Chapter 7: Left Turn At Albuquerque - Mag7/HL/Ironman
Title: Left Turn At Albuquerque (7/?)
Author: strangevisitor7
Fandom/Universe: Ironman (Marvel Movie 'verse)and Magnificent 7 (Part of the Aces Immortal Highlander AU)
Beta: ithildyn
Rating: PG
Characters: From Ironman: Tony Stark, Pepper, Rhodey. From Mag7: Vin Tanner, Ezra Standish, Buck Wilmington, JD Dunne, Chris Larabee. OC's from the Aces Immortal 'Verse: Charlotte Sparrow (AKA Pearl Black) and Cecily Desjardins.
Summary: Stranded in the past, Tony runs into some familiar faces. In this chapter Ezra and Tony finally play poker!!
A/N: This is part of the Aces Immortal series created by me and ithildyn, which means that Ezra Standish is Immortal in this story.
Banner by ithildyn
Chapter List
Chapter 1; Chapter 2; Chapter 3; Chapter 4; Chapter 5; Chapter 6; Chapter 7; Chapter 8; Chapter 9; Chapter 10; Chapter 11
Chapter 7: Left Turn At Albuquerque
Tony had reported to the livery right after breakfast. To his dismay, Tiny had put him to work mucking out the stables; not exactly how he'd hoped to spend his morning.
He tossed the shovel of manure into the waiting cart and paused to wipe the sweat from his brow. He was really starting to hate time travel. Sighing, he dug the shovel under the next pile of shit, but froze as the hairs on the back of his neck tingled. He turned to find Chris watching him.
"Enjoying your stay in Four Corners?" the gunslinger asked.
"It's a paradise," Tony groused.
Chris smiled. "A little hard work never killed anyone.
"I'm not so sure," Tony replied with a smile as he leaned on his shovel.
"I was not cut out for menial labor."
Chris smirked. "I've heard that before."
Tony sent him a quizzical look, but Chris failed to elaborate.
"Just wanted to remind you 'bout dinner on Sunday."
Tony nodded, not sure he was ready to face Charlotte in two days. "I appreciate the hospitality, but I don't want to intrude."
"My wife wants to meet you," he explained, indicating that declining the invitation was not an option. "And my stepdaughter thinks you're interesting company."
"I'm not so sure Ezra or Vin would agree."
"You here to con people or steal their money?"
Tony surmised that Chris had already spoken to Ezra about his suspicions. "No." He was really getting tired of being called a liar.
Chris seemed to be thinking things over. "You gonna try anything inappropriate with Cecily?"
"No." So maybe Tony was a liar after all, but it hardly counted when it came to women.
Chris nodded. "Then you ain't got to worry about Vin or Ezra." He met Tony's eyes with a fierce glare. "As long as you're true to your word, you ain't got to worry about me neither."
Tony blinked and swallowed. "I understand." Chris could be a scary man, and Tony'd faced down more than his fair share.
"Now truthfully," he paused as his glare turned into a grin, "my wife is the one you should really be worried about." Without waiting for a reply Chris exited the barn.
"Of that, I have no doubt," Tony mumbled to himself.
**********************************
The hours passed slowly, and while the tasks Tiny assigned him were tiring, they weren't difficult. It allowed Tony the time he needed to let his mind focus on the situation with the armor. Unfortunately, he was no closer to a solution, but he was confident that the answer was there, just out of reach.
Tony was busy placing new straw in the horses' stalls when he heard a familiar voice.
"You 'bout done here?" Buck asked. "The boys are heading over to the saloon, and I thought you might like ta join us.
Toy smiled, grateful for the invitation. "I am and I would," he said as he dropped the last load of hay.
Buck grimaced as he approached. "Whew boy. You been rolling around in shit all day."
"Are you trying to say that I smell?" Tony attempted to clap Buck on the shoulder with one dirty hand.
The taller man avoided the contact laughing. "Oh no you don't. The ladies like their Buck smelling like a man, not manure." He backed out of the barn and pointed down the street. "You best head to the bath house before you join us."
Tony smiled. A bath sounded wonderful. Even one under such primitive circumstances; damn he was still missing his Jacuzzi tub. "I'll get right on that."
The two men parted ways and Tony made a quick detour to grab some fresh clothes before heading to the bath house.
***************************************
Tony entered the saloon refreshed and dressed in Ezra's borrowed clothes again. He'd even taken the time to shave off his goatee, and while he felt a bit naked without it, it was a necessary sacrifice in anticipation of seeing Charlotte on Sunday.
He caught sight of Buck sitting with JD and Vin. The ladies man waved him over. Tony nodded to the men as he took a seat at the table.
"You're looking a might better now." Buck chuckled and pushed a beer in Tony's direction.
He took a long swallow before answering, "Feeling much better too." It was going to be a rough time here if he had to continue working at the livery. The opportunity to work in the smithy hadn't presented itself, and Tony was not looking forward to more menial tasks tomorrow.
Inez stopped by the table and placed a plate of food in front of him. Tony smiled at the barmaid. "You are a mind reader. I'm starving." Tony tasted the dish while Inez waited, and sighed as the food melted in his mouth. "It's heavenly, senorita. You, my dear, are a goddess in the kitchen."
"I am glad to know some men appreciate my cooking."
Tony laughed as he recognized who the words were truly meant for.
"I like you cooking," Buck protested.
"Hmmph!" Inez said before bestowing a genuine smile on Tony. "If you want more, please let me know."
"I will."
Inez blushed and whirled away, quickly returning to the bar. Tony hadn't even realized the suggestiveness of the exchange until he felt Buck glaring at him.
JD laughed. "Looks like Inez has found someone she likes better 'an you Buck."
"Shut it, JD," Buck snapped as he continued to silently demand an explanation from Tony.
"Buck, I have no interest in Inez." Tony added quickly, "I swear."
Buck smiled. "Men like us can't help it if women just fall at our feet. It's our animal magnetism."
"It's a curse," Tony agreed with a laugh.
Vin stood. "I've got early patrol," he said abruptly before striding away and disappearing through the batwing doors of the saloon.
Tony watched him go. "I see that Mr.Tanner does not share your philosophy,"
"Don't worry 'bout Vin. He's still out of sorts about Cecily taking a shine to ya."
"Really?" It seemed there were no secrets in a small town.
"Chris might have mentioned, in front of Vin, that Cecily was badgering him to make sure you showed up for Sunday dinner," Buck explained.
Tony realized that they must have been using Tony's presence to make Vin jealous, and maybe encourage Vin to talk to his former love. "Is it working?"
"Is what working?" JD asked confused.
Buck shook his head. "Doubt it. Stubborn is Vin's middle name; Cecily's too."
A kernel of an idea was blossoming in Tony's mind. Maybe he should pursue Cecily; make Vin really jealous. That would get the man to make a move. Tony chuckled. Yeah, a move that would likely result in me getting shot..
Tony nodded. "Love is a dangerous and frustrating game for the inexperienced."
"Ain't that the truth," Buck said and raised his beer to Tony. "Luckily that ain't our problem."
Tony mirrored the gesture, acknowledging Buck's kindred spirit.
"What are you two talking about?"
"It will all make sense when you're older, JD." Buck said.
Tony laughed as Buck and JD launched into what was obviously a common argument for them. Tony looked around the small bar room and settled his attention on Ezra, who was at the same table as yesterday playing poker.
"If you gentlemen will excuse me, I think it's time Ezra and I got to know each other better."
The two stopped their bickering to stare at Tony. "You sure you want to do that?" Buck asked.
"When Ezra don't like someone, he tends to clean them out," JD added.
"I'll take my chances," Tony said before excusing himself, heading toward the raised platform where the poker game was in full swing.
********************************
"Mind if I join the game?" Tony asked as he approached the table where Ezra was holding court.
The gambler looked up and a feral smile crossed his face. "Not at all." He gestured to the open chair.
Tony seated himself across from Ezra and pulled out the five dollars in change he'd taken from the bandits' saddlebags. "What's the ante?"
"Twenty-five cents."
Tony nodded and placed a coin in the middle of the table. He'd played poker with Ez many times; usually losing, but tonight he was playing with a very different version of his friend, and that, he felt, should give him an advantage.
Ezra dealt the cards. Tony obliquely studied his nemesis as he looked at his hand and smiled. It seemed that some of the tells that were barely perceptible in modern day Ez were all too apparent in Old West Ezra.
Tony took the first hand easily; Ezra's bluff hadn't fooled him at all.
"Well played," Ezra said as he watched Tony rake the pot to his side of the table.
"Beginner's luck," Tony said curtly, falling into silence while waiting for the next deal. He wasn't about to antagonize Ezra. He wanted to see the man in his element; understand the differences between the Ez he knew and this younger version.
The cards were dealt and Inez brought a round of drinks to the table; Tony assumed Ez had paid for them. Tipsy opponents were careless opponents, but Tony wasn't about to let alcohol cloud his judgment. He wanted to take Ezra down a notch.
Ezra tried to draw Tony into conversation, but he replied to every inquiry with a curt 'no' or other one word answer. He wasn't going to be distracted. Once he'd realized the advantage time travel had given him over his opponent, Tony was hell bent on teaching Ezra a lesson, and that required his full concentration. After an hour of grunts and unsociable replies, Ezra's frustration was reaching its breaking point. Tony was thoroughly amused, because Ezra's foul mood was making his tells even more apparent.
"You are doing quite well," Ezra noted, indicating the stack of bills and coins that had accumulated in front of Tony.
Tony just nodded his agreement and set about dealing the cards.
"Hardly a beginner, I'd wager," Ezra prodded.
Tony shrugged noncommittally and focused on his cards, refusing to meet Ezra's eyes. He waited patiently for Ezra to begin the betting. Ezra grabbed his cards from the table and hastily flung his money into the pot.
The others at the table seemed to ignore Ezra's growing frustration, or maybe they were just that blind to the gambler's tells which were so clear to him. Quietly, the betting came around to Tony, who nonchalantly placed his coin in the center.
"I can't place your accent," Ezra said, obviously trying to make one more attempt to connect with Tony in hopes of getting a better read off him. Casual conversation was a trick modern Ezra had used with great success on Tony over the years to get him to unwittingly reveal his hand. "Where were you raised?"
"Here and there."
Ezra practically groaned with irritation, and Tony had to struggle to keep the smile of satisfaction off his face. This was more fun then he'd anticipated. Ezra had been an ass to him for two days and he was really enjoying having the upper hand.
"Your style of play seems very…familiar," Ezra prompted again.
Because I learned all the best tricks from a much nicer version of you. Aloud he said, "Don't know why it would."
"You seem very adept at the game for a traveling inventor."
Tony noticed a change in Ezra's expression that worried him. Frustration was giving way to anger.
"I confess," Tony began, having decided that maybe he'd toyed with the man long enough, "I've some experience at the gaming tables."
Ezra eyes narrowed at Tony as if once again trying to remember someone he should know, but couldn't place. "Are you sure we've never met?"
"I'm sure," Tony replied and couldn't stop himself from throwing out a little dig. "I must say, that for a professional, I thought you'd be a bigger challenge."
There was a slight hesitation before Ezra chuckled without mirth. "One would think so. One might also think that a man such as yourself could only beat a man with my experience one way."
Un oh, Tony thought as he met Ezra's hardened gaze. "What are you implying?" he asked, but he already knew the answer and it pissed him off.
"I am implying, Mr. Stark, that you are just a little too lucky."
"You're accusing me of cheating?" Tony snapped, letting his indignation get the best of him as he slapped his cards down on the table and stood. "Are you kidding me?"
"I would never jest about such a grave accusation," Ezra insisted as he stood to face Tony.
The others at the table, recognizing where this conversation might be headed, quickly fled.
"Unbelievable!"
"Very believable! It is the only explanation for your ability to win so many hands."
"How about the fact that you have gigantic tells that a ten-year-old child could recognize?" Tony pushed back his jacket and jammed his hands on his hips in frustration; mainly to stop himself from doing something stupid, because right now he was seriously considering decking Ezra.
The movement brought an unexpected response from Ezra, who popped a small gun from within his jacket sleeve. "I suggest you don't move," Ezra said carefully as he aimed the pistol at Tony's chest.
Only then did Tony comprehend that he had, in fact, done something stupid. He'd given every indication to Ezra that he was going for a gun.
Tony slowly raised his empty hands, palms out. "I'm unarmed here." He was trying very hard to calm down. He couldn't let his anger at the fact that Ezra was seriously considering shooting him push him into doing something he'd regret. "Let's just talk about this logically." He nodded toward the pistol. "There's really no need for weapons." Tony paused, a light going on in his brain that had absolutely nothing to do with the current confrontation, and repeated to himself, "There's no need for weapon's." He began laughing. "I'm an idiot; of course there's no need for weapons."
Ezra had lowered his gun, in response to Tony's bizarre reaction to being drawn upon and was now staring at him like he'd gone insane. "I agree weapons are unnecessary," he said warily. "I'm sure we can discuss this like civilized men."
Tony continued to laugh. "Nope, don't need weapons. Glad we agree on that."
"Now if you could just explain how you…"
Tony waved a hand at Ezra, cutting him off. "Sorry, no time for chit chat, I've got work to do." He scooped up his winnings and shoved the money into his pockets.
"Now just a second…," Ezra sputtered. "You're leaving?"
"I get it. You want to yell at me and accuse me of all sorts of 'nefarious' activities, but I really don't have time right now. So let's just pretend you did and I forgave you for calling me a cheater." Tony rounded the table and clapped the gambler on the shoulder. "Oh and thanks for not shooting me."
You're…welcome?" Ezra said, shaking his head, clearly confused by Tony's sudden change in behavior.
"I'm glad we've reached this understanding. Terrific conversation; great insight and all that. I really owe you one."
Tony headed toward the door as Ezra yelled to him, "What insight? What the hell are you talking about?"
"Talk to you tomorrow, bro!" Tony called back, and without further explanation exited the saloon, leaving a stunned Ezra standing slack jawed at the table.
Author: strangevisitor7
Fandom/Universe: Ironman (Marvel Movie 'verse)and Magnificent 7 (Part of the Aces Immortal Highlander AU)
Beta: ithildyn
Rating: PG
Characters: From Ironman: Tony Stark, Pepper, Rhodey. From Mag7: Vin Tanner, Ezra Standish, Buck Wilmington, JD Dunne, Chris Larabee. OC's from the Aces Immortal 'Verse: Charlotte Sparrow (AKA Pearl Black) and Cecily Desjardins.
Summary: Stranded in the past, Tony runs into some familiar faces. In this chapter Ezra and Tony finally play poker!!
A/N: This is part of the Aces Immortal series created by me and ithildyn, which means that Ezra Standish is Immortal in this story.
Banner by ithildyn
Chapter List
Chapter 1; Chapter 2; Chapter 3; Chapter 4; Chapter 5; Chapter 6; Chapter 7; Chapter 8; Chapter 9; Chapter 10; Chapter 11
Chapter 7: Left Turn At Albuquerque
Tony had reported to the livery right after breakfast. To his dismay, Tiny had put him to work mucking out the stables; not exactly how he'd hoped to spend his morning.
He tossed the shovel of manure into the waiting cart and paused to wipe the sweat from his brow. He was really starting to hate time travel. Sighing, he dug the shovel under the next pile of shit, but froze as the hairs on the back of his neck tingled. He turned to find Chris watching him.
"Enjoying your stay in Four Corners?" the gunslinger asked.
"It's a paradise," Tony groused.
Chris smiled. "A little hard work never killed anyone.
"I'm not so sure," Tony replied with a smile as he leaned on his shovel.
"I was not cut out for menial labor."
Chris smirked. "I've heard that before."
Tony sent him a quizzical look, but Chris failed to elaborate.
"Just wanted to remind you 'bout dinner on Sunday."
Tony nodded, not sure he was ready to face Charlotte in two days. "I appreciate the hospitality, but I don't want to intrude."
"My wife wants to meet you," he explained, indicating that declining the invitation was not an option. "And my stepdaughter thinks you're interesting company."
"I'm not so sure Ezra or Vin would agree."
"You here to con people or steal their money?"
Tony surmised that Chris had already spoken to Ezra about his suspicions. "No." He was really getting tired of being called a liar.
Chris seemed to be thinking things over. "You gonna try anything inappropriate with Cecily?"
"No." So maybe Tony was a liar after all, but it hardly counted when it came to women.
Chris nodded. "Then you ain't got to worry about Vin or Ezra." He met Tony's eyes with a fierce glare. "As long as you're true to your word, you ain't got to worry about me neither."
Tony blinked and swallowed. "I understand." Chris could be a scary man, and Tony'd faced down more than his fair share.
"Now truthfully," he paused as his glare turned into a grin, "my wife is the one you should really be worried about." Without waiting for a reply Chris exited the barn.
"Of that, I have no doubt," Tony mumbled to himself.
**********************************
The hours passed slowly, and while the tasks Tiny assigned him were tiring, they weren't difficult. It allowed Tony the time he needed to let his mind focus on the situation with the armor. Unfortunately, he was no closer to a solution, but he was confident that the answer was there, just out of reach.
Tony was busy placing new straw in the horses' stalls when he heard a familiar voice.
"You 'bout done here?" Buck asked. "The boys are heading over to the saloon, and I thought you might like ta join us.
Toy smiled, grateful for the invitation. "I am and I would," he said as he dropped the last load of hay.
Buck grimaced as he approached. "Whew boy. You been rolling around in shit all day."
"Are you trying to say that I smell?" Tony attempted to clap Buck on the shoulder with one dirty hand.
The taller man avoided the contact laughing. "Oh no you don't. The ladies like their Buck smelling like a man, not manure." He backed out of the barn and pointed down the street. "You best head to the bath house before you join us."
Tony smiled. A bath sounded wonderful. Even one under such primitive circumstances; damn he was still missing his Jacuzzi tub. "I'll get right on that."
The two men parted ways and Tony made a quick detour to grab some fresh clothes before heading to the bath house.
***************************************
Tony entered the saloon refreshed and dressed in Ezra's borrowed clothes again. He'd even taken the time to shave off his goatee, and while he felt a bit naked without it, it was a necessary sacrifice in anticipation of seeing Charlotte on Sunday.
He caught sight of Buck sitting with JD and Vin. The ladies man waved him over. Tony nodded to the men as he took a seat at the table.
"You're looking a might better now." Buck chuckled and pushed a beer in Tony's direction.
He took a long swallow before answering, "Feeling much better too." It was going to be a rough time here if he had to continue working at the livery. The opportunity to work in the smithy hadn't presented itself, and Tony was not looking forward to more menial tasks tomorrow.
Inez stopped by the table and placed a plate of food in front of him. Tony smiled at the barmaid. "You are a mind reader. I'm starving." Tony tasted the dish while Inez waited, and sighed as the food melted in his mouth. "It's heavenly, senorita. You, my dear, are a goddess in the kitchen."
"I am glad to know some men appreciate my cooking."
Tony laughed as he recognized who the words were truly meant for.
"I like you cooking," Buck protested.
"Hmmph!" Inez said before bestowing a genuine smile on Tony. "If you want more, please let me know."
"I will."
Inez blushed and whirled away, quickly returning to the bar. Tony hadn't even realized the suggestiveness of the exchange until he felt Buck glaring at him.
JD laughed. "Looks like Inez has found someone she likes better 'an you Buck."
"Shut it, JD," Buck snapped as he continued to silently demand an explanation from Tony.
"Buck, I have no interest in Inez." Tony added quickly, "I swear."
Buck smiled. "Men like us can't help it if women just fall at our feet. It's our animal magnetism."
"It's a curse," Tony agreed with a laugh.
Vin stood. "I've got early patrol," he said abruptly before striding away and disappearing through the batwing doors of the saloon.
Tony watched him go. "I see that Mr.Tanner does not share your philosophy,"
"Don't worry 'bout Vin. He's still out of sorts about Cecily taking a shine to ya."
"Really?" It seemed there were no secrets in a small town.
"Chris might have mentioned, in front of Vin, that Cecily was badgering him to make sure you showed up for Sunday dinner," Buck explained.
Tony realized that they must have been using Tony's presence to make Vin jealous, and maybe encourage Vin to talk to his former love. "Is it working?"
"Is what working?" JD asked confused.
Buck shook his head. "Doubt it. Stubborn is Vin's middle name; Cecily's too."
A kernel of an idea was blossoming in Tony's mind. Maybe he should pursue Cecily; make Vin really jealous. That would get the man to make a move. Tony chuckled. Yeah, a move that would likely result in me getting shot..
Tony nodded. "Love is a dangerous and frustrating game for the inexperienced."
"Ain't that the truth," Buck said and raised his beer to Tony. "Luckily that ain't our problem."
Tony mirrored the gesture, acknowledging Buck's kindred spirit.
"What are you two talking about?"
"It will all make sense when you're older, JD." Buck said.
Tony laughed as Buck and JD launched into what was obviously a common argument for them. Tony looked around the small bar room and settled his attention on Ezra, who was at the same table as yesterday playing poker.
"If you gentlemen will excuse me, I think it's time Ezra and I got to know each other better."
The two stopped their bickering to stare at Tony. "You sure you want to do that?" Buck asked.
"When Ezra don't like someone, he tends to clean them out," JD added.
"I'll take my chances," Tony said before excusing himself, heading toward the raised platform where the poker game was in full swing.
********************************
"Mind if I join the game?" Tony asked as he approached the table where Ezra was holding court.
The gambler looked up and a feral smile crossed his face. "Not at all." He gestured to the open chair.
Tony seated himself across from Ezra and pulled out the five dollars in change he'd taken from the bandits' saddlebags. "What's the ante?"
"Twenty-five cents."
Tony nodded and placed a coin in the middle of the table. He'd played poker with Ez many times; usually losing, but tonight he was playing with a very different version of his friend, and that, he felt, should give him an advantage.
Ezra dealt the cards. Tony obliquely studied his nemesis as he looked at his hand and smiled. It seemed that some of the tells that were barely perceptible in modern day Ez were all too apparent in Old West Ezra.
Tony took the first hand easily; Ezra's bluff hadn't fooled him at all.
"Well played," Ezra said as he watched Tony rake the pot to his side of the table.
"Beginner's luck," Tony said curtly, falling into silence while waiting for the next deal. He wasn't about to antagonize Ezra. He wanted to see the man in his element; understand the differences between the Ez he knew and this younger version.
The cards were dealt and Inez brought a round of drinks to the table; Tony assumed Ez had paid for them. Tipsy opponents were careless opponents, but Tony wasn't about to let alcohol cloud his judgment. He wanted to take Ezra down a notch.
Ezra tried to draw Tony into conversation, but he replied to every inquiry with a curt 'no' or other one word answer. He wasn't going to be distracted. Once he'd realized the advantage time travel had given him over his opponent, Tony was hell bent on teaching Ezra a lesson, and that required his full concentration. After an hour of grunts and unsociable replies, Ezra's frustration was reaching its breaking point. Tony was thoroughly amused, because Ezra's foul mood was making his tells even more apparent.
"You are doing quite well," Ezra noted, indicating the stack of bills and coins that had accumulated in front of Tony.
Tony just nodded his agreement and set about dealing the cards.
"Hardly a beginner, I'd wager," Ezra prodded.
Tony shrugged noncommittally and focused on his cards, refusing to meet Ezra's eyes. He waited patiently for Ezra to begin the betting. Ezra grabbed his cards from the table and hastily flung his money into the pot.
The others at the table seemed to ignore Ezra's growing frustration, or maybe they were just that blind to the gambler's tells which were so clear to him. Quietly, the betting came around to Tony, who nonchalantly placed his coin in the center.
"I can't place your accent," Ezra said, obviously trying to make one more attempt to connect with Tony in hopes of getting a better read off him. Casual conversation was a trick modern Ezra had used with great success on Tony over the years to get him to unwittingly reveal his hand. "Where were you raised?"
"Here and there."
Ezra practically groaned with irritation, and Tony had to struggle to keep the smile of satisfaction off his face. This was more fun then he'd anticipated. Ezra had been an ass to him for two days and he was really enjoying having the upper hand.
"Your style of play seems very…familiar," Ezra prompted again.
Because I learned all the best tricks from a much nicer version of you. Aloud he said, "Don't know why it would."
"You seem very adept at the game for a traveling inventor."
Tony noticed a change in Ezra's expression that worried him. Frustration was giving way to anger.
"I confess," Tony began, having decided that maybe he'd toyed with the man long enough, "I've some experience at the gaming tables."
Ezra eyes narrowed at Tony as if once again trying to remember someone he should know, but couldn't place. "Are you sure we've never met?"
"I'm sure," Tony replied and couldn't stop himself from throwing out a little dig. "I must say, that for a professional, I thought you'd be a bigger challenge."
There was a slight hesitation before Ezra chuckled without mirth. "One would think so. One might also think that a man such as yourself could only beat a man with my experience one way."
Un oh, Tony thought as he met Ezra's hardened gaze. "What are you implying?" he asked, but he already knew the answer and it pissed him off.
"I am implying, Mr. Stark, that you are just a little too lucky."
"You're accusing me of cheating?" Tony snapped, letting his indignation get the best of him as he slapped his cards down on the table and stood. "Are you kidding me?"
"I would never jest about such a grave accusation," Ezra insisted as he stood to face Tony.
The others at the table, recognizing where this conversation might be headed, quickly fled.
"Unbelievable!"
"Very believable! It is the only explanation for your ability to win so many hands."
"How about the fact that you have gigantic tells that a ten-year-old child could recognize?" Tony pushed back his jacket and jammed his hands on his hips in frustration; mainly to stop himself from doing something stupid, because right now he was seriously considering decking Ezra.
The movement brought an unexpected response from Ezra, who popped a small gun from within his jacket sleeve. "I suggest you don't move," Ezra said carefully as he aimed the pistol at Tony's chest.
Only then did Tony comprehend that he had, in fact, done something stupid. He'd given every indication to Ezra that he was going for a gun.
Tony slowly raised his empty hands, palms out. "I'm unarmed here." He was trying very hard to calm down. He couldn't let his anger at the fact that Ezra was seriously considering shooting him push him into doing something he'd regret. "Let's just talk about this logically." He nodded toward the pistol. "There's really no need for weapons." Tony paused, a light going on in his brain that had absolutely nothing to do with the current confrontation, and repeated to himself, "There's no need for weapon's." He began laughing. "I'm an idiot; of course there's no need for weapons."
Ezra had lowered his gun, in response to Tony's bizarre reaction to being drawn upon and was now staring at him like he'd gone insane. "I agree weapons are unnecessary," he said warily. "I'm sure we can discuss this like civilized men."
Tony continued to laugh. "Nope, don't need weapons. Glad we agree on that."
"Now if you could just explain how you…"
Tony waved a hand at Ezra, cutting him off. "Sorry, no time for chit chat, I've got work to do." He scooped up his winnings and shoved the money into his pockets.
"Now just a second…," Ezra sputtered. "You're leaving?"
"I get it. You want to yell at me and accuse me of all sorts of 'nefarious' activities, but I really don't have time right now. So let's just pretend you did and I forgave you for calling me a cheater." Tony rounded the table and clapped the gambler on the shoulder. "Oh and thanks for not shooting me."
You're…welcome?" Ezra said, shaking his head, clearly confused by Tony's sudden change in behavior.
"I'm glad we've reached this understanding. Terrific conversation; great insight and all that. I really owe you one."
Tony headed toward the door as Ezra yelled to him, "What insight? What the hell are you talking about?"
"Talk to you tomorrow, bro!" Tony called back, and without further explanation exited the saloon, leaving a stunned Ezra standing slack jawed at the table.