Last I checked, guns work perfectly fine at close-range. Unlike you, I don't have the luxury of powers to protect me.

[He scoffs at the idea of him having any natural talent in something like this, however, and takes another drink of his water bottle.

There's something about the statement that makes him momentarily bristle. It feels more like a jab than a simple request, and for a moment something defensive in him flares up. Stop talking down to him...]

... so now my word is good enough, is it?