Note:  In response to Enola Joness July Challenge- I would like to see stories where a physical change of some kind happens to one or more of the Seven, how he and the others react to it. Any change you want, as long as it's physical -- some kind of disability, sense removal, becoming another gender or another age -- anything! All I ask is, please, no death stories. If it's temporary or permanent, that's up to you. Any universe. Have fun!!

My friend Stacy, and fellow Mag 7 nut, gave me the idea for this and I loved it so much I just had to do it.

Thanks to NotTasha for being my great beta.  You rock!

Virginia is my own creation and first appears in my story Virginia, but you dont need to read it to understand this story. 

With a mischievous grin Buck snuck out of the bathhouse, careful to keep to the alley.  Peeking around the corner of the building his smile widened as he caught sight of a certain gambler heading towards the bathhouse for his weekly bath.  Buck could not help but chuckle to himself.  This was going to be good.

Buck had vowed revenge on the Southerner ever since the man had stolen his clothes from him while he was visiting Miss Lucy over at the boardinghouse.  Buck had promised Ezra that he would take over the mans shift so that Standish could treat Virginia to a picnic dinner for her birthday.  Vin had pointed out to Ezra that he simply could have just told Chris what he had planned and Larabee would have readjusted the patrols, but Ezra had refused, saying he could deal with the situation himself.  Ezra thought Chris would grant his request if he asked, but the two had just found common ground and Ezra did not want to risk hearing no from the man.  So instead he had recruited Buck to take his shift for him.  He had tried Vin first, but the tracker had promised Virginia he would finish chapter eight of The Three Musketeers by the next morning and Josiah, his second choice, had promised to go with Nathan to the village that day.  Next he had turned to Buck, who out of the two remaining choices, was least likely to blab to Larabee.  The ladies man had agreed, knowing how much treating Virginia to dinner meant to Ezra. 

Well Virginia's birthday rolled around and Ezra had a wagon packed with a blanket and a picnic basket and was about to go get her when he noticed that Bucks horse was still tied to the post outside of the boardinghouse.  The man should have left an hour before.  The last thing Ezra had wanted was to have Virginias birthday ruined by Larabee shooting him for missing patrol.  He knew he should have told the man, but damn if he was going to go ask for help now.  Quickly, Ezra had gone into the boarding house and, by following the sound of the lovely screams, had located the scoundrel.  Sneaking into the bedroom with all the stealth of one of his business, he had grabbed the mans clothes and snuck back out of the room.  Hurrying down the stairs he had gone to the sheriffs office and asked JD to cover his patrol.  The young man had looked horribly confused and had asked Ezra what was going on, but Ezra asked him to just do him the favor and hurry up and ride out quickly.  Though the mans face was its usual mask, JD could see a bit of mischief, anger and urgency in the green eyes and had jumped out of his seat and had been out of town in moments.  Ezra had then walked to the hotel, dropping Bucks clothes in the street as he went.  Picking Virginia up, he had escorted her to the wagon, giving her a birthday kiss.  The woman had simply raised an eyebrow at the discarded clothes in the street and sent Ezra a mischievous smile as she climbed onto the buckboard of the wagon.  In the moment the two were traveling out of town to go enjoy the picnic.

About an hour later Buck had finally remembered his promise to Ezra.  Jumping out of bed he had rushed to put on his clothes, only to find them gone.  Instantly realizing what the gambler had done, he cursed Ezra loudly, wrapping a blanket around his middle, begging Miss Lucy to go find his clothes.  Lucy, insulted that he was leaving so abruptly, had refused.  Cursing, Buck was forced to go down into the street and search for his clothes, Larabee laughing from his seat at the saloon.  He had been watching Ezra from under the brim of his hat and had simply been waiting for Buck to start the real show.  Cursing up a storm Buck had scampered around the street collecting his clothes, much to the dismay of the ladies of the town. 

Ever since then Buck had sworn revenge on the gambler.  Vin had said that it served Buck right for not keeping his promise to Ezra.  Nathan thought the gambler deserved whatever Buck dished out because he had been too proud to simply ask Chris for help.  Ezra dealt with Bucks ranting the way he did when Chris was chewing him out, or Nathan was giving him a moral lesson, with indifference and grace.  Ezra hardly ever lost his temper, or showed any overabundance of any emotion, so he simply shrugged off Bucks anger, saying simply that he got what he deserved.  After two days of ranting, Buck, to everyones surprise, apologized for forgetting to take Standish's patrol, an apology Ezra accepted.  After that Buck seemed to forget all about the incident, but everyone except JD knew that Buck would pull a prank on Ezra for revenge.  Ezra knew this and accepted it with a smile.  Buck was famous for his childlike pranks, nothing the gambler could not handle.  Ezra had told Virginia that he actually enjoyed such pranks; they made him like he belonged. 

On that particular afternoon, about a week after Virginia's birthday and the whole clothing fiasco, Ezra headed towards the bathhouse, looking forward to washing off the dust of his patrol.  He entered the building, ordering one tub from the attendant before heading upstairs.  He undressed behind a screen while the attendant poured hot water in the tub.  Standish took a moment to hide his clothes behind a rather large trunk.  Then, making sure that the attendant had gone and Ezra stepped from behind the screen and entered the tub gingerly, sighing with pleasure as he settled down into the metal tub.  Leaning his head back he rested for a moment before going about scrubbing off the dirt and dust of a weeks work.  After scrubbing himself to his satisfaction, Ezra reached for the glass bottle that held the soap he would use to wash his hair.

Chris, Vin, Nathan and Josiah were sitting at their favorite table in the saloon when Buck strutted in, a huge grin on his face.

"Looks like Brother Buck is up to something," Josiah observed, turning the other three mens attention towards the front of the saloon.

"Why do I have a bad feelin bout this?" Vin asked as he observed the grinning man as he headed towards them.

"I always get a bad feelin' when Buck smiles like that," Nathan added as the scoundrel sauntered over to their table and took a seat, ordering a beer as he did so. 

"What have you done now?" Chris asked harshly, though his eyes sparkled with humor.  Buck looked at his friend in mock aghast, grinning over the beer that had appeared in front of him.

"Now where would be the fun in that Chris?"  The four other men exchanged glances, always a little nervous when Buck was up to his pranks. 

Though his pranks where usually a good laugh and usually never hurt anyone, Josiah was compelled by the size of that smile to ask, "Buck, what did you do?"  The grin grew wider.

"You'll see," he baited them as he stood up, beer in hand.  "Come on boys, let's go watch the show."  Not waiting for them, Buck headed out of the saloon.  The four men exchanged glances before following Buck outside to wait to see what he had done. 

They found Buck sitting on the boardwalk outside of the saloon, his eyes on the bathhouse.  Vin followed his gaze, feeling the knot in his gut grow.  Something about this whole thing just did not sit well with him.  Chris saw the worry in Vins eyes and turned to his oldest friend.

"What did you do Buck?"  Buck was about to evade the question again, when Chris stopped him.  "I want to know if I should hide Ezras bullets."

"Oh, Ezra'll be pissed, but its only temporary." 

"What's temporary?" Nathan asked.  Buck grinned.

"The purple dye I put in his hair soap."  The four men just stared at him a moment before bursting into laughter, Nathan and Josiah laughing loudly while Vin and Chris chuckled softly at the idea of their suave gambler with purple hair.  The four took their seats next to Buck to watch the show.  They all knew Ezra would be pissed when he discovered what Buck had done and they were all kind of looking forward to watching Ezra lose his temper.  It happened so rarely and they enjoyed watching Ezra act as crazy as they all sometimes did.

Against his will Ezra pulled himself out of the tub, wrapped a towel around his waist and went over to fetch his clothes, catching a glance at himself in the mirror, his eyes opening wide at the sight of his hair, which was a deep purple color.  

"Damn," he cussed under his breath, moving over to the mirror, running his hands experimentally through his hair.  He had expected something of this nature from Buck, that man had no imagination, and was more disgusted with himself at not catching the trick before hand than he was at Buck.  A small smile appeared on his face; he had to give Buck some credit.  The dye had had no smell or color, had not dyed his hands, had given away no hints to its design.  As much as Ezra mourned his hair, he knew that Buck would have only chosen temporary dye, not wanting to leave in permanent damage.  And until then he could always purchase dye from the store to change his hair to a natural color.

As he gazed at himself, Ezra was more surprised with his reaction to the prank than the others would be.  For some reason he was not really angered at Buck, instead he was amused.  He had never had people to pull such a childish pranks with before.  He had spent much of his childhood alone, and when he was with other children, normally his cousins, they played cruel tricks on him, such as pushing him off the barn roof.  These pranks that Buck and the others all pulled on each were harmless, and actually strengthened their brotherly bond.

Besides, Ezra would have the last laugh when he walked calmly out of the bathhouse and down to the general store.  He would not give Buck the satisfaction of seeing him upset.  Smiling, Ezra dressed quickly, wanting to see the look on their faces when he did not lose his temper at Bucks prank.  He was not as vain as they all thought he was, such a thing as purple hair could be fixed.  Ezra pulled on his favorite red jacket and stepped in front the mirror to a analyze his form, wishing that he had brought his plum coat, as his red one now clashed with his hair.  He ran fingers once through his hair as he headed towards the door.  As he reached for the door handle his blood ran cold as he noticed that his hand was covered in purple hair.  He ran over to the mirror and noticed in horror that a clump of his hair was missing where he had raked his fingers.  He leaned forward and franticly raked his fingers through his hair, clumps falling to the ground. 

"No.  No.  No!"  Each time the no got louder and louder and more frantic as his hair continued to fall to the ground.  With in moments all the gamblers hair lay in purple clumps all over the floor.  Ezra stared at his hair laying on the floor in pure horror, his eyes locked on his hair in shock.  He then looked up at the mirror, his emerald eyes growing to the size of half dollars at the sight of his bald head.  He stared at himself for one long moment before a horrific scream ripped from his throat, a scream of anger and horror; his fists clenching, his face turning the shade of fire.

Vin, Josiah, Chris, Nathan and Buck were sitting on the boardwalk, waiting for the show to start when a ghastly scream broke through the calm spring air.  Four of the men nearly fell out their chairs, Nathan actually did, hitting the boards hard on his rump.  The cry was seemingly from another world.  As the five friends stared at each other in confusion and shock they knew why the scream had startled them so greatly, why the townspeople stopped in their tracks to stare at the bathhouse, and why none of them had reached for their guns or burst out laughing.  The Rebel Yell, the blood curdling scream chilled the blood of everyone within earshot, which was practically the whole town. 

After a one long still tense moment the door to the bathhouse flew open, swinging on its hinges.  Out from the shadows appeared Ezra, hands clenched, face the color of crimson, his head completely bald. 

The five men on the boardwalk, along with half the town, just stared open mouthed at the bald Southerner, whose face was verging on the color of his jacket. 

Ezra stood there for several moments, as if he were a statue, the rage boiling up in his blood. 

If the men had not been so focused upon Ezras bald head, they would have realized that they had never seen Ezra so damn angry.  Hell, Ezra was not simply angry, he was a cannon about to explode.

The five friends simply stared at Standish for one long moment before all hell broke loose.

"BBBBUUUUCCCKK!"  The mighty roar that erupted from Ezs throat rivaled only the eerie rebel yell he had made but moments before.  The cowboy in question fell out of his chair and stared wide eyed at the fuming Southerner who began a furious stomp across the street, people scrambling out of the way.

At any other time the sight of an angry Ezra chasing after Buck would have caused the other four to fall over laughing, but for some reason they did not, they simply stared in shock and slight fear at the gambler.  This was not simple harmless anger at a trick gone wrong, this was hell fire Larabee anger and anger like that from the usually suave gambler frankly scared the shit out of the men.

The gambler marched to where the Buck sat on the boardwalk in complete shock, his wild green eyes staring in fury at the man.  For a moment Vin thought Ezra was physically going to attack Buck, but the Southerner simply just stood there still as a statue, except for the clenching of his fists.

After a tense filled moment Ezra turned on his heel and stomped into the saloon. 

The men exchanged worried glances, not sure what to do next, or if they should do anything at all.  Without a second thought Josiah stood up and followed Standish into the saloon.

As Josiah stepped into the establishment, he saw the focus of his concern rushing angrily up the stairs.  The ex-preacher ran across the room and up the stairs, calling Ezras name.  The gambler did not pause nor turn around, simply kept moving toward his room.

"Ezra," Josiah said sharply as he grabbed hold of Standishs shoulder.  Ezra pulled away violently, not even looking at Sanchez.

"Leave me alone Josiah," he hissed as he turned back towards his room. 

"Ezra," Josiah pleaded as he took hold of the mans arm again.  At the touch Ezra whirled around, eyes flashing.

"I said leave me be Josiah!" 

"Now calm down, Son," Josiah entreated as Standish turned away from him once more.  At this entreaty Ez turned to face the man who had said the worse thing he could have possibly said.

"Calm down," Ezra hissed.  "Calm down!" he shouted.  His eyes where wild with rage, his face flushed with anger, this was truly a terrifying Ezra. 

Josiah could not believe that Ezra was so angry about the trick gone wrong.  Yes it was something to be mad about, but this was insane.  He had never seen Ezra this mad in his life, one would have thought Buck had shot Virginia by the way he was raging.  Josiah knew instantly that Ezs rage had little to do with him being bald.

"Ezra you know Buck did not mean for this to happen," he said, raising up his hands to try and pacify the gambler.  Unfortunately Ezra was too far off the deep end to notice the concern in Josiahs eyes.

"Well that makes it all better doesnt it!  It doesnt matter what any of you do to me; you just apologize and I have to pretend everything is perfect!"

"Now, Ezra," Josiah began gently.

"Don't you now Ezra me, Josiah!  Everyone else is allowed to rage over the littlest thing, but God forbid I get angry!"  Ezra stood for a moment in front of the preacher, his fire green eyes boring into the man, his anger just beneath the surface.

After a moment the constraint that usually ruled his life won out over the anger and turned around and marched to his room.  Josiah just stood stock still at the top of the stairs, feeling incredibly helpless.

Vin, who had followed Josiah into the saloon, had watched the episode, along with the rest of the patrons, from the doorway.  When Ezra slammed the door to his room, the tracker headed back outside and told the others what had happened, not like that had not heard it.

"Shit," Buck said as he looked at the ground.  "I didn't mean for that to happen."

"Well it did, Buck," Chris spat.  He knew he should not be short with his old friend, but he just could not help it.

"I don't see what the big deal is," Nathan said, in puzzlement and slight irritation.  "It was just an accident."  Nathan could understand Ezra becoming slightly angry and seeking revenge on Buck, a bit of a venom tongue, but that was all.  This was completely uncalled for.  It had only been a mistake.

"Weren't you listenin at all, Nate?" Vin particularly spat out before moving off to go find Virginia.  Not only could the woman probably shed some light on this whole mess, but Vin also knew Virginia would be the best person for Ezra to see when he first woke up.  The tracker knew he would not try to shoot her.

The three remaining men just stared after Vin in slight shock.  It was rare that Vin ever spoke up in such a way.  A small grin passed over Chriss face.  He had forgotten how close Vin and Ezra had become.  In the beginning Vin would just let Nathan rag on Ezra like the rest of them, but over the past few months, as their friendship developed, Vin had become very protective of the gambler.  He had come to understand the man and his motives, stood up for him when no one else did. 

As Vin walked over to the stables where he thought the lady would be, he realized that Ez had been right.  They all jumped to Chriss defense when he flew off the handle over the littlest of things, blaming it on his past, but God forbid Ezra ever get upset, then he was simply overacting.  Vin shook his head.  Of all the things Ezra had to put up with, he had a right to get a little angry, even if it was only seemingly about hair.

Vin stepped into the stables, allowing his eyes time to adjust to the darker atmosphere.  He listened for a moment, caught the sound of soft singing coming from one of the stall.  He cocked his head, listening to the soft melodious Southern tones.  Vin could not help but smile when he realized she was singing Red River Valley.  He walked quietly down the stables towards the source of the music.  The tracker stopped at the front of the stall and watched the woman groom her beautiful chocolate bay, Jefferson, allowing the soft words of her song to flow over him

From this valley they say you are going
We will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile
For they say you are taking the sunshine
That has brightened our path for a while.

Come and sit by my side if you love me
Do not hasten to bid me adieu
But remember the Red River Valley
And the cowboy who loved you so true.

Won't you think of the valley you're leaving
Oh how lonely, how sad it will be?
Oh think of the fond heart you're breaking
And the grief you are causing to me.

As you go to your home by the ocean
May you never forget those sweet hours
That we spent in the Red River Valley
And the love we exchanged mid the flowers.

When she finished the song she continued to hum to herself, running her brush along the animals back. 

"Mornin', Ginny," Vin said, hating to break the peaceful movement.  She looked up from her task, truly surprised to see him standing there.  Usually she could sense when someone else was present.  Like Ezra and Vin, it was hard to sneak up on the Virginian.  Yet she had been so involved in her song, allowing its words to take her to another time and place.  When Vin made his presence known she had been riding with her brothers across their land in Virginia.

"Good morning, Mr. Tanner," she greeted with a smile. 

"That was real pretty singin', Ginny," he commented as he leaned against the stall wall.  She grinned, placing her left arm across Jeffersons withers, leaning against her horse.  Vin had fallen into to calling her by the shortened version of her name mostly because he felt more comfortable with the more common name.  He was not a man that dealt with propriety much and it felt strange calling a woman who tracked almost better than he did by her aristocratic name.  Besides the nickname was something that helped build their friendship and made it unique, like his calling Chris cowboy.  Vin could not help but think of Virginia more and more like a sister.

"Thank you, Mr. Tanner.  Red River Valley has always been one of my favorite songs, and, she added with a wink, one of the few I can remember all the words to."  As she watched Vin chuckle softly Virginia noticed that something was bothering the tracker.

"May I ask what is bothering you, Mr. Tanner?"  Vin could not help but smile at the womans perceptiveness.  He hesitated only a moment, but long enough for Virginias face to become lined with worry.  "Is it my Ezra?  What is wrong, Vin?"  Vin sighed, had almost forgotten how protective the woman was of Ezra.  One thing he had to give the woman, she always stood up for Ez, no matter what.  Now, Virginia was by no means a silly girl who believed Ezra could do no wrong, on the contrary, she knew her fiancé was all to human.  She simply always gave him the benefit of the doubt.  Virginia always stood behind him until she could be proven one hundred percent wrong, which had not happened yet.  Whenever Nathan, or anyone else questioned Ezras motives she had to bite her lip from protecting him, knowing he would be embarrassed.  Vin had never met any woman who had so much faith in a man and he hoped that he would be lucky enough to find a woman someday with half of Virginias fierce devotion.

Vin told her the story, not exactly sure what the womans reaction would be.  He liked to think he had begun to know her well, but there were so many different ways to react.  She could laugh at Ezra blowing up over such a little thing or be upset with him like Nathan, which he highly doubted, or she could go the other extreme and shoot one of them, which, if her fierce brown gaze was any indication, was probably more likely.

As Virginia listened to Vins tale she did not know whether she should rush to Ezras side or shoot Mr. Wilmington.  She had a feeling she knew what this whole this thing was about.  Ezra was slightly vain, but contrary to popular believe not vain enough to blow up about hair.  His reaction went much deeper than that, and Virginia thought she knew the reason. 

She dropped the brush into the tack box and stepped out of the stall, hurriedly checking on Jefferson, impatient to get to Ezra.

"In his room?" she asked with one look at Vin.  The tracker nodded.  Virginia returned the nod and hurried out of the stall, heading towards the saloon with a determined stride.

Virginia found Josiah standing outside of Ezras room, trying to coerce the gambler to talk to him.

"Ezra, please just listen for a moment," Josiah practically pleaded.  Silence followed his plea.  Pacing could be heard from within the room and Virginia joined the preacher.

She looked at Josiah pointedly, silently asking for an explanation.  The preacher sighed and rubbed his hand over his face.  He was too old for this.

"He's locked himself in there and wont say a damn word.  He looked down at the woman whose eyes shone with concern.  I'm worried 'bout him, Virginia," he said honestly.  "He's still fuming and I heard glass breaking.  We need to get in there."  Virginia nodded sternly, gave Josiah a comforting squeeze on the arm and moved to the door.

"Ezra darlin'."  Her voice was soft and comforting, her accent thick in her concern.  "Ezra honey, may I come in, darlin'?"  Silence.  Virginia waited for several moments, her worry rising.  Not hesitating another moment Virginia reached up to her hat, pulled out one of her pins and quickly picked the lock.  Motioning to Josiah to stay where he was, she quietly entered the room, closing the door behind her.

She turned to look at the room, slightly surprised by what she saw.  The place was in complete shambles.  It looked as if Satan himself had drunken a bottle of red eye and careened through the place.  The sheets had been pulled off the bed, clothes pulled out of drawers, anything breakable had been thrown against the wall.  The mirror that hung above Ezras dresser was smashed, blood covering the dresser and the floor.  In the middle of the whole scene was Ezra, walking back and forth, seemingly oblivious to the damage.  Unlike the caged walk of a man waiting to explode, Ezra walked as man who had spent all his energy, who was simply lost in his own thoughts.  His right hand, which he absent-mindedly kept tucked up to his chest, was covered in blood and shards of glass.  She was so consumed with the sight of hand and overall haggard appearance that she only noticed his bald head as an afterthought.  It was a bit of a start to see Ezra without his auburn hair, but she was much more concerned with his present state of health and emotions.  Besides, for some reason it really did not bother her that much.

Ezra did not even not notice her when she entered, so preoccupied was he with his thoughts.  Virginia took a careful step forward, as not to startle him.

"Ezra?" she called quietly.  Nothing happened, the gambler simply just kept pacing.  Squaring her shoulders in determination the woman stepped right up to him, touching him gently on the shoulder.

Instantly Ezra stopped in his tracks, seemed to break out of his spell, and looked up sharply at her.

"Virginia?" he asked, not sure when or how she had entered the room.

"I picked the lock a few minutes ago," she answered his silent questions.  "Mr. Tanner told me what happened," she said gently, hoping he would tell what was wrong.

Ezra grunted, something he had never done before coming to this uncouth dirt hole. 

"I behaved like an imbecile.  I suppose I will never be able to make up for my actions," he said as he continued to pace.  Virginia frowned, something was bothering him and damn if she was going to let him put up his mask.

"You have as much right to get upset as any man," she said.  He turned towards her, his mask firmly in place.

"Not about things as trivial as this," he said gesturing to his bald head.  Unfortunately he used his right hand.  Instantly his mask fell as he clutched his hand in pain.  Virginia hurried to him, gently pulling away his left hand.

"Let me see," she ordered, as if she was dealing with a little child who refused to show his mother where he hurt.

"I am fine," he insisted, though his eyes shone with pain.  She looked up from his hand, giving him a hard stare.

"Do not try that poker face with me, Ezra Standish.  I can see right through it."  A slight smile curved his lips.

"You know me too well, Virginia."  She smiled up at him and then went back to checking his hand.  Ezra winced as she gently prodded it.

"We will have to clean this to get all the glass out and to keep out infection, and some of these will need stitches."  She glanced at the broken mirror and then back at his hand.  "What could make you so angry as to do this to yourself?"  He was about to open his mouth when Virginia held up her hand.  "The real answer, Ezra."  He sighed heavily, the woman was too damn perceptive.  Perhaps was that was part of the thing that had drawn him to her.  She always knew his mood, knew when things were bothering him.  It was sort of nice having someone who, when everyone else thought you were impervious to everything, knew how deeply things really effected you. 

Even though she often had an inkling as to what was bothering him she was not a bloody mind reader and even when she did know what was exactly bothering him she usually waited for him to share the problem with her.  Partly so he would be forced to face whatever was bothering him, partly so he would not have to shoulder it alone, partly to teach him to share with people and partly to make sure he did not keep it bottled inside until he exploded, like today for example.

Ezra ducked his head and closed his eyes, letting the past float back to him. 

"It reminded me of the many cruel tricks that my cousins played on me.  Virginia waited, knowing that there was more to it than that.  The first time it happened, I went to tell my aunt what they had done.  Im not sure what I expected, sympathy, retribution, but she gave me a cold stare, telling me I should not tattle, that I should not complain.  She said that they were simply playing and that I should not be such a cry baby, that I should be grateful that they paid any attention to me at all.  From then on I kept my mouth shut and took it.  Perhaps I was finally reacting to everything, and when they told me to calm down I blew up.  I suppose I wanted to just go completely insane just once, like every one else."  A slight smile appeared on his face.  "Good lord, I sound like Mr. Sanchez." 

At this Virginia chuckled softly.  "So, did you enjoy going as crazy as we mere mortals often do?" she said with a sly smile.  He grinned back at her, gold tooth flashing.

"Oddly enough, yes, but I found the experience slightly more painful than expected however," he said as he cradled his right arm.  "And," he looked about his room, "quite destructive and expensive.  All in all I do not particularly think it is an experience I will make a habit."  Virginia laughed out loud at this, a rich full sound that lightened Ezras heart.

"I am sure the others will be glad to hear that.  You caught them completely off guard."

"Well I must keep them on their toes."   His grin was contagious and Virginia smiled back mischievously as she reached up and kissed him.  When she pulled back she flashed one more smile at him, before turning to his hand.

"Now we really must get this cleaned and stitched.  Do you want me to tell Mr. Sanchez to fetch Mr. Jackson?" 

"No, I must make an appearance so that they do not think I have gone completely insane.  Besides, I owe all of them an apology, especially Mr. Wilmington.  Besides, they are not to blame.  I may have a right to be angry as you said, but not at people who did nothing to warrant such behavior."  Virginia smiled sweetly at him, knew Ezra felt awful for the way he had acted and was slightly embarrassed.  She let the conversation go at that, hoping the men would let him be and force him to reveal the reason behind his anger.  She knew he felt it was quite a silly reason to become angry, and hated being asked the reasons behind his actions or about his past.  Luckily most of the men, she knew, liked keeping their own pasts private and even Mr. Jackson would return the favor. 

He turned to look at the mirror and winced at his ragged appearance.  His jacket and white shirtsleeve were soaked in blood.  It would not do it all to go out in such clothes.  Ezra started to take off his jacket, but was having quite a bit of trouble without the use of his right hand or without aggravating the wound.  He winced as the fabric brushed across the cuts in his hand.  Virginia was instantly by his side, helping him remove his jacket.  He flashed her a grateful smile, glad he did not have to actually ask for her help.  Virginia helped him to change into a clean white shirt and his dark green jacket.

"There we are," she said as she adjusted his vest, a touch of pride in her voice.  "Now let's go get that hand cleaned up, she said moving towards the door."

"Just a moment, Darlin'," he said as he picked up his hat off the floor and dusted it off, placing it on his head.  "Now I am ready."  She smiled at the figure he cut, a mischievous glimmer in her chocolate eyes.  Even with his bloodied hand and lack of hair he was still remarkably handsome, and above all he was still Ezra. 

She curtsied rather dramatically, as a proper lady would have and held out her right elbow to him.

"Shall we, Mr. Standish?" she asked, playing the part.  He bowed deeply, playing along.

"It would be a delight, Miss Pennycuff," he replied, all the old humor back in his voice.  He took her arm and led her out of the room.

When Josiah heard the two Southerners head towards he hurried down stairs to take a seat in the saloon.  He did not want them to know that he had overheard their conversation.  He had not meant to over hear the conversation, had simply wanted to be there if Virginia or Ezra needed him.  When the two had started to talk Josiah knew he should have turned and left, but could not turn away, wanted to hear what was truly going on within the gambler.  Josiah cursed himself for not seeing it before.  He liked to think he knew the man well and was upset he had not seen it.  But Nathan had once told him that he was not omniscient and was as human as the rest of them.  Apparently they had forgotten that behind the wall of bravado and confidence of the gambler lay an all to mortal man.

Ezra and Virginia walked down the stairs of the saloon, consumed in conversation about something or another.  Ezra did not notice, or more likely did not let on that he noticed, the stares sent his way from the other patrons of the saloon.  Chuckles and jokes could be heard about the bald gambler, but the patrons wisely kept their comments quiet, due in large part to the large preacher who shot them cautionary glances. 

At the sight of Ezras bloody hand Josiah was out of his seat and across the room in a bat of the eye. 

"Ezra, what did you do?" 

"The mirror and I experienced a difference of opinion Mr. Sanchez."  Josiah eyed the man carefully, seeing the mask once again firmly in place.  For the first time since knowing the gambler Josiah was relieved to see the poker face return, it meant that Ezra was himself his again.  Josiah had always wished Standish would show more of his emotions, but after that frightening episode the preacher was seriously thinking about wishing for something else.

"You need to see Nate bout this," Sanchez said, leaving no room for argument.  Ezra raised an eyebrow at the fatherly order. 

"Virginia has already insisted that I do so, and that is where we are headed at the moment."  He turned toward the Virginian on his arm.  "Will you give me a moment Darlin?"  Virginia glanced at the two men and nodded.  Giving Josiah a smile she picked up her skirts and left the saloon.

"Ezra, you need to get that hand bandaged."  Standish raised his left hand to halt the preachers words.

"It can wait a moment Mr. Sanchez, but what I have to say can not.  My behavior earlier today was uncalled for."

"Ezra," Josiah began, hoping to keep the gambler from embarrassment. 

"No matter what the cause, I had no right to behave in such a manner.  It was unbecoming of a gentleman and," Ezra paused, not believing he was actually going to say what was on his mind.  When he spoke his voice was low, so only Josiah could hear him.  "and of a friend." 

Josiah stared at the young man a moment, before his face broke into a huge grin.  Ezra was not one to call anyone friend openly, and the fact that he did told Josiah that they were just a little bit closer to making the lone southerner part of their odd family. 

While Josiah grinned like a proud papa Ezra looked everywhere but at the preacher.  Luckily Inez came to his rescue, quite on accident.

"Senior Standish!  You are bleeding on my floor!"  Ezra looked up sharply at the sound of the irritated Spanish voice.

"My apologies Miss Inez.  If you excuse me Mr. Sanchez."  Ezra tipped his hat and made a bee line for the door, hoping to out run the hug he knew would be coming from Josiah if he did not leave the premises at once.  Josiah just watched him go, the he grin still on his face.  He'd catch Standish eventually.

Larabee strolled down the boardwalk several hours later, just as people were settling in for the evening.  He had just returned from patrol and was looking forward a nice hot meal, not to mention finding out what was going on with Standish.  As much as Chris would hate to admit it, he had been worried about the gambler.  It was just not right for him to fly off the handle and it unnerved the usually unshakable gambler.  Though Chris usually wanted to pommel the Southern pain in the ass he wanted nothing more than to see the smug confident peacock sitting in the saloon calmly taking peoples money.  Chris had forgotten how he relied on at least one of his men not being composed and not constantly going off the deep end.  Hell, he supposed he was just worried about a friend.

Chris had not seen the man yet, and was hoping to see him in the saloon, doing what he did best. 

"May I have a word with you Mr. Larabee?" came a familiar Southern voice from behind him.

"Sure Ez," he answered, turning to face the man that more often than not irritated the hell out of him.  "What is it?"  And what the hell did you do to your hand? he thought, noting the bandages on the right hand.

"I simply wanted to apologize to you for my outburst this afternoon.  The circumstances did not call in any way for such behavior.  It was unbecoming a gentleman and a lawman."

"Ez."

"No, Mr. Larabee, my behavior was inexcusable.  Had there been an emergency of any sort I would have been unable to assist in any useful form.  I promise you that it will not occur again in the future."

"Ez."

"Yes Mr. Larabee?"

"Shut up."  Standish just stared at him a moment before a small smile crossed his face. 

"Yes Mr. Larabee," he said, giving his two fingered salute, with his left hand.  "Well, I will see you later my esteemed leader."  With that he turned and headed to the stables.

"Ezra."  The gambler turned to look at the dark clad man.

"Yes Mr. Larabee?"

"It's OK to get angry at us, that's what were here for."  Ezra seemed to be lost in thought for a moment, before a dimpled grin crossed his face.  He simply nodded before continuing to the stables.  Larabee watched the retreating form of the gambler for a moment before heading towards the saloon.

When Ezra entered the stables Vin was grooming Peso. 

"Good evening Mr. Tanner," Ezra greeted as he made his way to Chaucer's stall.

"Evenin' Ez," Vin returned as he continued to brush his midnight steed.  Ezra entered the his horse's stall, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a peppermint candy for the stubborn ginger.

"I swear you spoil that animal," Vin chastised from Pesos stall. 

"Chaucer is not spoiled, he is simply an equine used to the finer attributes of life."

"Yeah mean spoiled?"

"If that is how you want to interpret fine breeding than you go right ahead Mr. Tanner."

"Whatever Ez."  The two fell into a companionable silence as they saw to their mounts.  Ezra had apologized to Vin earlier, which had been the easiest apology he had to make.  The tracker had just listened quietly and nodded, patting him on the shoulder before heading off to the saloon.  Sometimes Ezra was thankful for the mans affinity for silence.  As much as he loved to talk, sometimes Ezra needed silence, just knowing that he was not alone was enough.

After a moment Vin broke the silence, something he rarely did.

"So when you gonna get Buck back?" 

"Now Mr. Tanner revenge over something of this nature is a base instinct, reserved for lower men of lesser character."

"So that mean you gonna forget about it?"

"Dear Lord no, I am simply going to surpass anything Mr. Wilmington could ever possibly conceive."

"He is real sorry Ez, you know that right?"

"Indeed I do, but Mr. Wilmington must learn not to play with chemicals, it could be dangerous."  Vin chuckled softly at the remark.

"Hey you guys," came JDs cheery voice as the kid entered the saloon.

"Hey JD."

"To what do we owe the honor of your visit Mr. Dunne?" Ezra asked as he brushed Chaucers mane.  JD diverted his eyes away from Ez, instead focusing on Chaucer.  He still could not look at the bald gambler without bursting into laughter.

"Miss Potter wanted to know if you wanted her to order a wig for you," he said kind of quietly, not sure how Ezra would react.  The Southerner glanced at Vin, then at the nervous kid before smiling slyly, his gold tooth flashing.