Author's Note: Shady is back! So Boots decided that she had a few more tales to share. One from their early days and a couple with all the kids. Here's the first one, set between The Lyon Sleeps Tonight and Chapters. Hope you enjoy!

Shady had been watching the door for hours. The Expendables team was due back from their latest mission and would gather in the bar as usual. As fate would have it, just when they should be showing up, the bar got busy. The rush necessitated her lending a hand to the regular bartenders, Megan and Dilly. So focused on clearing the crowd, she missed their entrances.

Hale and Toll made it to their regular table with the server close behind carrying their normal order. They were joined by Gunnar and Galgo, with the latter talking incessantly. The last two to join the group were Lee and Doc. Although he carried on a conversation with the other knife marksman, it was obvious Christmas' attentions were directed elsewhere. His gaze drifted up the stairs towards her bedroom.

Hale watched the big Brit, following his line of vision. Caesar laughed, "Not there." At Christmas' glare, he added, "She's busy behind the bar," giving the answer to his unspoken question.

"Not for long," Gunnar supplied, waving at Shady who had finally noticed the team.

As soon as she was able, Boots escaped the bar and made a beeline for the table. Lee heard Doc whisper, "Incoming," just in time to turn, catching Shady in mid-leap. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he molded her body to his, kissing her intently. The others watched the couple in what had become their normal ritual when the two were separated because of work.

Christmas broke the kiss, asking, "Miss me?"

She shook her head, saying "No," yet unable to resist adding, "But you're okay?"

Smiling, he responded, "I'm okay, darling." He let her feet touch the ground but kept her close by with his arm around her. "Don't wander too far. Barney will be here shortly with a new job."

Shady cocked her head, "Already? But you guys just got in."

"Something serious was all he told me," Doc interjected. Shady had met the two new guys, who now joined the team ever so often, only a few months ago. When Yin had taken a leave of absence, returning home to China unexpectedly, Barney invited Doc and Galgo to help out. Shady had yet to work a mission with them.

"I need to head back over to the bar for a bit," Shady replied, seeing the line continue to grow.

Lee followed her gaze then answered, "Alright but watch for Barney. He's already said you're in on this next mission." He gave her a pat on the butt as he sent her on her way.

Boots gave him a playful glare as she headed back to help but before she could resume her spot working the customers, Ross came in. He grabbed her arm, pulling her behind him as he motioned for the others to meet in their makeshift office.

"This is Briana Fuller," Barney began, passing around copies of a picture. "She's a scientist, specializing in nuclear weapons. Fuller, along with her handler, former Secret Service Agent Wren Anthony, were assigned to do inspections on plants that have been abandoned by the U.S. and ownership transferred to their host country. Her experience would make it possible to determine if the plants were being used for their intended purposes or something more diabolical." Ross also distributed files with their last known whereabouts. "Two days ago, they were on Penghu, off the west coast of Taiwan, inspecting a plant when rebels attacked. Best intel our new friend, Drummer, can provide is that she's being held somewhere on either Green Island or Lanyu. He'll confirm once we're in the air. Shady?" They locked gazes, "I need you on this for obvious reasons." He then looked around the room, "As for the rest of you, I realize this is a quick turnaround but time is of the essence. Anyone who can't come, I understand, but speak now." When no one else commented, Barney finished, "Alright, then, we need to be in the air within the hour. Let's get going."

The team broke up, heading off to pack their gear and make their way back to the airport. Lee and Shady were whispering when Barney walked up behind her, "Boots?"

She turned back to their leader, "Yes, sir?"

"You understand what you..." Ross began.

"Yeah, Boss, I know," Shady smiled with a nod of her head. "I'm in good hands, if anything happens." She smiled warmly at Christmas.

Barney looked from Shady to Lee, then finished with, "Pack extra." Then he was gone.

The couple exchanged a glance. "I'm not always," Lee searched for the right words, "happy when that's the plan."

She wrapped her arms around his neck, "But, you'll come for me or protect me, whatever is necessary." It was a statement, not a question.

His hard kiss was the only answer. Then, the couple split up, each to prepare for the next mission.