Disclaimer: I do not own Todd Blackburn, Matt Eversmann or Black Hawk Down. They're owned by people, whom I don't know, but that's okay. I do own this fan fic idea, Danielle Ashton, and Sarah Thomas. Don't take them. I am using the novel by Mark Bowden as a reference to help me write this and I've seen the movie once. Please forgive me for any screw ups.

Author's Note: This is my first Black Hawk Down fan fic. Please be kind in your reviews/flames. Thanks! Also, this is the revised version from my old chapters. I'm always trying to improve, so please respond with ways to make this better.




Matt Eversmann sat down reading a book. Practice had ended a couple of hours ago and dinner was just about to finish up. Some of the boys were still eating, but most were sitting and chatting. A few of the Rangers were making fun of the Commando leader when he walked. This brought a grin to Matt's face when he saw them getting preached to by the Commando. Rangers were more laid back and enjoyed their time at the base. Commandos on the other hand, were strict and didn't believe in horseplay. Matt went back to reading his book when Todd Blackburn entered the room to find a spot to sleep. He looked around and Matt watched him out of the corner of his eye. Todd finally found a place and set up his things. Matt smiled and invited him over.

"Hey! Blackburn. Get over here."

Todd looked up and walked over. He stood in front of Matt. Thoughts of what he could have possibly done on the first day ran through his mind, trying to remember if he said anything at the wrong time.

"What are you up to Todd?"

"Nothing. Just setting up my things."

Todd stood erect and was a bit nervous. He hadn't had any conversations with any of the other men yet. At lunch he had caused a bit of trouble when he spoke up after one of the others cut him in the line. Matt just grinned at him.

"Loosen up, Todd. You don't have to act like a soldier in here. Just relax."

"Okay. Sorry, I'm just a bit nervous."

Todd ran a hand over his head where the remains of his hair were. He had to get a crew cut like everyone else and was still getting used to the nearly bald hair-do. He looked at Matt, trying to think of something to start a conversation.

"What were you doing before I came here?"

"Just reading."

Matt held up the book and Todd read the title, nodding his head. He felt like smacking himself in the head.

Great going Todd. Made yourself sound intelligent there. What are you doing? What does it look like he was doing?

"This your first time out of America?"

Todd looked up. He hadn't realized that he had dropped his head, most likely in embarrassment. Todd smiled, glad that he didn't have to try again to start a conversation with Matt.

At least he knows how to start a conversation. Never was good with that.

"Yea. Danielle, my girlfriend, wasn't too happy about my decision to come here."

"Girlfriend? What's she like?"

Todd looked at Matt and smiled.

"Five foot five. Long blonde hair that shines like it always catches the sunlight. These great, wide emerald eyes that are always filled with laughter and mischief. A really nice body. Has all of the right curves in the right places and cute little freckles across her nose and cheeks. A great personality. A bit of a bookworm, but she loves to go on hikes through the woods. She's perfect."

Todd felt a pang in his heart. As much as he was enjoying Mogadishu thus far, he really missed Danielle and Florida. Nothing will ever compare to his home.

"I miss her."

Matt nodded. Todd seemed to be head over heels in love with this girl. He noted that in case something ever came up. Matt put his book away and invited Todd to sit down. Todd did as Matt sighed, remembering when he was the new guy. He hadn't left anyone behind. He had no girlfriend, no family, and no friends. He had always been a loner, but he had enjoyed being by himself until he met Sarah.

"I don't know what it feels to miss anyone. My parents died in a car accident when I was little and every girlfriend I have ever had either cheated on me with someone else or dumped me for someone else."

Todd looked at Matt. He had never known how it had to not have anyone to look after him or to have someone love him as much as he loved her. His parents had always been there for him whenever he needed anything and Danielle loved him more than anything else in the world.

"I'm sorry to hear that."

Matt shook his head. He knew there was no need to get down.

"Don't feel any pity for me. Everyone has always done that. Oh look. Poor Matt, living with his grandma. Poor Matt who has no parents. Girls only went out with me because I had no parents and they felt bad for me, but they always cheated on me or dumped me."

"What's your grandma like?"

Todd was mildly interested. He never had a grandparent. They had all died before he was born or before he was old enough to remember them.

"Old. Really sweet. Makes some mean lasagna. Her house always smells like spices. She has this little garden on one side of her backyard. She cried when I left for here. She didn't want me to come. Said that this place was horrible," Matt looked away and at his book, "and that I shouldn't be here and to let them sort out there own problems. Why you here?"

"I like battles. Not that I like to kill people," Todd added in quickly, "I just like the excitement, the adrenaline. You can't get that anywhere else. I've tried looking for it."

Matt smiled.

"You'll get the rush when you go out on missions."

Todd and Matt continued their conversation. Matt continued to think about how Todd and how he should have stayed in America with his girlfriend, and Todd thought about how Matt was so lucky to spend so much time in Somolia. By the end of the day, they were close friends for two people who had just met that day.

Author's Note: Aw…I re-read this and this is probably my favorite chapter thus far. It's longer too. More detailing. Go me! Yes! Now tell me what you think…puhlease respond.