"I don't know, you two are always partnered up for shit. Figured you might've talked about it."
"We don't really talk about that stuff." Hudson's voice came out more defensive than he meant it to, so he course-corrected. "Pretty sure he's focused on rankings. Dude's intense."
"That’s putting it mildly. Seems like a decent guy though."
"Sure. He's all right."
Reed shot him a look but Hudson kept his eyes on Phone Guy, who was doing his yoga stretches like his life depended on it. Shaw was focused. That was basically all there was to say about him.
"Anyway," Reed said, letting it drop, "I’m gonna ask Sarah to marry me.”
Hudson's head whipped around so fast his binoculars nearly slipped from his grip. "What?"
Reed’s eyes went bright, his grin a little shaky. "Yeah. Figured it’s about time.”
"Holyshit, dude." So much for staying quiet. "That's amazing. Good for you, man."
"Thanks." Reed beamed like a love-struck fool. "I know it's fast, we've only been together two years, but I don't care. I don't want to wait. Life's too short to wait, you know?"
"God, you’re a goner.”
"Shut up."
"No seriously. You're like, disgustingly in love. It's embarrassing."
"Fuck off."
Hudson grinned. "This is great though. Really. I'm happy for you. Sarah's lucky."
Reed's expression softened. "I'm the lucky one. She's incredible. Smart, funny, puts up with my shit. Crazy hot too.” He smirked. "So yeah. I'm marrying her."
"Damn right you are." Hudson nudged Reed's shoulder with his own. "I'm gonna give the worst best man speech at your wedding."
"Who said you're best man?"
“By the time we leave this dump, you’re gonna beg for me to be your best man. Wait and see.”
"Your confidence is truly inspiring. Also completely unfounded."
Now it was Hudson’s turn to smack Reed’s arm.
They went back to watching the ground, but Hudson’s brain was stuck on Reed getting married—assuming Sarah said yes, of course. Insane. Also, kind of great.
Reed had his shit figured out. He knew what he wanted.
Hudson had no idea what he wanted, except maybe to stop thinking about Shaw's hands all the time, which wasn't working out great.
"Movement," Reed said, snapping back to professional mode. "Two o'clock, three combatants heading for the supply depot."
Hudson made notes. Back to work.
"Phone Guy's following them," Reed said. "Still on his phone."
"That man is committed."
They documented the movement patterns, marked the depot location, noted the supply routes. Exactly what the assignment required.
Then, one of the combatants tripped over absolutely nothing and face-planted into the dirt.
