#It made me think of Ezra Standish

[slightlybasicbiscuit]

Driving down the road with mom and dad and there is a small house with all kinds of cars out front and Dads like oh yeah that’s where the high stakes poker games are held

why didn’t I know about this high stakes poker games?

[mag7dumbies]

4 years ago I sent this to a complete stranger…. I have no idea why I sent it or why it is completely deranged but I sent it and 4 years later we are probably closer than two people 1,000 miles away could be

Kaz it’s been 4 years, 1,461 days, that have been the best days of my life, because you have been in them. You are my oracle, my rock, and the other half of my brain. I have no idea what I did to be so lucky to have met you.

In the first days of our friendship I think we wrote 4 peer reviewed papers just on Ezra Standish alone. I don’t think I ever told you this but I saved some (most) (for at least the first week) of our messages in a word doc because I liked rereading our convos. You are still just as verbose and detailed as you were back then and I consider myself so lucky to be able to read about your OCs and Aus whenever you get a hankering to share (which is fortunately often)

You have made me grow in so many ways, with your kindness and your snark. I strive to be as good a friend to you as you are to me. You’ve broaden my tastes to the moon (Fire and Ice and The Eagle are still burned into my brain) (Special mention to Rem Lezar and those eps of Rawhide because I can’t put those psychological horrors in this category but I wanted to mention it because they would have been good cause to lose my number... and yet)

Kaz this message could probably last at least 3,000 words, when it probably needs just three, I love you, I honestly believe it’s more than love, it is just a natural part of my heart, that you now inhabit. There is not a quality that you’ve shown me that I don’t love, from your strong convictions (that have rubbed off on me), your imagination that knows few bounds, and especially your patience. You are probably more important to me then you know and I hope I give as much as I get because you deserve it. Kaz you are the whole package plus about 6 other packages that I didn’t expect but happily unwrapped

I remember in 2022 when our friendship went from a casual, still very close but casual relationship, to what it is today. Our first watch party was the last two eps from Our Flag means Death season 1. What babies we were back then, there was little talking (due to how we watched but still) there was no screaming no brain melting a far cry from today. Our Saturday nights have always been sacred to me and I will/have bent over backwards to not miss them, they make getting through the week an easy task because I know I will be able to hang out with you for approximately 4-8 hours which sounds crazy and is crazy. Anyway now in 2024 I literally can’t imagine a day we aren’t in contact (I still get soft when I remember that week where I barely had the energy to open your messages and yet you were here on Tumblr being a bright spot which i definitely needed) And I get to have that everyday even if it’s just a check in or a in-depth psychology analysis on Jess Harper I get to have the pleasure of talking to you which is priceless.

One more thing Kaz when I met you I didn’t have close friends I had a couple but they felt very hollow and it was hard to communicate with them sometimes, due to my Visions TM (it’s probably the autism but I’ll blame Visions and not how my brain functions) my real world friends did not share my interest in Gay cowboys or weird shows from the 70s so I felt very alone for a long time but then I threatened a random Incorrect quotes blog and I found someone I could make a home out of a multitude of fandoms with. You will have no idea what an impact you’ve made on me. And I hope we have at least 80,000 more anniversaries that we can share

I could go on, I should go on because I definitely don’t think I talked enough about how perfect you are and literally you are perfection but this has to come to an end for one our sakes lol. Kaz you really are the breath under my wings and I want to make sure you never forget just how much I cherish you

I am so excited to see you in person in 144 days!!!

@incorrect-gunslingers

[the73rdpostscript]

Both @beepbeepsan and @non-un-topo tagged me. Thank you both <33 (This ended up being a really nice way to spend my morning.)

Rules: Pick any ten of your fics, scroll roughly to the midpoint, pick a line (or three) and share it. Then tag ten people.

So this is very interesting because I don't finish or publish much of my fics under my current pseud these days. It looks like I only have 8 Old Guard fics up right now. So you guys will get to see a little piece of my old Christmas Carol fic. I wrote it in my 20s and I don't think it's as good as the long Christmas Carol fic that's been sitting in my drafts for 8 years. But I'm very fond of it anyway.

(And fuck it. I'm gonna throw in my old 3:10 to Yuma fic too. Cause even old shit that we don't love deserves to be acknowledged for what it was to us at the time.)

Nothing Here But Love (A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens)

This one time, Bob had insisted on driving alone – taking care of a situation without backup. And now he is stuck in his car.

“Tell our husband,” Betty has begun covering up a pie with foil, “that we’re eating in 15 minutes.”

2. Tonight We're Going Hard (The Old Guard)

Joe is still laughing long after everyone else stops, and his voice is heavy with emotion as he says, "I am your best friend. And I will take all your advice. When we first met, I thought there couldn't-"

Nicky doesn’t get to hear the rest of this particular soliloquy, because Quynh steals his attention by sliding over to stand beside him.

"You have that look in your eye,” she says, a teasing lilt in her voice.

3. Fighting Death (and Boredom) (The Old Guard)

Two hours later, Nicky comes home to find Joe curled up on the couch, holding Nile’s hand. On-screen, a giant electric sign comes swinging down from the top of a building and takes out a character with brutal efficiency. 

Joe shouts in alarm as Nile laughs and the credits roll.

4. Floored (The Magnificent Seven 1998)

But let it never be said that Ezra Standish doesn’t know how to hold his ground when faced with a hot and temperamental man. As Chris rounds on him, grabbing him by the collar and hauling him out of his seat - he keeps his face calm and his hands raised.

"You did it, Ezra," Chris hisses, his eyes wild, "You've gotten under my skin. Was that what you needed? Are you satisfied?"

5. Never Let Me Go (The Old Guard)

With visible effort Nicolo’s chest moves, and the swords that have pierced him all seem to shudder and dance at once. They clang in an ungodly chorus as they heave out of his body and tumble to the ground. Blood still coats Nicolo’s shirt, and his groan is inaudible under the sudden chaos of the men around Yusuf now noticing that their last desperate attempt to kill the white devil has failed again. 

6. A River Arrives in the House of the Dead Men (The Prodigious Flowering Rage) (The Old Guard)

Later, Booker sat next to Nicky on the couch and quietly muttered, “He certainly captured what made Goya unique.”

Nicky hummed; unsure what Booker was looking for.

“Will you talk to him?” Booker looked him in the eye as he asked, and Nicky nodded – surprised again by the intensity of Booker’s concern.

7. Yes Of Course (The Old Guard)

“Yes, I think it will sound very similar to her Frank Ocean.”

Joe is far too tired to try and guess who Nicky would be so confident about, but he nods sleepily and reaches up with one hand – blindly grabbing for something he can’t articulate but that he trusts Nicky to understand. With a laugh, Nicky catches his hand and holds it, kissing along the flesh and murmuring endearments.

8. Grief and Ravioli (The Old Guard)

Joe sits down slowly, settling in beside her with his legs crossed and his face placid, listening to her as she lets out the rant that’s been building for days.

9. Ten Ounces (The Old Guard)

“Nicky,” Joe begins.

"Please, Joe," Nicky whispers, suddenly, his hand lifting to press tightly against the beat of Joe's heart. "Go back inside.”

10. Every Step to the Daylight (3:10 to Yuma)

She remains still, her hips swaying a bit as she keeps her knees from locking. Between her and their place at the bar, there are at least six tables filled with men. Between her bullet and Ben Wade there is only Charlie.

This was wild. It was really encouraging to take a look at all my fics after taking a month or two off from writing. I forgot how much I love writing the Old Guard gang and all the ways they interact. And I'm...good at writing sometimes? Remarkable.

I think I'm late to this party, so I'm not totally sure who has or hasn't been tagged yet. I'm going to tag ANYONE who wants to do this.

[make-me-imagine]

Noticed

Sensory Prompt: 'The feeling you get when you learn a crush has been asking about you.' Requested By: Anonymous

Pairing: Ezra Standish x GN!Reader *Mx. used once in replacement of Mrs/Mr/Ms

Warnings: None

Words: 1.2k

-

"Do you need anything from the shops Mary?" You asked as you looked out the window, noting how many people were out today.

"No, I don't think so, thank you Y/n." Mary said as she looked up at you.

Seeing your demeanor change a bit as you stared out the window, she looked curiously out the window near her, a smile crossed her face as she saw a familiar face walk by.

The second you spotted Ezra walking down the road, your heart skipped a beat. You looked him up and down, noting how well dressed he always was. You couldn't imagine what he would look like dressed casually. But that was fine, you loved the clothes he wore, they suited him well.

Seeing him tip his hat and smile to a someone who walked past, you smiled softly. You had never officially met him, and you don't think he ever noticed you. But you certainly noticed him. The charming southern gambler, who got himself mixed up with the seven working as protection for the town.

You would be lying if you didn't wish that smile would be directed at you, at least once. Feeling a clench of disappointment in your chest, you sighed softly and turned away, back to your work.

Mary, noticing this frowned softly. Looking back out the window, she saw Ezra crossing the street, towards the office. She had a feeling he was going down to the hotel. Looking over to you, she hid her spare ink jars below the desk.

Clearing her throat he looked over at you "Darn, I guess I forgot to pick up some spare ink when I was at the store. Does that offer to get me anything still stand?"

You looked over at her and smiled "Of course, I'll go get it."

She watched in anticipation as you made your way towards the door. 'Perfect' she thought to herself as you exited, just in time to nearly run into Ezra as he passed.

"Oh!" You exclaimed softly as you stepped back from almost colliding with someone.

"Pardon me" A smooth voice said as you met a pair of light green eyes.

"I apologize Mr. Standish, I was in a bit of a rush."

You saw him cock his head slightly in confusion for a moment before he smiled at you "No, no need to apologize."

You smiled, flustered and unsure of what to do. Quickly nodding your head a bit you muttered out an "Excuse me." Before leaving and heading towards the shops.

As you walked away, you cursed yourself for being too flustered to talk to him, but the surprise of suddenly running into him was too much.

Ezra watched you leave with a newfound curiosity. You knew his name, but he didn't recall ever meeting you before. Looking into Mary's shop, he saw Mary quickly look away.

Stepping in he called out softly "Good afternoon Mary."

"Good afternoon Ezra." Mary replied as she looked up with a smile.

"May I ask, who that was I almost just collided with?"

Mary pushed down the grin that threatened to cross her face. "Oh, that was Y/n L/n, they help me from time to time with the newspaper."

He nodded a bit as he looked back out the door, unable to see you anymore. How had he never noticed you before?

--- --- --- ---

It was a new day since your near-collision with Ezra, but the thought of it stuck in your mind almost constantly. Your eyes moved through the small groups of people scattered around the streets as you and Mary walked together.

Mary noticed how you were looking around and smiled softly. After you came back with the ink, Mary got too busy to mention her conversation with Ezra.

"You know, after you almost ran into Ezra yesterday, he came in and asked about you."

Your head snapped towards her quickly, as your eyes widened. Your ears began to burn as your heart fluttered in your chest.

"He asked about me? Why?"

She smiled and shrugged lightly "He wanted to know who you were, he seemed...interested."

You swallowed as you looked straight ahead, your heart still pounding. The idea of him going out of his way to ask who you were, sent butterflies rampaging through you. He was interested? In what? What did that mean?

You looked back over at Mary "What did you tell him?"

"I told him your name, and that you help me out with the newspaper."

You nodded softly as you reached the store. You looked over at Mary and nodded in farewell as she continued down the road. Heading into the store, you tried to shake the thought of Ezra from your mind.

As you stood at the counter, waiting for the store owner to come back with supplies to fulfill your order, you head someone come into the store behind you.

Just before you looked back to see who it was, a smooth and familiar voice called out "Ah, Mx. L/n, a pleasure to see you again."

Your heart immedietely began to beat harder, as your neck grew hot. Looking back, you saw Ezra standing there with a wide smile. The smile you had secretly hoped would some day be directed at you.

"Mr. Standish, hello."

He took a few steps closer as he removed his hat. Stopping in front of you, he gently took your hand, in what you thought was going to be a handshake. But as he bowed down, and pressed a small kiss to your hand, you felt your breath catch.

Looking back up he smiled again "Ezra, please."

You smiled, hoping you did not look as flustered as you felt. "Y/n" You added, allowing him the familiarity of your name as well.

He continued to smile brightly at you as he spoke "I am glad I ran into you again, I had hoped I would."

"Y-you did?" You stuttered a bit, surprised.

"Oh yes. I wanted to apologize or having never made your acquaintance before."

You shook your head a bit "There is no need to apologize, our paths just never crossed at the right times."

"Yes, and what a shame that is, don't you think?"

You looked down at your feet, a bit flustered, only making his smile widen at the sight. "Yes, I do." You admitted.

"I was also hoping, that uh- you might agree to having dinner with me at the hotel this evening?"

You felt for a moment as though you would be unable to speak, but you manage to find your voice, though it came out softer than you intended.

"That would be lovely."

He grinned at you as he nodded his head "Wonderful. I will meet you there at seven then, yes?"

"Seven it is." You nodded.

Smiling widely one more time, he stepped back before putting his hat on and tipping it in goodbye. You watched him leave, feeling your heart skip a beat when he looked back on more time with a charming smile.

Finally turning away from the door, just as the store owner came back in. You pushed away the grin on your face, though a small smile still remained.

Glancing at the clock, you wished seven would come sooner, knowing that your mind and heart would not be still again.

xx End xx

General Taglist: @criminaly-supernatural, @caswinchester2000, @imaginesfire, @rexit-mo, @onuen, @witchygagirl, @alexxavicry

[hurlumerlu]

1, 2, 8, 10, 14 and 18?

1. If you could hit any character without repercussions, who would it be ?

I mean we’ve talked recently about the fact that hating John Winchester is a way of life, and he’s definitely on that list, but I would like to direct you to this post because like... I have never viscerally hated a character as much as I’ve hated Warren Kepler when he first appeared on Wolf 359. I had to pause in the middle of episodes because I was so tense every time he opened his mouth. I wanted to punch him so bad ! The mortifying thing is that I really love him now (not that he wasn’t the worst right til the end) and am sadly a Kepcobi shipper, but I still remember that feeling of wanting to reach into the story to wipe that smug smile of his voice and if I was given the opportunity I would probably take it. Get rekt binch.

2. What fandoms were you apart of that you aren’t any longer ?

I’ve only started to interract with fandoms pretty recently (though I’ve been a long time lurker) but I’d say the only piece of media I’ve really completely stopped interracting with in any way was Attack On Titans because (and this is embarrassing) while I had picked up on the fascist elements (it’s hard not to) I had managed to convince myself that the author was trying to make us distrust the military on purpose and that there would be a big arc where the child soldiers would have to go against their superiors and the government to like. bring democracy or whatever. And then the actual arc was that the government wasn’t militaristic enough and the child soldiers went “what we need is a warrior queen” and that’s when I realized I was a naive dumbass and decided to drop that manga and never mention my utterly shameful lack of reading comprehension to anyone, ever. (i’m doing a great job with that).

8. Do you prefer happy, bittersweet, or sad endings ?

I dunno... Mostly I want an ending that fits the story (though multiple endings can fit one single story) ! And I’m not always in the mood for the same thing. But I do have a thing for the bittersweet, loss and joy together and an ending that isn’t wrapped up too neately.

10. Characters that deserved worse? >:]

I like that question because I’m not sure what it means. Is it that they deserved worse because I hate them, or because they did bad things, or is it that I think that a worse fate would have made more sense for their character and been more narratively satisfying ? If it’s the last option I think Eiffel should have died. I love him, but his actual ending always felt a bit like a cop-out to me. Then, if you’ll allow me a short Critical Role intermission, I think that Percy de Rolo deserved way worse than he got and that he’s a real Karma Houdini, but I’m happy about it because I love him a lot and wanted him to have his happy ending, and I think that Scanlan Shorthalt also deserved worse in term of Karma but I’m also glad he didn’t get it because even though I struggled with that character I do wish him the best. [end of the Critical Role intermission] (also Guy of Gisborne deserved to never ever be taken seriously ever but it’s okay ! because season three doesn’t exist !)

14 Name a fandom, ship, or character that you love that others would send you hate mail for liking.

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha so. shipping Nathan Jackson and Ezra Standish from the Magnificent Seven TV Show is the surefire way to anger everyone, because all the racist fans are like “how could you ship poor wittle Ezra with someone who is so MEAN to him and ANGRY all the time” and the other fans will (rightly) point out that shipping a black man with an ex-Confederate soldier who spent the entire first episode being a racist dick to him is, as we say, problematic. But no one watch The Magnificent Seven anymore so I’m safe ! (but going on old fan websites for this show is... scarring)

18 Characters you want to wrap in a blanket and tell them they’re going to be okay ?

So many of them ! It’s hard to chose. I’m going to go with Mei Chang Su from Nirvana In Fire because he’s sick, and his ye olde fantasy china mansion is badly heated, and he’s been through a lot already, and he’s always like “I must be heartless and unfeeling and litteraly make myslef sicker rather than admit i have emotions” and I just want him to like. Take it easy for a day and go cuddle with his official girlfriend and his two to three non-official boyfriends. Also Thomas Barrow, despite having seen very little of that show, and Parker because I love her and she deserves all the affection, and litteraly so many other characters. Blankets for everyone.

Thank you :D

[aravenwhumper]

Happy Whumpmas ♡(´｡• ᵕ •｡`)♡🎅❄️!!! You have just been snowballed by a secret whumper. Anonymously send this to five other whumpers with a whump-related question of your choice. Top 10 characters that make you crave whump fics? (Not necessarily because the whump was not satisfying enough, but because you felll in love with them hard)

Happy Whumpmas to you too! This is a wonderful question which made me think very hard the whole way through Christmas dinner, but I think I finally have my list. I tried to give you an order too but that fell apart, so in no particular order;

1. Caleb Widogast (can you guys tell I'm obsessed with him right now?)

2. Bruce Banner

3. Isaac Lahey

4. Ezra Standish

5. Male Sole Survivor (from Fallout 4. I spend that entire game making up whump scenarios for him)

6. Danny Williams

7. Prompto Argentum

8. Radu Dracul (WHO HAS NEVER BEEN WHUMPED)

9. Noah Czerny

10. Aramis

[whatif-animagineblog]

Summary: You came into a small town wanting to help people, that was it, hopefully having a good life. The small town you found, Four Corners, was unsuspecting. A town you never expected to have the impact on your life as it and it’s resident Conman would have.

Chapter Summary: A bet goes awry and you get to know the gambler just a bit better. 

Pairing: Ezra Standish/Reader (Rein in your horses. It’s slow burn)

Words: 1951

Warnings: Pining, my god, the pining. Dumb babies not really understanding their feelings.

A/N: I don’t have anything to say other than it took me forever to edit this the way I wanted it. 

CHAPTER THREE: More Than Bargained For

PREVIOUS/ NEXT

It had been a few days since you had really seen any of the men, you had been wrapped up with a little girl who had a serious fever and had not left the clinic as Nathan was out of town buying supplies. Finally able to join the public you walked down the road and caught sight of most of your friends in the saloon. You slipped inside and saw four of your seven new friends at a card table. They all had their eyes trained on the bar. You stepped behind Vin and JD following their gaze to Ezra talking to a woman. You felt a strange pang in your chest watching him smiling, leaning into the conversation. Surely it couldn’t be jealousy. You had no reason to be jealous. You gripped his back of the chair slightly, swallowing hard, forcing yourself to ask, “What’s going on here?”

“Oh Buck and Ezra had a minor disagreement over Ezra’s and his’, what’d he call it? ‘Predilections’ for wooing a lady. So, Buck offered a bet,” JD explained.

“And you know how Ez loves the word,” Buck laughed, but you didn’t you had no idea what he meant. The Ezra you knew, or so you thought seemed almost too good to be caught in a bet like this. Or a bet at all. “Bet him five he couldn’t talk her into dinner.” You shifted, you looked at the men and back up at Ezra who had the girl giggling.

“You know Buck,” Vin laughed, “Ez is mighty persuasive and I hate to see you lose that much money.” He turned to you with a broad grin, “I will give you four dollars, if would you pretend to be his wife or lady friend.”

“You can have Ezra’s five if you make it good,” Buck laughed. You smiled and weighed your options, you bit your lip and you don’t know for sure what made you do it but you strode right up to Ezra.

“Sweetheart there you are,” you gushed as you placed your hands on his arm. He snapped his head to you, his eyes wild. He licked his lip and turned back to the lady he’s been flirting with, trying to smile through the confusion. “Why didn’t you tell me you were headed off this direction?”

“Whose this?” the other woman asked as Ezra searched for words, a blush starting to creep up his cheeks. He wasn’t sure if it was from you or the embarrassment of being caught.

“Well I-I, you see,” he sputtered.

“I’m his wife! Just married last month, isn’t that right my dear?” Then you moved to kiss his cheek, instead, his head snapped to you when the sentence had registered you kissed him right on the lips. Though it was a mistake you sold it.  To your amounting shock, there was a second he pressed back before he pushed you back at arm’s length. He looked at you in shock, “What’s wrong dear?”

Ezra still gaping turned his head over to the woman who threw a drink in his face and proceeded to slap him, “You scoundrel!”  She left in a huff and the men over at the table proceeded to whoop and holler waving the money for you to retrieve.

Ezra touched his lips, not at all feeling the sting of the slap, instead, reeling from the shock of your lips. As he came to his senses he could feel the heat in his face, making his cheeks match his jacket in color. His brows were knitted together as he watched you join the other men.

“Hey, Ezra! Maybe your wife will share her winnings,” Buck shouted laughing loudly. Ezra huffed and walked up to the table snatching his hat.

“That was cheating, Buck. You owe me five dollars,” Ezra accused, pointing a finger into the other man’s chest.

“Sorry, Ezra you lost and I gave the money to your wife,” Buck laughed and you stood there smiling but recounting the kiss.

“Y- You cheated, that was not part of the deal! You can’t alter the parameters like that!”

“You sure are one to talk. Mr. deck stacker,” Nathan laughed. Ezra froze glancing up at you, your brows knitted in confusion. He didn’t need this, he didn’t need you to know that he was no good. He was trying to be better, he wanted to impress you, for a reason he didn’t understand.

“That’s luck gentlemen, don’t be sour. I just have a certain tactile sensitivity.”

“Right,” Buck jumped back in, “Putting the odds in your favor.”

“Leaving nothing to chance,” Vin added

“Being one with the cards, in tune with their vibration,” Nathan suggested.

“Sounds like cheating to me,” JD finished with little tact.

“Not like it’s news,” Vin folded his arms.

Ezra gripped his hat and huffed again, unable to come up with any lies, or smooth words to cover his dirty tracks. “I have business to attend to, Gentlemen.” He put on his hat and looked at you before tipping his head slightly, “Ma’am.”

“What was that about,” JD asked and the table shrugged. You turned and ran out the doors and went after him.

“Mr. Standish!” You ran up and grabbed the crook of his arm. “Mr. Standish. I’m so sorry that I embarrassed you, I was just,” He didn’t look at you and you looked away as well. “I don’t know that I was doing.”

“It’s alright, I was already making a fool of myself. Those men, despite most things, can be very persuasive. How much did you get out of my misfortune?”

“9 dollars,” you admitted. “You can have it if you’d like.”

“No, no, you earned it fair and square. Put it towards the clinic. Honestly, I can’t find fault with you,” he laughed, but it was weak and wavered, “You saw what I would do when ‘bet’ is uttered. And then my companions so kindly decided to remind me that I-”

“Cheat?” He still wouldn’t look at you, “Would you take me to lunch?”

Now he looked at you and his face was just contorted in pure confusion “Excuse me?”

“I think you have a story you need to tell. Take me to lunch and tell me.” You put your hand out. Ezra stared at it for a second, he didn’t know quite what he was doing but he took it and tucked it into his arm. He was being given an opportunity to control how his past was seen, and he was nothing if not an opportunist. And despite claiming to be an observant person, somehow he couldn’t see that you were taking a sledgehammer to the walls he had built up.

Ezra sat across from you looking into his drink, “I wanted to keep this from you.”

“That you cheat at cards?”

“I tend to cheat at most things. I’m what people kindly refer to as a grifter. Those less kind than you use cheater, con man, swindler and other such words.” You nodded, “I-I never really perceived my talents as wrong before I became so involved with my fellow paid-protectors. Yet, even now I can’t stop myself, it’s habit.” You watched him as his fingers drummed on his glass, doing all he could to not look at you.”It’s fun.

“I was raised by my mother to be a con man, taught me everything I know.” His voice picked up an off-handed nature, like it was a thought that had escaped, “Well, in between her leaving me at relatives houses until she needed me. So I’ve always done what I’ve been told.

“And as such, I’ve always gotten that look you know, that ‘can I trust him?’ The look, some of my cohorts still give me, the side eye, especially when they think I don’t notice.” He didn’t know why he was spilling this out. Maybe it’s the way you looked at him, a look of understanding. Or maybe his friends had broken him down more than he had thought.

“Why didn’t you want to tell me this,” you asked after he fell silent for a while.

“Because you haven’t done that. When you first actually met me, after I saved you, you didn’t look at me like I was a snake in the grass, like I always have an ulterior motive. A-and I didn’t want that to change.” He finally looked up and his eyes were the softest you’d ever seen, watery even. He was sitting there baring his soul to you, scared, and bracing for the worst. Bracing for the rejection that was surely coming. “I didn’t want you to look at me like I am what I am.”

You bowed your head a moment, thinking. You sighed and looked back up at him with resolve. “Well, you’ve done so much for me already. I don’t think I anything you say could change my opinion on you.”

“And what opinion is that pray tell?”

“That you are a good man. Sometimes a little misguided, but you have a good heart.”

“You know I was wanted in several cities and territories. I was pardoned when I joined this peacekeeping service.”

“Okay.” Your face remained soft, no sign of scrutiny or anger or anything else Ezra had grown used to seeing over the years. No, your face held some level of understanding. A face he had started to recognize in the other men, but you were different. It felt different coming from you, and he didn’t think he deserved it. 

“I still do it. Time to time when a money opportunity comes up I am ready to exploit it, you saw it today. A-a-and, and-”

“Mr. Standish, do you not want me to like you?”

“Huh?” Ezra wanted to slap himself, allowing such an uncouth response tumble from his mouth like he was some schoolboy.

“Well, you seem to be going out of your way to say things and prove to me that I shouldn’t like you. So do you not want me too?”

“Of course not. What I mean is I don’t want you to not like me.”

“Then why are you trying so hard?”

“You deserve to know that I am not as heroic or selfless per se, as my partners.”

You smiled and shook your head, “Okay. You might think you know who you are. But I am pretty sure I know the truth about you.” You stood grinning now as he still looked confused, perhaps more in awe than anything else. “Thank you for the meal.”

Now Ezra stood, “Alright since you have gotten some my tangled pass out of me faster than a preacher and seem to think you know me better than myself, I think we are long passed formality. Call me Ezra.”

“Only if you call me Y/N”

He took your hand in a firm grip, a wolf-like grin brightening his features. “It’s a deal, Y/N.” He pulled your hand to his lips. You smiled, wishing for the brief moment of intimacy to last longer. Loving the chills the sensation sent down your spine.  

“It’s a deal. Thank you for sharing,” you pulled yourself up and kissed the side of his face. You smiled pulling back and squeezed his arm gently. “I’ll see you around, Ezra.”

He watched the door close behind you, rooted in his spot, “Steady Ezra, Steady,” he whispered to himself.” Few warm looks and you are ready to tell her all your secrets. What would mother say?” He mulled over that question till he reached his room, he knew what his mother would say. ‘Use it to your advantage.’ This was one thing he would not be writing to mother about. Well, one on a growing list of things.

[dumbcowboys]

Day One: Fall

‘I shouldn’t have listened to Buck’ was pretty much what he’d always expected his last thought to be.

JD Dunne whimpered slightly, trying to get a better grip on the side of the hill, and pointedly did NOT look down. Until he did anyway, and then his heart practically gave out on him; it was a dizzying drop to the canyon riverbed below him and when his sweat slicked hand slipped a bit on the rock face his whimper morphed into a full on scream. Perched on a tiny ledge, arms scraped to hell and a twinge in his ankle, JD regretted taking his friend’s advice.

“I’m tellin’ ya, JD,” Buck Wilmington sighed, leaning back in his saloon chair, “You cannot go wrong with a piece of jewelry. As long as it sparkles real pretty, then it doesn’t even matter how much you spent.”

“Any woman who catches your eyes is indeed a fortunate one.” Ezra Standish drawled from behind his card deck, hiding a genuine smile at his companions’ antics. “Mister Dunne, if ah may? So long as the lady knows that you were thinking of her there is nothing that won’t make her happy.”

“The durn fool got her a frog-sticker!!”

Ezra coughed. “Well, yes, ah...”

“Look, JD, we all know that I’m a much more reliable source about these things! Hell, just with mah--”

“Animal Maggotism.” JD and Ezra chorused; Buck shot the con man a betrayed look while Ezra just smiled back innocently.

“Damn well know the real way to say it ya fancy…” Deciding that complaints were pointless, Buck instead went back to advising his younger friend. “Look, just consider putting some… romance into it.”

JD leaned back, scratching the back of his head. “Hell, Buck… Alright, romance…” Suddenly brightening up, he snapped his fingers. “Howabout this? Casey and I were walkin’ around and she mentioned how much she liked when the leaves start dying, account of how they look so red. And she said that they look like God’s made some sort of quilt over the trees. What if I make her somethin’ out of leaves?”

Impressed by both the young man’s thoughtfulness and the young woman’s poetic eye, Ezra found himself nodding. Buck snorted into his glass something about jewelry being better but didn’t argue the issue so JD took that as approval. But then Buck shook his head. “Not enough… Get some flowers too.”

JD shook his head. “Buck, between how little rain we got and the cold nights, there’s no flowers. None I can afford anyhow.”

“Just saying, ladies want flowers.”

“Maybe I should have just gone for the damn necklace.” JD took a shuddering breath and eyed the drop again. He’d just wanted a nice present for Casey, was that too much to ask? And because for some stupid reason he trusted Buck’s advice, he’d gone out into the wilderness looking for flowers. It was a long, painstaking process and he’d only managed to find a handful as he trekked up the hills. Nowhere in his plan had he thought about the possibility of hitting a trap and being sent over the edge of the ravine. And yet here he was.

“Never do this again, was so stupid to even think it was a good idea, I cannot believe that I actually got myself into this and now my foot hurts and my arm hurts and I lost the damn flowers and I am going to-”

“JD?”

The young man could have cried in relief as he stared up at the tousled hair and concerned face of their resident tracker. Vin Tanner’s eyes were wide as he stared down at him. “...’the hell are you doin’ down there?”

“Get me out. Get me out please!!”

He was not sure if it was his panic or part of the cliff below him crumbling that made Vin sit up and give a sharp whistle before beginning to scale down to him, but JD was glad either way. Seconds later there was the sound of a horse before Chris Larabee was leaning over to stare down at them. “What happened here?”

“I think that JD might’a tripped my snare and fallen.” Vin edged down, clinging to a jutting root. “Looks like his ankle’s banged up.”

“So you got it into your fool head to climb down after him?”

Vin grinned up at him impishly and despite his predicament, JD was relaxed by his friends’ banter and the frustrated look on Chris’ face before he disappeared to grab some rope. Vin swung down to balance precariously in front of JD and looked him over with sharp eyes. “Y’alright?”

“Ankle mostly. Scratched myself up good.” The younger man slumped. “Feel like a right idiot.”

“Reckon men have done stupider things fer love.” Vin laughed.

“How--” He blushed as Vin reached out and pulled a flower from his hair.

“Wildflowers are always good, but I think Casey’d prefer you didn’t die gettin’ ‘em.”

JD sighed, allowing his head to thud against the cliffside. “Reckon I’ve got nothin’ much to show for it now. Dropped the lot of it when I fell.”

Chris dropped the rope down and Vin looped it around the younger man under the armpits and between the two strong men they hauled him up. Once he’d been safely deposited on the grass JD let out a long sigh of relief and Chris grinned at him for a moment before moving sharply to glare over the edge. “Do not try to climb up on your own!”

Ignoring Vin’s mumbling and grumbling, Chris unwound the rope from JD and whispered in his ear. “Go with your gut, you care about Casey enough that anything you do will be more than enough.”

“Just tell her how hard you fell for her!” Vin’s voice traveled up, full of mirth. Chris shared a conspiratorial look with JD.

“We could leave him to climb up on his own.”

“Fine, I will.”

Chris was lunging for the cliff with the rope immediately. “Like hell, you-”

Watching them, JD laughed and supposed that he didn’t need to overthink it.

Casey loved her bouquet.

[make-me-imagine]

Sensory Prompt: The feeling of fingers brushing together by accident

Requested by: “Anonymous”

Note: I had a hard time with this one, because my writing muse decided to go on vacation again, but I hope you like it!

Pairing: Ezra Standish x reader      Gender: Any/Neutral 

gif made by me

As you leaned against the bar talking to Inez, you were unaware of the man that kept glancing at you from the other side of the bar. He often found himself watching you, but he couldn’t help it.

Your laugh always had a way of making his head whip your direction so fast he would get whiplash. Something Buck never let him live down.

“You’re staring again” Nathan said, smirking

“I am doing no such thing” Ezra replied, quickly dealing cards to his friends

“Ezra why don’t you just go and talk to her” JD budded in as he took a sip of milk and read his cards.

“Now why would I need to do that?” Ezra said casually, tried to force himself to keep his eyes on his cards as a small laugh came from your direction.

JD and Buck shared a look before Nathan cleared his throat “I’m out”

“Me too”

“Yep”

“Well gentlemen, you three are not providing a very good distraction from this boring little town“

Nathan shook his head “Why don’t you go get our refills Ezra”

Ezra looked over at the bar, seeing Inez refilling them next to you, he shuffled his cards as he took a breath “Fine” he said standing “But do not take this as me doing you a favor Mr. Jackson”

As he slowly walked over to the bar, Buck and JD leaned forward, Buck spoke low to the others “Five dollars says he wont do it”

“I’ll take that deal” Nathan spoke up “I have faith”

As Ezra approached the bar he reached forward to grab the tray of drinks, but instead his fingers met yours, as he faltered you turned in surprise “Oh, Ezra, you didn’t have to come get your drinks I was going to bring them to you” you smiled at him, making his heart flutter.

Just then, he realized that his and was still on top of yours, pulling it away, he managed to find his words just in time to avoid an awkward encounter “Oh, well, there is no need for that, though I do appreciate it” he paused for a moment “How are you Y/n? I haven’t had the chance to speak to you in recent days” he lied, knowing full well it was because he had been avoiding you, afraid he would say something embarrassing.

“Oh, I’m fine, though it is true that I was beginning to think you were avoiding me Mr Standish”

“I would never” he replied, feigning offense “I’m sorry you thought that”

He could see a twinkle in your eye telling him that you didn’t quiet believe him, he cleared his throat “How about I make it up to you?”

“Now how would you do that?”

“How about dinner this evening?” he was surprised by his own words, and began to panic, but when you smiled at him his fear began to fade.

“Alright Ezra, I’ll take you up on that” 

Inez glanced between the two of you before taking the tray of drinks as the two of you stared at each other, un-noticing of her movements. As she approached the boys table and began setting their drinks down, she could see that they were desperately trying to hear what was going on. 

Buck grabbed Inez’s wrist “What’s happening between those two?”

Inez leaned down, the boys leaning closer “He asked her out to dinner and she said yes” she smiled, having known how much you liked Ezra. 

The boys all silently cheered “Now, don’t forget Buck, you owe me five dollars” Nathan said, catching his attention.

Buck’s joy left his face as it was quickly replaced with realization “Aw, dammit!”

-

Again, I really suck at endings XD

@whatif-animagineblog

[whatif-animagineblog]

List you favorite to least favorite of the seven (I'm curious lol, I wanna see if we have the same opinion)

You asked for it remember that

The following is a dissertation by Carrie of Whatif-animagineblog of her favorite to least favorite of the Magnificent Seven boys. I’ll put it below a cut because… I really like talking about these boys. Like a lot.

Fave to least fave…woo that’s hard because I love them all so much like the difference is gonna be like hare’s breaths

1. Ezra goddamned Standish. My god, this man is the death of me. He likes to pretend he is cold-hearted and is doing everything for his own benefit and that is a goddamned lie. And like he deals with disappointing his mother because he actually likes being good. And that tongue bite thing he does when he like laughs or smiles? Good fucking shit. (He does it so fucking much now that I look for it. and licks his lips and runs his thumb along his lip and chin) I really like that he has those quirks. And his eyes are really pretty, so is vocabulary. He will always be number one no matter what stupid shit he does.

2. Vin Tanner - This soft-hearted bastard is on the run but he does everything but helps himself. Also, he is like a real sharpshooter and that is so cool. And I really like his hair. He is on the quieter side of the group but he has a lovely smile and laugh and believes in helping people no matter the cost (Much like the rest of the group) Also he’s also one of the others that teases Ezra the most. And that’s just great. And he has that raspy thing with his voice and I am so down for that shit.

This is where things start getting messy….

3. Probably Chris Larabee- I have a small thing for brooders, fast shooter, and always kinda scares people. He really just wanted to be alone and find his wife and son’s killer but somehow he ended adopting and being adopted by these other damaged babies. Also, have you seen this dramatic asshole all in black like 24/7? What an icon. Then he is so sweet with Mary’s kid like he just falls back into being a father figure so easy. He also has the wonderful like, mischievious look in his eye when he smiles.

4. Buck- The ladies man. He loves women and wants to keep them safe and defend them no matter what. Sure the whole town knows he hasn’t seen his own bed in a week but he doesn’t care. He’s a sweet loveable man who takes JD under his wing so that young dumb doesn’t get himself killed.  He is a little foolhardy at times and can be a stubborn as a mule but I really think that is what makes him so great. 

Now it is getting really difficult!  UUUUUUUM

5. JD - My god JD he grows up so fast. He’s such a baby in the first episode and looks up to Chris like no other then Buck swoops in and is like “No, this is mine.” He’s actually a really talented horseman and gunslinger. And he just wants to do his best and he does. 

6- Nathan - He is such a strong quite character. Being an Ex-slave, and being the only thing the town has in the way of a doctor is amazing. He’s very skilled and will always put his best into everything. Despite a rocky start (You know who I’m looking at) all the rest of the 7 just take him in. He’s like the mom friend in the group, I feel like sometimes for him its a sigh and an “If I don’t go one of them we’ll end up dead.” I really just like Nathan especially when he put a certain someone (Seen number 1) in his place.

7 - Josiah. Nothing against him, he his just not always at the top of my list. He’s funny and sweet but I just don’t know he doesn’t sit the same way with me as the others.  I really don’t know what it is, maybe its because we don’t get to see TOO much of him and maybe I just need to see a bit more of his character. 

That’s it. This is how I view the seven. I love all these little misfits that have made a famliy. 

Now, @make-me-imagine I expect your list on my desk soon LOL.