The silence of the field was almost deafening, broken only by the faint rustle of leaves in the wind and the occasional shift in the underbrush as the team moved cautiously. Just then, the static of the radio crackled softly, and a familiar Southern drawl cut through the quiet tension. "Y’all still with me out there?" Zack’s voice came through, a steady anchor over the radio.

Keegan, responded first, a hint of dry amusement in his tone. "Where else would we be, Zack? You missin’ us already?"

Zack let out a low chuckle. "Only missin’ the chance to see your grouchy mug, Russ. And Logan, you still keepin’ him in line, or should I come babysit?"

A brief, muffled laugh from Logan was followed by a quick response. "Think we got it covered, Zack. Just hold the line and keep us posted."

Zack’s playful tone carried a certain ease, the casual back-and-forth lifting the edge of tension, even if just a little. His voice crackled again. “Well, reckon that’s all fine by me, boys... though I’m wonderin’ if a certain someone’s listenin’ in. Got eyes on ya out there, darlin’?”

Recognizing the cue, you keyed your radio, leaning into the familiar warmth of Zack’s tone. “Still here, Zack,” you replied, the smile in your voice unmistakable.

“Oh, I’m mighty glad to hear it,” he drawled, his tone instantly taking on that trademark hint of flirtation. “Couldn’t leave my favorite sunshine out there on their own, now, could I?”

There was a snicker from one of the others, and Zack, unbothered, continued on, each pet name rolling out as naturally as a breath. "Now, don’t go thinkin’ I’m playin’ favorites, sugar. Just got a soft spot for moonpies, y’know? And if you get into trouble, well, I’m only a whisper away."

Logan let out a quiet groan. "Alright, Zack, enough with the moonpies and sunshines. Some of us are trying to focus."

Zack’s easygoing laugh warmed through the radio once more. "Just makin' sure my favorite’s keepin' their head up, boys. Y’all best make sure I don’t have to come out there and rescue the lot of ya.”