Barry's face was still burning 45 minutes later as he hugged his duffle to his chest trying to make himself as small as possible in the rickety chair that was nearest to where he made his brilliant first impression. The man that had easily yanked him to his feet was sitting 6 rows in front of him with his arms folded, while the other 5 were scattered throughout the first 3 rows across the aisle sort of lounging. Thankfully, once the briefing started and admittedly a sharp look from the man in front of him, he assumed they were referring to as "Cap" they stopped turning around to look/glare at him.

Captain Singh and Master Sergeant Doyle introduced themselves as their OCs, which Barry learned through google prior to his departure from Central City could mean many things, but settled on Operations Controller, and welcomed them to the Joint Readiness Training Center in 'Good 'ol Fort Polk Louisiana' before launching into rules and regulations.

Everyone aside from their boss, who was still just staring straight ahead, which meant Barry couldn't even see his face, looked bored as though they were just checking a box. Barry on the other hand, who normally had an excellent memory, when he wasn't beyond flustered, wished he had a pen and paper. So many of these rules seemed vital to his survival, which made his palms sweat, because they weren't even to what he had previously considered the "where Barry is probably gonna die" part.

As the briefing went on things just seemed to get worse and worse. Wells was terrifying in a "I will not hesitate to destroy your life and everything you love," kind of way, while this, and he was including his new "team mates" in his this, was terrifying in a "Why the hell is that even a thing?!" kind of way.

The first rule wasn't so much something he would have found scary, which was, "Once you're in The Box, no cells phones what so ever or you will be put on a government watch list." Yet it was one he would have remembered, because the last thing he needed was to be on the government's radar more so than he already was, without the blonde guy, who had been the one to invite him to sit with him, turning around with a wink, a suggestive nod, and a bright smile…

"Come see me, kid, I got the hook up; encrypted satellite phone."

The Second he remembered was one that seemed absolutely vital to his survival. It boiled down to there were places he should not absolutely under any circumstances go due to un-exploded ordinances that could blow him sky high. Just as he was making a mental note, in all caps with several exclamation marks to get some sort of map, the big burly guy on the other side of the aisle huffed irritably. This normally wouldn't have been much of a concern, because Barry kind of wanted to huff too. Seriously who in the hell left un-exploded still live… anything just lying around?! That was until, to his dismay and horror, the stoic man in front of him turned with his icy glare fixed on the man who had been the one to complain about actually having to babysit…

"Fine," the burly man huffed again folding his arms before muttering under his breath. "Spoil sports."

The third had something to do with medical treatment and helicopters. MEDEVACs were what they'd been talking about, but what he mostly remembered was that he would be drinking water whether he thought he was thirsty or not. Captain Singh, who seemed a tiny bit unnerved by the burly guy's discontent with being ordered to stay away from fields full of dangerous explosives, was explaining how the Louisiana weather could be deceiving, and even when it felt cool you were still sweating. He was warning against becoming a heat casualty, which Barry knew consisted of heat cramps, exhaustion, or stroke. The darker skinned female, who had been the one to insist he was some sort of mistake spoke up in a firm voice…

"Any kinda heat CAT is getting a ranger I.V. no exceptions, which means you too, kid."

The girl turned and looked at Barry as if to convey the seriousness of her statement, which while he had no idea what a ranger I.V. was, he was convinced by the wincing of his new "team mates" and chuckles from the OC's that whatever it was he did not want one.

The most unnerving thing was definitely the flora and fauna speech. The wild mustangs, poisonous plants, spiders, and snakes were enough to make his heart race a bit without the alligator. Barry thought the mention of an alligator was enough, he had no plans of going anywhere near the alligator now that he knew there was one, but could not fathom why the sentence, "do not under any circumstances attempt to pet the alligator," had to be spoken to anyone, ever.

Sure there were other words in such as feed, capture, or kill, which he also thought should be unnecessary, but pet? Where these people that crazy? His unasked question was quickly answered when once again the gorgeous man in front of him turned and glared at his soldiers. Not one, but three of them; the blonde guy, the pretty brunette girl, who thought they needed a permission slip from his parents, and the dark haired guy, who had flat out refused to bring Barry along, replied in a deflated manor mind you, "roger, sir."

When the briefing finally wrapped up Barry remained sitting there simply blinking as his mind raced. This was way worse than he imagined, not only was he forced to participate in what would surely, at least for him, be a fatal "black ops" mission, he was forced to do it with a bunch of lunatics.

"Let's go," their leader's deep voice broke Barry from his terrified musings as he breezed by leaving the scent of leather and something he couldn't identify behind he'd briefly noticed when he'd been clinging to his biceps.

He visibly cringed as the memory of not only his awkwardness, but his inability to find his voice jumped to the forefront of his mind, which only served to make him blush all over again and contemplate ways of getting out of this without Wells ruining his and everyone he loved's lives. Barry was suddenly considering shooting himself in the foot when the slamming of the screen door had him scrambling to his feet slinging his giant back-pack over his shoulder and hugging his duffle as though it was a shield. He looked up to find both OCs shaking their heads not without sympathy before he steeled himself for the inevitable insults and hurried down the aisle.

The chorus of disgruntled voices had his steps faltering, but knowing he was stuck had him determined to take Eddie's advice and stand up for himself, praying it wasn't going to fall under that category of being stupid he warned against.

"Drop," that icy chill inducing voice commanded and after a pause there was what he assumed was the scuffling of the others getting on the ground.

Barry pulled up short at the screen door seeing that it was indeed the case feeling as though he would be intruding. The three guys and two girls were down in the dirt doing pushups with sour looks on their faces as their boss continued.

"This is not a fucking democracy," he growled angrily. "You do what I tell you when I tell you, end of fucking story. Tracking?"

There was no response, just scowling aside from the blonde guy who was sort of smiling, and Barry decided he was very glad he stayed where he was.

"I. Said. Do. You. Under-stand. Me?"

"Sir, yes, sir," a loud chorus greeted the question and he saw the gorgeous man's broad shoulders rise and fall as though he was taking a deep breath.

"This is a volunteer army, you signed up for this shit," he continued sounding less angry, but his voice was still cold. "Our sole purpose is to accomplish our mission by any means necessary. That is the only reason any of you are here and not rotting in Leavenworth." Everyone's eyes seemed to find the ground at his words looking a bit sheepish. "Believe me when I say I am much more…" The brunette girl looked up curiously and a bit suspiciously as the man took another deep breath before continuing angrily once again. "But none of that fucking matters. It doesn't change a goddamned thing. That kid is now your mission. Do your fucking jobs right and the shit ya'll are so concerned about won't fucking matter. Tracking?"

"Sir, yes, sir."

"Good," their boss seemed satisfied he'd gotten his point across and motioned for them to get on their feet. There was a bit of grumbling as they all brushed their hands off still looking sour but less so as they turned and walked towards a similar looking building next door, but turned back again when the man called after them using his firm commanding voice. "And leave the fucking kid alone."

"Sir, yes, sir," was their response, but even Barry could see some of them rolling their eyes and the guy with glasses sort of looked like he was glaring and pouting at the same time, though past his boss at the screen door where he was hidden.

Barry wasn't wholly sure how he felt about the exchange. A small part of him bristled at the fact they all seemed to be in agreement that he was the last person on earth they wanted to be saddled with, though he couldn't really blame them, a big part of him wondered why they would all be rotting in prison, and his insides were sort of warm at the handsome leader's words to leave him alone. He was fairly certain that order would be shirked whenever possible judging by the amount of eye rolling, but it was the thought that counted, wasn't it?

"Let's go kid."

Barry felt his face heat immediately at the other man's command, because even though he'd stopped so as not to intrude, the fact he knew Barry was there made him feel as though that didn't matter. The other man didn't wait for him to follow, which he was grateful for because he stumbled when his ridiculously large back-back got caught on something. Barry now the color of a ripe tomato trotted across the dirt parking lot to catch up to the other man, who didn't even turn to look at him when he made his rather clumsy so therefore loud approach, instead he picked up the pace and continued into the two story, run down, yellow building.

There were sets of double bunks on either side of the long room and what looked like a bathroom at the end. Barry noticed the floor was wooden, dusty, and soft from what he assumed was rot. It sort of smelled like mold and rotting wood now that he thought about it, which made him feel he needed to watch his step. Noise coming from above them had him guessing they were heading for the second floor and wondering what the risk of falling through the ceiling was. As they reached the ancient looking staircase Barry eyed it suspiciously, but Mr. handsome scary soldier didn't even pause so Barry didn't.

The voices and shuffling he'd been hearing since their entrance stopped when the loud squeak of the last step gave away their approach. All eyes flickered in their direction, but quickly away again before the brunette spoke. "Heading out to get some food, you in?"

"No," the man in front of him responded gruffly.

Barry didn't bother replying assuming they weren't talking to him, instead he noticed there was a small room off to the right of the stair case with two bunks in it and a door. He debated on whether to wait for orders, which was a weird thought, or settle in. Ultimately he decided that he should act as though none of this bothered him, so he veered off course from where the other man seemed to be making his way to his own bunk deciding the small room away from everyone was best.

With a huff he dropped his duffle onto the stained mattress of the opposite bunk he intended to claim before setting his stupid back-pack beside it fighting the sting in his eyes. He hadn't thought to bring sheets or pillows which made him frown, but he did have a sleeping bag so with lack of anything better to do he set about getting some of his stuff out. He didn't get far before the bang of his door being pushed all the way opened startled him.

"I'm not sure you're fully aware just how fucking dangerous this shit is, and I don't know how or why we got saddled with you, but if you think you're gonna be like Bilbo Baggins on some grand fucking adventure, I swear to god kid, I will shoot you myself," Snart, which was the name he was finally able read off his shirt, glared at him.

It was definitely something Barry found intimidating, despite the ridiculous Hobbit reference, but still he felt his anger flare slightly, because what the actual fuck? Did they think he really wanted to be here? Hadn't this man said it himself? They were volunteers, Barry on the other hand, was here because they threatened his family!

"What?" Was all Barry managed for all his righteous anger was worth, still he was glad he managed at least that once he met those piercing blue eyes and an unbidden shiver ran up his spine causing him to blush yet again.

"I'm serious, Scarlet," Snart's voice held a harder edge than Barry's as Barry fought not to take a step back once again debating whether he was acting out Eddie's stand up for yourself advice or don't be stupid advice "Anyone can see you're clearly not cut out for this shit, and if you…" Barry glared at him now, because again, what the actual fuck? Also, Scarlet? Was that a jab at his sexuality? He would be lying if he said that hadn't been a concern with all the bullshit over the years about gays in the military. It only incensed his anger, because now was he not only going to be forced to die, but with a bunch of lunatic bigots. Snart didn't seem to notice Barry's anger as he was leaning against the door frame with his fists balled up tight and an angry pained expression on his face. "You better fucking take this shit seriously, because if you get any of my family killed or even hurt… I will make you regret the day you decided you wanted to play soldier."

Snart punctuated his sentence by finally meeting Barry's eyes again and the unfathomable anger he found there… directed at him… made Barry's own flare even more so. Which finally allowed it to over shadow whatever voodoo the other man held within his eyes that made Barry unable to function properly. Well not completely, but enough to speak.

This was unfair, ridiculous, and how dare he? Barry couldn't even really think, but his anger must've shown, because he saw something flicker in the other man's eyes as Barry took a step towards him abandoning all reserve and everything he'd been repressing since the unsettling visit a week ago erupted all at once.

"Play soldier?!" Barry shouted angrily meeting the man's gaze with unwavering determination. "A grand fucking adventure?! Do you even hear yourself? Do you actually think I want to fucking be here? At least you fucking volunteered! I know I don't belong here, I told him I don't, but guess what? He didn't fucking care, and while you think you're threats are…"

Barry bit the inside of his cheek hard enough to draw blood hoping to ground himself as he mentally kicked himself for letting his anger give too much away, but with everything that had happened he had an overwhelming need to get it off his chest and he was so, so angry. Telling Snart he had been volun-told was most likely a terrible idea, because he didn't know him from Adam, but his anger and admittedly despair didn't let him hold his tongue, especially when there was a minute flash of… something in the other man's.

"It doesn't change the fact that he can do way more than just shoot me!" Barry continued despite the memory of Eddie's words of advice, which were sort of conflicting anyway as everything seemingly came tumbling down. "Actually, you know what? Please shoot me, because If I fuck this up, my family will suffer and honestly I'm probably going to die anyway, which I've accepted, and I'd much rather it not be drawn out and or be responsible for anyone else getting hurt or killed on top of it!"

His anger, despair, and worry had the words escaping before he could really think about what he was saying. He knew somewhere deep down it wasn't just because of Snart's words or his soldiers doubts, but his own weaknesses. Barry wished he could have told Wells to kick rocks, and show him he wasn't someone to be pushed around, but he didn't; he couldn't. He was weak.

Maybe that's why he was so angry now… at himself, and why he was determined not to let this man, who admittedly terrified him in so many ways, push him around too; like if he was going to die he would do it with some dignity or something. The sudden realization quelled his anger, because it was misdirected.

Snart's eyes had narrowed at him quite a few shouted sentences ago, and his body had gone rigid beyond what Barry thought was humanly possible. Only once his fear for those he loved and his despair for the whole predicament as well as his disappointment in himself overshadowed his anger did he realize how dumb he was being. This man was probably his only hope to save his family. Barry didn't doubt that Wells would carry out his threats if he failed to accomplish the mission, being here wouldn't be enough for a man like that, and here he was shouting at his only hope like a petulant child… for someone so smart he could be so fucking stupid.

Barry ran his fingers through his hair with a frustrated sigh before plopping down on his bunk, and pressing the heels of his hands against his eyes to quell the sting that preceded his impending tears. Leaning forward he rested his elbows on his knees still rubbing his eyes roughly, unable to look at the other man. Certain he would find nothing but absolute disgust written all over his face.

That thought hurt more than it should have. Still, it was one thing knowing he was weak, and for someone else to think he was weak, but it felt like a whole other ball game to have this hardened unbelievably gorgeous soldier to actually see just how weak he really was. A long uncomfortable moment passed as Barry took deep breathes unsuccessfully trying to reel himself in, but he had to say something; he could feel Snart's eyes one him.

"I'm inept, and I know I don't belong here; believe me I am ter…" Barry cut himself off unable to voice his weakness aloud, though he was sure the other man already knew, instead he sighed again, before finishing his tirade on an embarrassingly appropriate weak note, which honestly came out more of a plea. "Either way you don't have to be a dick about it."

The silence that followed was longer and more uncomfortable than the last before Barry finally couldn't take anymore feeling as though he owed the other man an apology. His concerns were more than valid and Barry's shitty luck wasn't his fault or problem, none of theirs really.

"I'm sorry," Barry's voice was sort of quiet, and his eyes were glassy from a combination of rubbing them and the tears he been fighting, but he still forced himself to look up at Snart anyway.

Snart, though his face was still hard and his anger hadn't diminished, looked as though he was debating with himself. It lasted but a moment before determination mingled with the rest and he spoke.

"Not for much longer," Barry felt his chest tighten a little at the other man opting to use his apology as a way to let him know he thought he was indeed "sorry", but he tried to school his expression, because it wasn't as though it wasn't true, and Snart was obviously not the kind of man to coddle anyone. "You are the mission, Scarlet. If by my life or death, I can protect you, I will, the mission always comes first," Barry had a hard time not openly gaping at Snart as he casually rattled off a Lord of the Rings reference, but with the way he plowed on Barry wasn't wholly sure he even knew he was doing it so he managed.

"What I say goes, this isn't a goddamned democracy. You will do everything we do as well as whatever else I decide you need to without question. Private training lessons with myself as well as some of the others are non-negotiable. You're going to have to develop thicker skin kid if you wanna survive with this bunch of Rogues. It's not going to be easy or fun or even seem sane most of the time, but if you can get your head out of your ass and your limbs and attitude in check you might just actually survive this."

The casual insults made Barry frown on the inside, but he forced himself to push it away and nod, realizing Snart was in his own way reaching out to comfort him. Letting him know despite everything he would make sure he did stand a chance. Honestly it was the most hopeful he'd felt since this whole thing began and he was beyond grateful, though he was sure the other man could have found a different way to say all that Barry felt he should at least express his gratitude.

"Thank you," Barry put all the gratitude he felt into the two little words sure anything more would make the other man either angry or uncomfortable.

Judging by the flicker in the other man's eyes he had been right.

"Don't thank me yet, Scarlet," Snart replied seriously. "You're going to hate me before this is over, but if you survive this, that's something I am more than willing to live with."

Barry was suddenly certain that no matter what he could never hate this man, who had offered him this tiny sliver of hope, not only for himself, but his family. Despite his use of what Barry had previously thought was supposed to be a demeaning nickname, Barry offered him a weak smile, because the way the other man said it, it really didn't sound at all like it was meant to be. In light of what he was up against the stupid nickname didn't really matter anyway; it was at least better than "kid".

He opened his mouth to express his thoughts, though he was unsure how, because, and maybe he was completely imagining it but he thought Snart actually sounded a bit sad.

"you got running shoes?" Barry snapped his mouth shut and nodded when the other man spoke first. "Good put them on. We start now."

A/N: So it got a bit long so it's been split in two. I know it might feel slow, but I feel like it's important to set up the environment, and show you how Barry feels just being thrust in such an unsettling and different world most people aren't accustom to. You're supposed to be learning along with Barry so it's going to feel maybe a bit disorienting, I guess. This isn't easy for me, because things that are like common knowledge to me, really isn't, so I'm trying to explain everything correctly, if there's anything that's not clear please let me know! I appreciate the support you guys have shown for this story and for me! As always you guys are awesome!

Also... some terms just in case!

A Ranger I.V. is the nickname for rectal hydration. It's very... uncomfortable.

MEDEVAC is medical evacuation by helicopter. A CASEVAC, which might come up later I dunno, is medical evacuation by other modes of transportation.

The Box is the nickname for the training area in Fort Polk. Units come from all over the country to train there mostly for Afghanistan, which was also the main training area for Vietnam, and while that's not where our team is going it fits better for where they are going, rather than NTC (National Training Center) in Cali. where most go to train for Iraq.

Unexploded Ordinances are missiles, grenades, really any sort of explosive that didn't go off. There are signs all over installations warning people away from literally fields of these things.

The alligator is real. He hangs out in a lake out in The Box and is actually guarded by a dude from the local Sherriff's department, his dog, and sometimes his grandson. It's put in the brief mostly for those that are going to be training near his home to leave him alone... if it's in the briefing it means someone has done it...

Anything else just ask! The next chapter should be up in a day or so, I have to edit and think some things through! Thanks Again!