Re: A lonley Cutter (OPEN FOR ANYONE)

[Guest]

Alex rose and grabbed her clothes and then with a limp took her across the compound to where the women showers were. It was another large tent that was hooked up to a water truck and heating unit. "Well I can't follow you in there." he grinned and gave her a pat on her ass. Go have your shower and then I will take you over to the mess tent so that we can grab something to eat." He stood there trying to mask the pain that he was begining to feel. The pain killers that the Doc had gave him was wearing off and the wounds were now beginning to hurt. He would have to see the Doc and get some more.

He looked around the compound, it was huge. Normally the battalion headquarters would be in one place the S1/S4 sections would be with the support battalion, but since they were begining their draw down in Iraq all the units were brought into one large area. He figured that the Battalion would not be coming back to Iraq once it redeployed back to the states. It would probably be sent to Afganastan instead where they were beefing things up there. But he felt that the Iraq forces would not be able to stem the tide of insurgents.

He had no idea of what had happened the night before, not until a couple solders walked by and said, "Outstanding work Morgan. Don't know what you said last night but it got results."

Alex shook his head, "What? What are you talking about."

The two stopped and looked at each other then Alex. "You don't know?"

Alex shook his head. "Well after your little parley with the insurgent, a few hours later two of the top leaders of the insurgents was thrown from the back of a pickup truck, hog tied and ready for us to take. Division thinks its a sign that there is a shake up in the ranks of the insurgents, perhaps for the good. " The soldier grinned and shook his head. "Back one day and you might have solved the entire problem over here." They gave Dani and Alex a nod and then continued on, as Alex looked at them with a dumbfounded look on his face.

[Xuxa_Rene]

As Alex grabbed her clothes Dani stood up stretched. She would have kissed Alex again since they wouldn’t be able to kiss any time soon after they left this room. She noticed though that he had already started to walk away. So she sighed and made sure she had her bag and started to walk with him. She immediately saw his limp she knew he was in pain so she took his hand gently kissed it and looked up at him full of worry. She would make sure that after her shower that he went to the medic tent. She would order him to go now but she knew that he wouldn’t agree to go before she had the shower that she had begged for before. She would have her shower then he would be going to the medical tent if she needed to get a few of his men to help drag him there she would but she was certain that she would just have to bat her eyelashes and he would do has she asked. She had a feeling he would do anything to keep her happy at the moment. Of course she wouldn’t abuse it but it might come in handy a few times.

When they finally made it to the showers she looked up at him. “Well we will be stateside soon enough” She made to kiss him again but the two Soldiers walked up and congratulated him for a job well done. Dani looked up at them and held Alex’s hand her face beaming with pride. When they walked away she throw her arms around his neck not caring who was watching she lightly kissed him. “ You are awesome my love and I am so proud of you. After my shower you are going to the medics Alex Morgan, I saw that limp” Her eyes were full of worry for him
”Then we can eat no if, ands or buts, I will get some men to help me direct you to the medics tent if need be”

She then walked into the shower room and shed her old clothes and stepped into the shower the water turning brown as it ran down her body. Soaping it up she quickly rinsed off and then shampooed her hair, she wanted to stay longer but was worried that there was more people waiting for a shower. So after making sure she was clean and rinsed she turned off the water and dried off then redressed. She smiled as she placed on the uniform that Alex had grabbed for her and then placed on the heavy boots and then tied up her hair behind her and walked out making sure she had her dirty stuff and had cleaned up her mess.

Looking up at Alex she smiled “Thank you for that my love” She kissed him softly then got a serious look. “Now Alex Morgan you are going to the medics tent, before we eat” She gave him a look that dared him to argue. “And if you do argue I am sure there are plenty of men here that will help me take you to the medic” She nodded. “Let me drop this stuff off then we can go to the medic and get you some meds then we can eat” She dropped off the dirty uniform in a basket and then looked up at him “So what say you, are you going to listen to your fiancé or do I have to get help” She looked up at him with a daring smile.

As if on cue a few of the men from his squad walked up and crossed their arms.

“What seems to be the problem here Dani?” Danni smiled at them.

“Well Alex here is deciding whether he is going to go to the medic tent willing or if I am going to need your help.” The men looked to Alex and then to Dani.

“So what say you Sergeant?” Dani grinned she knew that Alex would give her hell later but all she cared about right now was Alex and the pain that he was in. She looked at Alex and waited to see what he would do.

[Guest]

Alex waited for her to get done with her shower. His leg and arm hurt but he held on. Once he got her to the mess tent and something to eat he would get some meds. To him Dani came first. When she told him they were going to get something for his pain and she would take no for an answer he chuckled. "Yes Mam." he said as he patted her ass and sent her on her way to her shower. He guessed that it would be the Med Tent before the Mess Tent. More soldiers passed him as he waited and gave him the thumbs up as they walked by. He had no idea when he went out to speak with the man that he would be responsible for the capture of two high ranking insurgent leaders.


When Dani came out of the shower his squad made for him. They had been looking for him to slap him on the back and congradulate him. It was a big coupe for the battalion and especially for the company to get ahold of two top ranking insurgent leaders. When she told them she would probably need their help to get him to the Med Tent and then asked him if he was going willingly, he laughed. He gave her a mock salute and again said, "Yes Mam we are heading there now." he took her by the hand and began limping back towards the other side of the compound where the Med Tent was.

Once he got there the Doc looked up from checking on the other patients and then stood up. "Was wondering when you would show back up?" He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small envelope and handed it to him. "Take one every eight hours. There is enough there to keep you out of pain until you get State Side." Then he went back to his other patients and Alex down one of the pills.

"Alright now lets get you something to eat." he turned to Dani and then took her over to the Mess Tent with his squad following. As they entered the tent everyone looked up and then stood up "Ugh Ra!" they shouted and then began clapping. Word had gotten around all over the compound. At a table to the rear of the tent where the officers ate, the company commander and Battalion Commander rose and came to greet him.

"Well Sergeant it seems you have shaken things up around here quite a bit since you arrived." The Battalion Commander said. "Come, you and Miss Bloddget come join us at our table." As Dani approached the table the officers rose to their feet and nodded their heads to her. "Gentelmen." the battalion commander spoke, "You all probably know Sergeant Morgan." he turned to Dani. "This is Miss Bloddget, his fieance." Again they nodded and as Alex helped her into a chair and pushed it into the table for her they sat down. One of the cooks quickly filled their coffe cups with coffee and brought them trays with bacon, eggs, toast and pancakes.

The Battalion Commander spoke again as he sat down, "The General is sending his chopper for you and your squad and Miss Bloddget at noon." He looked at them. "It along with the air evac chopper will take you all to the airport where you will be boarding the next flight back to the States." he looked over at Alex. "The General has recommened you for the CMH sergeant. I could not agree more for it. You have earned it."

[Xuxa_Rene]

Hearing that Alex was willing to go to the medic tent before she ate convinced her that he was indeed in a lot of pain. Or he would try and over power her but instead he just agreed. Perhaps the fact that she had the backing of his unit behind her, or he really was in pain, or he wanted to please her but what ever the case he was going and that was all that mattered. She would be like a mother hen over both her brother and Alex when they got home. She had to smile wondering how long it would take until they formed a protest against her but until then she would make sure neither of them over did it even if she had to wait on them hand and foot.

She lightly kissed Alex on the lips and giggled as his group made catcalls.

“Oh shush you all”

They all chuckled they loved how Alex had managed to find a female so strong and stubborn yet had a loveable softer side. Yes she was the prefect woman for Alex. They all had been worried about him when he last left, but what ever she did she was able to help Alex an for that she deserved their honour and respect.

“Yes Maam” They said in unison. All with a mischievous look in their eyes.

“And enough with the Maam”

Before they could react she looked at them “I know its in your training but makes me feel old” She winked a them and walked with Alex trying to take on as much of his weight as she could but he of course was being stubborn. When they finally reached the medic tent she was proud of herself that she made him get the pills. She kissed him and smiled “I love you Alex Morgan”


Then it was off to the food tent. She looked up at Alex concerned for him but she hoped that the pills would work and they weren’t the same kind that seemed to give nightmares. As they entered the tent and everyone got up to their feet and shouted Dani grinned looking up at Alex she was so proud of him.

Following Alex to the table her stomached growled smelling the food. When they finally reached the table and the officers stood she gasped and blinked she knew the honour that it was for officers to stand to a civilian. She didn’t think that she was worth it. Still a bit surprised she stared up at Alex then back to the officers and smiled nodding her thanks. Sitting down as Alex pulled out her chair then she began to eat, her body after getting the sleep it needed was now clearly getting the food that it needed to.

Hearing that they would be leaving at noon Dani shook her head. “I am sorry Commander but I will not be returning” Anyone within ear shot got really quiet and stared at her and the commander. Dani turned to Alex and kissed him “I am so proud of your award babe but you see that I have to stay here, there are so many that I need to still talk too I have not finished my work the congressman is going to want more, I have to explain why I stuck a tampon into the leg of the one from last night.” She was rambling but she was clearly intent on staying here.

She needed to check on the four men but she also knew that no one would let her walk around alone so she wanted to wait until at least Alex was done eating. “So I will stay again, Alex and Dustin are going home but I am staying here” She crossed her arms stubbornly as everyone waited to see how the Commander was going to take to her disobeying him. Yes they were sure that this was the right woman for Alex and wondered how they had met.

[Guest]

The Battalion commander chuckled. "Had a feeling you would want to do that, so the Division Commander got a hold of the congressman, your boss. We had a feeling you came over here with Sergeant Morgan to find your brother, and though the congressman really would like the information he has ordered you back for the moment." The Lieutant Colonel grinned. "But I have a feeling that you will be back. Perhaps not here, now that the draw down has begun, but you will be back. " He had heard of what she had done earlier, enlisting the help of Alex's squad to help her with Alex and her brother. Grinning still he continued, "Or do I have to have Sergeant Morgan's squad and your brother's physically put you on the plane."

Alec had to grin at what the Battalion Commander was doing. He was using Dani's tactics on her. He looked at her to see what her reaction would be to his reply to her. About that time the Doctor arrived and took his seat at the table. "Patients are ready for transport Sir." he looked at the Battalion Commander, then over at Dani. "The two troubled patients are being evaced, along with a couple of the more serious wounded from last night. They wish to talk to you before they leave today." he had not been told that Dani would be leaving.

"Ah Miss Bloggedt will have more then enough time to talk to them." the Battalion Commander said. "She will be on the same flight back to the States with them, Sergeant Morgan here and his squad."

"Good. I think that will help them in the long run." the Doc said.

Back in the States Mary, the Judge, Recruiter, ROTC Officer, and a couple others were heading to Washington, DC. To full bird colonels escorted Mary and the Judge. She had been briefed on everything that was going to be happening. The news had broke already on what had transpired the night before. Alex again had been in the news and the results of his talk with the insurgent. Mary had been surprised by what Alex had done but knew that it was something her husband probably would have done as well. "We will arrive well ahead of your son and the others. We will be meeting the families of the other squad members at the White House." one of the Colonel's told her.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Hearing the commander chuckle Dani looked up at him confused. Hearing his words her heart sank she really hoped that she would be able to stay behind and help out where she could. She knew that she couldn’t though she would be a hindrance but she felt as if she was failing and had failed. Her moral was boasted a lot though when he suggested that she would be back. That helped, although she knew that he was right she wouldn’t be coming to Iraq she would be going to Afghanistan which was a lot more dangerous she had a feeling that Dustin and Alex would have something to say about that she doubted they would allow her to follow them there to but she would have to see.

As he threatened her using the same threats she raised an eyebrow. “Well played,” She grinned. “I guess I will go willingly” She looked around “I don’t think I can even try to fight against all of these guys” She grinned. She turned to Alex “Okay Sgt Morgan I concede I will be coming home with you BUT I will be tending to both of you when we are home.”

When the doctor sat down Dani immediately diverted all her attention to her she grasped Alex’s hand under the table hard she was nervous did one of them take a turn for the worse during the night? Was she guilty of murder? Her anxiety was all for nothing. They wanted to see her. She shook her head

“Probably wanting to know why I stuck a tampon in a leg” She looked up at Alex. “How embarrassed do you think he is going to be? Do you think word got out? About what I did I mean”

She looked up at the commander again “So you mean I will be traveling with everyone?” She raised her eyebrows “That could be interesting” She lightly kissed Alex’s cheek. “When we are done eating babe I would like to see them before we leave to make sure they know I am coming home with them” She licked her lips and looked around at the men all seemed to be in awe of her. She had managed to capture their Sergeant and was a strong woman. Jack walked up behind them and slapped Alex on the shoulders.

“So Sgt we are all wondering how you met this beautiful girl here. We all remember you saying that if the Army wanted you to have girl friend they would have issued you one at bootcamp” Dani laughed out loud

“Oh really now” Dani waited for him to explain how they met, she remembered the day crystal clear her being taunted as normal and him coming out of the blue to talk to her she wondered if he remembered. She wasn’t really done eating yet so he had time before she wanted to see the two.

After he would explain she wanted to explain to the two injured ones that she was sorry that she had used a tampon on him. She was certain the man was embarrassed. And the other two that seemed so close to talking to her before she wanted to talk to them too. So much to do before the airplane trip.

[Guest]

He gave Jack a look and raised a brow. Then he saw Dani's look and heard her. Their first meeting seemed so long ago. He had just returned from Iraq, a bit bitter for bing discharged and sent home because he had not finished Highschool. Back to school, back to complete it and then return to the army which seemed to be the place for him. But he had saw Dani enter the cafateria and he could not place it but something about her seemed to draw his attention to her. Perhaps it was because both of them were out of place there at the time.

But what the cheerleader did to her pissed him off. He grinned remembering what he had done to her and him actually meeting Dani. Who know how things would have worked out from that time. He had at the time no intentions of getting involved with anyone, just get through the senior year and reenlist. But she had been something, special, and a pillar of strength for him. He didn't know how he would have gotten through the year without her. In that year she had come out of her shell, had blosemed into the remarkably beautiful woman that sat beside him.

He turned and looked at Jack, "Now that is a long story." he grinned and turned looking at Dani, his eyes drinking in everything about her and full of love. He reached over and took one of her hands in one of his and squeezed it. How they met was something to tell later. Alex finished his meal and looked to see if Dani was done with hers. He wanted her to have that chance to see the soldiers she wanted to see.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Dani was very interested in what he was going to tell them. It all seemed like they were hoping to find out how they met. Alex well a remarkable Soldier and Sergeant didn’t seem to be one for relationships. But he managed to find what seemed to be the prefect match for him. They all knew what she had done to get here and had done once she was here and then standing up to the Commander. Yes she was the prefect woman for Alex but how did they met was the question that had everyone scratching their head.

As he looked at her Dani blushed the way he was staring at her. He seemed to be drinking her in. He seemed to be all in love with her again. She returned the look. Her love for him had not diminished in fact it had grown. She wanted to lean over and make out with him right there and then but they were all being watched so instead she smiled at him with a knowing gaze she knew that he was horny just as she was. She found it odd being in a war zone surrounded by stinking men and she wanted nothing more then to climb into bed with Alex and feel his naked body against her own.

Grinning at Alex’s answer she lightly kissed his cheek. When She nodded “Yes a long story” She smiled thinking back on that day. Jack and the others looked a little disappointed. She sighed and grinned “Alright I will give you a bit of a taste” All the men quickly took their seats. “I don’t know why you are all so interested but” She took a sip of the drink to drag it out more. “I was picked on a lot in school” That visibly upset the guys. “The one morning it was particularly bad, my theater was closed so I sat in the cafeteria, Alex here saw me being picked on and decided to talk to the freak”

“You are not a freak” Jack spoke up to which everyone agreed.

“Please I fell in love with your Sergeant, demanded him that he bring me to a war zone, and I just disobeyed your Commander I don’t think I am normal”

The men all chuckled a little.

“Okay I will give you that I guess” Jack said “But just a little ecentric not a freak”

“Okay I conceed” She would ignore any sounds coming from Alex about that statement.

“Well even after being ridiculed for being seen with me Alex let me and Dustin and move in with him and his mom.

“What happened to your parents?” A young Soldier asked. Dani swallowed and held up the dog tags.

“My father died in the line of duty and my mother left my brother and I during his 2nd deployment, I didn’t tell him, he didn’t know until he came home from that one. He tried to get out, claiming he was now the sole parent but he was stop loosed and then…” She paused. “I think that is why Alex and I fit together so well two military brats.” She grinned then stood. “Alex I would like to see those soldiers now”

She left them all sitting there their mouths all wide open. They all knew she was strong but didn’t realize how strong until now.

Dani was walking out of the mess tent she hadn’t meant to give out that much info it just sort of all spilled out. Making it to the medic tent she walked up to the injured ones she had helped out the night before. Seeing them awake she licked her lips. “Hello, I hear you wanted to talk to me” She took a deep breath “I am sorry about putting the tampon in your leg, its all I had to stop the bleeding, I know it must have been embarrassing. But ya I am the one that put the tampon in your leg, so I understand if you want to start screaming at me.” She sighed and waited for both of them to start the screaming, hoping they would get it over before Alex got there, he wouldn’t like her being yelled at.

[Guest]

Alex looked at Dani as she tried to give an abreviated account of how they met and how she went on to tell of her father and her mother and the like. He could see she had gotten herself a bit over her head in it and she rose to go to the Med Tent. Even though the officer's had been a bit dumb struck by what she had said, they all rose as she got up. Alex also stood up and gave a look at Jack that made him cringe a bit. He excued himself from the table and grabbed his rifle and helmet and followed her out of the Mess Tent and to the Medical tent.

He stood back a bit as she greeted and talked to the two wounded soldiers. The one with the chest wound laid there not moving, but he was awake. The one with the leg wound raised up on an elbow and chuckled as she applogized to him. "Rather have that done to me then lose my leg or bleed to death." he told her. "You did what you had to with what you had. That is what we all do over here in everything. So don't beat yourself up over it. The other soldier grinned and said, "He's right. We are both lucky to be alive."

Alex moved up behind her putting his helmet and rifle on an empty bed. "They are right Dani. You did good, and I am proud of you." He put his hands on her shoulders. He wanted to put his arms around her but thought that would not be good at the moment. "Blake here will be heading back to the states. I'll be staying here for a while before going back to light duty." the one with the leg wound said. "Though I heard it won't be long before the entire battlaion is shipped back to the states."

"Come on Dani. Let them rest now and lets go see the other two." He gently took her by the arm and pulled her towards the other ward.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Seeing the two men and getting a closer look she realized that she most likely saved their lives by her actions, had she not been there to save them there was a big chance that neither of them would be sitting in those beds. She didn’t allow it to go to her head though, she knew that she could have just as easily killed them.

Hearing that they didn’t hate her made her feel foolish, of course they would rather be alive. She smiled. “I guess I didn’t think it has saving you” She smiled “I am glad you are not embarrassed, they really work great I suggest you guys have them in your packs, can save lives” When Alex came up behind her she nearly jumped out of her skin. “Don’t do that to me” She gasped out. “I thought I left you in the mess hall just how long have you been there?” She raised an eyebrow at the two. “Did either of you know he was there?”

“No maam” They said in unison. Dani rolled her eyes

“Thanks” She said not fully believing them. Both of their eyes twinkled with mischief.

The two chuckled. They seemed to like Dani she didn’t treat them like they were injured she treated just normal. Both of them could see her doing this as a career.

Dani heard the one say he wasn’t going to be leaving with them Dani was upset, she had been told they would all be leaving together and now to find out that the one would be staying behind. That didn’t sit too well. She would have to talk to someone about that.

When Alex said it was time for them to leave she smiled. “I am glad you two are doing so well” She walked up to both and hugged them gently them walked back to Alex “I will be here for a few more hours if you need anything just let me know”

She then left them to rest and walked into the other room. Both grinned as they came in.

“Miss Blooddget is it true…” Dani wouldn’t let him finish

“First of all it is Dani, I know your training as you calling everyone Miss or Mrs. or Maam but come on its me” She chuckled. “But yes its true that I helped two guys last night, some would say I saved them but I am not that stuck up” Both of the men looked at her then to Alex then back at her.

“I hear we are all coming home” She left Alex and sat down. He had shown before by merely placing his hands on her shoulders that he didn’t want to touch her much right now. Maybe it was because these men didn’t have their girls, but Dani figured it was something else maybe his PTSD was returning she knew she would have to look after her brother and Alex now! She didn’t figure she would have anything nothing had really happened to her.

“So how are you two doing tonight?” She asked the both of them.

[Guest]

She had a way with the soldiers. She seemed to make them at ease and he wondered why she could not have done that back in highschool with everyone else there. Somewhere along the way she had really come out of her shell and had found her true calling it seemed. He watched her talk to the two wounded soldiers and how she seemed to cheer them up. He followed her into the other ward. There the two turned and proped themselves up on their elbows.

It seemed that word had reached them of what she had done. One looked at her then away, "You did more then what I did." he said. "I let my best friend die. I could not save him." Alex knew what the man was talking about. He had simalar experiences before he was sent home. There had been a couple times he could not get to his friends. The enemy fire had been so intense that he had been pinned down. They had died because he could not get to them, nor could anyone else, but he had blamed himself and swore he would not hesitate again. He knew what was going through the mans head and also knew that it was not his fault. He would have been killed or wounded himself and his friend would have still died, if he had tired to get to him.

The other shoulder shook his head. "Why am I here and not out there on the battle field dead, or back home missing my arms or legs. Why?" he asked. Again Alex could relate to what must be going through his head. All of them had seen men killed and horrably mutalated by explosions and bullets. Dani had helped him through the nightmares, and he could tell they were having the same type. He knew Dani could not help them the way she had helped him. But she had her ways, he knew she would get through to them. If not here, when they returned to the states.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Hearing the guilt in his voice nearly broke her heart. She let him go on then looked up at Alex, they were both so much like him but he couldn’t hold them like he had them. She had to find a different way. A thought came to mind it was risky but if it went well it might just pay off. If she blew it she could wreck these two men even more and they might never recover. But if her idea did work these two would be on the road to recovery. It was a big risk though and Alex might object to what she was going to say but she had to try.

She looked up again at Alex, she still had the sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach that something was off with him, between them, he seemed to be looking at her differently like he saw her differently sure they were in a war zone and for now she would just chop it up to that. They would talk later, when they were home and safier. It worried her but she couldn’t think of such things right now right now she had to focus on these two, later she would deal with Alex.

Turning to them both she gave them a sympathetic smile. “Okay so you have me there” She paused it was now or never. She took a deep breath and looked at both of them in turn. “But let me ask you this, if those two did not fall on me, say they fell the other way, towards the gunfire would you except me to race to them then and do what I did in the safety of the bunker?”

Both men looked to Alex, it seemed that both of them believed that she would have done it she seemed crazy enough for it. They were concerned and were seeking confirmation from Alex they then quickly shook their heads and looked at her with earnest. “Of course not it wouldn’t be safe and I think Alex would agree.” Both of them said. Nodding Dani continued.

“Okay so I am glad that you get that part” She paused “Now how about this, if it were you that were injured and under heavy fire” She bite her lower lip nervously “Would you want them or anyone to risk their lives to get you?”

She waited to see their reaction her heart beating her palms sweating. Did she mess them up more or did her plan work? She looked at either men and waited. Avoiding eye contact with Alex.

[Guest]

The two looked at her and the one said, "You are a civilian and we would not expect you to put yourself in danger. But we are soldiers. We are trained and are expected to lay our lives down." he closed his eyes again seeing his friends face and eyes. "I should have tried to get to him. I could have saved his life." At the other end of the Ward the Doctor stood and shook his head. Alex understood that movement and the look on the Doc's face. It would not have mattered if he had gotten to his friend. He would have died anyways. The soldier if he had tried would have gotten killed or wounded and his friend would have still died.

Alex wanted to say something to the soldiers, but thought it best that he didn't. He had confidence in her and knew that she could at least get them started on the road to recovery. It would take a long time for them to put it all behind them. What he said though was true. They were trained to do a number of things and were expected to risk their own lives to accomplish the mission and more. But to risk one's life to save another, that no one could be trained for. That was up to the individual. Alex had risked his life a few times and had just recently done that to help his squad members when the insurgents threatened their positions. In actuallity, he had never really thought about doing it, he just did it.

The other soldier spoke, "Why am I here whole while others are not. Time and again all around me, my fellow soldiers and friends being blown apart, losing arms and legs, dieing and I am unharmed. Why them and not me?"

Luck might have something to do with it. But from Alex's prespective, it was just not his time. But he had to come to terms with that, as Alex had. Dani and him had talked about his dreams and his guilt. She would have to draw on those conversations to help these two. Or at least get them thinking about things. She might even talk to them about him and his dreams and their talks. That would be something that they could relate to. He was a fellow soldier and shared many of the same experiences. He leaned down and whispered the idea into her ear.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Dani raised an eyebrow when both said that they wouldn’t except her to put herself in danger. She could tell them that twice she had to be held back once to stop her from going into the operating room and another to stop her from chasing down the brum to Alex as he talked to the insurant but that would not give them any comfort and it would more then likely make them feel worse, that she nearly did it and they felt as it they had not done enough, so she did not mentioned it, plus she wasn’t sure if she wanted Alex to know that she had nearly ran down into what could have been her death. She did not mention the fact that it took more then two of his men to hold her back either. She shot a warning glance to Alex, she knew that he knew that she would have risked her life but she didn’t want him too mention it right now. Satisfied that he got the message she turned her attention back to the men.

Hearing his whisper Dani nodded softly. She turned to the guys and touched both of their hands very softly. “Listen I don’t know why you two made it while others did not” She bit her lower lip. “But what I do know is that it had to be for a reason and it is your job to find that reason now” Both of them raised their eyebrows then stared at Alex as if to say ‘is she for real?’ It was silent but Dani caught it and could guess at what it said.

Turning slightly to Alex a sparkle in her eyes, they found her odd, and that was good they were more likely to listen to her then if they found her boring. Nodding to Alex to let im now that it might be getting a bit rough for him then turning back to them she spoke softly

“Alex was in the same situation when he came home, as I said a couple days ago, we met in the cafeteria of our school, some people were picking on me, labeled me a heartless freak since I had gone to school only days after my father’s funeral you see people don’t know how to deal with a person that had lost their parent. His funeral was on TV, and since I thought I had to be strong I didn’t cry, so they figured it didn’t affect me I guess and some bigheads in the community had influence and made my life hell.” She shook her head “ Sorry I am getting off topic, I have a point and I well I moved in with him and his mom and I found out the first night that he was having really bad nightmares I had to hold him while he went through it.” She looked back at Alex. “That was my reason for living, why it wasn’t my time yet and now I will show you why, even though when we first met Alex thought he should have died why he didn’t

Now came the hard part. She began to take off her vest and reveled her arms. She looked down at her arms then to the two men, she couldn’t look at Alex, she didn’t want to see his face right now she didn’t think she could remain strong if she saw what she sure would be shock, she was baring her scared arms to these practically strangers.

She took a deep breath “You see when my father got deployed the first time I started to cut. It was my way to deal with it.” She out stretched her arms so they could get a look. She chewed her bottom lip before continuing. “It got bad, I was doing it everywhere, and running out of places on my arms I began to attack my legs” She nodded her head towards Alex. “Until Alex over there came into my life” She nodded. “He is the reason that I never hit a vein when I was cutting, and it may sound like I am full of myself but I belive I am the reason that Alex didn’t die over here.” She reached behind her and grasped until she felt his hand then she softly kissed it and rubbed her cheek with it.

She nodded again what she had to say next could rub them wrong way but she felt as if it had to be said. “Now comes the hard part” She eyed both of them carefully “You have to find the reason, but trust me there is a reason” She smiled “Some pretty girl that is waiting for you” She held up her hand to any protest “Us girls are finicky there may be one at home that just wanted to make sure you came home before they expressed their feelings, maybe they thought you would just think they were tag chasers” Both men exchanged a look of disbelief so Dani continued. “Well maybe you are going to save a young child when you get home, or see that your sisters are abusing themselves like me, and you can save them from that by coming to them and love them and show them as Alex showed me that there are other ways to deal with pain, or maybe you guys get married and your child grows up and finds the cure for Cancer or AIDS or even the Common cold, you never know BUT there is a reason that you two made it, and its your job to find that reason, and live they would want you to” She added the last part quietly.

She continued to look at the two Soldiers nervous about their reactions. There was a very good chance that she did more damage then good. She still couldn’t look at Alex too afraid that she would break. She wasn’t ready to leave these two but if she had done more damage then good she might have to. And maybe not even return to the VA once home. She wasn’t aware but the Doctor was standing at the entrance of the room silently listening and waiting to see their reactions.

[Guest]

Alex listened and watched Dani as she took his advice and began telling the two soldiers. She rammbeled on off the subject for a bit and he had to smile at that. She talked about her father and how they had met. It had nothing to do with their situation but it seemed to get their attention and hold it. Again he thought back to that time that the two of them had met. Why he had done what he had done he didn't really know. He had his problems at the time, he had just gotten back from a war zone and he didn't want to be home. He wanted to be in Iraq with his squad, with his friends, protecting their backs. He had seen how the other students had treated Dani and something down deep in him told him to help her. What followed was something that was the last thing he ever thought would. He was not sorry he had done what he did, he would do it all over again if he had to for what he got out of it was erreplaceable.

When she told them that there was a reason why they were alive and others were not, he could relate to that. His nightmares kept haunting him, until he met Dani and she moved in with him and his mother. She had talked to him while he dreamed and her voice seemed to come through to him and help him. She had gotten him involved with a therapy group that helped him as well. Why he was alive was evident. He looked down at Dani and knew she was the reason. The two soldiers would have to find their reason, and keep going until they did. At the moment they needed to realize that there was nothing they could have done to save those that had died or had been maimed. When your time came to die, there was nothing one could do about it. He had come to realize that and understand it.

When she showed them her arms both soldiers' eyes went wide. She deifinately had their attention and it seemed that there was a light in their eyes now. They had something to think about and with the proper therapy and perhaps someone that would comfort them like Dani had him and they would be well on their road to recovery and be able to return to duty again. When she had stoped talking, both laid back down and one could see that they were thinking upon what they had been told. "I think it is time to let them think about what you have said." he whispered in Dani's ear. "We have to pack and get ready to go to the airport." He didn't want to leave, especially since he had just got back to Iraq. But he was a soldier and he would obey his orders. This was one time that he could not streach the wording of the orders to take advantage of his situation.

He gently took Dani by the arm and helped her out of her chair and back to the door. The doctor came down from the other end of the ward and smiled. "I think you have made a good start here. Thank you for your help." he told her.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Sitting in the chair with her mutilated arms for all to see her heart was beating it seemed time had stopped. She had seen their eyes go wide; she knew what they were thinking that they could find their reason Alex had. Dani still couldn’t look at Alex though, she wasn’t sure how he was taking all this. Seeing her bare her arms, hearing her admit that she had thought about taking her own life until he had stepped in. She would hear his reaction later though when they were on the way home. The flight was long enough and since she wouldn’t be knocked out from meds, they could talk the entire flight and he could tell her if she was displeased with her.

That wasn’t the concern right now though. In her mind these two men were the most important, she only had mere minutes to get through to these men. Looking at them she had a feeling that she had reached them. That maybe just maybe they realized that they were alive for a reason that they could make a difference. She only hoped that they could find someone like herself to help them continue on the road to recovery.

When Alex whispered she nodded she wasn’t ready to leave, she didn’t want to leave but she knew she had no choice. Even as a civilian orders were orders. Standing she smiled to both of the men. “Thank you for letting me talk to you two” As they made it to the doctor she smiled. “I hope so” She said then with a smile “No thanks necessary it was a honour really” She handed him two cards “My email is on there maybe if you think its okay, you can give it to them” She looked up at Alex then back to them “That is a email that is not a personal one, its one I give to those I talk to at the VA”

With a heavy heart she walked to her bunk and packed up the couple things that weren’t packed. She put the vest down and looked up at Alex “Where does this go?” She had tears in her eyes. It was clear that she felt as if she was abandoning these men that she just met.

After looking around “I believe I am packed up” She was still in her t-shirt, her arms were visible for everyone but she no longer cared. They were not marks of shame but on how strong she was and how much Alex had helped her.
Dustin was having a harder time packing with his arm in the sling he couldn’t get things in. He let out a frustrated growl and threw his bag to the ground. Dani walked over to him

“Here let me help you” Dustin looked at her and her arms to Alex and back to his sister then back at Alex with a questioning look.

Dani had missed it she was folding his things and putting them away. There was a picture of herself him and their dad. She chewed her bottom lip and looked up at him. “He woul be so proud of you Dustin. She made sure all the personal stuff was packed, he had more because he had planned on being there for nine months. Eventually he was packed.

“Anything else?” She asked both of them. Then to Alex “When does we leave for our flight?” She felt like asking if they would be attacked again on the way to the plane but she want sure if Dustin knew that they had been in a firefight. She wasn’t sure how he would take his sister having been in such danger.

She looked around again making sure she hadn’t forgotten anything and waited for the men to tell her the next step.

[Guest]

Alex watched her pack and then help Dustin pack his things up. Once she was done he put the camo shirt back on her and then the vest. Even though it seemed to be peaceful and that there would not be any attacks for now, he was not about to take a chance of some fanatic out there going against orders. When she asked about when they were going to leave, the tent flap opened and the Captain was standing there. "Your transportation tot he airport is ready."

The tent flap opened again and three men came in to gather their things and take them out to the HUMMVEs waiting. Placing a hand on the small of her back, Alex guided Dani outside. There the entire battalion was formed up to see them off. Three HUMMVE's were sitting outside. The first and last had men in the turrets and others in the seats. The center one just had the driver. The captain shook Alex's and Dustin's hands. "We will expect you back with your unit when everything is settled down." Alex nodded and guided Dani to the center vehicle. Once she was in he walked around and got in the other side in the back and Dustin took the passenger seat in the front.

Alex looked out the window at the men in the battalion. He wanted to stay and be there with them but it seemed that he was now a celebrity and was off to the States to be shown off to the people of the USA. As the three vehicles began to move the Battalion commander called the entire battlion to attention. Alex sighed, not thinking he deserved such a send off. He was just a simple soldier doing his job.

Once the vehicles had left the compound and the battalion had been dismissed, the battalion commander came up to Alex's company commander. "Has everything been arranged?" The Captain smiled and nodded. "By the time they get back most of it will be ready."

The trip to the airport was uneventful. As the vehicles traveled through the city, there was only people moving about. There had been no reports of any fighting, bombs or any trouble throughout the entire city. Even so Alex was a bit nervous and constantly looked about for any thing out of the ordinary. But they arrived at the airport without any problems and there Alex, Dani, and Dustin met up with Alex's squad. They also had their bags with them. All their weapons and ammo was taken from them and they were escorted to the plane that was going to take them to the States. Their bags were loaded into the cargo hold and they boarded the plane up a removable stairway. They were assigned firstclass seats and as they got themselves situated, the door was closed and the pilots started the engines.

Alex sat next to Dani and held her hand as the plane began to taxi out to the runway. His squad was talking quietly, excited to be going home and be able to be with their families. Wives, girl friends, parents and brothers and sisters. They had been deployed for almost a year now. Alex had left them on their previous deployment just about the time they rotated. But their time home had been short and they had to return to Iraq. They did not have the time at home that they should have. Now they had a chance again to be home and they were excited.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Smiling at Alex as he put on the shirts her, that answered one question he was nervous about something happening on the trip to the airplane even with the peace talks. She looked up at him and gently kissed him. Then turned to the tent flaps. Blushing slightly at the PDA. She nodded to him and thanked the men that took her luggage. Walking outside the tent she found it hard. She had a feeling all the men here wish that they were in their shoes, heading home, she wished she could stay and help more. But she had an idea to help morale, and would be asking the congressman to send some toys for the, game consoles, DVDs, something to pass any down time.

She was actually miss being here, more then helping everyone but Alex was different here and it gave her great insight to life over here and she would take it back to the VA to help them. She had a feeling that some of them would want to hear her stories of what she had done and see perhaps even more would open up to her since she had been then.

After she was in the humvee she waved goodbye then watched Alex she didn’t talk to him he was on watch. She had learned when they were heading the other way, only a couple days before not to disturb him when he was in the mode. She watched the people and the landscape wiz by.

When they made it to the airplane she greeted her brother. Then walked with Alex to the seats sitting down she stared outside the window even with Alex at the window this way she could lean against Alex and still look out the window. Holding his hand as they took off then leaning against him and gently kissed his neck.

“Have I told you latly that I love you?” Dustin sitting near them started making gagging sounds Dani shot daggers at him.

“And what are you going to be doing the second that you see Debbie?” Dustin then shut up and Dani turned to Alex. “I do love you and I always will” She snuggled into him. “So since I slept the whole way here last time after the damn shots, how long is this flight?”

[Guest]

Alex chuckled as he heard Dani lay into Dustin. He put an arm about her and as she snuggled in to him held her tightly. He lifted her chin and kissed her gently on the lips. "I now, and I love you more then ever." He then just held her close, not caring about his squad being there watching and grinning ear to ear. Soon they would be doing the same with their loved ones. He would not doubt that when he saw Debbie, she would not let him out of her sight and the two would look as if they were glued together.

"It is a long one. First we will be flying to Germany and there refuel for the trip to the US. In a little while they will probably show some kind of movie and we will have at least two meals aboard. You slept through most of it all coming over." She would probably sleep some of the way as he would. With nothing to really do that was about the only option. Setteling in he felt the aircraft lift off and in the back, there was a big cheer as all the soldiers in the other part of the plane showed their delight that they were finally going home.

He looked over at Dani as the plane rose higher into the air and began to make its turn to fly more in a northernly direction. Below the ground faded and finally they were up into the clouds. Now Alex could relax and feel more at ease. He just continued to hold on to Dani as the plane leveled out and made it's way towards Germany. Once the plane was in flight, a beverage was served then later the first meal. Alex talked with the members of his squad and a few others that were in the first class, as well as Dustin and Dani. It helped make the time go by some, as well as playing cards.

The stop over in Germany was not a very long one. Just enough time to refuel the plane put on more food and beverages and give everyone a chance to streach their legs. There had been reporters and news teams at the Airport when they landed, but they were kept from getting near those on the plane. Most of the soldiers on board had no idea about Alex and Dani and the Squad. They were all kind of bewildered to see all the news media there and being kept away from them. It was not until they boarded the plane again that some of them recgonized Alex and the squad from the news cast that the one reporter had sent live around the world. He could hear them in the other part of the plane and a few came forward to ask it it was them. Alex was a bit embarased about the whole thing. He was not a hero, he was just a soldier doing his job. But it seemed many thought differently about that.

Randy and the others of the squad kept them from Alex, Dustin and Dani until the plane again lifted off. Then it was again up into the sky and on the final leg of the trip to Washington, DC. But once in the air the soldiers, men and women that had also served their country in Iraq wanted to see Alex and his fiance. "Looks like we have to go back and see them." he told Dani. He sighed and stood up and helped her up to walk back the few feet and pulled the curtin that seperated the two sections of the place. Immediately there was a thunderous applause from them all. A captain came forward and shook Alex's hand. As the captain spoke it became apparent that it seemed more had been revealed about everything then Alex had known.

It seemed that the reporter had done some digging and found out that Dani was the sister of Dustin and that she had come over with Alex to find her brother. This had been aired on another broadcast and it seemed Dani would also be in the spotlight along with Alex and his squad. The captain shook Dani's hand as well. "The two of you is what America needs. " he said, "Miss Blodgett, it is an honor and privilage to meet some one like you. From what has been reported about you, it seems you have done alot for our boys that have returned home. I want to thank you for that. Thank you on behalf of all of us here and back home."

[Xuxa_Rene]

Dani snuggled into Alex, she was very happy to be going home with both her brother and her fiancé but she felt guilty she was leaving so many men behind that she could have helped. So many more were coming home but in the bottom of the plane they were in. She wondered if Alex was going to have any nightmares this time he had a few scary and intense moments she was concerned for him but she would be there for him just like she was there before, although she had a few scary intense moments the thought of her having nightmares didn’t even cross her mind she hadn’t had the intense fire fight like Alex had and she had not been captured like Dustin had been, no she had no reason to have any bad dreams.

When Alex kissed her she heard some snickers and she blushed her ears getting red and hot, she giggled a little embarrassed about the public display of affection that he was showing her she had a fleeting thought, since they had left they really had not had any physical touch, not that she had excepted it, they had been in a war zone, but if she knew Alex tonight at the motel he would fix that. She also knew his entire squad were watching, they seemed to be protective of her since she had touched down and they had found out that she was to be married to their Alex or maybe just jealous that Alex got to have his love earlier then the rest of them as he explained Dani nodded. She knew that the meds from all the shots and she was certain the doc had given her something to calm her down from the shock of hearing her brother had been captured. Now she had nothing, but she was certain that she would be able to get some rest anyways.

As the plane lifted off she stiffened slightly being a little fearful of flying, but hearing the cheer in the back made her smile. She lightly kissed his cheek again. “We are going home” She knew that in a very short time he would be returning and as much as she wanted to she doubted so would be allowed to go to Afghanistan it was a lot more dangerous then Iraq. She didn’t know that even if the govern said she could, she doubted that Alex would like her to go and if she did go would she be a distraction?

Dani felt Alex relax and she did the same closing her eyes and just leaning into him. When the meal came she ate it then leaned into him again and feel asleep as he talked to his squad. It was only a short nap. Images of bodies falling on top of her bloody and misshaped all screaming for her to help, but she wasn’t able to get to them she awoke her with a start, but she didn’t tell Alex and she wouldn’t she didn’t want him to worry about her.

She plastered a smile on her face and played cards with them her mind drifted a little bit how could she have nightmares? She didn’t suffer anything traumatic. It had to just be a one-time vision just the tiredness from being in a foreign hot country it was really nothing. She told herself. There was nothing to be worried about, and defiantly nothing to concern Alex or Dustin about. After losing all the games she played she playfully hit Alex “You know some boyfriends and Fiancés let their women win to be sweet and try to bank some brownie points” She snuggled more into Alex but didn’t want to sleep didn’t want to risk the nightmares to come back

The stop over in Germany was nice she was able to stretch her legs and wake up a little more. She bought some chocolate for his mom she had to declare it when she re-boarded but it was no problem. Same with Dustin and the perfume that he had bought for Debbie but once back in her seat she smiled, she thought his mom would like the sentiment that she had buying her something even though she had a feeling that nothing was better then having the three of them home safe but it was the fact that she was thinking about her that she was certain she would like that. She imagined his mom waiting for them all in DC and squeezing her son until his head nearly popped off. Dustin would have Debbie to do the same. There would be no one for Dani though the one that would be most excited to see her, Alex, was already there but it didn’t matter, she had promised Debbie that she would bring Dustin home and that is what she did.

She did wonder though if the fire men would be there with their hoses liked she had seen on TV welcoming home Airplanes full of Warriors, that would be an experience for Dustin. She also wondered about the bodies below, or if there were even any. They would find out when they landed for they would have to be unloaded first. She was a bit lost in thought but somehow she found her seat.

She sat in her seat prepared for the rest of the trip. She had heard the whispers going on about her and Alex she shook her head she was nothing, all she did was listen and talk to people they were Soldiers but she did nothing that endangered her life, nothing that added to the safety of the country. Alex and Dustin and their squads, they were the heroes.

When he stood and made his comment she smiled and stood with him. She wanted to be there for him, she wasn’t thinking that it was for her. When the thunderous clapping started she really thought that it was for him. Why would anyone be clapping for her? She beamed up at Alex as the captain went on about him. She shook the captains hand and continued to smile

Though when it turned to her she shook her head she was nothing important.

“You are welcome but really I do nothing more then listen and talk, sometimes too much” She waved her hand to the Soldiers sitting there. “These are your heroes, they risk their lives to make this world a better place” She smiled “The honour is mine to be able to met you”

She smiled. “I just wish I could do more” She looked around “You are all heroes in my mind, and as you can tell by me being here I am a very stubborn woman, its not the average person that can convince a govern to allow a civilian to come to a war zone, so like I said I am stubborn and you are better off just to believe me when I say that you are a hero it will save us all a lot of time”

She took a deep breath and held on to Alex’s hand. “So thank you to all of you for all you are doing and all you did, and if I don’t see you when we touch down, welcome home”

[Guest]

Alex felt a bit uncomfortable. Even the soldiers that had been there fighting and going through whad he had before, all thought he was some kind of hero. When Dani called them all heros for what they had done, he could tell that they didn't think themselves that, just like he didn't. But he had to smile when Dani tried to deny what she had done was not important. Everyone knew that soldiers returning from Iraq seldom got the help that they needed. Many having seen such things that would stay with them forever and effect them all in different ways.

He had read the papers and seen where soldiers returning had commited suicide, had gotten into drugs and into trouble. Some had turned to crime, some had killed others. Alex knew that most of those soldiers had not received any help, perhaps had not even sought it, thinking they didn't need it or even realize they needed it. Some were afraid if they did that they would receive bad evaluations and that would hinder promotions and the like. There were those also returning that had suffered trama to their brains from the explosions of RPG's, grenades, bombs, and morter rounds. This trama could lead to problems as well. Though the military was getting better at helping it was still a long way from doing the job properly.

Dani had a way about her that broke the ice with soldiers, men and women both. The VA Doctor back at home loved how she was able to reach them and help. He had told Alex, that with the proper schooling, she would be one hell of a Doctor that could go anywhere to help the soldiers. Even with out the schooling she was doing more then he could have. That was something that the reporter's home office had found out with all the interviews they did back in their home town. That had been put on the air and had reached even to Iraq. Her face was now well known to every soldier in Iraq that could watch TV, have access to computers or electornic devices that would carry the news. In the short time between the battle at the bridge, the attack on the compound and them flying to Germany, his name and face along with Dani's was plastered all over newspapers and TV's all over the world. The hero and the unsung heorine.

Alex stood there a bit embarased and he knew Dani was as well. The Captain smiled and said, "I thank you and we all thank you for your kind words. But what you have been able to do, and for not any other reason then you really care about us, makes you a hero and some one we will look up to."

Alex gently took her arm and thanked the Captain before drawing her back into first class. He turned and saw that his squad was talking to others in the First Class section, getting the entire scoop on what had been put out to the news media. They looked at Dani smiling and a new out look about her. Those other few in the First Class section had known but had kept it to themselves untill the others in the rest of the plane let it be known. "Well my love, looks like you are a celebrity whether you like it or not." He drew her to him and held her tightly. The hours passed and finally the plane began making it's decent to Washington, DC.

As the plane pulled up to the Terminal, one could see the black herses that would take those returning home to be burried. Alex could also see a number of limos parked on the Tarmac, and a roped off area crowded with people, news media, and lined with troops to hold them back. There were also those in suits that looked to be important people and more that looked to be secret service. There was no gangway brought out, but a rolling stairs was moved into position and the doors opened. Soldiers from the back of the plane began unloading. Loved ones ran forward to great the soldiers, wifes, childeren, fathers and mothers. Alex could not help but smile.

He got up and helped Dani up out of her seat and moved to the door with the others behind him. As he appeared in the door of the plane with Dani, the media began taking pictures, the people behind the roped off area began to cheer and applaud. Again Alex felt a bit uncomfortable. His arm and leg hurt a bit yet, and made him limp some. He decended the stairs with Dani at his side. To the left the soldiers and their familes looked at them. The Congressman that had helped them came forward with a couple other Congressman and Senators. He smiled and took Alex's hand first and then Dani's and shook them. "Never expected this when I agreed to help the two of you." he chuckled. "Come on, some one is waiting for you."

As they approached the limos, Mary emerged and walked to them. She embrased Alex and hugged him tightly then turned to Dani and Dustin, hugging each of them in turn. There were tears in her eyes, and the look of pride and relief as well. Next came the ROTC instructor and Recruiter from their home town, dressed in their Class A uniforms. "Your fathers would be proud of all of you." The recruiter told them and shook their hands. The Secret Service and politicians then ushered them all into the limos so they could be on their way. "It is to the White house to meet the president." The congressman told Alex and Dani.

[Xuxa_Rene]

As the captain spoke Dani resigned a little “Well you have me there I do care about you all” She said with a smile. “But I still believe that what you do is more important then me” She nodded again as Alex lead her back to her seat. When the first class looked at her she blushed a little and smiled at them not sure really what to say. She was not a celebrity, but it seemed that these people had a different idea in mind. was feeling exhausted but she didn’t want to sleep she wanted to stay awake. She kept telling herself if was so she could be with Alex more but if she was honest with herself it would be because she was too scared that the nightmare would come again. She had herself convinced that Alex and the others on the plane had missed it.

Her mind drifted a little about her going to school to do what she was doing as a carreer. She loved to help. Even though she knew that not one of the warriors thought that they were doing anything more then the job they signed up for Dani knew that it was a heroic thing that they had signed up for they were all making the world a better place to be and it made her proud to have been able to talk to the few that she did talk too. In her mind she was nothing more then just a listener though, sure she had helped in other ways, but it was nothing in her mind. She could not see the impact that she had on the men and even women. She hoped that all the men and women would find someone to talk to when they got home. And if she went to school for it maybe she could be a even bigger help.

She was worried about Alex though, with her going to school she might not be able to deploy with him and she was also worried and wondered if he would he have the nightmares again? She of course would be right beside him during those. She also had to think how to hide hers though if by some chance the one dream she had wasn’t just a one-time thing. She would not be a burden to Alex; he would need her when they got home, he and Dustin both had been though a lot. Looking over to Dustin she wondered if Debbie would be able to deal with the nightmares he was likely to have especially after getting captured and held. She smiled at her brother and then turned her face and kissed Alex slightly.

The plane ride seemed to last for ever but finally they were touching down. When she saw the hearses she bit her lip and her eyes stung with tears. She swallowed hard and watched as the bodies were unloaded and placed in the hearses. She looked at Dustin and Alex she knew that she could be in those families’s place; she was lucky she had her brother and finance coming home. She knew she was lucky and would never forget it.

She then watched as the ones from the back of the plane disembarked and their families rushed forward she smiled “That would have been me” She pointed to one girl who nearly knocked a Soldier backwards. She lightly kissed his cheek again.

When he helped her stand and started to walk she noticed his limp she looked at him a bit worried but then the clicking started and she was surprised. Why were they are there? But before she could question Alex the congressman came forward, Dani was a little worried that she was going to be in a bit of trouble but instead he smiled and shook her hand. Dani was still a bit in shock over the media coverage.

Seeing Mary she broke into a grin and hugged her back. “Hi Mary” She turned to the men when they mentioned their fathers she grasped her dog tags. “Yes I do believe they would be proud of you Alex and Dustin”

Then they were ushered into the Limos.

“What…the President wants to meet us?” She asked shocked “No you must mean just Alex and Dustin” She paused “Right?”

[Guest]

The congressman chuckled, "Oh you to Miss Blodgett. Guttzy sister goes to war zone to find and rescue brother. He asked me about you and I told him. He definately wants to see you as well." The procession of limo's, police cars and motorcycles moved from the Tarmac to a road and then through the streets of Washington DC. Out the window they could see the people of the city moving about. The ride was not to fast but it would take a bit to get to the White House. Alex and Dustin were still in their Desert BDU's as was Dani. Alex felt a bit strange going to see the Commander and Chief in battle uniform and not the proper Class A uniform.

Mary reached over and patted one of his legs. "Oh don't be so nervous." she grinned. "It is only a visit, your not going to be paraded around and all." She still could not believe everything that had happened to her son. But she was proud of him and Dani and Dustin. The three of them were something else and she loved them all. But Alex could not keep from being nervous. As the limos moved through the city, he held Dani's hand and tried not to look nervous.

Then the White House came into view and he took a deep breath and let it out slowly. The limos slowed as they neared the gate. It opened and the limos drove in and up the drive to the front of the White House. Secret Service moved out of the White House and to the Limos, opening the doors of the vehicles. The congressman got out and then Mary exited the limo, Alex sighed and got out and helped Dani out and then Dustin followed. As soon as he exited the vehicle there was a cry of joy and he was immediately embrased by a running Debbie. She held on to him in a hug that would be impossible to pry her loose. This made Alex laugh. A short distance away was Debbie's parents, looking on smiling.

"Come on, don't want to keep the president waiting." the congressman said. From the other vehicles the senators and the Recruiter and ROTC officer emerged and began moving towards the doors of the White house.

"Guess we had best join everyone else." he whispered to Dani. Holding her hand he began walking to joined up to the others. The Secret Service basicly surrounded them and moved with them as they entered the White house. Once inside only a few of the Secret Service went with them to the Oval Office. Here the president sat behind his desk as the door was opened and everyone was ushered in. He stood and walked around the desk and approached them. He shook Alex's hand, then Dustin's, then Dani's.

"I have heard quite abit about all of you." He moved to the couches in the middle of the room. "Please have a seat." Alex lead Dani over to one and sat down, Dustin and Debbie took a seat on a couch. His mome sat on the other side of him. Others took chairs that were near by. "I wanted to meet you all before tommorow." he smiled. "America has come to call all three of you heros along with your squad Seargent Morgan. Your Stand has shown the world what the American Soldier is made of and willing to do to protect the innocent. Then your speach on top of the Burm and meeting with one of the insurgents has it seems done something to curb the insanity in Bagdad, and if reports that are coming in, it seems to be spreading. Since you left Iraq, three more high ranking insurgents have been dropped off near military positions." he looked at Alex "You have done more to stop the fighting then a small army of diplomates that are trained to deal with such situations. He then turned to Dani, "And you young lady, you have been helping troubled soldiers find their way. You seem to have a special gift that I wish more people had."

The president seemed genuinely amazed at all that they had accomplished. "Tommorow Sergeant, you and your squad will be decorated infront of thousands of people that will wanting to get a close look at you all. And you Miss Blodgett, will be receiving one as well. But I think that you all need to get some rest. You have had a long flight and probably need to relax. Hotel rooms have been arranged and don't worry, security will be provided to keep the media and others away from you, so you can have some privicy."

He rose and everyone else did also. They were all lead out and back to the limos and then driven to the most prestigies Hotel in the city. With Secret Service sourrounding them, warding off the Media who were taking pictures like crazy, got them inside and up to the floor that their rooms were on. Once there they were given their keys and the Secret Service posted themselves where none would disturb them. Mary kissed Dani and Alex and went to her room. Debbie's parents kised Dustin and Debbie and went to their's. The Squad members headed for their rooms glad to be able to have a real bed to sleep in. Alex looked at Dani and pulled her into his room and shut the door behind them. "Finally Alone."

[Xuxa_Rene]

After hearing what the congressman said Dani looked up at Alex. The president wanted to meat her. She was just a civilian; all she did was be her normal stubborn self if anything she should be jailed for all she did. She had threatened to shot a uniformed Soldier several times if she remembered correctly, surely that was breaking some law. Is that why he wanted to meet her? She swallowed hard and tried to remain calm for Alex’s benefit. She to was worried about her appearance, she had just been traveling and like Alex and Dustin she was in the uniform, nothing suitable for meeting the leader of her country. Her gaze went to Dustin “I am sure Debbie will be at the White House, did you bring ear plugs?” She giggled trying to make herself seem at least a little less nervous.

She looked up at Mary her words comforted her a little, but she had brought nothing suitable for meeting the President if they met again, or anything. But she couldn’t think of anything that they would do. Unless of course Alex and Dustin got some awards, being injured again she was certain that Alex would be given another purple heart as would Dustin. She would have to figure out something to wear though.

Feeling Alex squeeze her hand she looked up at him again with full love and respect in her eyes. Leaning over Dani lightly kissed Alex then whispered in his ear “I love you Alex, I am here as always you will do fine I will be right by your side” She sighed and leaned against his strong arms and waited.

When the limos slowed she sat up and tried to look a little more presentable but it was pointless she had been in a desert, traveled for hours in a airplane. Plus the hour change was hard on her body. She wasn’t sure what time it was, but her body was nearly 10 hours ahead no mater what time it really was.

When the limo stopped Dani followed suit with Alex and took a deep breath. Then she stepped out when Alex helped her. Her eyes rang from Debbie running to her brother. She giggled and looked up at Alex. “I think those two are going to be stuck to each other for awhile.”

She nodded to Alex when he made his comment. She was clearly nervous but she tried to not show it. Once in the room she shook the president’s hand a bit in shock to be shaking the presidents hand, This all seemed like a dream As the president praised Alex she beamed up at him and her brother. She was so proud of both of them.

But as the president turned to her she blushed. She didn’t think anything of what she did but the President was pleased with her and she couldn’t very well go against him. She watched Alex as he was told that they would be decorated tomorrow. She smiled but that quickly faded when she was told she would be getting something as well. She wondered what she would be getting, she was just a simple civilian but she had a feeling she would defiantly have to go to school now for more people might be wanting her to come and help out.

As the President mentioned the hotel room she smiled. A nice soft bed and a chance to show her love some real love sounded really tempting. She smiled and watched the secret service as they made it to their hotel rooms. She was surprised by the amount of protection they had but she was also grateful it meant a peaceful nights sleep.

When they were alone she turned to Alex wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately on the lips.

“My Hero I love you” She kissed him again then stroked his cheek. “I only have one question” She paused “What do we wear to see the president?”

[Guest]

It was so good to be able to hold Dani in his arms without alot of people around them. They were alone and she felt so good in his arms. He returned her passionate kiss with equal fevor. When their lips parted, she asked what they were going to wear the next day when they again saw the president. He had no idea. All he had was his duffle with his combat uniforms and desert stuff. He didn't have his class A uniform and Dani only had the desert uniform stuff as well. "I don't know. But I am sure that everything has been arranged. Like having mom, and Debbie here. I have a feeling we will be having some visitors tommorow to outfit us with what ever we will need."


His hands moved to her shirt and began unbuttoning it. Grinning he undid them all and then removed her shirt from her. Her large tits filled out her bra and that soon followed the shirt and lay on the floor. "Now then this is much better he grinned and moved his hands up to them and squeezed them. "It has been to long my love." He then brought her closer and again kissed her deeply, and pushed her back till she was next to the bed. When he broke the kiss he eased her down on to the bed then began removing her boots and her pants, untill she was completely naked and then began to strip himself.

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