Practicing

[Jay Carpenter]

In the span of those few seconds, there was nothing but the weapon and a target. During those seconds, Jay was aware that the shots weren't actually hitting anything. The information was assimilated, processed and filed away. But there was no room for an emotional reaction. Merely fact. He was firing shots. The bullets were stopping in mid air. Done.

When he lowered and secured the weapon, he was finally free to react. Focus and aim shifted into shock and disbelief. A moment later, the three bullets dropped to the floor and rolled away benign.

"Hot damn, Vanders!"
He turned toward the man, barely noticing the pack of smokes. "That was incredible!"
His smile grew until he was shaking his head and looking the other man over all new again.

While Jared recuperated, Jay backed up to a table shoved against the wall to make for easy leaning. The pistol was placed safely aside and he waved for Jared to smoke away. Jay wasn't a fan, himself, but so long as he wasn't down wind, he didn't mind too much.

Jared was a good strong guy, but apparently spellcasting was tiring work. It'd be a problem in an actual firefight if their wizard pooped out a few minutes in. They'd have to prioritize his use.

Damn. He was already thinking of Jared as a living weapon rather than a man. The ultimate curse of the soldier.

"My story? Nothing too interesting. I was a MARSOC Raider. Discharged. Kinda my fault. Kinda not."
He shrugged. "What about you? You must have some good stories. Being a real-life mage and all that."