epidemiology | can't slow down; can't hold back

CHARACTERS: Jesse McCree; Riza Hawkeye; perhaps yOU
DATE: Towards the end of the first week in Oska (i.e., when the bug pop has thinned)
WARNINGS: it's high noon
SUMMARY: McCree challenged Riza to a shooting contest some time back, for VERY HIGH STAKES.

[ They've had their hands full since returning to Oska, that's for sure. But now it's time to take a break from shooting bugs ... and shoot immobile targets, instead. McCree's set them up in the courtyard: ten bullseye targets, acquired from somewhere, tied to posts stuck in the ground. He slaps dust off of his hands as he admires his handiwork, obviously pleased with himself, and looks to Riza as she approaches. He starts to speak, but then remembers--whatever slick magic keeps them in communication is still on the fritz.

So he taps the gold pocket watch hanging from his belt, instead--though he'll keep talking even as he projects the text. ]

I know we got ourselves a situation and all, but this'll only take a bit.

[ He gestures to the targets, and repeats the terms. ]

Best outta ten wins. And, seein' as how I'm a gentleman, it's ladies first.

[ He takes off his hat and bows slightly, then steps back. Go for it, Riza.

Should anyone pass by this scene, he'll wave them over, shameless showman that he is. ]

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[ If you should wish to text about and/or observe this competition. ]

[Shooting idle targets for show rather than practice is far from Riza's favorite activity, but she had given her word she'd participate and it is a nice break from playing exterminator all day long. (She's hardly scared of bugs, but that doesn't mean she doesn't still find them repugnant.)

Despite the fact that they'd hashed out the terms earlier, and that there's a public announcement being made via text, she still finds herself straining to understand the words tumbling out of his mouth. Languages had never been an area of study she'd put much effort into. Maybe she ought to pick it up now, once all this mess is over.

She quirks an eyebrow at the last statement - how cliche - but doesn't say anything, opting instead to step up to the metaphorical plate to take aim and fire. No fuss, no fanfare, only silence on her end as she lifts her gun and carefully points it at the target, broken once she pulls her finger in.

The bullet lands a millimeter left of dead center.]

[ It's an excellent shot, just as he suspected it would be. He whistles, taking off his hat, and bows his head to her. ]

That's fine work, Miz Riza.

[ He whips Peacekeeper out of its holster, spinning the gun 'round a few times by its trigger as he does so. It's a showy move, but he does it every time he draws, so it's just reflex by this point. Without another word, he aims at the same target and fires. His bullet overlaps hers by a slim degree--like Riza's shot, it's not quite a bulls-eye, but the untrained eye wouldn't be able to tell otherwise. ]

[Reflex or not, it certainly catches her attention, drawing forth a raised eyebrow as Riza watches the entire performance all the way to the end. If the bullet hadn't landed where it had, she would have commented on the unnecessary show, or made some remark comparing his showmanship to his marksmanship.

As it is, she gives him a slight nod of approval. Good to know he hadn't been exaggerating about his skill.]

Not bad.

[Round two goes much the same as round one, Riza's complete lack of showmanship made up for only by the fact that she hits dead center this time.]

[ He makes a 'hmph' noise in his throat. Not bad! Please.

Growing impatient, as always, he shoots both Riza's last target and the next one. The first bullet catches the edge of Riza's--again, not quite a bulls-eye, but not off by much. The second hits true, leaving a neat bullet hole right in the paper target's heart. McCree blows smoke off of the revolver's barrel, grinning. ]

That's three so far. Lookin' pretty close, ain't it?

[ But he has an ace up his sleeve. ]

can't slow down; can't hold back

THE CONTEST.

SPECTATE.

Q_Q i'm the worst

no, 'tis i

no i'll fight you for that title!! >:c

MEET ME IN THE PIT, VAL