"mhm..." he hummed in agreement, looking towards the other man, they were similar in interesting ways and then different in even more intriguing ones. this was the kind of thing jack seemed suited for, or talented at, him not so much. still, he enjoyed the contrast, the amusement of a sort he caught in his eyes.
reminded him of home, of men he grew up around. worked with, under, and later on, men who worked for him.
"must it always be a competition?" he drawled slowly, letting him take the axe with a grip that was firmer than his own, more certain. the kind of grip that cut through in one go.
he raised an eyebrow as he was assessed in return in a way he had seldom been in a long time. maybe when he first arrived in camp. he had never minded a man's eyes on him, much less one like jack--it certainly didn't bother him now. he snorted, shaking his head as he hid his hands in the coats of his jacket.
"what is this, dick measuring?" he watched him, knowing he was certain and proud of his performance. of his tight grouping, predictable. "must i prove to daddy i am man enough?" he moved closer, brushing past jack to grip the axe with just as firm a grip.
"it would be really humiliating for you, if i won," he almost smirked as he stood next to him, somewhere between teasing and asking for his acknowledgement as he patted his chest. touch warm and lingering, like back in the farm. "wonder if i should demand something..."
old men... playing games like this. well, he did feel rather young still. one look to the target, one look back towards jack, safely away--the thud came a second later, a grin, right above jack's mark. a wipe of his hand and a raised eyebrow as he used magic to drag the axe back to him.
"more?" voice low and indulgent, eyes dark.