i was wondering if you could write for arthur morgan and a child!reader but it’s like ellie and joel (maybe they’re reading a joke book together for smth)
Arthur x Child!reader whose relationship is like Ellie and Joel
• When you first join the gang, Arthur doesn’t volunteer to look after you. In fact, he actively tries to avoid the responsibility because he already thinks there’s enough blood on his hands.
• Unfortunately for him, everyone else keeps saying, “Arthur, take the kid with you,” until he eventually gives up arguing.
• The two of you bicker constantly during the first few weeks.
• You ask too many questions, wander off to investigate things, or complain every time he tells you to stay behind.
• Arthur responds with the same tired, “Because I said so,” every single time, which only annoys you more.
• Arthur develops the habit of counting heads whenever the gang moves camp.
• He doesn’t even realize he’s doing it until one day he gets to your spot, doesn’t see you immediately, and feels his stomach drop before you pop out from behind a wagon carrying firewood.
• You’re one of the few people who can get away with teasing him.
• If you imitate his gruff voice or jokingly call him “Old Man Morgan,” he’ll roll his eyes and mutter, “You’re gonna be the death of me,” even though he’s trying very hard not to laugh.
• Every time the gang plans a dangerous robbery, Arthur immediately checks whether you’re coming.
• If someone suggests bringing you along, he’s already shaking his head before they finish the sentence. “Kid stays in camp.”
• You hate being treated like you’re fragile and constantly argue that you can help.
• Arthur doesn’t deny that you’re capable, he’s seen what you can do, but in his mind there’s a huge difference between capable and grown.
• Despite all his complaining, Arthur slowly starts teaching you practical skills himself.
• How to track animals, identify edible plants, clean a rifle safely, ride difficult trails, patch torn clothing, and stay calm if things go wrong.
• If you’re lucky enough you could get some 1 on 1 gun lessons with him where he’d teach you how to fire certain weapons and you two would practice on can/bottles all afternoon.
• His reasoning is simple: if you ever end up alone, he wants you to know enough to survive.
• Arthur isn’t overly affectionate, but he’s incredibly observant.
• If you’re quieter than usual, skipping meals, or limping slightly, he’ll notice long before you say anything.
• His version of asking if you’re okay is something like, “You gonna tell me what’s botherin’ you, or keep makin’ me guess?”
• Whenever you’re scared after a bad mission, he never tells you to “toughen up.”
• Instead, he’ll quietly sit nearby while cleaning one of his guns or carving a piece of wood, giving you space until you’re ready to talk, or not talk at all.
• There definitely was a time where you would’ve mentioned wanting a horse and then the next he’d have gone out and got you a Mustang (since wind Mustangs can be found around The Heartlands) or just bought a cheap one at the stables.
• Without realizing it, Arthur starts planning his rides around things you’d enjoy.
• If he spots wild horses, a nice overlook, or a strange abandoned cabin, he’ll make a small detour.
• When you ask why you’re stopping, he’ll shrug and say, “Thought you might wanna see it.”
• Once, when you two were in Saint Denis and Arthur mistakenly let his eyes off you for one second, you had somehow gotten your hands on that cursed joke book.
• That book would definitely earn you a good handful of his small scoffs and sighs.
• You definitely remind him of Isaac and about what he would’ve been like if he grew up.
