Small Steps & Dom Needs Help

Five Weeks Later – International Forces Bar

"Blondie needs to get laid" Winds stated as he finished his third beer in as many hours.

Mason chuckled "Winds what makes you say that?"

"Come on the kid hasn't got any since, since, god I can't remember but it's been at least …" Winds tried counting the months on his fingers. He was trying to figure out how long it had been. Winds gave up his calculation and just stated "Hell it's been more than seven months since he was taken."

Ripsaw put down his beer "Christ I didn't realize that much time had passed."

Blaze swiveled his head to see Blondie and Matt at the bar getting the next round. They were here to celebrate Blondie coming back to the team. Dr. Parker was due to release him tomorrow, to sign off that Blondie was ready for active duty.

Physically it had been a grueling task for Blondie. Mentally Blondie was still up and down. But luckily it had been more up than down in the past five weeks. Although the nightmares still plagued Blondie they were not as intense and the kid could usually go back to sleep after he woke with them.

Blaze thought about what Winds said. In some ways he was right. Blondie needed to get back to real normal. And that included the occasional romp in the hay so to speak.

He took a swig of his beer, only his first for the night, since he had been in a planning session and got here only thirty minutes ago. Blondie seemed a little off to him tonight. Blaze wondered if Blondie might be having trouble in that area.

They all saw how self-conscious he was of his scars. The kid never had trouble before with women. But those scars and three months of captivity had messed with the kid's head.

Blaze said "I agree. Blondie needs to get laid. There are many options here tonight. New women from the latest rotation."

Patch grinned "I agree too. So what's Blondie's type?"

The guys all started discussing Blondie's type and pointing out potentials. They were laughing and having a good time as they decided who Blondie should approach. They all agreed Blondie needed a little push to get past his nervousness. Blondie needed to find out that he was still the same man he was before regardless of the scars that littered his body.

Sam leaned on the bar while he and Matt waited for the beers. It was busy tonight as a new crop of personnel had just rotated in for the support positions. The bartender was so busy they had to wait a long time.

Matt looked at Sam and asked "What's wrong?"

"Nothing" Sam said as he stared at the wall behind the bar.

Matt nudged him "Come on. I can tell something is wrong. Cough it up bro."

Sam turned and faced out to the bar and looked around him. His eyes landed on several women. He saw one brunette that was really cute. But then he sighed and turned back around to stare at the back of the bar.

"Sam?" Matt asked as he moved closer. It was loud and boisterous in the bar. He wanted to be able to hear Sam.

Glancing once at Matt and then back to the bottles on the wall Sam quietly said "I don't …" then Sam stopped. He couldn't tell Matt this. It was too personal.

"You don't what?" Matt asked as he gripped Sam's face and turned it to him. Matt saw the telltale signs of embarrassment.

Ah Christ Matt thought. He wondered when this would come up. It made sense tonight. They were in a bar and Sam was not behaving like he normally did.

Normally he was all smiles and the girls flocked to him. Sam was no celibate monk and enjoyed the company of women. Matt began to calculate how long it had been. It had been a long, long time.

Sam's somber mood right now told Matt a great deal. Sam never went without his shirt. His self-image was suffering. Matt would lay odds that Sam was concerned what would happen once a woman saw his scars.

Pulling his face out of Matt's grasp Sam said "Leave it."

Matt responded "You know the right one will never see the scars. They won't matter one bit to the right woman."

Sam glanced at Matt. He should have known Matt would know what he was thinking; at least part of it. The other part Matt would not guess. But it was what bothered him most.

All those damned needles. Sam closed his eyes as the memory of him screaming as they jabbed them into his cock entered his head. He didn't realize his breathing had become fast and labored until Matt's arm went around his shoulder.

Matt put his arm around Sam and whispered soothingly "You are not there. Come on open your eyes. You are in a bar. It's a night to celebrate. Come back Sam. Let's find the beauty of life one small step at a time."

Sam's breathing evened out as he opened his eyes.

Matt said "Good. That's good. Small steps. Tonight just smile and see what happens. There is no rush. Waiting for the right one is not so bad."

Sam looked at Matt. Matt liked women and had his fair share of dates but Sam didn't think Matt ever went all the way. Not that he would ever really know because like him, Matt was not a kiss and tell kind of guy.

But Matt had told him once when they were really drunk that he was waiting for the right woman. Sam had drunkenly joked with him asking him how he would know if he didn't find out if they meshed in bed. Matt had said there were more important things than that. Matt needed to find someone he wanted to grow old with before he shared something so intimate.

Sam wasn't so pure like Matt. He liked sex, a lot. He wasn't prolific but he had slept with a fair number of women. But now he wasn't so sure things down there would work like they used too. He was worried that things down there had been damaged.

He was too embarrassed to ask Dr. Parker about it though. Sam had tried once but the nurse walked in and he just couldn't ask. And the unit showers were not private enough to test things out on his own. So he had no idea if he was damaged goods.

Sam mulled over Matt's words. Just smile and see what happens Matt advised. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly then nodded and forced a small smile "Small steps?"

Matt grinned and patted Sam's shoulder "Small steps."

The bartender set the drinks in front of them and Sam paid. This round was on him as a thank you to the guys for all their support. Sam grabbed four beers and Matt grabbed the other three and they headed back to the table.

As they approached Sam slowed down hearing their conversation. He glanced at Matt with a 'help me' look.

Matt grinned and gave Sam a 'I got this' look. But then Matt turned to the guys and winked. It was funny they were all thinking the same damned thing tonight. He was gonna push Sam a little tonight for his own good.

Setting down the beers Matt handed one to Winds and Blaze then sat down.

Sam approached slower and then handed beers to Mason, Ripsaw and Patch. He took a long swig of his beer as he wondered just how the hell to get out of what was surely coming his way. The unit when banded together in a task could be relentless.

He saw the looks on all their faces. Sam steeled himself as best he could hiding his insecurities. At least Matt would be there to back him up.

Winds said "Okay Blondie we have three women scoped out for you; a blonde, a brunette and a redhead. You just tell us what your preference is."

Matt laughed "All three. Right, Sammy?"

Sam glared at Matt as he sat down "I thought you were going to help me."

"I am. I'm gonna help you get laid" Matt chuckled and eyed Sam. His look said 'you need to do this'.

Winds said "Been too long. Time to get back in the saddle."

"Guys, I don't need any help with this" Sam groused. He was glaring at Matt. Damn him. Thrown to the wolves.

"You sure about that Blondie?" Mason asked. Then he said "I picked out the redhead. She's just over there" as he pointed out a cute redhead.

Ripsaw piped in "That blonde over there has legs that won't quit. I think you should go talk to her."

Patch patted Sam on the thigh and when he removed his hand Sam looked down. Christ! His hand quickly went to his thigh and covered the three condoms Patch had placed on his thigh.

"You can never be too careful Blondie" Patch said with a smirk.

Blaze looked at Blondie and said "I think the brunette is more your type. She's cute and she likes guns."

Sam narrowed his eyes at his unit buddies "I don't need your help."

Matt smiled at Sam and asked "Blaze how do you know she likes guns?"

Blaze sipped his beer "She's an MP. I met her earlier today. Her name is Julie. She seemed nice. You ought to just go talk to her kiddo."

Sam looked at everyone. They would hound him all night if he did not go talk to her at least. Sam said "If I go talk to her you assholes will leave me alone the rest of the night?"

They all nodded and grinned as Matt encouraged softly "Small steps Sam. Just go talk to her. What's the worst that could happen just talking."

Winds nodded "Go wow her with your megawatt smile."

Sam slipped the condoms into his pocket and stood up. Damn them Sam thought as he approached the brunette at a table with three other women. But Matt was right. Small steps and what harm could there be in just talking to her.

He stopped and forced his smile as he felt nervous for the first time ever talking to a woman. Sam looked at the brunette "Hi I'm Sam."

Julie turned towards a sexy voice. Her breath caught in her lungs as she took in a ruggedly handsome man. His blue eyes were gorgeous and his blonde hair was a little longer than standard issue cut. It was in a messy style that begged to have her fingers card through it.

She finally managed "Hi I'm Julie."

Sam stood there awkwardly not sure what to say. He looked at the other women and said "Hi I'm Sam."

The women giggled and the redhead said "You said that already. I'm Sherry."

Sam dipped his head and ran his hand through his hair. He looked up a bit sheepishly and responded "Yeah I guess I did. Sorry been in the field a long time."

Julie perked up "In the field? What do you do?"

"Special Forces sniper" Sam answered.

Sherry said "Have a seat Sam."

Sam sat between the Julie and the redhead.

The redhead laid a hand on his upper arm "Sniper that's cool."

Julie gave Sherry a quelling look and turned to Sam "So Sam you been here long?"

"Long enough" Sam answered. He glanced back at the guys. He saw them all raise their beers to him.

The redhead smirked "So your buddies dared you to come over here. How quaint."

Sam blushed a bit as he felt he was going down in flames "Yeah well. I should be going. Nice meeting you."

He was just getting up when Julie stood and whispered in his ear "Sorry Sherry can be rude. Why don't we go someplace quieter and talk. This place is too noisy to get to know someone. You seem nice. I'm flattered you came over to say hi regardless of why you did it."

Sam looked at Julie and thought small steps. He could do talking. Talking with a girl would be a nice change of pace from his unit. Sam nodded "Where do you have in mind?"

"My room. My roommate just rotated out so I've got the place to myself for a week or two" Julie offered.

"Gotta just tell the guys" Sam said.

Julie looked confused "Why?"

Sam shrugged "Procedure. We never know when we will get called out for a mission. Where's your room?"

Julie told him and then watched as Sam went to the table to tell his buddies. She grinned when a couple of them slapped his back and he blushed. She found that endearing.

God he was handsome. Julie was looking forward to getting Sam alone. He was built too. Those biceps were stunning. Julie would bet good money he had rock hard abs and a defined six pack. Special Forces guys were always so toned.

This one had the looks too. God he was a hunk. If she were lucky she just might get lucky tonight. She would love to run her hands over his defined chest.

Sherry leaned close to Julie "Don't ride him too hard tonight Julie."

"Shut up Sherry. You're just jealous he came over to say hi to me" Julie stated.

The redhead shrugged "He's pretty and all but I prefer the big guy. He has this whole highland warrior appeal. Even has the facial scars that makes him look even more fierce. So you go sweet talk your pretty boy while I see about a man."

The blonde at the table just laughed "You two and your penchant for Special Forces. You know those guys die a lot. Me I'd rather have a guy in a nice safe position."

Sam walked back and said "Shall we go?"

Julie smiled "This way."

The guys watched Blondie walk out of the bar with the brunette.

Winds turned to Blaze "How'd you know he'd go for the brunette?"

Blaze took another sip and just smiled. "It's a gift" Blaze finally said.

The redhead sauntered up to the table and engaged Mason in conversation. Soon Mason was headed out of the bar too. Ripsaw excused himself and headed over to talk to the blonde.

Matt nursed his beer and smiled. Sam was taking the necessary steps to get back to who he was fully. He was glad to see that.

Winds put down his beer and said "Now we have to find Matt here a woman."

Matt laughed "Not just any one with do. She's gotta be the right one."

Daphne Blain came up to the table and hugged her brother. "Hey Donald" she teased.

"Daphy what have I told you about calling me Donald?" Blaze said sternly.

Daphne sat down next to Matt and parroted "That you don't like it that your name is Blaze. Tough. I'll call you Donald if I want too."

Matt, Winds and Patch laughed. Blaze glowered at Daphne.

Winds said "Let's not start world war three here tonight you two. I want to sit here and enjoy my beer and the beautiful eye candy."

Daphne turned to Matt "What about you Matt?"

Matt shrugged "Just enjoying my beer." Silently he added to himself and now enjoying your company. God she has the most stunning eyes and that long jet black hair is beautiful.

"Where's Sam?" Daphne asked looking around the bar. Matt was never without Sam.

Patch winked "He went to talk with Julie in her room."

Daphne grinned "Talk. Sammy Talk. I bet Julie will enjoy that conversation a lot."

Blaze glared at her "And what would you know of Blondie and talking."

Laying her hand on her brother's shoulder Daphne laughed "Easy big brother. Going all father on me there. Sam's just a friend."

The five shifted into general conversation just enjoying a relaxing evening.

Daphne took great interest in talking with Matt. He was a nice guy. She loved his green eyes too.

General Braddock's Study – Kandahar

William relaxed in his chair as he slowly sipped his bourbon. He had heard from Jasper that he was putting Samuel back on the active duty roster tomorrow morning. His son amazed him.

He turned to Tom and said "It's good to know he is back and doing so well. I watched him run the other day. The look on his face was one of pure joy. God that boy can run like the wind."

Tom lifted his glass and said "Here's to Sam. His dedication and drive is something to behold."

"I'll toast to that" William said as he raised his glass.

William took a sip and his secure phone rang. He looked at the number and a frown crossed his face. That was a number reserved for emergency situations. He answered "Braddock."

[Relief washed through him as he paced hearing his friend's strong confident voice. His own voice unnaturally nervous Dominque Savoy uttered "My friend I desperately need your help."]

General Braddock put his glass down. The voice of his old friend was beyond anything he heard ever heard. Dom was never frazzled. He was the epitome of smooth in any situation.

"What is it I can do to help?" William answered without using names.

[Dom paced in his little room "Is it safe to speak?"]

William looked to Tom and quickly wrote down 'Dom needs help' then said "Yes round robin and so you know I have a trusted friend with me."

["Entendido. Mi amigo mis preciosas hijas . Los llevaron . Dios no sé lo que va a hacer estoy?"
(Understood. My friend my precious daughters. They took them. God I don't know what I'm gonna do?) Dom said in Spanish.]

"Wer hat sie?"
(Who took them?) William asked in German.

["Ricorda Sandsnake?"
(Remember Sandsnake?) Dom answered Italian.]

The General stiffened. Operation Sandsnake had been at least twenty five years ago. It was a joint black ops between Canadian Special Forces and British SAS. They struck and took out a group of Russians that had acquired the means to make dirty bombs.

Unfortunately some of the targets were spared because the British Commander of the mission felt they could provide valuable intel. William had a sinking feeling now. Two of those men had been brothers of the leader. Dom had killed the leader in front of the brothers.

"Da. Vy govorite, brat'ya vzyali ikh?"
(Yes. Are you saying the brothers took them?) William asked in Russian.

["Etiam. Nescio quomodo invenit. Voveris redde me scio, sed non viderunt faciem meam."
(Yes. How they found me I do not know. I know they vowed to make me pay but they never saw my face" Dom said in Latin.]

"Więc jesteś kontaktowania się ze mną , bo nie czujesz można zaufać SAS . To nie jest przeciek , który ujawnił swoją tożsamość."
(So you are contacting me because you do not feel you can trust others. That there is a leak that revealed your identity) the General deduced in Polish.

[A small laugh emitted from Dom "I could always count on you reading into a situation."]

"Comment puis-je aider? Quoi que vous devez vous savez que je serai là."
(How can I help? Whatever you need you know I will be there) Will said with firm commitment in French.

Switching between languages Dominque laid out what he had found out. That the two brothers Markov and Krymov Yurievich had escaped from prison. He received a ransom demand telling him that his two daughters were abducted on their way home from school.

The demand was for five million dollars. It was a sum Dom knew that Markov and Krymov knew he would never be able to come up with. The abduction was a ruse to get Dom to go to them. When he did, Dominque knew that they would kill his daughters in front of him for payback before they killed him.

Over the next hour the two of them hashed out a basic plan based on information Dom was able to uncover.

During this time Sutton sat quietly listening and only picking up bits and pieces of the conversation. Damn, William had a gift for languages. The sheer number his spoke was amazing.

[When they were done Dom asked "Do you have anyone that would fit that profile?"]

General Braddock took a deep breath. Only one of his men would work in the plan he formed with Dom. He would not send him alone. He would have back up but there were elements where he would be on his own.

He released his breath as he answered "Yes. One. I think you know who."

[Dom shook his head "No. No I could not ask that of you my friend. No."]

William answered "He is the only one. He fits the profile you described and he is fluent in Russian."

["Non je ne peux pas. Mes filles sont en péril et je ne vais pas vous demander de mettre votre fils en péril pour sauver mes filles. Vous devez avoir quelqu'un d'autre."
(No. I cannot. My daughters are in peril and I will not ask you to put your son in peril to save my girls. You must have someone else) Dom said reverting to rapid fire French.]

"Dom he is good. I trust him to save your girls. It is what he is trained to do" William stated.

[Dom bowed his head. He had no other option. His girls would be killed. This was not something he asked lightly. Dom asked "When will they leave?"]

"Wheels up in four hours. They will be there in seven hours my friend. We will get your girls back safe and sound" William stated with conviction.

["Merci mon ami."
(Thank you my friend) Dom stated and hung up the phone.

Dom had a lot of work to do to prepare for their arrival. He could only hope that Sam Braddock was more chameleon than his father. The success of this and the lives of his daughters depended on Sam's ability to impersonate Ivkin Maxim (Maks) Gennadiyevich.]

William looked at Tom "This is black ops. I'll notify Dr. Parker to kept Samuel on the inactive list. Notify Lieutenant Blain his unit is on leave for the next two weeks and have them all report to the tarmac in four hours. His unit is taking a small vacation."

Tom chuckled and asked "Where might they be going?" Tom had understood from the point that William wrote Dom needs help it would be black ops.

"A little R&R at a beach in Makhachkala" General Braddock stated. He stood and said "Let Blain know that they will get their travel itinerary inflight."

Sutton stood "Yes Sir." Then he headed out of the General's study.