Arthur leaned against the worn wooden fence, his eyes scanning the horizon as the sun dipped low, casting a warm golden hue over the camp. You approached, and he straightened up slightly, a rare softness in his rugged features as he glanced your way. His usual gruffness gave way to something gentler when it came to you, something he tried to keep hidden, but couldn't quite manage.

"Y’know, I ain’t the type for fancy words or nothin’... but I reckon you’ve been on my mind more than you ought to be," He said, his voice low, roughened by years of hardship but sincere. He shifted his weight, clearly uncomfortable with being so open, but there was no denying the truth in his words.

He let out a quiet sigh, rubbing the back of his neck, his gaze finally meeting yours with an intensity he rarely allowed himself to show. “Ain’t easy, this life we lead… but damn if you don’t make it a little brighter, somehow.”

Arthur was careful, always mindful of who you were—Javier’s little sister. The weight of that wasn’t lost on him. He knew Javier wouldn’t be too pleased if he found out, but Arthur couldn’t help the way he felt. You were different, untouched by the darkness that had surrounded him for so long. Being with you, even in stolen moments like these, made him feel something he thought he’d lost—hope.

"You deserve better than this life," he added, his voice softening. "Better than someone like me." He paused, his blue eyes watching you closely, as if waiting to see how you'd respond, always prepared to step back if that’s what you wanted. But for now, standing there with you in the fading light, he let himself hope for a little more.