Cracking The Commander (DJ x Commander)

CHAPTER 11

Commander was being subjected to another one of DJ's long, seemingly unending stories about DJ's past working in a club. DJ found it enjoyable to see Commander's face contort in horror at any slight mention of a stripper, or at least anything mildly lewd. He was such a prude, it was hilarious.

He was in the middle of a particularly gnarly story about a bar fight until a few knocks interrupted DJ. "Want me to get it?" He asked, cocking a brow. Commander was equally as confused, but evidently relieved the story was interrupted.

"Uh. Sure." Commander watched DJ carefully walk over to the door and hesitate. "I'm not sure who would be visiting at this time." He looked at the clock on his bedside table, reading 9PM. It was late for Commander's standards.

"Haha, honestly, me neither."

Without much of another word, DJ swung the bedroom door open to reveal a tall, muscular man. "Hey kiddo!" DJ grinned. "Fancy seeing you here."

"Is Dad here?" He didn't acknowledge the 'kiddo' part. DJ knew he hated being called that.

DJ peeked behind him to see Commander, visibly excited to recognize the voice behind the DJ. "Yep. He seems happy to see you—"

Scout shoved past DJ, making DJ stumble a bit. Damn, that kid had some strength on him!

"Scout!" Commander brightened at the sight of the young man. He sat upright in bed and stuck out his arms, begging for a hug, of which Scout gladly accepted. "How have you been, sugar?" Commander asked softly. DJ blinked. Sugar? He didn't expect Commander of all people to use pet names. And that tone was quite possibly the softest he's ever heard Commander speak.

"I've been okay. But— I miss you! It's so boring without you around," Scout mumbled into Commander's chest. "Everyone's been asking about you."

"Have they?" Commander inquired. Judging by the tone in his voice, Commander didn't entirely believe Scout's claim. Scout nodded, still nestled against his dad. DJ felt like he was intruding on their father-son moment, so he shuffled back a bit more, trying to make himself less noticeable. It was lowkey awkward, but DJ found it absurdly interesting to see Commander chat with Scout. He was an entirely different person with just Scout in the room.

"Mhm. Gladiator was wondering if your leg healed yet. And Minigunner wished you well on recovery, too." Scout finally pulled back, snotty and overwhelmed with emotion.

'Wasn't Scout here a few days ago? Why is he crying like that?' DJ wondered. 'Whatever. It's probably some...attachment thing I don't get.'

Commander didn't seem as bothered as he should be by all the snot and tears. He simply rose a hand up to swipe away a fat tear from Scout's cheek. "That's kind of them to consider me. Don't cry, honey." Commander smiled. "You saw me not even three days ago. You're acting like I'm on my deathbed."

"Don't even SAY that!" Scout cried. "I don't wanna think of you dying!" He broke into a wail, causing Commander (and DJ) to wince.

DJ could second that. The thought was difficult to stomach.

"Sorry, sorry." Commander rubbed Scout's scarred arm, eyes sad. He shook his head. "I understand that. It's okay, sugar. I'm doin' fine." He squeezed Scout firmly, frown morphing into an uncharacteristic smirk. "And when I'm back to walking, I'll be back to tormenting you all with training."

Scout pursed his lips. "Umm. When you're back, can you hold off on training some more?" Commander giggled. DJ really liked that sound. Quite a lot, actually. He's only been able to make Commander snicker a handful of times, so he savored the moments he heard it. Commander grabbed Scout and tugged the youngest down, ruffling the hat on his head and screwing with his headphones in the process.