@eccentricc-catt asked: Can I get some platonic Hosea x reader stuff?
Pairing: Hosea Matthews x Gender Neutral!Reader
Hosea was always one for discovering new novels. After all, he was the first to teach you how to read and write when pledging full loyalty to the infamous gang. They offered you a place to rest your head, food, and reassurance.
You were a street rat according to locals in the state of Lemoyne when begging for scrapes. Venturing to local saloons in the slums of Saint Denis was your first encounter with Hosea.
“You tried robbing me.” Hosea reminisces amusingly near the camp fire that overlooked Clemons Point. “I hadn’t taken you seriously since.”
You scoffed as you nudged him, “That’s cause I ain’ had a proper meal in days.” His face softened at the mention of your not-so-sweet past.
“It showed. You were so thin I began to worry if you’d survive with all the countless moving we did.”
His words left his lips softly as he laced his fingers with yours. Though you were quite optimistic about your future, the past somehow seems to eat away at you—like a parasite. You’d often earn your keep at camp by doing chores, aiding Pearson in his stew bowls, and if you were lucky enough, Hosea would place a new book in your tent after finishing your prior novel. Today he surprised you with Hamlet, another Shakespeare novel
You knew your voice couldn’t handle the weight of your words as it began to lock, indication that you were on the brink of tears. Hosea often teased at your sensitivity, but understood that through pain of whatever trauma you endured, you were given a second chance at redemption.
“I can’t thank you enough.”
Poking at the fire with a twig Hosea squeezed at your hand, “No need to thank me, I just hope when the time is right, you use what I taught you, and survive.”
“Redemption is not exclusive to certain people. Anyone can reform from whatever past they run away from.” He adds.
Your smile is tight lipped, almost dissatisfied with the response, but tolerated. It was too optimistic.
You believed in going through the moment. If it happened, it happened for a reason, which was a detrimental way of thinking, but for the longest time, your life was one big question mark.
“And you think seeking refuge under a group of outlaws will make for redeeming qualities?” You tease playfully, placing the warm tin mug against your lips before allowing the dark coffee to stain your taste buds.
Hosea pondered on this question, one meant for silly discourse had him thinking whether taking you in was a good idea.
Sure you hadn’t murdered anyone from when you joined, nor did you partake in robberies, it was the simple fact of affiliation is what can cause for your downfall if this whole gang were to fall apart.
Slowly, but surely it was.
“So how about I read you a new book today?” Immediately changing the subject to avoid from worrying you.
“I haven’t even finished Hamlet yet.” You reply while waving the pocket sized book betwixt your index and ring finger.
“Take a break from that for now, Shakespeare can grow to become dreary. Too much tragedy.”
“Hm.” You agree while observing him remove a hardcover book from his satchel, placing it onto your lap.
Automatically enthralled by the intricate cover.
“Edger Allen Poe,” It read as you churned the crisp pages of the story you’d soon embark on—in your mind anyways. You smile gleefully at Hosea, using your free hand to give him a pat on the shoulder, a kind gesture for such a fine gift.
“One of my favorite authors.” He mentions, the soothing sound of the dimly light campfire cackling while you light your cigarette.
“I thought Penny Dreadful’s series was your favorite?”
“That’s Jack’s, however it was the first book you’d ever learned to read.” He teased again.
Choosing to ignore his onslaught of friendship banter, you chose to place the book back into his possession. He glanced at you perplexingly, eyebrows furrowed.
“I thought you were reading to me?”
“I was joking.” He chuckled as his hands fumbled to the prologue of what is said to be the 19th century’s dark dystopian novel, “But if you insist.”
Like the earlier times of joining the gang, you found your head leaning against his shoulder with a quilt covering your body.
He checked to see if you were comfortable before embarking on a journey in a good book.
Bringing you along the ride with a smile on your face.
