Ways for characters to say thank you without actually saying thank you (‘cuz sometimes they don’t want to, and sometimes they don’t have to)
The duo who always have each other’s backs
The Nod™ (especially effective in the midst of a battle when time and hearing acuity are limited)
“You still owe me one.”
A wordless slap on the back or squeeze on the shoulder afterwards
Team leader to a newer / less experienced teammate
“You have good reflexes.”
“[Chore] can wait until tomorrow.”
“I… think I probably don’t have to tell you just how reckless that was.”
Just in the nick of time
“Took you long enough.”
“Good to see ya.”
“Oh, look who decided to show up.”
“There was no need to rush, I was only [precarious situation].”
Rescue
Letting themself go limp in their teammates’ arms (especially if vulnerability / physical closeness isn’t usually their style)
“What part of ‘stay out of danger’ do you idiots not understand?”
“Well, you didn’t have to carry me…”
Field Medicine
“Is there anything you don’t have in your pack?”
“You seriously brought [thing they actually need] this whole way, just because you thought it ‘might come in handy’?”
“Considering the alternative…”
“Yeah, I… I think I can make it the rest of the way now.”
Recovery
A tired smile
A slow and deliberate eye blink
A soft sigh of relief and relaxation and (relative) comfort
A hand that lingers on an arm or shoulder a moment longer than strictly necessary, maybe giving a small squeeze before letting go
