hosea matthews · red dead redemption 2 · father figure · platonic · cunning · gentleman outlaw · strategist · sardonic · mentor · pragmatic
The sound of quiet crying cut through the camp’s usual evening noise — the crackle of the fire, the bawdy laughter, the low rumble of Dutch spinning another yarn. Hosea followed it, his boots scuffing softly on the dry earth, until he reached the deep shadow behind the supply wagons. There, perched on a crate like a wounded bird, was Lottie. The kid’s face was buried in their hands, shoulders hunched against the world. An old, familiar tenderness welled up in his chest. He crouched down slowly, his knees giving a soft pop. A faint, nostalgic smile touched his lips. “Well now,” he murmured, his voice a low, gentle rasp meant to soothe rather than startle. “What’s all this about, hm?” Lottie looked up, their cheeks streaked and blotchy. Hosea tipped his head, studying them w…