A/N: Ok so I didn't realise every team had a dog until the Season 4 premiere, so this is me correcting that lol.

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Chapter 11

Clay made his way into his kitchen. He was getting ready to relax in the hot tub. Today was his birthday and he was refusing to work tonight on any translations. He wanted to have some drinks and relax in the hot tub. Bravo was spun up, but Jason had sent him a text message wishing him a happy birthday and that they would grab a beer together this weekend. Clay had just finished making a drink when his front door was being unlocked and Stokes walked in with a red gift bag.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" Clay asked.

"It's your birthday, you didn't think I would let you celebrate on your own did you?" Stokes said, as he locked the door and made his way over.

"How did you know it was my birthday?"

"We all know. It's in your file Pretty Boy. I come bearing gifts."

Stokes placed the bag down on the counter before he pushed Clay up against the wall and kissed him. Clay easily kissed him back and placed his hands on the back of Stokes' neck. Stokes pushed himself up against Clay, grinding their crotches together. Clay could already feel that Stokes was hard. Too soon for Clay, Stokes was pulling back from the kiss.

"Is that all I get for my birthday?" Clay said with a playful smirk. This wasn't how he was planning on spending his night, but it could be.

"Not even close. Open the bag." Stokes said, as he moved back and went over to the cocaine.

Clay went and opened the gift bag and saw it was a bunch of sex toys. They were all new, but Clay wasn't too sure what they all were.

"Do they come with instructions?" Clay asked.

Stokes gave a laugh to that. "Oh they come with the best instructions. A real hands on approach. I find that is the best way to learn."

"I think my night just got more interesting."

Stokes pushed the plate of cocaine over to Clay as he spoke. "It's time to have one hell of a party for two. Let's get high, and fuck all night long Pretty Boy."

Clay gave Stokes a smile, now that sounded like a great way to celebrate his birthday.

(Dirty Version Can Be Read On My AO3 Account)

XXX

Clay made his way into Delta's cage room the next morning. He was a bit sore from last night with Stokes, but it was a good pain. He did enjoy all of the new toys that he had received for his birthday. He had plans on using them himself as well. Clay was looking forward to tomorrow for him to go and check out a house for sale down on the beach. He had been saving up all of the money they had been stealing and he had a good chunk for a down deposit. Thanks to the money they had stolen he was able to pay off his loan, plus have four hundred grand saved up. His credit was back in good standing with how fast he paid off that loan. Clay knew he shouldn't be spending the money, but at the same time it was coming from cartels or weapon deals. It wasn't like he had robbed a bank or taken it from a good person that had worked hard for it. The money was either going to be burned or go to a terrorist cell to help fuel the war. Why not spend it on his debt or to get a house? He was allowed with his immunity so it wasn't like he would need to give it back. His take wasn't going to be reported anywhere. Clay figured something good could come from all of this.

Clay gave a nod to the guys as he headed over to his cage. Everyone was getting their gear organized and making sure everything was clean. Maddoc was pretty anal about everything being clean, not that Clay would complain about it. He was always making sure his guns were clean to begin with.

"So Pretty Boy, do anything fun for your birthday?" Stokes asked, with a smirk.

"Nope, just a boring night." Clay said back with his own smirk.

"How old are you now?" Keith asked.

"Twenty-six."

"Jesus fuck we're old." Roth complained, causing the guys to chuckle a bit.

"Did you get anything good for it?" Sanders asked.

"No, but tomorrow I am going to check out a house for sale on the beach."

"Nice. How the fuck are you gonna afford that?" Roth asked.

"I don't gamble away the money we take. I paid off my debt and have been saving it up."

"See, he's smart. I've been telling you guys for the past few years to save it up and think about your retirement. I save everything we take so one day I can retire on an island in the caribbean." Maddoc said.

"I got a girl that likes fancy things." Roth said with a shrug.

"And the more you give her the more she puts out." Keith joked.

Roth tossed a football that he kept in his cage across the room at Keith. Keith easily caught it as Maddoc's phone beeped. Everyone turned to see if they were getting spun up, Clay really hoped they weren't because he wanted to be here tomorrow to check out the house.

"That was Boden, we are expected at the K9 training facility. You know each team has to have a k9 within it." Maddoc said.

"We getting a new guy?" Clay asked.

"I don't just bring anyone on the team. I like the numbers we have and I can trust everyone in this room. Last thing we all need is some wet behind the ear operator that follows the book to the letter. One of us is getting a dog." Maddoc explained.

"Oh fuck no. I hate dogs. No way am I being stuck working with one or living with em." Roth instantly said.

"Dogs pick the operator, but if you don't want to get picked, give off some bad energy and they won't want to be around you." Clay explained.

The guys all looked at him like he had three heads.

"I helped on Bravo with Cerberus. Brock had trained me in case he was killed in the line and someone else had to take over with Cerberus. When I asked why me over the others, he said Cerb picked me. That the dogs pick their partner."

"I'm standing far away from you." Keith said; he didn't want a dog either.

Clay rolled his eyes before he looked at Maddoc. "I have been meaning to ask, why don't we already have a dog? Where did your last k9 handler go?"

It was weird that they didn't have one already. Clay figured maybe it was a loophole with the type of operations they go on.

"He died about two months before you joined up. Both blown up in the field. I don't like just adding anyone to the team and there wasn't a dog ready. Class just finished so we are getting a newbie. Let's move, might as well get this over with." Maddoc answered.

Clay could tell that none of the guys were happy about this, but to him it sounded fun. He liked working with Cerb and he did miss having him around. It would be nice to maybe have a dog, someone he could spend his time with and have around for some comfort. It was also another skill he could add to his resume. The guys made the drive over, each taking their own vehicle in case they were the one to be bringing back a dog. Once there they all made their way to the training field where the dog would be. As they got closer they saw one of the trainers with the dog.

"That's not a dog, that's a fucking bear." Stokes said, as they took in the dog.

It was a huge dog, it looked like a German Shepherd, but it was way too big to be one. It had the same coloring as a German Shepherd, but his body shape was different. His hips were up like a normal dog, but he was fluffy. He was all muscle and had long hair. He did look like a bear.

"What the hell kind of dog is that?" Roth asked, once they were close enough to the trainer.

"He's a King Shepherd. Just as intelligent as a german, but without the hip problems. The King Shepherds we have trained are taught to be aggressive in the field, going against their natural instinct to be gentle. He will be gentle outside of the field, but once his vest is on, he knows he is going to work. As a result, you only put his vest on when you are going into the field or when you are training him. If he is on base, he needs it off. We've started to use them more and more because of the benefits of having a German without the limited number of operating years. This gentlemen, is Raider. He's two years old and has been training since he was three months old. He is fully ready to handle the DEVGRU lifestyle and he has even been field tested with another Seal Team for a few operations." The instructor began.

"So how does this work? What if he picks one of us that hates dogs?" Roth asked, still not even the least bit happy about this.

"If you don't like dogs, you don't have to worry about him picking you. He'll be able to sense it. Everyone spread out. I will let him go and he will pick his partner. If he sits in front of you, consider yourself married." The Instructor said.

The guys all spread out within the field, not going too far, but far enough that they weren't that close. The instructor let Raider off his leash and he started to go towards Roth who was the furthest away. Raider didn't stop though, he walked by each and every single one of them and Clay was starting to think he wasn't going to pick any of them. When Raider got to the end he instantly turned around and ran full speed towards Clay before he stopped and sat down in front of him looking up. Clay couldn't help but smile as he bent down.

"Well Raider, I do." Clay said, as he started to pet Raider.

"Thank fuck." Roth said, as he started to head over.

"What's your name Sailor?" The Instructor asked.

"Clay Spenser."

"Have you ever been around a military k9?" The Instructor asked.

"Ya, I used to be on Bravo, we had Cerberus. I've done the training with him just in case his handler was KIA."

"Perfect, then you know the drills that you need to run and how to bond with him. I'll get you his package so you can read it over. It will go over what food he is on and what treats he can have. I also have a bag of training toys for him. You are also encouraged to get your own special treats or toys for him to help cement the bond."

"Ya, we'll have to stop off at the pet store on the way home. Get you a nice bed and some toys for fun at home. Eh boy?" Clay said.

"I will give you his working vest, but also one he can wear for when you are out in public so people know he's military. He knows the difference based on the weight of the vest."

"Alright, sounds easy enough." Clay said, as he stood up.

"Come on, you got paperwork to fill out." The Instructor said.

"Spenser, run drills with Raider for the day. If we get spun up I'll call you." Maddoc ordered.

"Yes Sir." Clay said, he was perfectly happy to be spending the day with his new partner. This day had started off well and it got even better. Clay was looking forward to training with Raider and then going to the pet store to get him some goodies.

XXX

It was the next day and Clay was driving to his potential house with Raider sitting buckled into his back seat. Clay was actually really surprised that Raider had done so well last night at his place. He thought he might be uncomfortable or take a bit to get used to it, but he had no problem curling up on his new bed and hanging out with some new toys. Clay knew that Raider had to have working toys and also play time toys so he was happy to pick up a few things for him to have when he didn't have to be serious. He was really looking forward to seeing this house in person. The photos looked great and Clay was really hoping that would translate well in person. He pulled into the driveway and turned to face Raider after turning his truck off.

"Alright boy, you wait here and then afterwards we will head to the dog park."

Raider barked and Clay knew he was happy with getting to be outside to play. Clay got out and so did the realtor from her own car.

"Mr. Spenser?"

"Yes Ma'am."

"I'm Angie, it's a pleasure to meet you." Angie said, as she held her hand out.

"Clay." Clay said back, shaking the offered hand.

"So I will just tell you a bit about this house. It's six bedrooms, four full baths and a half bath, it's just over forty-four hundred square feet. It's three floors, with two car garage and as you can see it is right on the beach with two decks. The first deck on the main level has the oversize hot tub big enough for thirty people. There is also the front of the deck overlooking the driveway. The second deck is on the rook with a spiral staircase going up it from the master bedroom. There is also a private deck from the master bedroom as well. It was recently reduced in price by two hundred thousand to try and sell it fast. It's been sitting on the market for roughly six months now. The market isn't that great and a lot of people can't afford homes on the beach. So if you do like it, I think we could get them down another couple hundred grand to secure a sale."

"Sounds great. I can't wait to see it."

Angie gave a nod as she headed off towards the front door. The second Clay walked in he could not believe it; it was even nicer in person then the photos. The first floor of the house was technically the basement. There was a bar along the one wall with a fridge and wine cooler. There was also a pool table, an air hockey table, a golf simulator along the one wall. As Clay moved around the room on the other side of the house was a theatre room that could also be used with normal television. It would be perfect for watching sports on it. There were recliners and a leather sectional within it.

"This is amazing. This wasn't in the photos." Clay said, impressed.

"I know, I told the seller this was the selling point." Angie agreed.

They made their way up the stairs and this place was truly remarkable. The whole place was an open concept with sliding full length windows all along the one wall facing the ocean. There was an electric fireplace in the living room as well. There was plenty of room for furniture and a TV up here. The kitchen was covered in white cabinets. The backsplash was cool grey glass and the countertops were a beautiful white marble. There was even an island with a sink and a dishwasher. The appliances were all stainless steel and truly stood out in the room. Clay made his way towards the windows and he could see the very large deck. He was thinking he should varnish it. Right now it was just pressure treated wood, but a nice varnish and it could really stand out. The hot tub was huge and Clay could not wait until he could get in it. It would be amazing at night watching the sunset.

Clay made his way down the hallway. This floor had five bedrooms including one very fancy guest bedroom that had their own sunroom. It would have been perfect if he actually had visitors. Most of them had their own bathroom as well. Clay figured this had been used as a vacation rental. Clay then made his way up the stairs to the top floor. The whole floor was dedicated to the master bedroom. There was a huge walk-in closet with a sitting area and a three-tier full length mirror. There were cabinets for accessories and shoes. The whole closet was white, something Clay was happy about. He liked the white in the house, he liked the clean look of it. Growing up everything was always so filthy, Clay hated it. Ever since he had been pretty anal about having a clean home. The only time he had ever had a dirty home was after his first tour with Delta.

Clay made his way into the bedroom area and it was huge, it took the majority of the floor up. The view from up here was even more spectacular than downstairs. Clay could imagine some patio furniture up here. It would make a great place for some morning coffee or a drink at night before bed. It also would be great to go for a run on the beach whenever he wanted. The bathroom was four pieces and all clean and sleek looking with a glass shower stall big enough for four people. There was a deep jacuzzi tub as well with two glass sinks. This whole place was elegant and just perfect. Clay made his way outside to the deck and up the spiral staircase to the very top deck. Up here was going to be his favorite spot. He could see nothing but miles of blue ocean. All this place needed was some comfy patio furniture to make it perfect. This house was perfect, absolutely perfect and Clay was really hoping he would be able to get it. His credit was back in good standing, he was already pre approved for the rest of the mortgage that wouldn't be covered by his down deposit. All he needed was for the seller to accept his offer.

Clay made his way back down to the main floor where Angie had been waiting for him. She gave him a warm smile as he entered the room.

"So how much in love are you?"

"Deeply. This place is perfect. Feel free to put an offer in and let me know what the final amount will be."

"I will do that today for you. I am sure you will get it, you are the only person who has expressed interest in this house for the past six months. That normally makes a seller pretty excited. I have your number, I will call you when I hear back from them." Angie said with a big smile. Clay knew she had one heck of a commission coming her way if she could sell this place.

Clay thanked her again before they both headed out. Clay got into his truck and gave Raider a big pet.

"Good boy. You are going to love it Raider. You'll be able to go for runs on the beach and play in the ocean. It's going to be perfect for us. The start of a whole new life."

And that is exactly what Clay was looking forward to, being able to start over again and start something new. As much as working undercover had been hard at times, he was surprisingly actually really enjoying it. It was testing his mind in ways being an operator never had. It wasn't all point and shoot, it required his mind to think logically and plan twenty steps ahead. He was really loving the challenge and part of him was going to miss it when this was over with.

"Let's head to the dog park, see who is there for you to play with." Clay said with a final pat.

Raider barked and Clay knew he was ready to run around. That was the good thing with the current place he was living in, it was all fenced off. Clay knew if he got this house he would just have to be careful with Raider and make sure he didn't go too far. Clay turned around and started his truck up and made the drive down to one of the military dog parks for Raider. He needed a good run and it would be good for them to bond more. Once there Clay parked and got out. He opened the back door to his truck and unbuckled Raider. Raider was instantly getting out of the truck and Clay put on his non-working vest so everyone would know he was military. It was Saturday so Clay wasn't wearing his military uniform, the vest was an easy way to avoid questions. Clay grabbed a couple of toys and headed into the park. The second they walked into the gate Clay could tell Raider wanted to run. Clay noticed there was only one other dog in the park, Cerberus.

Clay looked over and saw Brock who was with Jason, but neither of them had seen him. Clay whistled and Cerberus' head snapped up and immediately he was running over to him. The whistle also alerted Brock and Jason, who turned around and were surprised to see him. Clay bent down and petted Cerberus as he spoke.

"Hey boy, do you want to meet my new friend? This is Raider, he's my partner now. Think you can show him some tricks?"

Cerberus barked and then went over to Raider and they both sized each other up before Cerberus started to bounce around looking to play.

"Gehen Raider." Clay said with a warm smile to Raider and that was all he needed.

Raider was taking off with Cerberus right with him. Clay looked over and he could see Jason and Brock still standing off to the side. They were giving him space, but he could see the curiosity about why he was here. Clay made his way over to them as Raider enjoyed playing with Cerb.

"Where did you find a bear?" Jason asked, with a smirk.

"That's Raider. I got him yesterday. Delta's k9 handler died before I joined and the Upper Brass ordered Maddoc to replace him. He didn't want to bring someone new on so when we went to the k9 training grounds Raider picked me."

"Congrats." Brock said.

"Are you good with it?" Jason asked. He knew Clay loved Cerberus, but he didn't know if Clay wanted to take that on.

"Ya. I've always wanted a dog growing up and Cerb filled that role for me. Now I have Raider and I'm looking forward to it. Cerb still has a special place in my heart though." Clay said warmly.

"And you will always be his favorite." Brock said warmly back.

"Ok, but that's the size of a bear. That's not a dog, that's a dog on steroids. What the hell kind is he?" Jason said, not getting over how big Raider was compared to Cerb.

"King Shepherd. Military is looking to use them to help counter out the hip problems with the standard German. He's very sweet and gentle, they don't tend to be aggressive so he's been training for almost two years now. They trained him to be aggressive in his combat vest, so when he doesn't have to be in combat he has the lighter vest on so he knows he can play nice."

Jason laughed a bit. "Could you imagine Raider running at you in the field. Oh man, the tangos are going to crap their pants."

"Has he been field tested?" Brock asked.

"He's gone with a Seal Team a few times and has done well. I worked with him on drills all day yesterday, he really likes it. And he switched from normal to aggressive really well when we were doing the training. He took down one of the trainers that was three hundred pounds. Took him down to the ground in five seconds. They trained him to go for the throat if there's a gun or a knife. He's badass, but also very sweet when he doesn't have the vest on."

"Sounds like he is going to be a great partner for you. He doing ok in the house?" Jason asked.

"Ya, he's good. He likes the yard. It's all fenced off so he can just run around and play."

Jason was very happy to hear that Clay had Raider in his life now. He knew how much Cerberus meant to him and he had seen how Cerb had helped Clay through some of the harder operations. Having Raider in his life would be good for Clay and it would give him an added protection with being in Delta. That brought a great relief to him.

"He's a King Shepherd, but that doesn't change he has the skills of a normal German. He'll make a great partner. His added size makes him more powerful so he can take down bigger targets. You'll want to shave him before tour." Brock suggested.

"I was thinking that." Clay agreed. All of Raider's hair would make him way too hot in the desert, not to mention the upkeep with him.

Clay stayed at the dog park for a few hours, giving Raider the chance to run around and play with Cerb. Cerb seemed to really enjoy it and Clay could tell Jason and Brock were happy that he was chatting with them. They had stayed the whole time, even though Clay suspected that Jason was getting ready to head out when he pulled up. Clay was very happy with how the day had gone. He was able to view his dream house and spend the day out in the sun with Raider at the dog park. It had been a great day and Clay was really looking forward to what else was in store for him.