Cracking The Commander (DJ x Commander)

CHAPTER 16

"All towers scheduled for today's battle, please report outside. We are leaving in five minutes."

The day was finally here. The day of the first battle since Commander's return. The day everyone had been anxiously waiting for.

DJ had been fairly prepared. Over the course of a few days, he readied himself in both physical and mental aspects. Mentally because, honestly, he felt slightly worried for Commander and didn't know if the guy would be ready to face the enemy team. Physically because... what if he had to defend Commander again? He had to be ready for it!

God, was Commander seriously that much of a priority for him?

He shook his head and continued his journey down to the exit of the base. He was so focused on getting outside as soon as possible, he didn't even notice Medic creeping up on him.

"You look excited," Medic popped up behind him, awfully smug (and slightly out of breath from having to speed walk). DJ didn't jump — he just lazily turned his head to her direction.

"I wouldn't say excited, but," he sighed, "I think I'm just nervous about Comm."

"DJ." She chuckled at his misfortune. "He will be fine. It's Molten. The most injuries we've ever gotten from that fool were a few second degree burns."

"Don't jinx it!" He grimaced. He didn't want to imagine what worse Molten could bring to the table.

"I understand your paranoia, really. However, I know what I'm doing. Even in the worst case scenario, I am trained in this stuff." She twirled her frizzy, graying hair around a finger. "I have that magic staff, right? I only use that when it's an emergency. And I've only had to use it twice."

DJ thought bitterly, 'Both "emergencies" were from Commander and Scout.' Though, he guessed she was somewhat right. He really had to stop letting this protectiveness engulf him. Commander was grown, he could protect himself when he needed it. Maybe. Though it couldn't hurt to be there for him...

It seemed like Commander was consuming all his thoughts, even if he tried to avoid them.

"DJ? Are you there?" She chimed in after a minute of uncomfortable silence.

"Yeah, just thinking. You're right. It's just tough to get over...everything."

Medic looked awfully sympathetic. "I'm always here if you need a chat. I know how much you love Commander. It's very sweet to worry for him."

"Agh, uh—" He began to laugh, flustered. "Thanks, Medic."

She laughed with him, noticing the ever present blush against his tanned skin. "Anytime." She looked away from DJ and hummed. "Welp. We're here. Better get your ears prepared for Commander's yelling."

"Eh, I'm used to it."

"Hm. Sure you are."

DJ glared at her before quickly changing his gaze to the exit door. For fucks sake, even she's teasing him!

He halfheartedly pushed it open, squinting at the bright sunlight beaming into his eyes. As his eyes adjusted to his surroundings, he finally noticed the cluster of towers already surrounding someone. They were looking down...so it had to be Commander.

Medic followed him up to the crowd, gently forcing themselves through. DJ's suspicions were correct; Commander was standing there, giving a very stern lecture about the battle to come.

"And you all must be brave. If you show an ounce of fear or hesitance, I—" Commander paused, seemingly catching the eye of DJ standing amongst the troops. "Ah, you two. Glad you both could join us. Just in time, we are about to get going." Commander dipped his head in acknowledgement before continuing. "Where was I...Right. I will personally advise you to leave this mission and replace yourself with a superior teammate instead."