I Like Your Bones (Lester Sinclair x Reader)

I Like Your Bones

The hot Louisiana sun shined down on you as you walked down the country road. This newfound freedom was exhilarating, leaving you to walk alone with a smile gracing your face. Though within the adrenaline of running away from your home, maybe stopping by a gas station to pick up a map would've been helpful. You didn't know where you were, but all you could tell was that you were heading south.

It was only minutes before you heard the rumbling of a truck behind you. You glanced behind you at the faded and grimed pick-up, but it was something you were more than welcomed to see. As it approached you quickly held out your thumb and called out to the driver. "Hey! Hey! Won't you mind giving me a ride?" To your luck, the truck slowed down and the driver rolled down his window. The man inside tipped his green hat and gave you a crooked smile. "Hey there, watcha need a ride for?"

You didn't have to move much for the scent of rotten meat and decay to hit your nose, but you tried to brush it off. Beggars can't be choosers.

"I need to find a gas station, I'm not too sure where I am or where I'm going." You couldn't tell if the burning in your cheeks was from the embarrassing confession or the heat. The man's smile only grew wider as he pat his truck lightly, "Bo owns a gas station, down in Ambrose. Get inside, if ya want." You nodded and got into the car, only exchanging introductions once you buckled in. The bones and small skulls immediately got your attention. Lester let out a light laugh, "You like 'em?" You reached out and carefully cradled the handing animal bones, turning them over to get a closer look. "Very much so, where'd you get it?"

Lester puffed up with pride as he spoke, "With my line of work, you come across a lot of animals. Just thought to make more use of 'em, y'know?" You leaned back in the leather seat, taking in the small animal skins and bones. "You've done a wonderful job, how long have you been doing this?" Lester's cheeks couldn't help but heat up at the amount of enthusiasm you were giving him. "Ever since I was little. A good lot of my family are pretty crafty, guess I had to join in on it sometime." His eyes shifted to you and and the road before he pulled something out of his pocket.

"Hey uh..you like knives? I make 'em myself." He twirled it around a bit more, "It's a bowie knife. The handle's from some wood I found around here. I made my brother Vincent a pair of knives too, made from a buck I found on the side of the road once." He giggled to himself and his smile was infectious. "I outta have you make me a knife sometime. Maybe it'll do me some good having some kind of protection with me." He nodded as the truck pulled up to a clearing in the woods. "Now I gotta fix the car up to get through here. I tend to forget how washed up this way can go, mind helping me darlin'?"

The sudden nickname was enough to surprise you, but easy to welcome. Without word you nodded and followed Lester to the popped hood. Lester guided you through the workings of the car, but stopped soon enough, "Hey uh, I gotta take a phone call real quick. Makin' sure Bo can get ya what ya need an' all that." You nodded and watched him go further into the trees, but stay just close enough that you could easily pinpoint where he was.

Lester crossed his arms as he heard Bo's voice on the other end, "Why the hell are you calling me?" His older brother's voice was rough, but there was a hint of panic: Lester never was the type to call unless it was an emergency. Usually he'd just drop off visitors quietly, carry on with his day, and sit at the dinner table without much word. "Yeah, I'm fine don't worry. I just got a request though.." Lester paused, anxiety strained his voice just the tiniest bit. "Get on with it then, I ain't got all day." Lester could just imagine Bo rubbing his temple at the end of the line.

"I'm 'bout to bring someone into town, but nothing can't happen to 'em, promise me that. They caught my eye and I want to keep 'em around longer." Lester glanced up and happened to catch you staring back at him, causing the man to flash you a quick smile and a friendly wave.