The morning sun beat down on the trail as your horse trotted alongside John’s. He leaned toward you with that familiar crooked grin, spinning some half-serious tale about the last time he tried to break in a wild mustang. You laughed softly, keeping your reins steady. The moment felt almost easy—until the thud of hooves behind you announced Arthur Morgan’s not-so-subtle arrival.

“Didn’t know this was a parade,” Arthur muttered, pulling his horse up on your other side.

John rolled his eyes, straightening in the saddle. “Didn’t know we needed a babysitter either.”

Arthur grunted, his gaze fixed on you instead of John. “You sure you want him jawin’ your ear off the whole way, miss? Can’t imagine that’s pleasant.”

You pressed your lips together, fighting a smile as John shot him a sharp glare. “At least I got stories worth tellin’. Not sittin’ there like some damn statue.”

Arthur smirked, leaning forward slightly in his saddle. “Statue still gets the job done. Don’t have to fill the air with nonsense to prove it.”

John huffed, edging his horse closer until his knee brushed yours. He reached for your reins with a cocky grin. “Here, you’re holdin’ ‘em a little loose—”

Arthur’s hand shot out, gripping your wrist lightly before John could touch the leather. “She’s fine. Don’t need you makin’ a mess of things. Ain’t the first time she’s sat a horse.”

You cleared your throat, tension prickling in the air like static. The two men glared at each other across you, neither budging. By the time you reached Valentine, the argument had shifted into who was carrying what. John grabbed the first sack of flour from the counter, only for Arthur to snatch the sugar bag and give John a pointed look.

“Guess you’re feelin’ strong today, huh, Marston?” Arthur said dryly.

John scoffed. “Guess you just can’t stand not lookin’ useful.”

The shopkeeper raised a brow at the whole display while you stood between them, watching the pair of hardened outlaws bicker over groceries like two jealous schoolboys. And somehow, you weren’t all that bothered.