#lucas-124

Meet Fireteam Crow!

Jonah-113, the sniper

Lucas-124, the heavy weapons expert

Harper-057, the infiltrator

Adrian-066, the demolitions expert

"Go long, Sam!"

The sound of uproarious laughter filled Pelican Town. Sam stumbled but managed to keep his stride, arms extended forward after he chased after the gridball. Alex's throw had been mighty, a deadly spin and strong arm making it sail clear across the grass. Sebastian and Haley watched from a nearby bench, Emily cheering excitedly. Maru and Penny stood by her, chatting together and periodically joining in with Emily's voice.

"Damn!" Sam lunged but missed, sliding on his belly through the grass. The ball thudded a mere foot in front of his outstretched hands. "Best five outta seven!"

"You're on!" Alex grinned. He held his palms up high above his head, touching his thumbs to form a small makeshift goal. "But don't come cryin' to me when you wake up with grass burns and bruises tomorrow!"

The game went on, Sam scoring the occasional point as Alex pushed himself harder and harder. He was winning for sure but he'd learned that this was simply for fun, a way to hone his skills while bonding with his fellow friends and townspeople. Plus, the activity easily counted for his daily workout and he was having a damned good time.

Luke made his way up the slope towards the community center. He heard everyone well before he saw them. A little smile played at his lips as he propped his little basket of freshly picked fruits and vegetables against his hip.

"Oh, hey, it's Luke!" Emily waved with her whole body and everyone's attention shifted from the game to their beloved local farmer. "Whatcha got there?"

"Today's harvest," He rumbled, patting the basket affectionately. "Nothing ready to eat right now unless you wanna crunch on a cranberry."

"I'll do it if you pay me." Sebastian joked.

"Do you have anymore sunflowers?" Haley skipped up closer, hands clasped, eyes big and pleading. "The last one you gave me was so gorgeous."

"Maybe in a week, we'll see if these winds die down," Luke beamed. "Where's Abigail? I have a pumpkin I think she may like."

"She's in the forest last I heard--"

"Shit!"

Everyone whipped back to the game. Alex was on his rear, clutching at his ankle as Sam hovered over him. The little group shuffled over, a chorus of worried voices building.

"Are you okay, Alex?"

"What happened?"

"Oh no, are you alright?"

Luke crouched down and they all went terribly silent and still as stone. He gently pushed up the hem of Alex's jeans, ghosting his thumb along his ankle. Alex winced then promptly tried to stifle the pain.

"Sprained. I can tell," Luke cuffed his pant leg, leaning a little further into Alex's space. "I'll take you to Harvey's. He'll have a brace."

"I'm fine! I'm fine," Alex snapped. He didn't push Luke away, though. "I just tripped is all. No worries. We've got a game to play--"

"You can't play on a sprain. You'll destroy your ankle. Then you'll never play again," Luke's usually blank and neutral expression was stern, his brows drawn in. "Which do you prefer?"

"... We can go to Harvey's." Alex muttered at last, wrenching away his gaze.

Ignoring the volley of curses, Luke easily scooped Alex up into his arms, carrying him bridal style. He started making his way back into town, towards the clinic.

"At ease," Luke called back over his shoulder. "We'll be fine."

"I'll take your basket back to the farm if you want!" Emily volunteered.

"If you could bring it to the saloon, I'd really appreciate it." Luke twisted back for a moment, shooting her a smile.

"No problemo!"

Their little group of friends cheered their condolences and goodbyes before shuffling back into their regular activities.

As they made their way towards the town center, Alex fidgeted. He only stopped when Luke came to a halt, standing in the shadow of Pierre's store.

"Are you alright?" Luke spoke softly.

"... Yeah. Thanks," Alex glanced at him sideways. His cheeks were flushed. "You didn't have to. Carry me."

"You can't walk on an injury--"

"You. Know what I mean. Thank you."

Luke huffed, though a smile graced his lips. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to the corner of Alex's mouth. Alex tightened his hold on Luke's shoulders. He was trembling.

"C'mon. Before Harvey packs up for the day," Luke resumed his pace. "Then maybe you could join me for dinner?"

"Yeah. Maybe," Alex managed a cocky little grin. "And for anything else that might happen after that."

Luke laughed, bright and loud, and Alex's heart did a little backflip.