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make-me-imagine · 2 years

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Headcanons + Drabble: How the Seven Admit Their Feelings For You (2016 Movie)

I did this same headcanon prompt for the Tv Series, you can find those -here-

Characters: Goodnight Robicheaux, Billy Rocks, Vasquez, Red Harvest, Sam Chisolm, and Joshua Faraday - All x GN!Readers *No Jack Horne, because though I like his character, I do not want to write a 'x reader' with him.

Warnings: A couple kisses (in Goodies, Vasquez, and Faradays), but that's about it.

---

Goodnight Robicheaux:

Goodie is very forward with his feelings as soon as he realizes them, whether these feelings are just attraction or love.

He is flirtatious and charming as soon as you meet, but the second he realizes he has genuine feelings for you, he can't keep it buried.

Afraid to scare you off, he shows his feelings subtly at first, then becomes more affectionate over time.

Instead of casually calling you 'darling', he starts calling you 'sweetheart' or 'love'.

You notice that he will suddenly always be by your side, often shoulders brushing, or a casual hand brushing yours as he walks past.

He compliments you, helps you with anything you need, he is always there. But he is very good at not being stifling, he gives you your space.

You will catch him staring at you more often, and when you do he just smiles and winks.

He will kiss your knuckles/hand when leaving, or if he sees you again after some time apart.

You are unsure if he is just being flirtatious, or if he is being genuine, so you do not really react to any of it.

It does not take Goodie long to realize this, so he decides to catch you alone one day so he can reassure you of how genuine his feelings are.

Goodie smiled to himself as he found you alone, humming to yourself as you braided a new bridle for your horse. He felt a nervous flutter in his chest, but took a deep breath and made his way towards you.

"Well now, that's coming along beautifully." He commented as he sat beside you, running his fingers along part of the bridle.

You smiled at him, "Thank you."

Goodie watched you for a moment, his eyes gently exploring your profile, as he admired how delicate your skin looked.

Looking back up, you met his eyes and smiled softly, almost shyly. "Did you need something Goodnight?"

He smiled softly at you and shook his head, "No, just wanted to spend some time with you is all."

You felt your neck heat up a bit as you nervously looked back down at the bridle. Goodie smiled to himself, seeing how his words effected you.

He leaned in a little and whispered. "I lied."

You looked up and met his eyes again, feeling a jolt in your chest as you realized how close you were now.

"About what?" You asked, your voice also in a whisper.

"I do want something."

"What's that?"

A small smirk played at the edge of his lips. "I wanted to tell you something. Or, at least, reassure you of something."

You continued to look at him, without speaking, waiting for him to continue.

Goodie looked down at your hand, and reached over to grab it. Gently, he took your hand and brought it to his face, pressing a soft kiss to the back of it.

Your heart began beating rapidly, as your breath became uneven.

"I adore you." He said softly, and your breath hitched in your throat.

You let out a soft breath as you shook your head with a soft smile. "I never know if you are being genuine Goodie."

He frowned slightly but nodded his head. "I know. And that is entirely my fault. That's what I wanted to tell you, to reassure you that-" he squeezed your hand softly. "-I have never been more genuine."

Your eyes flicked to his hands holding yours, before you met his eyes. "Truly?"

He nodded as he brought your hand to his lips again "Truly."

His own heart fluttered as a smile spread across your face, "I suppose t's no secret i feel the same?"

He grinned "Not so much. But I love your transparency, it only makes me adore you even more."

You let out a soft laugh as you looked down at your feet shyly. Feeling a finger hook underneath your chin, Goodnight made you look up at him again.

He has a soft smile on his face as he leaned closer. You felt your breath hitch in your throat as he pressed a soft kiss to your lips. His facial hair tickled your skin lightly as he did so.

Pulling away, he gently grazed his fingers across your cheek as you locked eyes, sharing in a silent revelation.

---

Billy Rocks:

Billy is very reserved and might be unsure of himself at first.

He notices how his eyes always seem to search for you, how he thinks of you when you are not around, and how he seems to gravitate towards you when you are.

It was Goodie who first suggested that maybe it was because Billy was developing strong feelings for you.

Billy took this to heart and started to pay more attention to how he felt around you.

He started to notice how your presence affected him.

How your presence made his heart beat faster, how your smile sent butterflies through his stomach, how your laugh made him smile.

He felt stupid for not having noticed how much you effected him earlier.

But once he did notice, the thought of you drove him crazy, and he couldn't help but constantly think of how happy he would be if you were with him.

Billy would often think that you would not see him that way, but one day when he caught your eyes and you smiled brightly at him, he thought, maybe he was wrong.

And there was only one real way of finding out.

Billy's heart continued to beat rapidly as he began to follow you. You were heading toward the stream just outside the town. This could be the perfect moment to tell you how he felt.

Taking a deep breath, he tried to settle his anxiety. He slowed down as he watched you dip down, running your hand through the stream.

As you began to gather water into a few canteens, you heard a crunch of leaves and looked back. You saw Billy standing a few feet behind you, hat in his hands.

You smiled at him, feeling butterflies flutter through your stomach. "Hello Billy."

He smiled awkwardly as he took a few steps closer. "I'm sorry if I startled you."

You stood and smiled, shaking your head. "You didn't." Noticing how fidgety he seemed, you began to grow a bit worried.

Turning fully toward him, you frowned a bit. "Is something wrong Billy?"

He shook his head softly. "No, nothing is wrong, I just... have something to say."

You felt your heart jolt out of surprise and anxiety, as your ears began to burn. What could he need to say that would make him so nervous? You waited for him to speak, holding your canteen in front of your chest as you fiddled with the strap.

Taking a few steps closer to you, he looked around to make sure you were alone, as he rotated his hat nervously in his hands. Feeling a bit frustrated at his own sudden awkwardness, he let out a frustrated breath before he met your eyes again.

"I like you, Y/n." As he paused, he watched your face for some form of reaction. He felt his worries lessen a little as he saw your lip quirk up into a small smile.

"You like me?" You questioned softly as you remained still.

Billy took another step towards you as he nodded "I do. Very much." Taking another tentative step closer, he was only a few feet away from you now "And I thought, that maybe, if you felt the same as me-" another step closer, he was right in front of you now, his eyes drilling into yours. "That we could-"

He stopped unsure of how to continue as he stood right in front of you now. You were so close, that his hands, still holding his hat, brushed against yours as you held your canteen in front of you.

"That we could...be together?" You finished tentatively, your voice soft, shy.

He nodded softly as his eyes scanned your face "Yes." Stretching out a single finger, he gently caressed your hand.

You repressed a grin, but smile softly at him, "I do feel the same Billy."

You saw a quick moment of surprise flash across his face before a small smile stretched across it. "Good."

Your smile widened a bit as his hand gently wrapped around yours. Bringing it up to his face, he pressed a kiss to the back of it, his eyes never leaving yours.

---

Vasquez:

Vasquez was a flirt, and he was attracted to many people.

But there was something about you that made him feel different.

He was the one who made people blush, or giggle. He was the one who caused butterflies in peoples stomachs.

However, when you complimented him, he blushed. When he would make you laugh, he felt proud. When you walked into the room, his heart would flutter.

You made him feel the way he always tried to make you feel.

You didn't see him as a scary outlaw, you saw him as a brave man who did what he needed to to stay alive.

You would listen to him, talk to him, help him. And he was not used to it. Not used to someone caring about him.

He adored you and it did not take much for him to realize it.

What scared him as that you did not want more with him, that you did not want him as much as he wanted you.

So Vasquez decided to wait, to watch, to see if he could find out just how you felt.

And one day, when you all showed up in a new town, it wasn't long before a local started flirting with you.

Vasquez was jealous, he was angry.

But he was glad when you seemed to shoo that man away, and he was ecstatic, when you came to him to find shelter from other's attentions.

Vasquez's eyes never left your face as you settled in the stool beside him. You let out a breath and Vasquez smiled.

A grin spread across his face. "Not enjoying your new found attention Abejita?"

You smiled to yourself as used his nickname for you, 'little bee', harmless unless threatened, cute but dangerous.

You met his eyes "Who could enjoy the garbage coming out of that mans mouth? Tell me Vasquez, do all men think that insulting someone makes them seem irresistible?"

You saw the smile on his face falter "He insulted you?"

You shrugged a little "I think he thought he was complimenting me, but all he really called me was desperate."

"Said the spider to the fly." Vasquez hissed as he looked back over his shoulder at the man. "What will you do if he bothers you again?"

"Same thing I just did." You said simply.

Looking over at you, you smiled softly "You think he's gonna come bother me if I'm with you?"

A smile slowly spread across his face as he leaned his head a little closer "So you came to me to for safety?"

You let out a soft chuckle, "Well I know how you like having your ego stroked."

He gave you a sly smile and chuckled "You coming to be with me is the highest form of compliment amor."

You felt your heart palpitate, "'Amor', that's a new one." You said softly as you stared down at the counter, trying to sound more amused than sheepish.

Vasquez felt a jolt of pride and courage as he could see how calling you 'love' effected you. His eyes grazed over your profile as he hungrily took it in. Leaning in just a little more he smiled softly as he gently ran his finger under your chin, making you look over at him, obviously perplexed.

"Now you know you you make me feel."

You let out a soft laugh "What?"

"Those butterflies in your stomach? That's how I always feel around you amor."

His voice and gaze was unusually soft, and you could tell he was not joking. Your heart began fluttering faster.

You smiled softly. "I never imagined you having butterflies."

"Only for you" He quickly replied.

"Is that so?" You said with an amused smile, wondering how truthful he was being.

Your voices were soft, almost whispers, your faces not far apart as your eyes seemed locked on each other. You saw his eyes flick to your lips, so fast you almost missed it.

"It is so, and new. I'm not used to this feeling."

"What feeling is that?"

Vasquez's lip quirked up a bit, you were forcing him to admit it, you needed to hear it to believe it.

He shook his head softly "I do not know what it's called. But I know what it will become." He paused, letting the silent tension rise a bit, he looked at your lips again, for longer this time. Locking his eyes with yours again he spoke in a whisper. "Love."

"You seem certain." You wanted him to be, just as much as you were.

Reaching out, he gently caressed your face with his fingers, "I am."

"And how do you feel about that?"

Leaning in, he placed a soft kiss to your lips, quick, yet perfect. He smiled softly, and whispered "Ready."

---

Red Harvest:

I think a lot of people would expect Red Harvest to not really understand his own feelings.

But I think it's the opposite.

He knows exactly what he feels, when he feels it.

He just does not act on it until he knows it is the right thing to do.

And when he realizes he has developed feelings for you, he is unsure of when the right moment would be to tell you this. Or if there was a right moment at all.

He had never been more unsure of himself, as when he realized he cared for you like that.

Red Harvest admires your bravery and strength, and adores your laugh and your kindness.

Too caught up in how he feels, he often misses the signs that you feel the same.

When Sam makes a passing comment about it one day, Red Harvest realizes that maybe now was the right moment after all.

"You should go with Y/n." Sam said casually as he and Red Harvest watched you preparing your horse to go to the nearest town to get supplies.

Red Harvest felt his heart palpitate, but he ignored it. "Why?" He asked bluntly.

Sam looked at him from the corner of his eye, before he began to turn and head back into the safe house. "Because they want you to."

Red watched Sam for a moment before he looked back over at you, watching as you began to mount your horse. Should he go with you? You would get to be alone for a while. Just the two of you.

As you turned to look back at him, he felt his breath catch in his throat. You smiled softly. "I'll be back soon."

Before you could ride off, he called out "Wait."

Looking back at him in mild surprise, you waited as he remained silent for a moment.

"Can I come with you?" He asked tentatively.

You watched him for a moment before you smiled and nodded "Of course."

Red Harvest chastised himself continuously the longer he didn't say anything. He allowed you to speak, and replied when necessary. He enjoyed listening to you talk, and he had every intention of telling you how he felt. But now, as you were on your way back to the safe house, and he had said nothing, he was angry with himself.

Looking over at you, he admired your profile as you looked out ahead of you. You could feel his gaze on you, and your heart fluttered in your chest. You often caught him watching you, and you could only wish it meant what you wanted it to.

You were caught off guard when he spoke, breaking the silence that had been surrounding you for nearly twenty minutes.

"I enjoy riding with you. We should do it more often."

You looked over at him and smiled brightly, "I agree, I like it too." Your eyes locked for a moment and you felt an almost unbearable tension in your chest. "It's much nicer than the constant bickering between Faraday and Vasquez." You added quickly, trying to break the tension you thought you alone felt.

Red Harvest continued to watch you, even as you looked away. Not even he could miss the way you seem to be effected by his comment, or the tension that rose between you in that moment.

Stopping his horse, he watched as you stopped just ahead, turning back to look at him.

"Whats wrong?" You asked, looking around quickly, wondering if he saw something.

Silently, he got down from his horse, and you watched him in confusion. His eyes stayed locked on you as he walked over to your horse, looking up at you.

Lifting his hand up, you understood he wanted you to get down as well. Your heart was hammering in your chest as confusion washed over you. What was happening? Did he see something, hear something?

Getting off your horse, you felt him gently grab your waist to steady you as you did so. As you stood, he was directly in front of you, his eyes still locked with yours, as his hand still rested on your waist.

There was a moment of still silence, as the tension from before grew. Finally, Red Harvest spoke, his voice soft. "I enjoy being with you."

Your heart fluttered in your chest as you struggled to find your voice for a moment. "I enjoy being with you too." You finally said softly.

You felt your body freeze as he slowly lifted his hand, and cupped your face. His eyes darted around your face before he met your eyes again. "I did not know what this path would lead me too. But I think, it was you."

As you smiled, he gently, ran his thumb across your lips and you saw the ghost of a smile on his face. The silence engulfing you was no longer tense, but comfortable, electric, the beginning of a new path together.

---

Sam Chisholm:

Sam has a great understanding of how he feels. And he is an advocate for not keeping it too himself.

He is also very good at reading other people, and knows you feel the same.

However, chances are, you are younger than him. Or better than him in ways he can't explain. And that throws him off a bit.

You should be with someone your age, or someone more like you, someone who would not drag you into danger like he does.

So he tries to do the honorable thing, and push his feelings aside, waiting for the day when you find someone else. Someone who could be better for you.

But God, is it hard.

When every time he sets his eyes on you, his heart flutters.

The sound of your voice is music to his ears, and your laugh is his favorite sound in the world.

And God forbid, if someone else shows an interest in you. It takes everything in his power not to scare them off.

But you do it for him. You never show any interest in anyone one else.

Sam notices this, and can't help but feel relieved.

Eventually, he can no longer push those feeling aside. And starts to run out of excuses, so he gives in.

As the locals continued to dance, and you refused yet another dance with someone for the umpteenth time in the night, Sam felt his chest clench. He was glad you were not dancing with anyone else, as he knew how it would made him feel. But, he did want to see you dance.

Standing up a bit straighter, he took a breath. If he wanted to see you dance, he might as well do it himself. Though, what if you said no to him too?

As he walked over to you, he felt his lips curl as you saw him and smiled. Stopping in front of you, he smiled softly "Now why is it that you are refusing to dance tonight Y/n?"

He saw you struggle for an answer for a moment before you shrugged lightly "Can't find the right partner I suppose."

There was something in your tone that told him what he wanted to hear, as a soft smile crossed his face. Slowly, he reached out his hand "I suppose you wouldn't want to dance with me then?"

Your eyes glanced down at his hand as you smiled softly. Looking back up as him, you tilted your head a bit before a soft, almost teasing smile graced your face, making his heart flutter.

You spoke as you placed your hand on top of his "Then you would be wrong Sam Chisholm."

He grinned down at you as he began to lead you out onto the dance floor "There aren't many times I'm glad in being wrong you know."

"There aren't many times you are wrong period." You said with a soft chuckle as you gently placed your hands on his shoulders as you danced. You were glad the current song being played was slow, so you could talk.

"Is that so?" He asked teasingly. "As I recall, I was wrong about that lawyer in the last town not being in on the heists going on."

You shrugged your head lightly "True, but you were right about the ring leader when no one else was, so I think that balanced it out."

He smiled as he hummed a bit. You chuckled softly "You can't think of any other times recently can you?"

His smile widened a bit "Well these is one thing I'm afraid I might be wrong about."

"What's that?"

"You." He said softly, staring into your eyes.

"Me?"

"Mhm."

"What are you afraid you are wrong about Sam?" Something was telling you, you already knew. But you'd hate to jump to a conclusion that would break your heart.

"Us." He said softly. Seeing your eyes widen slightly, he continued. "I'm afraid I read us wrong. Afraid I'm wrong in believing you feel the same way I do."

Your heart was beating quickly as your eyes refused to leave his. "Do you have feelings for me Sam?"

He nodded softly. "I do."

A small smile crept along your face as you shook your head ever-so-slightly "Then you aren't wrong."

His heart fluttered in his chest as his smile remained wide. Pulling you a bit closer as you continued to dance, he whispered softly as e stared into yours eyes lovingly, glad he finally took a chance on you.

---

Joshua Faraday:

Faraday has commitment issues.

He is a love 'em and leave 'em sort of guy.

Until he meets you.

At first he thinks it is the normal physical attraction he has for most attractive people.

But then you get to know each other, and he starts to find you attractive in more ways than one.

You make him laugh, you challenge him, you can take his shit and give it back in equal measure.

Once he realizes that he has genuine feelings for you, he is terrified. That does not happen, not to him.

So he ignores it, but, not surprisingly, he fails miserably.

But he pushes forward, telling himself he's not the type of fall in love, and be with one person forever.

He tries to hide his feelings, with other people.

But the second someone shows interest, he feels immeasurable guilt, and even feels extremely uncomfortable to receive or give affection to someone that's not you.

That finally makes him realize, you are the only one in his mind, and his heart.

Confiding in Sam, he helps him realize that this type of thing doesn't happen that often, and he'd be a fool to let it pass by.

So he swallows his pride, shoves away his fears, and decides to tell you how he feels.

Faraday stared at your hotel room door for what felt like hours before he finally knocked. Part of him hoped you weren't inside, that he could turn and run, but when he heard you call out for him to come in, he felt his heart start hammering.

You looked up to see Faraday open your door. You were a bit surprised as you expected it to be Sam.

You smiled at him "Hey Faraday."

"Hey." He greeted with an awkward smile as he stayed standing in the open doorway.

You frowned "You gonna come in, or..."

Seeing him come to his senses he quickly stepping inside and closed the door. He scratched his ear as he looked around.

"You need something or are you just bored?"

"Bored." He said and nodded, "Bar's closed for repairs."

You nodded as you watched him curiously. He adjusted the blanket at the end of your bed before wandering over to the window and looking out.

"Nice day today, not too hot."

"Okay, Faraday, what's going on?"

Spinning around he looked at you with mild alarm and a questioning gaze.

"You never just show up for small talk, and you are really bad at it. So, I'm assuming you are here for something else."

Straightening up, you watched as he started playing with his hat as he held it. "Yeah, right, that. Uhm, yeah, I did have something I wanted to say, but, uh, I can't seem to- to find the words."

Was he...nervous? You watched him closely as he stared at the floor, seemingly trying hard to think of what to say.

Glancing over at you, he nodded his head a bit "I'll come back later."

You watched with bewilderment as he marched to your door and grabbed the door handle before stopping. He let out a sigh before he turned back around, staring at you in silence.

You blinked a few times as you watched him. "Faraday?" You questioned softly.

"I'm not good at this." He blurted out.

"Not good at what?"

"I'm not good, at telling people how I feel."

You almost smiled, but pushed it down "I would be lying if I said I didn't notice that." Standing up, you took a step closer to him, his eyes on you closely. "But if it helps, if you have something you need to get off your chest, I wont tell anyone. We're friends Joshua, you can tell me anything."

His heart leapt a bit as he took a breath "That's the problem. Us being friends, I mean."

You frowned a bit, unsure if you should be offended, or hopeful of where this conversation was turning.

"I don't want to be friends, I mean, just friends. I want to be more than that, but...I've never..."

You spoke softly "You've never been in a serious relationship." You knew this about him, it was something he had previously been proud of, but now you weren't so sure.

He nodded softly, "I've never felt serious about anyone. Until I met you that is. I thought that is wasn't for me so I ignored it, but anytime I-I flirted with someone else, or someone else came onto me, i felt...wrong. Because, you are all I want."

You had noticed his change in demeanor around others recently. He didn't flirt as heavily with people he met. He didn't even seem to consider propositions he would get. You wondered what changed, hoping it maybe had something to do with you, but you were never sure, until now.

You smiled at him as you took another step closer. "I feel the same about you Joshua. I was just waiting for you to see it too."

His anxiety faded as he smiled down at you, relief settled in his chest. His eyes dated around your face as you smiled at him. Stepping closer, meeting you, he brought his hand up to your face as his eyes traced your lips.

"I'm not used not being such a coward."

You giggled softly "You're not a coward Joshua, just a little scared of something new."

Gently stroking your face his voice got softer "I am afraid, but I ain't gonna run. Not anymore."

"Good to hear it." You smiled.

Leaning down, he met your lips in a kiss. The fear and uncertainty in his chest fading as he was met with certainly and safety in your arms.

xx End xx

I struggled a bit with Sam's and Faraday's, but I hope you like them still!~

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

Mag7 Taglist: @spuffyfan394

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emlee81 · 4 days

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Whiskey and Sunsets-Joshua Faraday-Pt. 1

This is a little three part story that I originally posted on Wattpad. It's just a little story about Chris Pratt's character, Joshua Faraday in The Magnificent Seven.

Warning this story mentions death, strong language, sex, alcohol, violence and prostitution.

***

I'd always considered myself a strong woman. Not someone who was intimidated by many. And in my line of work, I couldn't afford to be timid.

My parents were decent, hardworking people, who had a small farm on the edge of town. We lived a slow, simple life and I suppose if someone had asked me, I would have replied that I was happy enough.

Until the day the storm came. It tore through the county, bringing heavy rain, wind and hail. The damage was insurmountable. Especially when I discovered that my pa had been killed from a falling beam inside the barn, while trying to free our horses.

My ma was inconsolable. She refused to budge from the broken bed inside the battered cabin. I was only thirteen at the time and barely old enough to get any decent kind of job to support us.

I did some work at the general store, although I know the kindly old man who ran it could hardly pay me much of anything, I appreciated his charity.

One day, one of the saloon girls was out back, smoking a cigarette and spotted me dumping out the dirty wash water from scrubbing the floors. She beckoned me closer and I timidly complied.

"Honey, I know you're in a bad spot at home, and that old shopkeeper, bless his heart, he can't pay you enough. How's about you cone work with me?"

I didn't answer right away. I'd heard the rumors, what kind of shameful acts took place in the den of temptation, as our preacher referred to as, and was worried about what my neighbors might say.

"Isn't it...bad in there?" I whispered to the girl. She just laughed.

"It ain't always a picnic, honey, but it's not all bad. It pays real good."

"I'm just a kid," I mumbled weakly. "Those men would scare me."

"I'll protect you, honey." She flickered her cigarette into the dust, leaned down and gently took my chin in her fingers.

"If anyone tries to hurt you, I'll kill them." I stared, wide eyed at this woman, whom I barely knew. I wasn't sure if I believed her or not.

"You're...telling me the truth?"

"Yes, I am." She turned to leave. "I'll let you think on it a spell. Let me know when you decide."

She hurried back inside the saloon, where loud, lively piano music was playing and I heard some angry shouts, along with a loud crash. I stood, thinking about her offer. I wasn't sure if I had enough nerve to go work inside that den of temptation or not.

***

"Mira, get yourself over here!" I roll my eyes, deciding to make the asshole who's hollering at me, wait a few extra minutes.

"Mira, get over there!" Salina, the young woman who'd recruited me all those years ago, snaps quietly at me.

"He can wait a bit. Serve the jackass right." Salina gives me a rough nudge, drawing a fierce glare from me. She pretends not to notice, instead only giving me another push. This one means business.

I drag my feet a little, cringing on the inside. Most days, I'm perfectly content to mingle with the crowd. Unless Cletus Smith is among them. Cletus is the type that you can't see them coming a mile away, but smell them.

Cletus gives me a wide grin, his teeth stained yellow from tobacco juice and who knows what else. He's wearing the same shirt and trousers as always, stained with tobacco juice, alcohol, dirt and various other stuff that I'm better off not knowing about.

"Mira, dear, you look as pretty as a picture!"

"Mr. Smith." I take a seat beside him and immediately, he's leaning towards me, an eager look in his eyes.

"Oh hell, Mira! No need to be so formal!"

"You know it's part of the job," I say, shifting away from him, his foul breath and body odor nearly wanting to make me vomit.

"I won't tell if you won't," Cletus says, giving me a wink like we're the closest of friends.

"Fancy a dance, Mr. Smith?" Cletus laughs, standing and slapping his thigh in delight. I plaster what I hope is a convincing smile on my face and take Cletus' cold, clammy hand, leading him over to a less crowded area and reluctantly putting my arms around him.

"You're the best damn dancer in this whole joint!"

"Thank you kindly." We dance for several minutes before Cletus starts getting impatient, dropping less than subtle hints about something more...private.

"Very well, Mr. Smith." I take his hand, weaving our way through tables, chairs and the other patrons, heading upstairs. I nearly stumble as Cletus gives me a rough tug. I toss him a dirty look, but he only pushes me again.

"Hurry up, you dumb bitch! I got an itch that's just waiting to be scratched!"

"Mr. Smith." Salina is by us in a moment, a fierce look on her face. "Need I remind you that you must obey the rules here?"

"Oh calm down, Mama! I didn't do nothing wrong! 'Sides, I am a paying customer!" With that being said, Cletus pushes me and this time, I stumble, nearly falling down half a flight of stairs, cracking my head on the wall.

Salina jumps in, but before she can, I hear an unfamiliar male voice speak up, along with the soft click of a gun being cocked.

"That's no way to speak to a lady, sir. Nor any way to treat her. I strongly suggest you apologize. Before I get trigger happy."

Someone grabs me by the arm, dragging me out of the way, my head throbbing as stars appear in my vision. I shake my head a little as Salina has her arms wrapped around my shoulders, my upper body pressed into hers. She's trembling.

My vision clears and I turn my head, gazing at the man who thought it was a good idea to intervene on my behalf. What he doesn't realize is that once he leaves town, Cletus will really let me have it.

He's tall, slender, although muscular, with dirty blond hair and blue eyes, a patch of rough stubble across his lower face. There's a mischievous twinkle in his eyes and he briefly flickers his gaze over to me. Our eyes lock.

"You sorry son of a bitch!" Cletus snaps, facing this mystery man, who appears as cool as can be.

"Do you like card tricks, mister?" Cletus' brow furrows in confusion.

"What?"

"Card. Tricks," the man says in an exaggerated way.

"Are you loony?" Cletus starts to push past the man, who's far more solid than he first appears, pushing Cletus back a few steps.

"Nope. But we're not talking about me. I was asking you a question."

"Did ya mean like playing cards?"

"Again, no." The man reaches into his pocket, removing a pack of filthy playing cards, fanning them out in front of Cletus, who looks downright baffled.

"Pick a card," the man instructs. Cletus does so. "Look at it. Commit it to your memory. Cletus looks the card. I'm looking at the man, who turns, giving me a wink. I scowl.

"Replace the card." Cletus replaces the card and the man shuffles them for a few seconds, before pulling one up off the deck and holding it up for everyone see.

"Is this your card?" It's the five of hearts. Cletus scowls.

"Hell, no! Fraud!"

"I wasn't finished." The man reaches behind him, appearing to pull the card out of thin air. I blink. Huh. Even I'm impressed.

"Your card is the Ace of Spades." Cletus' jaw drops, looking shocked.

"How'd you do that?"

"Can't tell you. It's a secret." Suddenly he's pushing the barrel of his gun into Cletus' chest. The poor man looks like he's going to piss himself.

"I'll make you a deal. You leave this here saloon and never bother these women again."

"W..What's the...deal?" Cletus' knees are practically knocking together. I've never seen him this lily livered before. It's entertaining.

"Oh." The man moves another gun up to his face, scratching it, as though he's thinking.

"And I won't fill you full of lead."

"Y..Yes, sir!" Cletus turns and flees, his face as pale as snow. The man chuckles, turning to Salina and I. She helps me to a standing position.

"You're welcome, little lady."

"I don't recall asking for your assistance!" I push myself away from Salina, turn and promptly crash into the man, who immediately reaches out to steady me.

"Easy." His gaze turns soft, catching me off guard. I quickly apologize, extracting myself from his arms. We step apart.

"I hope you realize that you've only made things worse by stepping in, Mr...?"

"Faraday. Josh Faraday."

"Mr. Faraday. Cletus Smith is a regular here. Once you've left town, he'll take up his place, right where he left it. And probably be bragging about how he scared you away."

Mr. Faraday turns to exit the saloon, a jaunt to his step. He's quite sure of himself.

"Who says I'll be leaving town, Miss..?"

"Ross," I supply. "Mira Ross." Joshua Faraday touches the brim of his hat, smirking as he heads out.

"The pleasure has been all mine, Miss Ross."

"He's trouble," Salina says to me.

"No shit."

****

As I'm running errands to collect some food items Salina and I's supper, whom should I see again, but Joshua Faraday. He grins, approaching me as though we're old acquaintances.

"Miss Ross, pleasure seeing you again."

"I wish I could say the same for you, Mr. Faraday." I thank the shopkeeper, grabbing my bags and head for the door. Mr. Faraday follows behind like a lost, little dog, begging for scraps.

"Have you recovered from your injuries?"

"Mr. Faraday, I had no injuries."

"Looked like to me you'd hit your head pretty hard on the wall. Not to mention, falling down half a flight of stairs."

"In my line of work, Mr. Faraday, that shit happens all the damn time."

"Not very ladylike, are you?"

"No, I think I've probably forgotten how to behave like a lady, truthfully."

"What about your family?"

"You're a bold one." I stare at him. I suppose he's the sort who charms every woman he meets, using his good looks and card tricks to get into their panties.

"That I am." Mr. Faraday chewing on some straw. He's staring into the distance. Is he worried someone catch with him? Maybe he's an outlaw, on the run.

"Your card trick was mighty impressive," I say.

"You liked that?"

"Yes." I side eye him. "I bet you use shit like that when you're playing cards, huh?"

"Sorry. I can't give away any of my secrets."

"Heaven forbid," I mutter. We reach the back entrance the saloon. I'm ready to get myself some supper and relax for a bit before getting back to work until closing time.

"I have to go. You watch your back, Mr. Faraday. Cletus Smith might not look like much of a threat, but he has friends."

"I have friends, too." Mr. Faraday grins, patting his gun holster. I roll my eyes.

"I'll be seeing you," he adds.

"Not if see you first."

***

"Mira, can I ask you something?"

"You can ask, doesn't mean I'll reply."

Salina and I are closing up the saloon. We're about to drag our weary bodies upstairs and get straight into bed. My back is killing me. I massage it for a moment before moving the last two chairs.

"I think that Faraday character is sweet on you."

"That's not a question." We blow out the last of the lanterns and head upstairs.

"He's handsome, no?"

"He's a pain in ass," I retort as I begin undressing and tossing my dress aside, reaching for my night dress, slipping it on and collapsing on my bed. Ooh, it feels amazing.

"Mira, he defended your honor." Salina moves to blow out the lamp before climbing into her bed.

"And? I owe himself for that?" I roll over on my back, staring into the darkness. I recall Joshua Faraday's ruggedly handsome face. Damn. Now I think he is getting under my skin.

"No. But who knows if I would have been able to stop Cletus from...harming you."

"Salina, anybody could take on that sack of shit, Cletus. He's as dumb as a post."

"I don't know. He is a man, after all."

"Men are men," I retort, rolling back over and closing my eyes. "Cletus, Mr. Faraday, they're all the damn same. Aggravating, stupid and full of themselves."

"I bet Joshua Faraday isn't as bad as you think," Salina murmurs.

"Sorry," I reply, grinning, thankful for the cover of darkness. "I'm not much of a betting woman."

#chris pratt #the magnificent seven #love #joshua faraday #fun times #living life #good things #Whiskey and Sunsets- Part 1 #relationship #oc x canon #western

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