Author note:

I read a short article about how snipers train themselves to breathe. It got me to thinking about all the methods Clay might employ as a Seal and a sniper. And if they were useful or helpful in everyday life. So...here we are. Not sure it came out as I intended, but I hope you like it. (see notes at end)

CH 2-Breathe

Clay was very aware of his breathing, more so than most people, he supposed. He knew that was due to his job. As a SEAL he put a premium on mastering something that most people took for granted. In BUD/S and SERE training the instructors focused on several breathing techniques and when and how to use each one. Consequently, he understood how the pace of his respirations, depth of inhalation, holding his breath and measured exhales could help him keep control of, or signal his response to any situation, personal or professional. The many approaches aided his transition between the two vastly different worlds in which he lived and helped him keep control of his body and emotions.

Training and experience drove home that these various methods could often mean the difference between life and death for him or his brothers. Now was one of those times. The team was ambushed, pinned down by a rogue element no one anticipated. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins, the racing of his heart, and how his breath, coming in sharp, shallow pants signaled he was letting the surprise and danger of the situation get the better of him. He knew his survival and the safety of the team depended on each of them remaining calm and figuring out a way out of their current predicament. Clay fell back on his box-breathing technique to get himself under control. Inhaling, holding his breath, exhaling, and waiting to take in more oxygen in a controlled rhythm. As he felt his body calm, he focused on the situation at hand. He heard Jason and Ray over comms, trying to devise a strategy.

They were broken into two groups, their initial plan was to approach the bunker hidden in the dense jungle from two directions, cutting off any avenue of escape for the inhabitants. But now it was the Team that needed a safe exfil. The same canopy of trees and undergrowth that hid their approach was now an obstacle for any extraction by helo, or close air support to give them cover while they evac'd on foot.

He sat next to Sonny, Brock, Vic, and Cerberus, hunkered down behind a fallen tree along the edge of a lake adjacent to their target. They fired blindly into the trees toward the origins of the enemy's fire, hoping to keep them at bay. Meanwhile, Jason, Ray, Trent, and Metal were sheltering behind some trees, communicating with HAVOC about their options. They were all aware that they couldn't hold out much longer. Clay surveyed the terrain. There weren't many places to hide, even for their opponents. He figured if he could make it to the small rise they scaled on the way to the bunker, he could have the high ground and take out the shooters. Getting there was the trick. If he doubled back along the trail, he would be exposed and was certain to be taken out. But, if he could swim across the lake undetected and approach from behind, he could get the drop on them.

First, he ran his idea past Sonny, who thought he was insane to be considering it.

"Whatcha thinkin' there, Captain America? Ya tryin' to go home in a bag?"

"No! You got any bright ideas?"

Bravo 3 had to concede that he didn't. It was then that Clay got on comms and related his plan to the rest of the team. They too had their misgivings. If his plan worked, Clay would be their savior. If it didn't, he would be a sacrifice. As the minutes dragged on and their ammunition got lower, Jason reluctantly agreed. Before Clay set out on his mission Bravo 1 had some final, parting words.

"Don't make me tell Em you were KIA. Got it?!"

"Copy that!"

Clay slipped out of most of his kit and left it with the guys. Then he crept silently to the edge of the water while Sonny laid down cover fire to keep the enemy distracted. As Clay dove under the murky water, he took his last deep breath and started toward the opposite shore.

Again, his breathing changed. He exhaled slowly, producing no bubbles, just as he learned in dive training. Gliding soundlessly under the surface, leaving no evidence of his presence. He tried to stay far enough under to not be seen, while not going too deep and getting disoriented. Arriving at his exactly at his targeted destination was key. There he could slip out of the water directly into the trees. If he veered off course, he would exit onto open ground, easily seen by the snipers. He moved quickly but efficiently, no extraneous movements that would eat up more precious oxygen. After a time, he felt the mud of the bank beneath his feet. His muscles were strained with the lack of air to feed their continued motion. Rising carefully, allowing just the top of his head down to his eyes to break the surface, he surveyed his surroundings. There was no indication that he was observed. He took his first breath since diving into the lake. His grateful lungs filled with the humid, stagnant air Sonny had been complaining about their entire hike in. He slogged through the sludge and muck silently with his weapon at the ready. Behind him he could hear the continuing sounds of gunfire. His brothers were still there, still fighting.

Clay skirted around the back of the bunker, up to the small incline directly behind it. He moved as quickly and quietly as he could, again regulating his breathing to keep silent and aware of his surroundings. The sounds of a mounted gun were ringing in his ears. He was close. Dropping to his knees, he crawled toward the edge of the hill. Keeping hidden in the lush undergrowth, he could see the shooters, two of them almost directly in front of him. He peered through his scope. One was about 100 meters out while the other was around 80 meters away. He could drop them easily as long as he remained undetected. Adjusting the settings on his weapon he slowed his respirations and relaxed his body. He focused on slowly pulling air in and out through his mouth. He blocked out the noise until all he could hear was his heartbeat, slow and steady. Then, finger on the trigger, he took in a breath, half exhaled and squeezed off two shots, killing the shooter farthest from him, but closer to the Team. In a split second, he repeated his motions, taking down the second target. Now his breath left him in a rush, signaling his relief at the plan's success, and his return to his normal breathing pattern. Back on comms for the first time since parting from the rest of the team he communicated the situation. He was sure the boys heard his shots, but he wanted to confirm the kills.

"Bravo 6 to all call signs. Tangos are down. I repeat, Tangos are down."

"Good to hear ya Tinkerbell."

"Copy that Bravo 6. All Bravo elements, converge on Bunker."

Clay rendezvoused with the rest of the team at the bunker, and they carried out their mission. They found their HVT cowering under a cot in the dank earthen cell. After they sent his picture to HAVOC and Davis confirmed his identity, they grabbed whatever phones, maps, etc. that hey could and then blew the place.

As they hiked out of the jungle with their prisoner, they were still on alert.

"Bravo 1 to Havoc, on our way to the exfil point."

"Good Copy Bravo 1. Helo is 10 mikes out."

Jason waited until everyone was aboard before saying anything to Clay.

"Good job back there. Thanks for pulling our asses out of the fire."

Clay nodded in response, acknowledging his comment. There was no more conversation until they delivered the prisoner to Mandy for interrogation and hopped aboard the transport flight back towards home.

As usual the team worked on unwinding after their mission. The cooler was opened, and they shared some beers and some banter. By the time they landed stateside, he was still keyed up, but ready to go home. After they stowed their gear and got cleaned up it was late. Even so, Sonny was still urging everyone to join him at the bar. Vic, Metal and Trent took him up on his offer. Even if he wasn't dead tired, Clay didn't want to go. He wanted to get home to Emma. After a close call like they had, he always needed her to steady him, to remind him of what was real and right in the world. What it was that he fought for.

So, he ignored Sonny's ribbing and waved goodbye as he got into his truck. He managed to get himself home in one piece. As much as he wanted to talk to Emma, to see her clear, blue eyes and sunny smile, he wouldn't wake her for his own selfish needs. He unlocked the door and stepped inside, closing the portal quietly behind himself. Koda was at the door pawing at him and wagging his tail wildly. Clay bent to pet him.

"Hi boy. I'm happy to see you too."

As he stood up, he could still feel some of the tension and the adrenaline of the past few days coursing through his veins. He longed for the calm feeling of home that only Emma could bring him. He walked to the bedroom and found her sound asleep. He was happy he'd showered on base. Now he could simply slip off his clothes and slide into bed beside her.

When he laid down, he didn't bother with the sheet. Emma was laying on top of it anyway. He scooted up behind her prone form and fit his body to the curve of hers. He gently cradled her, wrapping his arm around her middle and nuzzling his face into the crook of her neck. Finally, he took his first free, full breath since the beginning of their mission. He filled himself with the scent of her, warm and sweet. It was cleansing him, wiping away all the ugliness and danger. He inhaled and exhaled slowly, trying to block out any traces of the world outside.

He was relaxing slowly but sleep still eluded him. He concentrated on her breathing, matching the rhythm of her respirations, until even their heartbeats were in synch. His last thought before he finally drifted off was how literally she calmed him.

The next morning, still on edge of consciousness, Clay could sense someone studying him. He was awake enough to know he was home, in their bed. He felt the flutter of her lashes against his skin. Smiling he spoke in a gravelly, morning voice.

"I can feel you staring at me."

Emma pressed a kiss to his chest and then scooted up to follow with a soft peck on his lips.

"I was just making sure you're okay. You didn't wake me last night when you got home."

Her tone held the tiniest bit of accusation. Clay stretched and then wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer as he opened his eyes.

"Sorry, Babe. You looked so peaceful. I couldn't make myself disturb you."

"I told you. I don't care what time it is. I always want to know that you and the guys are home safe," she poked at his chest for added emphasis.

He captured her fingers and brought them to his lips.

"Since you're okay, I'll let it slide this time," she teased.

"Thanks."

"You are fine, right?"

He closed his eyes again and he didn't answer right away. Their narrow escape flashed be for his eyes. He wouldn't share the details with her. It would only scare her unnecessarily.

"Clay? Is there something? Is my dad…"

He didn't realize how long it was taking him to respond, or how she picked up on the tension in his frame and the slight increase in his heartbeat.

He slid his hand down her back, rubbing in soothing circles.

"No, no. He's fine. I swear. Everyone's good."

He felt her exhale in relief and relax again.

"Good." She kissed his neck and threw her leg over his. "I missed you."

"Mmmm. I missed you too."

Her lips continued to explore his neck while her delicate hand stole down his abs to cup him through his boxer briefs. His nostrils flared and he took in a deep breath when he felt her fingers wrap around his rapidly growing length. He responded in kind, slipping his hand into the back of her cotton panties where his calloused palm encountered her velvet skin. He brought his other hand up to cradle the back of her head as their lips met. When she nipped playfully at his bottom lip, he gasped, opening to her. Emma took advantage and dove her tongue into his mouth, seeking and tasting.

In the meantime, she was multitasking, hooking her fingers into the elastic of his underwear, and pulling them down until his erection bobbed free against his belly. His hands were busy too, pulling her tank top off and pushing down her panties until they were skin to skin. Clay could feel her soft breasts pressed against his chest and the slick heat of her core on his thigh. Pulling his lips from hers with a growl, he dipped his head and cupped her in his broad palm and laved her already puckered nipple with his tongue. Her previous heavy breathing now became needy, panting moans. The sounds of her pleasure went straight to his groin, making him even harder. He felt her hand slide down his front and begin to stroke him, causing him to thrust into her grip.

Not wanting to wait any longer, Clay rolled her beneath him. Emma wrapped her legs around his hips arching toward him. Before joining them, he teased himself through her folds, rubbing against her turgid bundle of nerves, making her quiver in his arms. She gasped in pleasure as he finally guided himself inside her, filling her completely.

"Ahh, Oh God…Clay."

They began to move in a shared rhythm. Their bodies molded to each other, two pieces of a puzzle fitting together perfectly. She felt like hot silk around him, caressing him from the inside. The sensation was driving him mad. He could feel himself growing closer with each thrust of his hips. He wanted to last, he wanted to bring her along with him into bliss. He tried controlling his breathing, inhaling, and exhaling slowly, deliberately. It helped somewhat, pulling him back from the edge. That was until Emma declared her love for him as she clutched at his ass pulling him deeper into her. What worked to calm him in the face of an ambush and mortal danger was utterly useless as a defense against the feeling of making love with Emma. He couldn't hold back any longer. Pressing against her clit with his final thrust, he felt her break, her walls convulsing around him, pulling him into his climax only a split second later.

Clay continued to balance himself on his forearms as they rode the wave of their pleasure. Emma clasped her arms and legs around him, wanting to feel him, to stay connected to him. As they recovered, he kissed her tenderly. Their breath mingling, becoming one as their bodies had just moments before.

Finally, Clay withdrew and pulled her into his arms as he laid back on the bed. Still trading touches and kisses, neither made any moves to get up. They couldn't think of a good reason to separate and face the day quite yet. Laying there together, just the two of them, all they had to do was breathe.

(I'm not a tactical expert so please excuse any errors in the mission details.)