Chapter Text
Two years into their relationship:
While eating lunch with Becky she went through the upcoming schedule for the farrier with them. She would be on holiday with the family the upcoming week, so Red had agreed to help out a bit.
“I already printed out the new one and fixed it to the announcement board of the stable, so completely as always. You shouldn’t have to do anything.”
Walt took a sip from his coffee and grinned as she breathed in to start another lecture on what Red should check while she was away. “Your organization is meticulous as always.”
She sighed and took a forkful of cake. “It really is, the only time it doesn’t work is when my brother here decides to interfere.”
Walt raised an eyebrow. “He does that?”
Red groaned “that was one time, do you really have to bring that up.”
She leaned back into her seat. “Yes and it also was the only time since I started the schedule that one of my horses lost a shoe on a ride. Ever.” Meanwhile Red had jumped up and tried to clap his hand over her mouth what only resulted in Becky licking it and Red being grossed out.
“I tell you Walt keep an eye on him. Even when he insists. No delays in getting the shoes renewed.”
That evening while they where watching TV Walt suddenly turned towards Red. “OH MY GOD, you gave me the mare with the lose shoe on purpose that day, didn’t you?”
Red nearly chocked on his beer. Recovering from nearly suffocating himself he blinked sheepishly. “Maybe I did?” He croaked ruefully.
“Why the hell did you do that?” Walt groaned.
“Well maybe it wasn’t my most rational decision but you set the rules that touching was undue influence in most cases and we were still definitely not dating so I couldn’t just hug you” he coughed again. “You might not get that but I wanted just to hold you for weeks at that point. Every time I saw you basically after that mechanical bull ride I was holding myself back. I kind of thought that if I wasn’t allowed to touch you it might still be ok for you the other way round.”
He rubbed his face. “The thing is I knew that you wouldn’t just hug me. I couldn’t really ask you either. So yeah I held back that horse when it should have gotten new shoes.”
Walt cackled watching him with mirth in his eyes. “You really hatched an intricate plan for a horse to lose its shoe to make me ride back on Jasper together with you. I bet you even planned the route on that day for that exact purpose.”
Red hid his face by hugging Walts midsection making his voice sound muffled. “Mmmh jup, also the route. And for the record, I don’t regret it one bit.”
Walt ruffled his hair. “You’re an idiot.”
Red pressed his face further against the muscles of Walts abdomen. “I’m your idiot though?” He could feel the muscles jump in silent laughter.
Walt caressed the back of his head “You’re just lucky that I love you.”