzzle affectionately, pushing him away from digging into his pockets. "Greedy bastard, give him one cube and he wants ten more. Oh, by the way- if you wanna shower now's your time to."
 
"Ohm?“ Said Asa, too busy appreciating Oscars hair to answer for a second.

"Ahhh maybe. You treat 'em next time. I'll go get clean. Eh, now." He said licking his teeth for the remains of sugar and giving Zefir one final pat before heading off towards the stream.

Once there, let his hair down. It wasn't that long, never had been. But the hair tie was the one thing he had from Morrisey, so he always liked to wear it. It was old, though. So maybe he ought to get a new one soon.

Leaving those thoughts for the long hours of guard he'd be busy with next, he stripped, throwing his clothes somewhere nearby.
It was cold, but the water felt nice on his skin. Like somehow this water in a new land could wash his past sins away. And still... Asa Davis couldn't imagine a life without crime. Not yet anyway.

"Stop overthinking and wash your ass ya idiot." He muttered to himself after a bit.

When he returned, it was with the hair tie around his wrist, and his shirt off so it wouldn't get wet. He'd taken a bit too long, so he figured he could dry while watching the camp.
 
Oscar sat around the campfire, thumbing the page of a well-worn book as he waited for Asa to return. It was a novel by a fella named Mark Twain that he's owned for quite some time and had probably memorised by this point. He longed for a new book or two to read to pass the time, but they hadn't been able to grab anything other than the most vital supplies for their escape. This "Adventures of Tom Sawyer" was the only book that he'd been able to bring along out of his small collection. Unfortunate, but at least he'd be free to grow his collection in the future.

As he read, Oscar heard the footsteps approaching from the riverbank, and turned to look in the direction where Asa was approaching.

"Took you long enough," he called out, the teasing lilt evident in his tone. "Was thinkin' maybe I had to go pull you out, after all!"

As Asa approached, Oscar's eyes flickered to the well-toned lines of the man's torso, the bare expanse of skin still glistening damp from the river, though he turned his attention elsewhere quickly enough. "Not afraid you're gonna catch a cold, eh?"
 
Asa laughed along with Oscar's teasing.

"Naw, I'll be fine." He said, appreciating the concern still. Even if he didn't say anything.

"you should try to get some sleep, though. I'll be waking you in a few hours." He added, going to where he'd left Zefir's saddle so he could get a repeater to stand guard with.

Then, he returned to his bedroll, sitting on it. He didn't miss the book Oscar must've been reading. Hm, he had never been big on reading. Not after that awful school.
 
"Alright then, I suppose I shall." Oscar yawned again, putting the book aside, now thoroughly drowsy. Clambering into his own bedroll, he mumbled a "goodnight" before settling in and drawing the cover of the bedroll over himself. It didn't take much time for him to fall asleep, the day's events but a distant worry in the back of his mind as he drifted off.
 
Asa settled, making sure to keep his eyes open at least for the first hour. After which, he should really have been paying more attention.

He would have noticed the horses getting fidgety, the way the ambience... Quieted considerably. No birds, not even in the distance.
It wasn't until the second hour of his watch that it finally dawned on him that something was really wrong. The horses had their ears pinned back, and Zefir looked like she was about to run off. A stubborn, brave mare like her didn't run off. Not after this long.

He would've heard people by now, so he clutched his repeater tight and very slowly moved to quietly wake Oscar.

Around them, a hungry predator was already watching the strange group. Only wary because of the flickering flames of the campfire. But it moved in fast, rustling through the bushes and making Asa scream when he saw what was hunting them.

The first shot missed.
 
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Oscar woke to the sound of gunfire and screaming, both animal and man. Immediately the grogginess from sleep was cast off and he scrambled out of the canvas folds of his bedroll, blindly reaching for the revolver than he kept beneath the headrest and loading it.

"What's going on-" the query died in his throat as his vision adjusted to the darkness, aided by the dimming orange flames of the campfire, and he locked eyes with the beast, every muscle tensed in its powerful body, maw open, glowing green eyes thirsty with bloodlust. It was moving rapidly through the bushes, its shadows being cast on the barks of nearby trees like a deadly premonition, bounding straight towards them. A visage of a nightmare, and Oscar was staring right into its face.

His heart lurched in his chest and started pounding rapidly, every muscle in his body having tensed up and sprung like a coil, ready to bolt. No- he had to defend the campsite. It was as if time itself had slowed to a crawl, dragging out a single moment into eternity as Oscar pointed his revolver at the head of the cougar and took his shot-

The shots landed on the cougar's forehead and pelt, but it scarcely even slowed the advancing beast down. Rather, it seemed to only have served the purpose of giving them a single moment of detraction as the cougar roared in pain and bounded a few steps back, now fully angered and circling them, looking for the next opportunity to strike. Oscar cursed as he fumbled to reload the bullets in his revolver - something had to be done now and fast, or one of them wasn't going to leave this campsite alive.
 
"Shitshitshitshit... Get to the hors-" He was interrumpted by a roar from the cougar, and Asa saw Zefir panic and run off into the dark of the forest.

He was also scared, holding his repeater with shaking hands. Knowing he wouldn't land a shot, he got a grip on Oscar's arm.

"When I kick, we get on Houyi and run" He said, barely giving the other a few seconds to process it. The cougar was circling them, and when it was just in front of them Asa kicked the campfire towards it as hard as he could.

For now, the beast startled at the burning and ash that went in its direction. Thanks to that and Oscars aim, now they had a chance to flee.
 
As soon as Asa kicked the campfire into the face of the cougar, Oscar broke into a sprint towards Houyi, dragging Asa along with him by his arm in a death grip. The bay steed's eyes were wide and it was snorting with panic, although still holding its ground. Oscar thanked whichever god was listening above for Houyi's ability to stay calm under pressure, jumping into the saddle and pulling Asa up behind him. "Hold tight!" He hollered, urging Houyi into a sprint.

It soon became clear, however, to Oscar that they would most likely not be able to outrun the cougar, which for now was still contending with the flames licking at its maw, letting out anguished roars that pierced through the night. Houyi wasn't bred for speed, and now with the added weight of Asa on his back, it was more than likely that the cougar would catch it to them if it decided to give chase. Grabbing the shotgun from the holster where it was stowed, Oscar turned to pass it to Asa.

"You keep a lookout for the cougar, I'm going to steer Houyi. If your repeater runs out of ammo, use this!"
 
His next shot missed again. Now they were on their own, galloping in the darkness. It was already a bloody miracle they weren't running into any trees.

The cougar made a run for them, but this time Asa's shot did hit it. It wounded the beast somewhere on its lower body, but probably because of the chase, it didn't slow down much. It stopped it from tackling them though... Still, they wouldn't get far like this.

Zefir joined them in their attempt at an escape, and it offered a... Disgusting, opportunity at an escape. He'd take it if he had to. So he aimed at the cougar again and pulled the trigger.

He missed, the cougar was too close now.

"When I shoot next, cross into the stream for a bit.“ He told Oscar.

The next thing he aimed for was not the cougar.
 
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At the sound of the shot Oscar steered Houyi in the direction of the stream, the running water splashing under Houyi's hoofs. It took a moment for the cry of pain to process for Oscar, but when it did his heart dropped. Those were not the angered grunts of a cougar, but the panicked cry of a wounded horse. For a moment, the questions raced through Oscar's mind- surely Asa couldn't have missed a shot that badly? Surely he would take care not to aim at his beloved steed? But he noticed the tightening of Asa's grip on his shirt, the absolute silence from him, Zefir's cries carried away by the howling wind whipping past them, and he realised - oh. Asa didn't miss his shot.

They rode down the stream in silence, the weight of what had just transpired hanging heavy like a death veil between them. Neither of them cared to break the silence. Oscar's mind was still racing, still trying to process what had happened, but the first signs of grief was starting to set in. He couldn't imagine being in Asa's position and having to make the decision that he did - having to sacrifice his own horse in exchange for their survival - the very thought was agonising, and Oscar's heart ached for Asa and his fallen companion both.

Eventually the narrow mouth of the stream opened up into an expansive lake, and Oscar urged Houyi to the side for a break. Their scent should've been long washed off in the stream, and the cougar - well. It wouldn't be going hungry tonight, and most likely was no longer in pursuit of them.

"Do you..." he started hesitantly, not sure how to approach the situation. "Are you alright?"
 
Her cries would probably haunt him until he was cold in his grave. Or burning in hell as he deserved for this betrayal.

Maybe it was god punishing him for not paying more attention. It could be so many things... He didn't even notice he was almost clawing at Oscar's sides until he spoke. Until they stopped by the lake, and he opened his mouth to try and answer.

"No" He didn't have the heart to lie, not to Oscar. Not now.

"I... Fuck. We're alive. I'll manage" He said quietly, ending with a sniffle. Shit, this was supposed to be an adventure they'd live through together, the four of them. She'd taken him this far. To die like this?. It was cruel and nothing else.

They had to keep going, she was just a horse. Maybe if it had been a different animal that had died, Asa would listen. But Zefir was so much more than that... It felt like a piece of himself had been bitten off. By that damned cougar.

Fucking demon, he'd kill it. Not now, maybe not for some time. But he'd come back to avenge his beloved Zefir.

"A moment" He said, sliding off of Houyi's back to kneel by the river and wash his face.
 
Oscar dismounted a moment after Asa, standing a few steps away from him as he tried to compose himself. He felt as though he should say something, but his mind drew a blank as to what exactly he was supposed say. Hell, what could he say that would help the situation in any way? He knew the pain of losing one's horse, had gone through it once himself in the past, and it wasn't an experience he wished on anyone. And having to take the life of one's horse in exchange for survival... Oscar shuddered again, shifting on his feet and looking away to give Asa some privacy.

Houyi seemed to have sensed the grim atmosphere, pawing at the ground nervously and whinnying, as though in an attempt to call to Zefir. Oscar absently petted his neck to try and calm him down, wondering if he understood that Zefir would not return.

After he stopped Houyi's fussing, Oscar lead him to the stream such that he might take a water break. Thankfully, Houyi didn't start throwing another fit and bent his head to drink. With a heavy sigh, Oscar walked up to where Asa was kneeling and sat down beside him. With a tentative hand, he reached out to awkwardly pat Asa's back in a silent attempt to comfort him.
 
Asa didn't know how much time passed. He just... Stared at the river, leaning lightly into Oscar's comforting touch. He appreciated it, he was so damn thankful for his company and support. But he'd tell him later, maybe.

They had to keep going, though. There was no way they'd sleep in the wilderness any time soon. And the only other feeling Asa could recognise in himself other than sadness and anger, was tiredness.

"We have to get to Strawberry" He said, still quiet as he stood up slowly. He patted Houyi's side, thankful at least he was still with them. Then, he turned to Oscar and offered a hand to help him stand.
 
Oscar let Asa pull him up, dusting himself lightly. He could tell that the other man was still greatly shaken up and deeply upset, but didn't ask any further even though he wanted to. Asa was doing his best to hold himself together for the sake of both of them - it was the least Oscar could do to let him grieve, at least for the moment. The grief likely would not stop anytime soon, and Asa needed space to process it.

"Alright then, let's get there quickly and find some place to get ourselves cleaned up, yeah?" He mounter Houyi and waited for Asa to climb on behind him, spurring his horse in the direction of Strawberry. It shouldn't be too long a ride before they reach the town, and thank god for that - he'd be happy to leave behind the wilderness for quite some time, especially after the shitshow that just happened. Oscar sighed again, this time softer such that he didn't alert Asa of his discontent. He didn't believe much in god, but somehow the chain of events felt like some kind of divine retribution. As though the powers above were reminding them that they could never truly outrun their sins.

Whatever it was, though, Oscar was ready to cast off the former shells of their old lives as they rode towards Strawberry. God might not will them to lead a peaceful life, but Oscar had never been much of a believer, anyway. He was determined to carve out a life away from the sins of the past for the two of them, even if it meant defying fate.
 
It was barely dawn when they reached Strawberry. Asa let go of Oscar, since he had been holding on to him a bit more than he would have allowed himself in any other occasion. But he was so damn tired he might have accidentally fallen off the horse, so he allowed himself that.

Strawberry was built on the base of the mountains. A small town on a hill, with a river that went through its middle. Few people were up this early, some workers that didn't look at them twice, but not many others. It had two wider streets, the one they were on now wasn't very full of anything.

"You think we can find a place to just... Sleep for a bit?. I'm about to collapse here." Said Asa, looking around for any signs that indicated somewhere they could rent a room. Also, probably ask for information on what they could do next.

The only one present when they crossed the second bridge they found was a butcher, standing by his shop. Hm, that meant hunting could be a source of income.
"Excuse me sir!“ Said Asa, coughing a bit right after. His throat was very dry.

The man looked up at them and furrowed his brow, grunting in acknowledgement but also with suspicion.

"Is there a place here where we could get some rest?“ Continued Asa, making the exchange as short as possible.

Now they were heading uphill to the only hotel in town.
 
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Oscar frowned a little at Asa's condition, steering Houyi in the direction of the hotel. He sounded wrecked, and Oscar wasn't about to let him strain himself any further than he had to.

"I'll do the talking when we get to the hotel, alright? You rest your throat. It's been a rough day."

In front of the hotel, Oscar quickly jumped down and hitched Houyi, leading the way into the hotel as Asa trailed behind him. The reception area was dimly lit by a flickering lamp, and the clerk sat at the table raise his head at the noise of the floorboards creaking under their boots. He stared at the two of them suspiciously - understandable given the circumstance, but Oscar couldn't care less what the clerk thought of them in that moment.

"Two rooms, please."

The clerk regarded the two of them down the length of his nose. "I'm afraid they're mostly occupied," he said, delicately. "We do have the one room - a double sharing, if you sirs don't mind...?"

Just their luck. Oscar rolled his eyes and started fishing for the money in his pocket. They weren't exactly in a position to choose, and with any luck they'd be able to find better accomodation soon, either way. Having to share a room was far from the worst thing they'll have to worry about. "Whatever, we'll take it."

"That would be $1.50. Room is upstairs and to the end of the right hallway." The clerk seemed to be judging them from behind the counter for whatever reason, and Oscar glared right back at him. Tossing the money on the counter and grabbing the room keys, Oscar all but dragged Asa upstairs, down the dingy hallway and towards their room.

"If you want, I can call the clerk to run a bath for us later," he said, fumbling with the room keys. "Right now, let's just get some r- oh." He stared dumbly at the interior of the room. It was a nice enough space, well furnished by hotel standards, but when the clerk said double sharing, he didn't mean two single beds - there was only a single bed for two persons situated in the middle of the room. "Uh."
 
Why was the clerk looking at them like that?. Maybe they looked like shit or something. But it could be allowed, Asa thought, because they had almost been eaten by a damned cougar.

He silently thanked Oscar for insisting in doing the talking, because at that point he'd have snapped at the clerk and told him to take their money and stop staring. Or punched him in the face. And then they could have slept in the local jail... Which was next to the hotel for some reason. Who had planned this town?

By the time they got to the room, now having to deal with the fact that they'd be sharing a queen sized bed... Asa couldn't give two fucks. He was tired.

"I... Lets just not tell anyone about this. 'm too tired to give a shit. And maybe tomorrow I'll think about that bath" He said, patting Oscar's shoulder a couple of times. He walked into the room, took off his jacket, kicked off his boots and promptly fell face first on the right side of the bed. Somehow, he fell asleep within seconds.
 
God damn. Oscar sat himself gingerly on the other side of the bed that wasn't currently occupied, as though afraid to wake Asa, but then he realised that nothing short of the world ending can probably wake the other man now. He's completely wiped, isn't he, he thought. Poor Asa. Some kind of tenderness rose unbidden within Oscar's chest as he watched over the other man for a moment longer, before getting up to dress down a little. He took off his jacket and vest, then loosened his tie, before folding them all up together and leaving them on the tabletop.

As he kicked off his own boots, Oscar also arranged Asa's boots next to his, which had been flung off haphazardly in the other man's haste to get to sleep. The few hours of sleep that he'd managed hadn't been enough, and Oscar could feel the exhausion deep in his bones. Tying his hair up in a loose ponytail to keep it out of the way, Oscar laid down with his back to Asa and went to sleep.
 
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